2012 SKODA OCTAVIA steering

Unlocking and locking
Vehicle key
Introductory information
Fig. 8
Key: without/with remote control
Two keys are provided with the vehicle. Depending on the equipment, your vehi- cle can be equipped with keys without radio remote control » Fig. 8 – 
or with
radio remote control » Fig. 8 – 
.
WARNING■
Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle – even if it is only
for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle.
The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical equipment
(e.g. electrical power windows) – risk of injury!■
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle has
come to a stop! The steering lock might otherwise engage unintentionally – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Each key contains electronic components; therefore it must be protected
against moisture and severe shocks.■
Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean. Impurities (textile fibres, dust,
etc.) have a negative effect on the functionality of the locking cylinder and igni-
tion lock.
NotePlease contact a ŠKODA Partner if you lose a key as they can obtain a new one for you.
Replacing the battery in the remote control key
Fig. 9
Remote control key: Remove cover/remove battery
Each remote control key contains a battery that is located under the cover
A
» Fig. 9 . If the battery is discharged, the red indicator light
B
does not flash
after you press a button on the remote control key » Fig. 14 on page 32.
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA Partner to replace the key battery. Howev- er, if you would like to replace the discharged battery yourself proceed as follows.
›
Flip out the key.
›
Press off the battery cover with your thumb or using a flat screwdriver in theregion of arrows
1
» Fig. 9 .
›
Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery down-
wards in the region of arrow
2
.
›
Insert the new battery.
Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing upwards. The correct polarity
is shown on the battery cover.
›
Place the battery cover on the key and press it down until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original battery. 28Using the system

Lights and visibility
Lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Side lights and the low beam
44
Daylight driving light function (DAY LIGHT)
44
Turn signal and main beam light
45
Automatic driving lamp control
45
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
46
Headlight assist
47
Fog lights
48
Fog lights with the function CORNER
48
Rear fog light
48
COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function
49
Hazard warning light system
49
The light only operates if the ignition is switched on.
On models fitted with right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs
from that shown in » Fig. 25 on page 44. The symbols which mark the switch
positions are identical, however.
The low beam continues to shine while the ignition is switched on and the light
switch is in the position 
or 
. After switching off the ignition, the low beam
is switched off automatically and only the side lights come on. The side light goes
out after the ignition key is removed.
Keep the headlights lenses clean. The following guidelines must be ob- served » page 162 , Headlight lenses .
WARNING■
The activation of the lights should only be undertaken in accordance with
national legal requirements.■
The driver is always responsible for the correct settings and use of the
lights.
■
The automatic driving lamp control  only operates as a support and does
not release the driver from his responsibility to check the light and, if necessa-
ry, to switch on the light depending on the light conditions. The light sensor
cannot, for example, detect rain or snow. Under these conditions we recom- mend switching on the low beam or fog lights!
Note
■ If there is a fault in the light switch, the low beam comes on automatically.■The headlights may mist up temporarily. When the driving lights are switched
on, the light outlet surfaces are free from mist after a short period, although the
headlight lenses may still be misted up in the peripheral areas. This mist has no
influence on the life of the lighting system.■
The instruments are also illuminated when the side light, low or high beam light
is switched on. The brightness of the instrument lighting can be activated/deacti- vated in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Set-
ting vehicle systems (CAR button) .

43Lights and visibility

Side lights and the low beamFig. 25
Dash panel: Light switch and
control dial for the headlight
beam range regulation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 43.
Switching on the parking light
›
Turn the light switch to position 

A
» Fig. 25 .
Switching on the low beam
›
Turn the light switch to position 

A
» Fig. 25 .
Switching off lights (except daytime running lights)
›
Turn the light switch to position 0
A
» Fig. 25 .
Switching on the side light on both sides
›
Turn the light switch into the position 

A
» Fig. 25 and lock the vehicle.
Headlight beam adjustment
›
Turn the control dial
B
» Fig. 25 to the desired width of illumination.
The positions of the width of illumination correspond approximately to the fol-
lowing car load.
Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.All seats occupied, luggage compartment loaded.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment loaded.
WARNINGAlways adjust the headlight range adjustment in such a way that:■it does not dazzle other road users, especially oncoming traffic;■
and the range is sufficient for safe driving.-123Note■ The Bi-Xenon bulbs adapt automatically to the load and driving state of the ve-
hicle when the ignition is switched on and when driving. Vehicles that are equip- ped with Bi-Xenon headlights do not have a manual headlight range adjustment
control.■
We recommend you adjust the headlight beam when the low beam is switched
on.

