2012 SKODA OCTAVIA ignition

N – Neutral
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of the position
N (if the lever is in this position for longer than 2 seconds) into the position D/S or
R when the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/h and the ignition is switched
on.D/S
- mode for driving forward (Normal program)/mode for driving forward
(Sport program)
The system switches from one mode to the other by moving the selector lever in- to the spring-tensioned position  » Fig. 120 .
In the D or S mode, the forward gears are shifted up and down, depending on the
selected driving mode, engine load, driving speed and dynamic shifting program.
In the S mode, shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit
the power potential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds as in the position D.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever into position D/S
from Nwhen the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/h.

Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 121
Selector lever and multifunction steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 129.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lever or
multifunction steering wheel.
It may be of benefit, e.g. when towing a trailer or driving in mountains to adapt
the gearbox ratios manually to the driving situations.
Switching to manual shifting›Push the selector lever to the right out of position D/S. The selector lever posi-
tion you have engaged appears in the instrument cluster display.
Shifting up gears›
Press the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 121 .
›
Pull the right rocker switch +
» Fig. 121 towards the multifunction steering
wheel.
Shifting down gears
›
Press the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 121 .
›
Pull the left rocker switch -
» Fig. 121 towards the multifunction steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual shifting
›
If the selector lever is in position D/S, pull the left rocker switch -
» Fig. 121 or
the right rocker switch + towards the multifunction steering wheel.
›
Manual shifting switches off if the rocker switches
- or + are not actuated for 1
minute or more. You can also switch off the temporary switch-over to manual shifting by pressing the right rocker switch +
for more than 1 second.
It is possible to switch to manual shifting when the car is stationary and when
driving.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no risk
of the engine overrevving.

Selector lever lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 129.
With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and
N . The indicator light 
» page 20 , Selector lever lock 
illuminates in the instru-
ment cluster. The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out
of this position.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N (e.g.
from R to D/S ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck. The se-
lector lever lock will click into place if the lever is in the N position for more than 2
seconds without the brake pedal being pressed. 
131Automatic gearbox

The selector lever lock is only effective when the vehicle is stationary and at
speeds up to 5 km/h.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the handle of selector lever prevents certain selector lever positions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever lock is cancelled whenthe Shiftlock button is pressed.
Ignition key withdrawal lock
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the se- lector lever is in the position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever
is blocked in position P.
Kickdown function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 129.
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration power.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in the desired driving program. The gearbox shifts down to one or several gears in
line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has reached
its maximum revolutions for this gear range.
Note
The kickdown function is also available in the Eco » page 124 driving mode.
Dynamic shift programme
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 129.
The control unit on the automatic gearbox continuously monitors the driving per-
formance and takes the selected driving mode into account » page 124. The dy-
namic shifting program is adapted to it.
Adopting a moderate style of driving will cause the control unit to select the
most economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as soon as
possible and shifting down as late as possible will have a favourable effect on
your fuel consumption.
If the control unit detects that sporty style of driving is active, the driving pro-
gramme is adapted to this style and gears are shifted down more quickly than in
the moderate style of driving.
Emergency programme
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 129.
An emergency programme exists in the event of a fault in the system.
The gearbox operates in a corresponding emergency programme if there are
functional faults in the gearbox electronics.
A functional fault can have the following effect:
› The gearbox only shifts into certain gears;
› The reverse gear
R cannot be used,
› The manual shift programme is switched off in emergency mode.
Note
When the gearbox has switched to emergency mode, consult a ŠKODA Specialist
garage.
132Using the system

Button/adjust- ment
wheel
ActionRadio, traffic report, TVAudio, Video, DVD, DVD menuNavigation
2Turn upwardsIncrease volume2Turn downwardsDecrease volume3
Press brieflyChanging to the next stored radio station
Changing to the next stored traffic information Interrupting the traffic reportChange to the next title a)
Change to the next chapter c)
Change to the first chapter d)Function based on the current audio
source3Press button for a
long period of timeInterruption of the traffic reportFast forward a)4
Press brieflyChanging to the previously stored radio station
Changing to the previously stored traffic information Interrupting the traffic reportChange to previous title a)
Change to previous chapter c)4Press button for a
long period of timeInterruption of the traffic reportFast rewind a)5Press brieflyInterruption of the traffic reportwithout functionRepeats the last navigation announce-
ment5
Turn upwardsDisplay of the stored/accessible stationsScroll upwards
Interruption of the traffic reportChange to previous title a)
Change to previous chapter c)
Displays list of last destinations
5
Turn downwardsDisplay of the stored/accessible stations
Scroll downwards
Interruption of the traffic reportChange to the next title a)
Change to the next chapter c)
Change to the first chapter d)6Press brieflyCall up main menu on information displaya)
Does not apply for AUX.
b)
The tone is switched on again by pressing one of the buttons
1
,
3
or
4
and the adjustment wheel
2
is rotated.
c)
Applies for DVD.
d)
Applies for the DVD menu.
Note■
If the ignition and the side lights are switched on, the buttons and dials on the
multifunction steering wheel are also illuminated.■
The set of loudspeakers in the vehicle is matched to a power output of the Info-
tainment of 4x20 W.
■
Vehicles with the CANTON sound system equipment are fitted with a loud-
speaker set including centre speaker and bass. The loudspeaker set is tuned with
a external 10 channel amp for a total output of 570 W.

