2012 SKODA OCTAVIA ABS

AbbreviationsAbbreviationDefinitionrpmEngine revolutions per minuteABSAnti-lock brake systemTCSTraction controlCO2 in g/kmdischarged quantity of carbon dioxide in grams per driven kilo-
metreDPFDiesel particle filterDSGAutomatic double clutch gearboxDSRActive driver-steering recommendationEDLElectronic differential lockEPCEPC fault lightESCElectronic Stability ControlHBAHydraulic brake assistHHCUphill start assistkWKilowatt, measuring unit for the engine outputMGManual gearboxN1Panel van intended exclusively or mainly for the transporta-
tion of goodsNmNewton meter, measuring unit for the engine torqueTDI CRDiesel engine with turbocharging and common rail injection systemTSATrailer stabilisationTSIPetrol engine with turbocharging and direct injection
5Abbreviations

SymbolDescriptionReferenceClutches of the automatic gearbox DSG aretoo hot» page 14Handbrake» page 14Brake system» page 14Seat belt warning light, front» page 14
Seat belt warning light, rear» page 15Generator» page 15Coolant temperature/coolant level» page 15
Engine oil» page 15
Power steering» page 16Traction control (TCS)» page 16Traction control (TCS) switched off» page 17Electronic Stability Control (ESC)» page 17Antilock brake system (ABS)» page 17Rear fog light» page 17Bulb failure» page 17Exhaust inspection system» page 17SymbolDescriptionReferenceGlow plug system (diesel engine)» page 18EPC fault light (petrol engine)» page 18Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)» page 18Fuel reserve» page 18Safety systems» page 19Tyre pressure» page 19Windscreen washer fluid level» page 19Brake pad thickness» page 20
Lane Assist» page 20
Turn signal (left/right)» page 20Trailer turn signal lights» page 20Fog lights» page 20Speed regulating system» page 20Selector lever lock» page 20Main beam» page 20Headlight assist» page 20 13Instruments and warning lights

SymbolDescriptionReference
START-STOPSystem» page 20Ice warning» page 20WARNING■
Failing to respect active warning lights, their associated descriptions, and
warning messages can lead to major injuries or damage to the vehicle.■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes » page 169, Engine compartment .

Clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG are too hot 
The warning light 
lights up if the temperature of the clutches of the automatic
gearbox is too high.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's manual!
or STOP VEHICLE GEARBOX OVERHEAT
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the light 
goes out – risk
of gearbox damage! You can continue your journey as soon as the light goes out.

Handbrake 
The warning light 
comes on if the handbrake is applied. An acoustic signal will
sound if you drive the vehicle above 5 km/h while the handbrake is still on.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Release the handbrake!
or RELEASE HANDBRAKE

Brake system 
The warning light  illuminates if the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Brake fluid: owner's manual!
or BRAKE FLUID PLEASE CHECK
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 175 »
.
WARNING■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 49.■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 17 , Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■
A fault to the braking system can increase the vehicle's braking distance -
risk of accident!

Seat belt warning light, front 
The warning light 
comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt.
The warning light goes out if the driver or front passenger has fastened their seat
belt.
The warning light 
flashes and at the same time an acoustic warning signal
sounds when the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and
the speed of the vehicle exceeds 30 km/h.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
approx. 2 seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light 
lights up permanently.
Further information » page 142, Seat belts .

14Using the system

Traction control (TCS) switched off
When the warning light  is lit, this means the ASR is switched off.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Traction control (TCS) deactivated.
or ASR OFF
Further information » page 113, Traction control system (TCS) .

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
A flashing warning light 
shows that the ESC system is currently operating.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the ESC system.
If the warning light 
comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESC
system can be switched off for technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on
again. If the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on,
the ESC system is fully functional again.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Error: stabilisation control (ESC)
or
ESC ERROR
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 112, Stabilisation Control (ESC) .
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on the ignition. If the warning light does not go out
after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in the ESC system.
Antilock brake system (ABS) 
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Error: ABS
or
ABS ERROR
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. Further information » page 113, Antilock brake system (ABS) .WARNING■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 49.■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light , 
do not continue your journey! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – risk of accident!

The rear fog light 
The warning light 
comes on when the rear fog lights are operating » page 48.

Bulb failure 
The warning light 
comes on if a bulb is faulty:
› within 2 seconds of the ignition being switched on;
› when switching on the defective light bulb.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Check right dipped headlight beam!
or DIPPED HEADLIGHT CHECK RIGHT

Exhaust inspection system 
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the exhaust inspection system.
The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode. 
17Instruments and warning lights

