2012 SKODA OCTAVIA lights

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

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

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

Plastic partsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 159.
Plastic parts can be cleaned using a damp cloth. If this does not prove to be ade-quate, the parts can be treated with special solvent-free plastic cleaning prod-
ucts .
Paint care products are not suitable for plastic parts.

De-icing windows and exterior mirrors
Fig. 143
Fuel filler flap: Ice scraper
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 159.
A scraper to remove snow and ice from the windows and mirrors is located on the inside of the fuel filler flap . Remove the scraper from the fuel filler flap in the di-
rection of the arrow » Fig. 143.
Clean the windows from the inside on a regular basis. Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for thispurpose.
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window leathers
that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preservatives in the
window leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility.
CAUTION■ The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direction
to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.■
Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand, and
salt must not be removed from the window glass and mirrors – risk of damage to
the surface of the windows and mirrors.
■
Never remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water – risk of
formation of cracks in the glass!
■
When removing snow or ice from windows and mirror lenses ensure that the
paintwork of the vehicle is not to damage.

Radio reception and aerial
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 159.
Car parks, tunnels, tall buildings or mountains can disrupt the radio signal even causing it to fail completely.
With factory-fitted radios and navigation, the aerial for the radio reception can be installed at different locations in the vehicle:
› on the inside of the rear window along with the rear window heater;
› on the inside of the rear side windows;
› on the roof.

Headlight lenses
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 159.
Use soap and clean water to clean the plastic headlight lenses.
CAUTION
■ Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects to clean the
plastic lenses, this may damage the protective paintwork and consequently cause
the formation of cracks on the headlight lenses.■
Do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products to clean the
headlights – risk of damaging the headlight lenses.

162General Maintenance

Brake fluid changeFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake sys-
tem.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications: › VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.
WARNINGDo not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired - risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is replaced as part of a proscribed Inspection service carried out by
a ŠKODA Partner.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 152
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoirFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the head-
light cleaning system.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 4.7 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights.
We recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner from
the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze)
which is capable of removing stubborn dirt.
In Winter, the washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze even if the
vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration is sufficient
only to -5 °C.
CAUTION
■ Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added to
the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning products
which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be added
to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
plenishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be conta-
minated, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction.

Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Battery cover
178
Checking the battery electrolyte level
179
Charging a vehicle battery
179


176General Maintenance

WARNING“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth » page 196, Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP
system .
Note
We recommend having the quick charging of vehicle batteries undertaken by a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
Disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 176.
On disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery the following functionsare initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free:
OperationOperating measureElectrical power window (operational faults)» page 41Enter the radio/navigation system code num-
ber» operating instructions for Info-
tainment radio or » operating in-
structions for Infotainment Navi-
gationSetting the clock» page 11Data in the multifunction display are deleted» page 22
Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a ŠKODA Partner to ensure the full
functionality of all electrical systems.
Automatic load deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 176.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from discharg-
ing when the bettery is subjected to heavy loads. This manifests itself by the fol-
lowing:
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where appropriate large convenience consumers, e.g. seat heaters, rear win-
dow heaters, have their power limited or in case of emergency shut off com-pletely.
CAUTION
■ Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the vehi-
cle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on a long
time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned on during longer parking.■
Consumers which are supplied via a 12 V socket can cause the vehicle battery to
discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not disrupted by any shutting off of consumers. Often the driv-
er is not aware of it having taken place.
180General Maintenance

Full wheel trimFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
Pulling off
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge of the wheel trim.
›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off the
wheel trim.
Install
›
Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the valve opening provided.
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference locks cor- rectly in place.
CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand, do not knock the full wheel trim! Avoid heavy
knocks when the trim is not yet inserted in the wheel rim. This could cause dam-
age to the guide and centring elements of the trim.■
Ensure that the anti-theft wheel bolt has been installed correctly » page 192,
Securing wheels against theft .
■
If wheel trims are retrofitted it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air is
assured to cool the brake system.

Wheel bolts
Fig. 158
Remove the cap
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 181.
Pulling off›Push the plastic clip sufficiently far onto the cap until the inner catches of the
clip are positioned at the collar of the cap » Fig. 158.›
Remove the cap.
Install
›
Push the caps onto the wheel bolts up to the stop.
The wheel bolt caps are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the stor-
age space for the spare wheel.

Tyre control display
Fig. 159
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 181.
Calibration
After changing the tyre inflation pressure » page 182, in section Introduction ,
after changing one or several wheels, the position of a wheel on the vehicle or
when the warning light lights up while driving, a calibration of the system must
be carried out as follows:
›
Inflate all of the tyres to the specified inflation pressure » page 182.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Start the system calibration.
On vehicles with Infortainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chap-
ter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .
On vehicles with the radio preinstallation .
›
Press and hold the button 

» Fig. 159 for longer than 2 seconds. 
185Wheels

While pressing the button, the warning light  lights up. At the same time the
system memory is erased and the new calibration is started, which is confirmed
with an audible signal and then the warning light  goes out.
If the warning light  does not go out after the calibration, this indicates a sys-
tem fault. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
The rolling circumference of the tyre can change if: › the tyre inflation pressure is too low;
› the structure of the tyre is damaged;
› the vehicle is loaded on one side;
› the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when
driving uphill or downhill);
› snow chains are mounted;
› the spare wheel is mounted;
› one wheel per axle was changed.WARNING■
When the warning light  illuminates, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and inspect the tyres and their inflation pressure.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at all.

Wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 181.
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels, e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres, you must
also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and that the
brake system operates properly.

Winter tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres on ice, snee and at temperatures be-
low 7 °C have less grip. This is especially true of low-profile tyres or high-speed
tyres .
To achieve the best possible handling properties, winter tyres must be fitted on
all 4 wheels, the minimum tread depth must be 4 mm and tyres must be no older than 4 years.
Winter tyres of a lower speed category can be used provided that the permissible
maximum speed of these tyres is not exceeded even if the possible maximum
speed of the vehicle is higher.
The winter tyres speed limit is set in the menu » operating instructions for Info-
tainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .
For the sake of the environment
Fit the summer tyres on again in good time as they provide better handling prop-
erties, a shorter braking distance, less tyre noise, and reduced tyre wear on roadswhich are free of snow and ice as well as at temperatures above 7 °C. The fuelconsumption is also lower.
Snow chains
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel sizeDepth (D)Tyre size6J x 15 a)43 mm195/65 R156J x 16 b)48 mm205/55 R166J x 17b)48 mm205/50 R17a)
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 13 mm.
b)
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 12 mm.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains. 
186General Maintenance