2012 SKODA OCTAVIA engine

The power socket is deactivated automatically when the amperage is too high,
the temperature is too high or the battery charge state is too low.
When the reasons for the deactivation no longer apply, the power socket will be
re-activated automatically. Then re-activate connected devices which are switch- ed on »
.
WARNING■
The power socket can only be used for connecting approved electrical ac-
cessories with a two-pin 230V plug, with a total power uptake of up to
150 watt.■
The power sockets- and thus the connected electrical devices -only oper-
ates if the ignition is switched on!
■
Improper use can lead to serious injury or fire. Therefore never leave chil-
dren unattended in the vehicle - risk of injury!
■
Safely stow away all connected devices during the journey to prevent them
from being thrown around the interior in the event of a sudden braking ma- noeuvre or an accident - risk of death!
■
Do not pour liquids into the power socket - risk of death! If fluid does man-
age to get into the power socket, completely dry out the socket before reuse.
■
The connected appliances may behave differently to when connected to the
mains.
■
The connected devices may warm up during operation - risk of injury or fire!
■
The child lock on the 230 Volt power socket is unlocked when using ener-
gised adapters and extension cables - risk of injury!
■
Do no insert any conductive objects into the contacts of the power socket,
e.g knitting needs - risk of death!
CAUTION
■ Place the connector on the electrical device into the power socket as far as it
can go to create a connection between the contacts.■
If the connector of the electrical device is not inserted fully into the power sock-
et, the child safety lock might release, and the power socket be activated. The
electrical device is nevertheless not connected.
■
On vehicles with the START STOP system, when starting up the engine, the 230
Volt power socket is temporarily deactivated and the LED display flashes red. Af-
ter starting the engine, the power socket is re-activated automatically.
■
Do not connect any lamps with neon filaments to the 230 V power socket - risk
of damaging the lamp.
■ A larger current surge may arise in some power supplies (e.g. for notebooks)
when connecting them to a 230 V power socket- this will automatically deacti-
vate the power socket. In this case, disconnect the power supply from the con-
sumer and connect the power supply to the power socket first, followed by the
consumer.■
Observe the operating instructions for the connected devices!

Storage compartments
Overview
The vehicle has the following storage compartments:
Storage compartment on the front passenger side» page 73Storage compartment on the driver's side» page 73Holder for reflex vest» page 74Stowage compartment in front centre console» page 74Multimedia holder» page 74Map pockets in the front seats» page 75Glasses storage box» page 75Storage compartments in the doors» page 75Stowage compartment below front passenger seat» page 76Front armrest with storage compartment» page 76Stowage compartment in rear centre console» page 77Seat backrest with through-loading channel» page 77Removable through-loading bag» page 77Storage compartment in the boot» page 78Storage box underneath the luggage compartment cov-
er» page 79 72Using the system

Heating and air conditioning system
Heating and air conditioning system
Introductory information
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The well-being of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of
this particularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling ef-fect.
Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode for the air-condi- tioning system » page 85 or for Climatronic » page 87.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of e.g. ice, snow or leaves to ensure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is not a leak!
WARNINGFor your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the windows
are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about how to cor-
rectly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to demist and defrost
the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
Note
■ The used air streams out through the vents in the luggage compartment.■We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the in-
terior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning sys- tem. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is oper-ating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (re-
placement of compressor).

Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the engine when in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the inte- rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to al-low the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window is open.
For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also reduced when fuel is saved » page 101, Economical
and environmentally friendly driving .
Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry » page 200 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 10.
If you are not able to resolve the operational fault yourself, or if the cooler output has reduced, switch off the cooling system and get assistance from a ŠKODA Spe- cialist garage.

81Heating and air conditioning system

We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 3 » Fig. 82 on page 82 in the
opened position.
Recirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
Switching on/off
›
Press the button  and the warning light underneath the button illuminates.
›
Press the button  again, the warning light underneath the button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution control
C
» Fig. 84 on page 83 is turned to position 
. Recirculated air mode can be
switched on again from this setting by repeatedly pressing the button .
WARNINGDo not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels andalso cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up.

Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system)
Introductory information
The cooling system only operates if the button 

» Fig. 85 on page 84 is press-
ed, and the following conditions are met:
› engine running;
› outside temperature above approx. 2
℃;
› blower switch switched on (positions 1-6).
Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow out of
the vents when the cooling system is switched on. Lengthy and uneven distribu-
tion of the air flow out of the vents and large differences in temperature, for ex-
ample when getting out of the vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons.
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the
cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected.
Note
We recommend that you have the air conditioning system cleaned by a ŠKODA
specialist garage once every year.
Control elements
Fig. 85
Air conditioning: Control elements
Functions of the individual controls » Fig. 85 :
Set the temperature (turn to the left: Turn to the right to reduce the tem-
perature: increase temperature)
Set the blower stage (stage 0: Blower off, stage 6: the highest blower stage)
Set the direction of the air outlet » page 82
Depending on equipment:
Switch the windscreen heater on/off 

» page 52
Switch the auxiliary heating on/off 
» page 89
Switch the cooling system on/off (The indicator light in or underneath the
button lights up/goes out)
Switch the rear window heater on/off » page 52
Open/close the fresh air supply » page 85 
ABC184Using the system

›Press the button
 again, the warning light underneath the button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution controlC
» Fig. 85 on page 84 is turned to position . Recirculated air mode can be
switched on again from this setting by repeatedly pressing the button .
WARNINGDo not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels andalso cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up.

