2012 SKODA OCTAVIA warning light

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

Explanation of graphic - range of sensors in the vicinity of the vehicleArea » Fig. 107Range of sensors a)A120 cmB90 cmC160 cmD90 cmEb)90 cma)
These are only the approximate ranges of sensors.
b)
Applies only for vehicles with 12 sensors.
The interval between the acoustic signals becomes shorter as the clearance is re-
duced. A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm - danger area.
From this moment on do not continue driving!
The length of the vehicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing
device. The danger area thus begins at a distance of around 35 cm on vehicles
equipped with a factory-fitted towing device.
Towing a trailer
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted towing device, only the areas
A
and
B
» Fig. 107 of the system are active when operating a trailer, there is no road
display.
Activation/deactivation
The system is automatically activated when you shift into reverse or after press-
ing the button 

» Fig. 107 . The symbol 
lights up in the button; activation is
confirmed by a brief acoustic signal.
The system is deactivated by moving out of reverse gear, by pressing the button 
or automatically at a speed exceeding 10 km/h (the symbol 
in the button
goes out).
On vehicles which only have rear sensors, the system can only be deactivated by
moving out of reverse gear.
Automatic system activation when driving forward
The compact display of the parking aid can be displayed in the area of the Info- tainment display » Fig. 108 - 
.
Automatic activation takes place at a speed below around 10 km/h under the fol- lowing conditions:
› the distance to the obstacle at the front is less than around 90 cm;
› the distance to the obstacle at the rear or to the side of the vehicle is less than
around 30 cm.
Acoustic signals are sounded as of a distance from the obstacle of around 50 cm.
Automatic display can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » operating
instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .
Road display
The display of the upcoming road changes depending on the steering angleA
» Fig. 108 -  .
Obstacles appearing on the road are represented by the colours:
› the distance to the obstacle is less than around 30 cm - red;
› the distance to the obstacle is greater than around 30 cm - yellow;
Obstacles which do not appear on the road are represented by the following col-
ours:
› the distance to the obstacle is less than around 30 cm - red;
› the distance to the obstacle is greater than around 30 cm - white.
The road ahead is displayed when a forward gear or Neutral is engaged or the se-
lector lever is in position N.
The road behind the vehicle is displayed when reverse gear is engaged or the se-
lector lever is in position R.
WARNING■
The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the vehicle or carrying out similar manoeuvres. Pay particular attention to small children
and animals as they are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.■
You should satisfy yourself before reversing that there is no small obstacle,
such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind your vehicle.
Such obstacles may not be recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of cloth-
ing cannot reflect the signals from the parking aid. Thus, these objects or peo-
ple who wear such clothing are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■
External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on the parking aid.
Under unfavourable conditions, objects or people may not be recognised. 
115Assist systems

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

The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h,
once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator pedal. This is
only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output and brak-
ing power of the engine.
The warning light  illuminates in the instrument cluster when the cruise control
system is activated.WARNING■ For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads,
loose gravel) – risk of accident!■
The saved speed may only be resumed if it is not too high for the current
traffic conditions.
■
Always switch off the cruise control system after use to prevent uninten-
tional use of the system.
CAUTION
■ The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving
in areas with steeper gradients. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at which it travels. Therefore, shift to a lower gear in good time or slow the vehicle
down by applying the foot brake.■
It is not possible to switch on the cruise control system on vehicles fitted with a
manual gearbox if the first gear or reverse gear is engaged.
■
It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N or R.
■
The Cruise Control System may automatically switch off when some brake as-
sist systems (e.g. ESC) intervene, when the speed exceeds maximum permissible
engine speed, or a similar event takes place.
■
The Cruise Control System also remains activated after shifting the gear!

Storing a speedFig. 111
Operating lever: Rocker switch
and switch of the cruise control
system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 119.
Storing a speed
›
Turn the switch
A
» Fig. 111 into the ON position.
›
After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button
B
into the
SET position.
After you have released the rocker button
B
out of the position SET, the speed
you have just stored is maintained at a constant speed without having to depress
the accelerator.

