2012 SKODA OCTAVIA key

Sockets
12-Volt power socket
Fig. 63
12-Volt power socket: in the front centre console/ in the boot
Overview of the 12-volt power socket
In the front centre console » Fig. 63 - 
.
In the boot » Fig. 63 - 
.
Use of the 12-volt power socket
›
Remove the cover on the power socket and open the cover on the power sock-
et.
›
Connect the plug for the electrical appliance to the socket.
The 12-volt power sockets and any connected appliances can also be operated when the ignition is switched off or the ignition key is withdrawn »
.
WARNING■
Improper use of the power sockets and the electrical accessories can cause
fires, burns and other serious injuries.■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
■
If the connected electric device becomes too hot, switch it off and discon-
nect it from the power supply immediately.
CAUTION■ The power socket can only be used for connecting approved electrical accesso-
ries with a total power uptake of up to 120 watt.■
Never exceed the maximum power consumption, otherwise the vehicle's elec-
trical system can be damaged.
■
Connecting appliances when the engine is not running will drain the battery of
the vehicle!
■
Only use matching plugs to avoid damaging the power sockets.
■
Only use accessories that have been tested for electromagnetic compatibility in
accordance with the applicable directives.
■
Switch off the devices connected to the power sockets before you switch the
ignition on or off and before starting the engine, to avoid damage from voltage
fluctuations.
■
Observe the operating instructions for the connected devices!

230-Volt power socket
Fig. 64
Centre console at rear: 230-Volt
power socket
Use
›
Fold out the lid on the power socket in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 64
.
›
Connect the plug for the electrical appliance to the socket.
The 230-Volt power socket can only be used when the ignition is switched on »
.
When the plug on the electrical appliance is inserted into the power socket, the
child safety lock is released, and the power socket is activated.
LED display › Permanent green light: The power socket is activated.
› Flashing red light: The power socket is temporarily deactivated.

71Seats 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

Ignition lockFig. 90
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 92.
Petrol engines » Fig. 90
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on Starting engine
Diesel engines » Fig. 90
Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and the key cannot or can only be turned with difficulty
into the position
2
» Fig. 90 , move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock.

Starting engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 92.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light 
comes on after the ignition has been switched on. Start the
engine just after the indicator light 
goes out.
123123You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe-
riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine›
Before starting the engine, place the gearshift lever into neutral or place the se-
lector lever in the position P or N and firmly put on the handbrake.
›
Switch on the ignition
2
» Fig. 90 on page 94.
›
Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.
›
Turn the key into position
3
as far as it will go and release immediately- do not
touch the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
›
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Re-
peat the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
›
Release the handbrake before starting off.
The engine will not start if the engine is started without the clutch pedal (vehi- cles with a manual gearbox) or brake pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox)
being depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Press the clutch to start. or Apply the break to start. at the same time the indica-
tor light lights up 
.
or
PRESS CLUTCH or APPLY BRAKE at the same time the indicator light lights up 
.

Switching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 92.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position
1
» Fig. 90 on
page 94.

94Using the system

KESSY system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unlocking and locking the steering
95
Switching on the ignition
96
Switching off the ignition
96
Emergency ignition shutoff system
96
Starting engine
96
Emergency start-up of the engine
97
Switching the engine off
97
The KESSY system makes it possible to switch the ignition on/off and to start/
stop the engine without actively using the key.
A key must be in the vehicle to unlock the steering, switch on the steering andstart the vehicle.
WARNING■ Never switch off the ignition while driving, as the power steering and brake
booster will no longer operate - risk of accident!■
Never leave the keys in the vehicle, if leaving children unattended in the ve-
hicle. Otherwise the children could start the engine - risk of accident!
Note
■ After pressing the starter button while the steering is locked, the steering is un-
locked, the electrical components are activated (e.g. Infotainment, etc.) and the ignition is switched on.■
If you do not leave the vehicle after locking the steering and wish to unlock the
steering again, press the starter button. At the same time, electrical components
are activated (e.g. Infotainment etc.) and the ignition is switched on.
■
The KESSY system is protected against inadvertently switching off the engine
while driving, this means that the engine can only be switched off in an emergen-
cy » page 96 .
■
The steering is not unlocked or locked if the starter button is repeatedly press-
ed at short intervals.