136Using the system

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introductory information
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed to offer additional protection in the event of an accident.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the indicator light  in
the instrument cluster » page 19.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of: › an electronic control unit;
› Front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger
» page 147;
› a driver’s knee airbag
» page 148;
› side airbags
» page 149;
› head airbags
» page 150;
› an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 19;
› a key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
» page 151;
› a warning light in the middle of the dash panel to indicate the front seat pas-
senger airbag is switched off » page 151.
WARNING■
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
complete passive vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only
offer you optimal protection in combination with a seat belt which is fas- tened .■
To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size » page 139, Correct seated position .
■
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.
■
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident.
WARNING (Continued)■ No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel)
must only be carried out by a ŠKODA specialist garage.■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■
It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
■
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.
■
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
■
If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-
activating the front passenger airbag must be included!
■
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements.

Airbag deployment
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
When the airbags are deployed they fill with gas and inflate.
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated. This
is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
In certain accident situations, the several airbags may be deployed simultaneous- ly.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, rear-
end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors such as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard, soft), the impact angle, vehicle
speed, etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which oc- curs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the rele-
vant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured 
146Safety

Deactivating airbags
Deactivating airbags
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
› using a child seat on the front passenger seat, in which the child has its back to
the vehicle's direction of travel (in some countries this must be in the direction
of travel due to different legal regulations applying) » page 154, Transporting
children safely ;
› not being able to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle of
the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjusted;
› special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability;
› other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 151 , Deactivating the front passenger airbag .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA Partner to switch off any other airbags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
› The warning light

lights up for approx. 4 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes again for approx. 12 seconds.
The following applies if the front passenger airbag has been switched off using the key switch in the storage compartment:
› The indicator light

comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on;
› The warning light


3
» Fig. 137 on page 151 comes on after the ignition has
been switched on.
Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA Partner will be able to inform you which airbags in your vehicle can/
must be deactivated.

Deactivating the front passenger airbagFig. 137
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag/warning light
for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position
2
» Fig. 137 OFF .
›
Check whether the airbag indicator light
3

in the display 


 in the middle of the dash panel remains lit when the ignition is turned on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position
1
» Fig. 137 ON .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check whether the airbag indicator light
3

in the display 



in the middle of the dash panel remains lit when the ignition is turned on.
The warning light 
goes out 65 seconds after the key switch status has changed
or after the ignition is switched on. 
151Airbag system

WARNING■The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switched
off.■
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag.
■
If the airbag warning light  (airbag switched off) flashes, the front pas-
senger airbag will not be deployed in the event of an accident! Have the air-
bag system checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately.

152Safety

General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle
Taking care of your vehicle
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing the vehicle
160
Automatic car wash systems
160
Washing by hand
160
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
161
Preserving and polishing the vehicle paintwork
161
Chrome parts
161
Paint damage
161
Plastic parts
162
De-icing windows and exterior mirrors
162
Radio reception and aerial
162
Headlight lenses
162
Rubber seals
163
Door lock cylinders
163
Wheels
163
Underbody protection
163
Protection of hollow spaces
164
Artificial leather, cloths and Alcantara ®
164
Fabric covers on electrically heated seats
164
Natural leather
164
Seat belts
165
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and
value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat- ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.
We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that areavailable from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must be
observed.
WARNING■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the in-
structions.■
Always store care products in a safe place, out of the reach of children – risk
of poisoning!
■
Water and ice in the brake system when washing the vehicle in winter can
affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!
■
Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – risk of accident!
■
When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-
edged metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel
housings or the wheel trims, etc) - risk of cuts!
■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature
inside the vehicle is high.
CAUTION
■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.■
Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
■
If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner, en-
sure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints – risk of freezing!
■
Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts – risk of damaging the surface of paintwork.
■
Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, the rear side win-
dows and in the vicinity of the heating elements on the windscreen or near the
window aerial. These may get damaged. With regard to the antenna, they may in-terfere with the radio or navigation.
■
Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corrosive
and acidic cleaning agents – risk of damaging the heating elements or window
aerial.
■
Do not attach scents and air fresheners to the dashboard – risk of damage to
the dashboard.
■
To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
■
Do not clean the roof trim with a brush – risk of damage to the trim surface.
■
Fold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle in an
automatic car wash system. Never manually fold in electric exterior mirrors - al-
ways use the electric controls. 
159Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle

■Engine parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the one
prescribed is used.■
In no case may fuel additives with metal components be used, especially not
with manganese and iron content. Do not use any LRP fuels (lead replacement petrol) with metal parts - risk of serious damage to parts of the engine or exhaust
system!
■
Do not use any fuels with metal parts - risk of serious damage to parts of the
engine or exhaust system!
■
The use of unsuitable fuel additives can cause considerable damage to parts of
the engine or the exhaust system.

Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 167.
Your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel, which complies with the
standard EN 590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in
Austria, GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia).
All diesel engines can be operated with diesel fuel with a maximum content of
7 % bio-fuel (B7), which complies with the standard DIN 52638 in Germany (in
Austria C 1590, in France EN 590).
Operation in winter – Winter-grade diesel fuel In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operateproperly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. The ŠKODA Partners and
filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with information
regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures operation of
a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of -25 °C.
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar products) must not
be added to the diesel fuel.
CAUTION■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!■
Damage caused by using diesel fuel which does not comply with the standards
are excluded from the warranty.
■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that the
fuel system is cleaned by a ŠKODA Partner.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
■
Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must not
be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) can cause considerable damage
to parts of the engine or fuel system.
■
Comply with the proscribed oil change intervals.

Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
171
Engine compartment overview
172
Checking the engine oil level
172
Replenishing the engine oil
173
Changing engine oil
173
Coolant
173
Checking the coolant level
174
Replenishing the coolant
175
Radiator fan
175
Checking the brake fluid
175
Brake fluid change
176
Windscreen washer system
176

169Inspecting and replenishing