2012 SKODA OCTAVIA ignition

The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the TCR is deactiva-
ted.
Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR) The DSR indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommendation in
order to stabilise the vehicle. The DSR is activated, for example, on the right and
left vehicle side when braking sharply on different road surfaces.
Hydraulic brake assist (HBA)
The HBA is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. HBA increa- ses the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance. To achieve the
shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the HBA. The HBA is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released.
Hill hold control (HHC)
The HHC makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system holds the brake
pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx. 2 seconds af-
ter the brake pedal is released. The driver can therefore move his foot from the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the slope, without having to
actuate the handbrake.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
The HHC is active as of a 5 % slope, if the driver door is closed. HHC is always ac- tive on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving downhill, it is in-
active.
“Multicollision brake”
The multifunction brake deploys automatic braking after a collision in order to re-
duce the risk of further collisions. Automatic braking can only be deployed at
speeds of over 10 km/h in the event of a frontal or side impact.
The vehicle is slowed down automatically by the ESC system as long as the brakes, the ESC and the requisite electrical system remains operational post-im-
pact.
Automatic braking is not applied if the driver presses the accelerator during the
accident.
Antilock brake system (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 112.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pressure
on the brake pedal.

Traction control system (TCS)
Fig. 106
TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 112.
If the wheels are slipping, the TCS system adapts the engine speed to the condi-
tions of the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate
and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
The TCS function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 112 .
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster. 
113Assist systems

The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be advisable to switch off
the system only in exceptional circumstances, such as:
› when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to “rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
The TCR can be deactivated in the Infotainment or with the button 
» Fig. 106 » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle
systems (CAR button) .
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the TCR is deactiva-
ted.
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 112.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically if severe stresses exist in order to avoid ex- cessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being braked. The
vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a vehicle
not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the
brake has cooled down.

Parking aidFig. 107
Parking aid: Range of sensors/parking aid button on vehicles with
front and rear sensors
Fig. 108
road display/compact display
The system supports the driver using acoustic signals/Infotainment display when parking and manoeuvring.
Information about setting acoustic signals/description of the display in the Info-
tainment display » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehi-
cle systems (CAR button) .
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the bumper
and an obstacle. The ultrasound sensors are integrated in the front/rear bumper.
The system only operates if the ignition is switched on. 
114Using the system

CAUTION■If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. The fault is
confirmed additionally when the symbol  flashes in the button 
.
! is displayed
in the error area of the Infotainment display. Have the fault rectified by a ŠKODA
specialist garage.
■
The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
Note
■ The signal tones for front obstacle recognition are factory-set to be higher than
for rear obstacle recognition.■
If not all fields around the vehicle are shown after the system is activated, the
vehicle will need to be moved a few metres forwards or in reverse.
■
If the parking aid is activated and the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is
in the position P (the vehicle cannot move), the warning signal is interrupted and
no obstacles are displayed.
■
Additional mounted modules, such as a bicycle carrier, can impair the function of
the parking aid.

Park Assist
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
finding a parking space
117
Parking the vehicle
117
Manoeuvring out of a parallel parking space
118
Automatic brake assist
118
Information for the driver
119
The parking aid is part of the park assist system, therefore the information and
safety guidelines » page 114, Parking aid must be read and observed.
Park Assist (in the following referred to as the system) helps drivers park in suita- ble parallel and perpendicular parking places and also to manoeuvre out of paral- lel parking spaces.
The system only operates if the ignition is switched on.
During the parking procedure the system only takes over the steering move- ments, the pedals continue to be operated by the driver.
When the system is activated, 
the warning light

» Fig. 109 on page 117 - 
lights up in the button.
The traction control system (TCS) must always be switched on when parking.
The function of the system is based on: › the measurement and evaluation of the size of parking spaces when driving,
› the determination of the correct position of the vehicle for parking,
› the calculation of the line on which the vehicle drives backwards into the park-
ing space or forwards from the parking space;
› the automatic turning of the front wheels when parking in, or manoeuvring out
of the parking space.
WARNING■ The system does not exempt the driver from his/her responsibility for park-
ing in and manoeuvring out of the parking space.■
External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on parking in and ma-
noeuvring out of the parking space. Under unfavourable conditions, objects or
people may not be recognised.
■
When parking in, and manoeuvring out of parking spaces, the system auto-
matically executes quick steering movements. While it is doing so, do not place your hands between the steering wheel - risk of injury!
CAUTION
■ If other vehicles are parked behind or on the kerb, the system guides your vehi-
cle beyond the kerb or onto it. Ensure that the wheels or the wheel rims of your
vehicle are not damaged and if necessary intervene in time.■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces or structures of certain objects such as
wire mesh fences, powder snow, etc., cannot be recognised by the system.
■
The evaluation of the parking space and the parking procedure depends on the
circumference of the wheels. The system only works correctly if the vehicle is fit-
ted with the wheel size approved by the manufacturer. If wheels other than those approved by the manufacturer are mounted, the resulting position of the
vehicle in the parking space can differ slightly. This can be avoided by readjusting
the system at a ŠKODA specialist garage. Under certain circumstances, the sys-
tem may not function correctly, for example, if the vehicle is fitted with snow chains or a temporary spare wheel.