Unlocking and locking the steeringFig. 91
Starter button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 95.
Unlocking
›
Open the driver's door and get into the vehicle.
›
Close the driver's door, and the steering is unlocked within 2 seconds.
Locking
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Switch off the engine or the ignition by pressing the starter button » Fig. 91.
›
Open the driver's door and the steering is locked.
If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off afterwards, the steering is only locked after the vehicle is locked.
If the steering is locked and the KESSY system does not manage to unlock the steering lock the first time (e.g. if the wheels are resting against the curb), the at-
tempt will be repeated twice by the system.
If the steering lock is then not unlocked, the following message is shown in the
instrument cluster display:
Move steering wheel!
or MOVE STEERING WHEEL
Slightly move the steering and the system will complete 3 more attempts to un-
lock after 2 seconds. At the same time, the indicator light 
flashes.
It is necessary to eliminate the possible cause which is preventing the unlocking
and then repeat the attempt to unlock the steering.

95Starting-off and Driving

Emergency start-up of the engineFig. 92
Emergency start-up of engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 95.
If the authorisation check for the key fails,the following message appears in the
instrument cluster display:
Key not detected.
or
NO KEY
The emergency start-up must be completed.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 92 and then hold the key to the starter button;
or
›
press the starter button directly with the key.
Note
During an emergency start-up of the engine, the key bit must face the starter
button » Fig. 92 .
Switching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 95.
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Switch off the engine by pressing the starter button » Fig. 91 on page 95, doing
so switches off the ignition at the same time.

Brakes
Information for braking
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns and
over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If operated un-
der severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must be checked by a
ŠKODA specialist garage between service appointments as well.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 14, Brake system 
.
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. 
97Starting-off and Driving

Towing a trailer
Towing device
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
106
Setting the ready position
107
Installing the ball rod
107
Check proper attachment
108
Removing the ball rod
108
Operation and maintenance
109
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connec-
tor , you can use a suitable adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 75 kg/h.
WARNING■
Before each time you make a journey when using the ball rod, check that it
is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting recess.■
Do not operate the ball rod if it is not correctly inserted in the mounting re-
cess.
■
Do not operate the towing device if it is damaged or incomplete.
■
Do not perform any modifications or changes to the towing device.
■
Never release the ball rod while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
■ If there is an error in the trailer lighting system, check the fuses in the fuse box
in the dashboard. » page 200■
Handle the ball rod carefully to avoid damaging the paintwork on the bumper.
Note■
After coupling the trailer and connecting up the power socket, check the rear
lights on the trailer to ensure they work.■
If you have any questions, please contact a ŠKODA Partner.

Description
Fig. 99
Carrier of the towing device/ball rod
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 106.
The ball rod can be removed and can be found in the spare wheel well or in a
compartment for the spare wheel in the boot » page 188.
Explanation of graphic
13-pin power socket
Safety eye
Mounting recess
Cap
Dust cap
Ball rod
Operating lever
Lock cap
Trigger pin
Keys
Locking ball 
1234567891011106Using the system

NoteIf you lose the key, please get in touch with a ŠKODA Partner.
Setting the ready position
Fig. 100
Setting the ready position/ready position
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 106.
Before installing always adjust the ball rod in the ready position.
›
Turn the key so that its red mark
1
» Fig. 100 becomes visible.
›
Grab the ball rod underneath the protective cap
2
.
›
Press the trigger pin
3
as far as the stop in the direction of the arrow - at the
same time push the lever
4
downwards as far as it will go in the direction of
the arrow.
The lever remains locked in this position.
CAUTION
In the ready position, the key cannot be removed nor turned into a different posi-
tion.
Installing the ball rodFig. 101
Insert the ball rod/lock up the lock, and put the lock cover on
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 106.
›
Pull of the cap
4
» Fig. 99 on page 106 downwards.
›
Set the ball rod into the ready position.
›
Grab the ball rod from underneath » Fig. 101 and insert into the mounting re-
cess until it audibly clicks » .
The lever
1
» Fig. 101 automatically turns upwards and the trigger pin
2
comes
out (its red and green part is visible) » .
If the lever
1
does not turn automatically, or if the trigger pin
2
does not come
out, remove the ball rod from the mounting recess by turning the lever down-
wards as far as it can go. Clean the wedge surfaces on the ball rod and the
mounting recess.
›
Lock the lock on the operating lever by turning the key by 180° to the right (see
green marking
3
is visible) and remove the key in the direction of the arrow.
›
Insert the cap
4
on the lock in the direction of the arrow » .
›
Check the ball rod for proper attachment » page 108.
WARNING■
Keep your hands outside the lever's range of motion when attaching the ball
rod- risk of finger injuries!■
Never attempt to pull the operating lever violently upwards to turn the key.
Doing so would mean the ball rod is not attached correctly! 107Towing a trailer