Daylight driving light function (DAY LIGHT)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 43.
Switching on daytime running lights
›
Turn the light switch to position 0 or 
» Fig. 27 on page 45.
Deactivating the daytime running lights feature on vehicles without
Infotainment
›
Pull the turn signal and main beam lever to the steering wheel and push down-
wards » Fig. 26 on page 45.
›
At the same time switch on the ignition and hold the lever down in this position
for at least 3 seconds.
Activating the daytime running lights feature on vehicles without Infotainment
›
Pull the turn signal and main beam lever to the steering wheel and push up- wards » Fig. 26 on page 45.
›
At the same time switch on the ignition and hold the lever down in this position
for at least 3 seconds.
The daytime running light can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » op-
erating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR but-
ton) .
Note
When the daytime running light is switched on, the side lights (neither at the
front or rear) and the number plate lights are not lit.
44Using the system

Deactivating›Turn the light switch to position 0,  or  » Fig. 27 .
If the light switch is in position , the symbol  lights up next to the light
switch. If the light is switched on automatically, the symbol  next to the light
switch also lights up.
Automatic headlight control in rain
If the light switch is in position  and if automatic wiping in rain or wiping (posi-
tion 2 or 3) is switched on for longer than 30 seconds » page 54, the side lights
and low beam will switch on automatically.
The light switches off when automatic wiping/wiping (position 2 or 3) is not
switched on for longer than approx. 4 seconds.
The automatic headlight control in rain can be activated/deactivated in the Info-tainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle sys-
tems (CAR button) .
CAUTION
Do not affix any stickers or similar objects in front of the light sensor on the wind-
screen, so that its functionality is not impaired or disabled.
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 43.
The AFS system works in tandem with automatic driving lamp control 
, please
read the following » page 45.
The AFS system makes sure the street remains lit up depending on the traffic and weather situation.
The system automatically adjusts the cone of light in front of the vehicle based
on the vehicle speed, whether the windscreen wipers are in use, the rear fog lights, and data from Infotainment Navigation.
Activating
›
Turn the light switch into position 
» Fig. 27 on page 45.
Deactivating
›
Turn the light switch to position 0, 
or 
» Fig. 27 on page 45.
The AHL system operates in the following modes.
Out of town mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is similar to the low beam. The mode is
active if none of the following modes are active.
City mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted so that it illuminates the adja- cent pavement, crossings, etc. The mode is active at speeds of 15-50 km/h.
Motorway mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted so that the driver can respond
in time to an obstruction or other hazard in time. The mode is active at speeds
above 110 km/h.
Rain mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted so that the driver can reduce the glare from oncoming traffic in rain. The mode is active at speeds of 50 –
90 km/h and if the windscreen wipers continuously operate for a period of time
longer than 2 minutes. The mode is deactivated when the windscreen wipers are switched off for longer than 8 minutes.
Fog mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted so that the driver is not daz-
zled by the reflection of the cone of light by fog in front of the vehicle. The mode
is active at speeds of 15 – 70 km/h and if the rear fog light is switched on for a
period of time longer than 10 seconds. The mode is deactivated when the rear fig
light is switched off for longer than 5 seconds.
Dynamic cornering lights
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted to the steering angle so that
the road in the curve is illuminated. This function is active at speeds greater than
10 km.h and in all AFS modes.
Tourist light
This mode makes it possible to drive in countries with opposing traffic system, driving on the left/right, without dazzling the oncoming vehicles. When the “tou- rist light” mode is active, the above-mentioned modes and the side swivel of the
headlights is deactivated.
The "Tourist light" mode can be configured in the Infotainment » operating in-
structions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .46Using the system

WARNINGHeadlight assist only functions as a support and does not relieve the driver of
his responsibility to check the headlights and light beam and, if necessary, to
switch on the lights depending on the light conditions. Manual operation may be required in the following situations:■
in poor visibility conditions, e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall;
■
on A roads or motorways when oncoming traffic is partially obscured;
■
when passing poorly lit traffic, e.g. cyclists;
■
around sharp curves;
■
on sharp slopes up/down;
■
while driving through poorly-lit villages;
■
while driving over highly reflective surfaces;
■
when the windscreen around the camera is dirty, iced up, misted up, or cov-
ered up by stickers;
■
when an external navigation system is attached to the windscreen.
CAUTION
■ Do not attach any stickers or similar objects to the windscreen to avoid impair-
ing the functions of the Assist system.
Fog lights
Fig. 29
Dash panel: Light switch
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 43.
Switching on/off›Turn the light switch into position  or   » Fig. 29 .›
Pull the light switch to position
1
.
The rear fog light is switched off in the reverse order.
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog lights are
switched on » page 12.