116Using the system

Decreasing the speed
The stored speed can be reduced by pressing the rocker button B » Fig. 111 on
page 120 into the position SET.
The speed will decrease continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and held in the SET position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is reached.
The set speed is then stored in the memory.
If the rocker button is released at a speed of less than 30 km/h, the speed is notstored and the memory is erased. The speed must then be stored again by press-
ing the rocker button B
in the position SET after increasing the speed of the ve-
hicle to more than 30 km/h.
The speed can also be reduced by depressing the brake pedal, which temporarily
deactivates the system.

Switching off the cruise control system temporarily
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
The cruise control system is temporarily switched off by pressing the switch
A
» Fig. 111 on page 120 into the spring-tensioned position CANCEL or by de-
pressing the brake pedal.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
Briefly press the rocker button
B
into the position RES to resume the stored
speed after the brake pedal is released.

Switching off the cruise control system completely
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 119.
›
Turn the switch
A
» Fig. 111 on page 120 into the OFF position.

Displays in the instrument cluster displayFig. 112
Instrument cluster display: GRA status indications
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
GRA status indications » Fig. 112.
The saved speed is indicated in small numbers. The GRA is temporarily switched off.
System fault. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
The speed memory is blank.
The saved speed is indicated in big numbers. The GRA is switched on.

START/STOP
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Starting/shutting down the engine
122
Operational conditions of the system
123
Manually activating/deactivating the system
124
Information for the driver
124
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on. 
ABCD121Assist systems

Manually activating/deactivating the systemFig. 115
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
Activation/deactivation
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 115 .
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
Note
■ If the system is deactivated during the STOP phase, the automatic start proce-
dure takes place.■
If the Eco » page 124 driving mode is selected, manual deactivation is not pos-
sible.

Information for the driver
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 121.
The information for the driver appears in the instrument cluster display.
Start the engine manually!
or
START MANUALLY
The driver sees this message when the conditions for the automatic start proce-
dure are not met during the STOP phase. The engine must be started manually
with the key or starter button KESSY » page 95.
Error: start-stop system
or
START STOP ERROR
Error in the START-STOP system. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Select driving mode
Fig. 116
Centre console: Button for se-
lecting the driving mode
Selecting the driving mode allows you to adjust a range of different driving pa-
rameters for the vehicle.
The driving mode can only be selected when the ignition is turned on. The menu for selecting the driving mode is called up by pressing the button 
» Fig. 116 . More information about setting the driving mode » operating in-
structions for Infotainment , chapter Other functions .
When the Sport, Eco or Individual modes are activated, the symbol 
» Fig. 116
lights up in the button.
The most recently selected driving mode (before the ignition was switched off) is
mapped to the vehicle key and is re-activated after the ignition is switched on.
Driving mode
› Normal
- this mode is suitable for a standard comfortable driving style
› Sport
- this mode is suitable for a sporty driving style
› Eco
- this mode is suitable for a economical driving style
› Individual
- this mode is provided for making custom settings to the vehicle sys-
tems (steering, engine, dynamic cornering lights, air conditioning) 
124Using the system

Steering
In the Sport driving mode, the steering force assistance » page 93 is reduced
somewhat. This helps keep the vehicle on the best possible track when driving in
a sporty driving style.
Engine (drive)
The engine and transmission respond more dynamically or more relaxed to move- ments of the gas pedal based on what driving mode was set. In the Eco driving
mode, automatic transmission allows you to drive in the Neutral posi- tion » page 130 . When the Cruise Control System is active, the selected driving
mode can have an influence on driving behaviour when accelerating.
Dynamic cornering lights
The headlights adjust to the more dynamic driving style in the Sport driving
mode. Dynamic cornering lights is deactivated in the Eco driving mode.
Air conditioning (Climatronic)
In the Eco driving mode, the air conditioning system works more efficiently whilst
still maintaining the desired interior temperature.WARNING■ Setting the driving mode while driving can distract you from other traffic -
risk of accident.■
Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.
Note
■ The Eco driving mode is not available when towing a trailer. When the vehicle is
connected electrically to a trailer and is in the Eco driving mode, the Normal driv-
ing mode is configured automatically.■
On vehicles with automatic transmission, the gear is automatically set to mode
S » page 129 when selecting driving mode Sport or, in Eco driving mode, to mode
E .
■
The driver can change some vehicle functions irrespective of the selected driv-
ing mode. For instance, in the driving mode Eco , the driver can switch the auto-
matic transmission to the mode S.