Changing a stored speed
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
Increasing the speed with the accelerator
›
Depress the accelerator to increase the speed.
›
Release the accelerator to reduce the speed back down to the preset speed.
Increasing the speed with the rocker button
B›
Press the rocker button
B
» Fig. 111 on page 120 into the RES position.
The speed will increase continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and held in
the RES position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is reached.
The set speed is then stored in the memory. 
120Using the system

In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights. The engine restarts automatically
where necessary.
Information about the current status of the system can be displayed in the Info-
tainment display » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehi-
cle systems (CAR button) .
Basic conditions for the START STOP mode
› The driver's door is closed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The driving speed was higher than 4 km.h after the last stop.
› No trailer is coupled.WARNING■
The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.■
Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off.
CAUTION
Always deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through wa-
ter » page 104 .
Note
■
\If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's
door is opened during stop mode on vehicles with manual transmission or on ve-
hicles with automatic transmission when the selector lever in position P, the en-
gine must be started manually with the key or starter button KESSY » page 95.■
After manually starting the engine on vehicles with manual transmission, auto-
matic engine shut down is not possible until the vehicle has travelled the re-
quired minimum distance for START-STOPP mode.
■
If on vehicles with automatic transmission, the selector lever D/S or N is selec-
ted after moving in reverse, the vehicle will first need to achieve a speed greater
than 10 km/h before automatic engine shut down takes place again.
■ Changes to the outdoor temperature can have an effect on the internal temper-
ature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains out-
doors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take sev-
eral hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suitable temperature for proper operation of the START STOP system.■
If the Climatronic is running in automatic mode, under certain conditions, the
engine may not switch off automatically.

Starting/shutting down the engine
Fig. 113
Instrument cluster display: En-
gine shut down (STOP phase)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
Vehicles with manual transmission
›
Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
›
Put the gear stick into Neutral.
›
Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic engine shut down (STOP phase) takes place. The following indicator
light 
- » Fig. 113 appears in the instrument cluster display.
›
Depress the clutch pedal.
The automatic start procedure takes place again (start phase). The warning light
goes out.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
Automatic engine shut down takes place. The following indicator light 
- » Fig. 113 appears in the instrument cluster display.
›
Release the brake pedal. 
122Using the system

The automatic start procedure takes place again. The warning light goes out.
Further information on automatic transmission Engine shut down takes place when the selector lever is in positions P, D/S , N
and in Tiptronic mode.
When the selector lever is in position P the engine remains shut down after you
release the brake pedal. Start the engine by pressing the gas pedal or by choosing
a different gear and releasing the brake pedal.
If the selector lever is moved into position R during the STOP phase , the engine
will re-start.
To prevent the engine from starting unintentionally when selecting the position
R , switch rapidly from the position D/S to position P.
The system detects a movement of the vehicle due to the large steering angle or
when the selector lever is moved into position R (e.g. when parking) - no auto-
matic engine shutdown takes place.
The type of braking procedure can influence whether the STOP phase takes place
or not. No STOP phase takes place when the vehicle is moving at low speed (e.g.
during a traffic jam or when tuning) and remains stationary after pressing the
brake pedal lightly. Engine shutdown takes place if you press the brake pedal
down with more force.
Operational conditions of the system
Fig. 114
Instrument cluster display: En-
gine shut down is not currently
available
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 121.
The START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing.
No engine shut down is carried out
Before each STOP phase, the system checks whether certain conditions have
been met. No engine shut down takes place in the following situations.
› The engine has not reached the minimum temperature for START STOP mode.
› The temperature inside the vehicle has not reached the desired temperature
set in the air-conditioning system/heating.
› The external temperature is very low/high.
› The windscreen heater is switched on
» page 52.
› The intensive windscreen heater (Climatronic)
» page 86 or windscreen heater/
ventilation is switched on with the maximum air temperature setting (manual
air conditioning system) » page 85.
› The parking aid/Park Assist is switched on.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The stationary vehicle is on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The idling speed is too high.
The following indicator light 
- » Fig. 114 appears in the instrument cluster dis-
play.
The automatic start procedure takes place again
During the STOP phase, the engine fires up without any active driver intervention,
e.g. in the following situations.
› The vehicle begins to roll, e.g. on a slope.
› The difference between the temperature setting of the air-conditioning sys-
tem/heating and the temperature of the interior is too large.
› The windscreen heater is switched on
» page 52.
› The intensive windscreen heater (Climatronic)
» page 86 or windscreen heater/
ventilation is switched on with the maximum air temperature setting (manual
air conditioning system) » page 85.
› The brake pedal was pressed several times (the pressure in the braking system
is too low).
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The current consumption is too high.
123Assist 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