Fog lights with the function CORNER
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 43.
The fog lights with the function CORNER are designed to improve the illumination
of the surrounding area near the vehicle when turning, parking, etc.
The fog lights with the function CORNER are adjusted according to the steeringangle or after switching on the turn signal light 1)
in the following circumstances:
› the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running or it moves with a speed of
maximum 40 km/h;
› the daytime running lights are not switched on;
› the low beam is switched on or the light switch is in the position

and the
low beam is switched on;
› the fog lights are not switched on.
Note
The two fog lights are switched on when you shift into the reverse gear.
Rear fog light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 43.
Switching on/off
›
Turn the light switch into position 
or 

» Fig. 29 on page 48.
›
Pull the light switch to position
2
.
The rear fog light is switched off in the reverse order. 

1)
If both switch on versions are conflicting, for example if the steering wheel is turned to the left and
the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
48Using the system

Seats and Stowage
Front seats
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manually adjusting the front seats
60
Electrically adjusting the front seats
60
Memory function of the power seat
61
Memory function of the remote control key
61
The driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the pedals can be fully
pressed to the floor with slightly bent legs.
The seat backrest on the driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the
upper point of the steering wheel can be easily reached with slightly bent arms.
Correct adjustment of the seats is particularly important for:
› safely and quickly reaching the controls;
› a relaxed, fatigue-free body position;
› achieving the maximum protection offered by the seat belts and the airbag
system.
WARNING■ Only adjust the driver's seat when the vehicle is stationary – risk of accident!■Caution when adjusting the seat! You may suffer injuries or bruises as a re-
sult of adjusting the seat without paying proper attention.■
As the electric front seats can also be adjusted when the ignition is switch-
ed off (even when the ignition key is withdrawn), never leave children unat-
tended in the car.
■
The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag system –
risk of injury!
■
Never carry more people than the number of seats in the vehicle.
WARNING (Continued)■ Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat.
Children must be fastened » page 154, Transporting children safely with a
suitable restraint system.■
At all times, the front seats and head restraints must be adjusted to match
the person's body size and the seat belt must be attached properly to provide
the most effective levels of protection to passengers.
■
Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven – never
place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the surfaces
of the seats. This is particularly important for the front seat passenger. You
will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it becomes necessary to apply the
brake or in the event of an accident. If an airbag is deployed, you may suffer
fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect seated position!
■
The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm from the steering
wheel, and a distance of at least 10 cm between the legs and the dash panel at the height of the knee airbag. The front passenger must maintain a dis-
tance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel. Not maintaining this minimum dis-
tance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you
– hazard!
■
Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell as they may get
caught behind the pedals when driving or applying the braking. You would
then no longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or accelerate.
■
Do not transport any objects on the front passenger seat except objects
(e.g. child safety seat) provided for this purpose – risk of accident!
Note
■ After a certain time, play can develop within the adjustment mechanism of the
backrest angle.■
For safety reasons, it is not possible to store the seated position in the seat
memory and remote control key memory if the inclination angle of the seat back-
rest is more than 102° in relation to the seat cushion.
■
Each new driver seat and external mirror position that is saved will overwrite
the existing setting.

59Seats and Stowage

Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position
93
Power steering
93
Electronic immobiliser
93
Ignition lock
94
Starting engine
94
Switching the engine off
94
Starting and stopping the engine on vehicles with the KESSY system » page 95.
WARNING■
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!■
Maintain a distance of 25 cm
1
to the steering wheel » Fig. 89 on page 93
–  . Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system
will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■
The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the journey – risk of accident!
■
If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.
■
When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of the steering wheel). In such cases, you could injure the arms, hands and head
when the driver airbag is deployed.
WARNING (Continued)■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2 » Fig. 90 on
page 94 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result
in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – risk of accident!■
Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – risk of accident or injury!
■
Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas – hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death.
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3 » Fig. 90 on
page 94), if the engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if
the starter is activated when the engine is running.■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■
Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage the catalytic converter. The battery from an- other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 195.
■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation of heat when the engine is switched off.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. 92Using the system

Note■The engine can only be started with a genuine ŠKODA key with the matching
code.■
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
■
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.
■
If the engine also does not start after the second attempt, the fuse for the elec-
tric fuel pump (in petrol engines) or the control unit for the glow plug system or
glow plug system relay and fuel pump (in diesel engines) could be faulty. Check
the fuse and replace, if necessary » page 199 or seek assistance from a ŠKODA
specialist garage.
■
We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.

Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 89
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering wheel/safe dis-
tance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 92.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat » page 59.
›
Pull the lever below the steering wheel down » Fig. 89 – 
.
›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
›
Push the lever upwards to the stop.

Power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 92.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en- gine is not running (vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is
required to turn the steering wheel.
Steering force assistance can be influenced by the selection of driving
mode » page 124 .

Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 92.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Immobilizer active.
or
IMMOBILIZER ACTIVE

93Starting-off and Driving