ProActive passenger protection
ProActive passenger protection increases the protection offered to passengers in situations which could lead to a collision or rollover.
The system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on and
works at speeds of over 30 km/h.
In critical driving situations (e.g. during an emergency brake or sudden change in direction), the following steps can be taken separately or combined in order to re-
duce the risk of serious injury:
› Front passenger seatbelt or front passenger and driver's seatbelts are automat-
ically tensioned strongly over the body;
› Door panels in the side doors and the sliding/tilting roof (if open) are automati-
cally closed up to a gap of around 5 cm from the edge.
Once the critical driving situation has passed, the tension on the seatbelts will be released again.
All functions of the system are available when:
› the system is activated in Infotainment
» operating instructions for Infotain-
ment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) ;
› the TCS is switched on
» page 113;
› the
Sport driving mode is not selected » page 124.
If the system cannot function correctly, the following message will appear in the
instrument cluster display:
ProActive passenger protection not available.
or ProActive passenger protection: funct. restricted.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.WARNING■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by ProActive passenger pro-
tection must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of an
accident! 125Assist systems

Automatic gearbox
Automatic transmission
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Introductory information
129
Starting-off and driving
130
Selector lever positions
130
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
131
Selector lever lock
131
Kickdown function
132
Dynamic shift programme
132
Emergency programme
132
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
133WARNING■ Do not depress the accelerator if changing the position of the selector lever
when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running – risk of accident!■
Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving – risk of an
accident!
■
When the vehicle is stationery and the engine is running, stopping the vehi-
cle requires you pressing the brake pedal in all selector lever settings. When
the engine is idling, the power transmission is never completely interrupted -
the vehicle creeps.
■
The selector lever must be placed into position P and the handbrake firmly
applied before the bonnet can be opened and work on the running engine can
be completed – risk of accident! The safety guidelines must always be ob-
served » page 169 , Engine compartment .
■
If stopping on a hill (downhill gradient), never try to maintain the vehicle sta-
tionary with the gear engaged by means of the accelerator pedal, i.e. by let-
ting the clutch slip - This can lead to overheating of the clutch. If there is a risk
of overheating of the clutch due to overload, the clutch is opened automati-
cally and the vehicle rolls backward – risk of accident!
WARNING (Continued)■ If you have to stop on a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling back.■
On a smooth or slippery road surface using the kickdown function can cause
the driven wheels to spin – risk of skidding!
Note
If the driving mode Sport or Eco » page 124 is selected and the selector lever is in
position D/S, the gearbox is automatically set to mode S or E. The mode is indica-
ted in the instrument cluster display » Fig. 120 on page 130.
Introductory information
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 129.
Starting
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N .
When the steering is locked, when the ignition is turned on or off, or when start-
ing the engine, If the selector lever is not in the positions P or N, the following
message appears in the instrument cluster display Move the selector lever to Po-
sition P/N! or ENGAGE N OR P .
Shifting gears
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. The gearbox
can also be switched to Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it possible for you to
also shift gears manually » page 131.
If the selector lever position N is accidentally selected while driving, it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for the idling speed of the engine to be reached before the selector lever can be engaged in the driveposition.
At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the selector lever position P.
Parking
When parking on a level road surface, it suffices to engage selector lever position
P . 
129Automatic gearbox

When parking on a slope, the handbrake should be applied firmly before the park
position P is selected. This ensures that there is no excessive pressure on the
lock mechanism and that it is subsequently easier to move the selector lever out of position P.
Starting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 129.
Starting off
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the Shiftlock button (button in the selector lever handle), move the selec-
tor lever into the desired position » page 130 and then release the Shiftlock
button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
Parking
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to P
and then release the Shiftlock button.
Driving in Neutral
›
Select the Eco driving mode » page 124, Select driving mode .
›
Take the foot of the accelerator (selector lever in position D/S).
The vehicle moves without the braking effect of the engine.
Idling can be interrupted by briefly pressing down on the accelerator pedal or
pressing the rocker switch -
on the multifunction steering wheel
» page 131.

Selector lever positionsFig. 120
Selector lever/Instrument cluster display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 129.
The current mode of the automatic gearbox is indicated in the instrument cluster display
1
» Fig. 120 .
P
– Parklock
The Parklock must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
If you wish to move the selector lever into or out of this position, the Shiftlock
button in the selector lever handle and the brake pedal must be actuated at the
same time.
If the battery is empty, the selector lever cannot be moved out of the position
P » page 133 .
R
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is at idling speed.
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or N.
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position R, the re-
verse lights will come on. 
130Using the system