Climatronic (automatic air conditioning system)
Introductory information
The Climatronic in automatic mode ensures the best-possible setting of the tem-
perature of the outflowing air, the blower stage and air distribution.
The system also takes sunlight into account, which eliminates the need to alter
the settings manually.
Recommended setting for all periods of the year:
›
Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22 °C.
›
Press the button AUTO
» Fig. 86 on page 86.
›
Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4 » Fig. 82 on page 82 so that the air flow is
directed slightly upwards.
Cooling conditions
The cooling system only operates if the following conditions are met: › engine running;
› outside temperature above approx. +2 °C;
› 

» Fig. 86 on page 86 switched on.
The AC compressor is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to pro-
vide cooling at a high load of the engine.

Control elementsFig. 86
Climatronic: Control elements
Functions of the individual controls » Fig. 86 :
Adjust the temperature for the left side or for both sides » page 87
Adjust the blower speed » page 88
Adjust the temperature for the right side » page 87
Display the temperature setting for the left side
Display the temperature setting for the right side
Depending on equipment:
Switch the auxiliary heating on/off 

» page 89
Switching off Climatronic OFF
Control the seat heater on the front left seat
» page 62
Air flow to the windows
Air flow to the upper body
Air flow in the footwell Switch automatic air distribution control on/off » page 87
Control the seat heater on the front right seat » page 62
Switch the intensive windscreen heater on/off » page 88
Switch the rear window heater on/off » page 52
Switch the windscreen heater on/off » page 52
Adjust Climatronic in the Infotainment
Switch the temperature setting in Dual mode on/off » page 87
ABC123SETUPDUAL86Using the system

If a considerable increase in concentration of pollutants is recognised by the air
quality sensor, recirculated air mode will temporarily be switched off.
If the concentration of pollutants decreases to the normal level, the air distribu-
tion control is automatically switched off so that fresh air can be guided into the
vehicle interior.
In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehicle and then
fed back into the interior. When the automatic air distribution control is switched on, an air quality sensor measures the concentration of pollutants in the drawn inair.
If the air quality sensor does not switch on automatic recirculated air mode when there is an unpleasant smell, you can switch in on manually.
Switching on/off›
Press the button  and the warning light underneath the button illuminates.
›
Press the button  again, the warning light underneath the button goes out,
where necessary press the button AUTO.
You can also switch the system on/off in he Infotainment » Bedienungsanleitung
Infotainment, chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .
WARNINGDo not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up.
Note
■ If the windscreen mists up, press the button . Press the button AUTO when
the windscreen is demisted.■
The automatic air distribution control operates only if the outside temperature
is higher than approx. 2 °C.

Controlling blower
The blower stage can be manually adapted to suit your particular needs.
›
Turn the control dial
B
» Fig. 86 on page 86 to the left or right to increase or
decrease the blower speed.
If the blower speed is reduced to a minimum, Climatronic is switched off.
The set blower speed is displayed in the control dial B when the respective num-
ber of warning lights come on.WARNING■ “Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce attention
levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident
increases.■
Do not switch off the Climatronic system for longer than necessary.
■
Switch on the Climatronic system as soon as the windows mist up.

Defrosting windscreen
Switching on/off
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 86 on page 86.
›
Press the button  or the button
AUTO again.
More air flows out of the air outlet vents 1 » Fig. 82 on page 82. The temperature
control is controlled automatically.

Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Switching on/off
89
setting
90
Remote control
90
Replacing the battery in the remote control
91
Function prerequisites when switching on:
› Comfort temperature has been set;
› The blower is switched on;
› the air outlet vents are opened;
› The air outlet is set to position

or 
.
Auxiliary heating (parking heating) › It can be used when stationary, when the engine is switched off to preheat the
vehicle and while driving (e.g. during the heating phase of the engine);
› It works in tandem with the hearer, air-conditioning system or Climatronic;

88Using the system

›The engine is also preheated when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is
not running;
› It warms up the coolant by burning fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant
warms up the air, which (if the blower speed is not set to zero) flows into the passenger compartment.
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively de-
creased (e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).WARNING■ The auxiliary heating must never be operated in closed rooms - risk of poi-
soning!■
The auxiliary heating must not be running during refuelling - risk of fire.
■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of the
vehicle. Therefore, if you wish to operate the auxiliary heating, do not park the vehicle in such a way that the exhaust gases can come into contact with high-
ly flammable materials (e.g. dry grass) or easily inflammable substances (e.g.
spilt fuel).
CAUTION
■ The running auxiliary heater consumes fuel from the vehicle tank and automati-
cally controls the filling level. If only a low quantity of fuel is present in the fuel
tank, the function of the auxiliary heating is blocked.■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the underside of
the vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
■
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running, the vehicle battery discharges.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation has been operated several times over a
longer period, the vehicle must be driven a few kilometres in order to recharge
the vehicle battery.
Note
■ The auxiliary heating only switches the blower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.■
At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water vapour in
the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
■
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of e.g. ice, snow or leaves
to ensure that the auxiliary heating and cooling system operates properly.

Switching on/offFig. 87
Button for switching on/off the system directly on the operating
part of the air conditioning/Climatronic
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 88.
Switching on
Manually using the button on the operating part of
the air conditioning/Climatronic. The warning light in the button lights up.» Fig. 87Manually using the radio remote control.» page 90 Automatically through the configured and activated
departure time.» page 90
Switching off
Manually using the button on the operating part of
the air conditioning/Climatronic. The warning light in the button goes out.» Fig. 87Manually using the radio remote control.» page 90 Automatically when the pre-set departure time is
reached or when the pre-set run time has elapsed.» page 90 Automatically when the indicator light lights up .» page 10 Automatically when the charge state of the vehicle
battery dropped too far.» page 176
After switching the system off, the auxiliary heating will continue running a little
while longer in order to burn the remaining fuel in the auxiliary heater. Exhaust
fumes from the system will thus be directed outside. 
89Heating and air conditioning system

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