Unlocking and locking
Vehicle key
Introductory information
Fig. 8
Key: without/with remote control
Two keys are provided with the vehicle. Depending on the equipment, your vehi- cle can be equipped with keys without radio remote control » Fig. 8 – 
or with
radio remote control » Fig. 8 – 
.
WARNING■
Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle – even if it is only
for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle.
The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical equipment
(e.g. electrical power windows) – risk of injury!■
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle has
come to a stop! The steering lock might otherwise engage unintentionally – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Each key contains electronic components; therefore it must be protected
against moisture and severe shocks.■
Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean. Impurities (textile fibres, dust,
etc.) have a negative effect on the functionality of the locking cylinder and igni-
tion lock.
NotePlease contact a ŠKODA Partner if you lose a key as they can obtain a new one for you.
Replacing the battery in the remote control key
Fig. 9
Remote control key: Remove cover/remove battery
Each remote control key contains a battery that is located under the cover
A
» Fig. 9 . If the battery is discharged, the red indicator light
B
does not flash
after you press a button on the remote control key » Fig. 14 on page 32.
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA Partner to replace the key battery. Howev- er, if you would like to replace the discharged battery yourself proceed as follows.
›
Flip out the key.
›
Press off the battery cover with your thumb or using a flat screwdriver in theregion of arrows
1
» Fig. 9 .
›
Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery down-
wards in the region of arrow
2
.
›
Insert the new battery.
Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing upwards. The correct polarity
is shown on the battery cover.
›
Place the battery cover on the key and press it down until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original battery. 28Using the system

Unlocking the vehicle
Locking the vehicle
Unlocking the boot lid
Folding out/folding up of the key bit
Warning light
Unlocking
The turn signal lights flash twice as confirmation that the vehicle has been un-
locked.
If you unlock the vehicle and do not open a door or the boot lid within the next
45 seconds, the vehicle will lock again automatically and the safelock system or
anti-theft alarm system will be switched on. This function is intended to prevent
the car being unlocked unintentionally.
The seat and mirror are adjusted after the vehicle is unlocked » page 61, Memo-
ry function of the power seat .
Locking
The turn signal lights flash once as confirmation that the vehicle has been locked.
If the doors or the luggage compartment lid remain open after the vehicle has
been locked, the turn signal lights do not flash until they have been closed.
The current position of the seat and mirror after the vehicle is locked » page 61,
Memory function of the remote control key .
If the button 
is accidentally pressed before the key is inserted into the ignition,
press the button  to unlock the vehicle.
WARNINGIf the car is locked from the outside and the safelock system is switched on,
there must not be any person in the car as it is then not possible to open ei-
ther a door or a window from the inside. The locked doors make it more diffi-
cult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency – hazard!
Note
■ Only operate the remote control when the doors and luggage compartment lid
are closed and the vehicle is in your line of sight.■
If the driver door is open, the vehicle cannot be locked using the remote control
key.
ABSynchronization
If the vehicle does not unlock when pressing the remote control, the key may not be synchronised. This can occur when the buttons on the remote control key areactuated a number of times outside of the operative range of the equipment or
the battery in the remote control key was replaced.
This means it is necessary to synchronise the key as follows:
› press any button on the remote control key;
› pressing of the button means that the door will unlock with the key within 1 mi-
nute.

KESSY system
Introductory information
The KESSY system (Keyless Entry Start Exit System) enables a comfort unlocking
and locking of the vehicle and starting the engine without actively using the
key » page 92 , Starting and stopping the engine . The KESSY system is integra-
ted in the central locking system and all of the functions of the remote control.

Locking/unlocking
Fig. 15
KESSY: Name of the zones and unlocking/sensors in the handle of
the front door
The vehicle is locked/unlocked when the key is at a maximum distance of around
1.5 m from the handle on the front door or from the handle of the boot lid. 
33Unlocking and locking

Driving with a trailerFig. 104
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket
›
Before hitching the trailer to the vehicle, hold on to the 13-pin power socket in the area
A
» Fig. 104 and swivel it out in the direction of the arrow.
›
Remove the protective cap
5
» Fig. 99 on page 106 upwards before hitching
the trailer to the vehicle.
Safety eye
The purpose of the safety eye
2
» Fig. 99 on page 106 is to attach the break-
away cable of the trailer.
When attaching the breakaway cable to the safety eye, it must sag freely in all
trailer positions (sharp bends, in reverse, etc.).
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The headlight settings must be checked before starting a journey with a coupled
trailer. If necessary, adjust the settings with the headlight beam adjust-
ment » page 44 .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when hitching a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail- er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as a
brake.
Trailer stabilisation
The trailer stabilisation is an extension of the stabilisation control that works in
conjunction with the counter-steering assistance to reduce the amount the trail-
er "sways".
After turning on the ignition, the ESC warning light  in the instrument cluster
lights up for about 2 seconds longer than the ABS warning light.
Prerequisites: › The towing device is assembled or retrofitted ex works;
› The ESC system is active. The warning light
 or  in the instrument cluster is
not illuminated;
› The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the trailer
socket;
› The speed is higher than approx. 60 km/h;
› The trailer has a fixed drawbar;
› The ESC system works for both braked and unbraked trailers.
A trailer is connected to the anti-theft alarm system, when: › the vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing de-
vice;
› the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the trailer
socket;
› the electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is fully functional;
› the vehicle is locked with the car key and the anti-theft alarm system is activa-
ted.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated as soon as the electrical con-
nection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is connected/dis- connected » page 35, Anti-theft alarm system .
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light 
in the instrument cluster
lights up. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 174.
The following guidelines must be observed » page 15, Coolant temperature/cool-
ant level 
.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. 110Using the system

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stabilisation Control (ESC)
112
Antilock brake system (ABS)
113
Traction control system (TCS)
113
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
114WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then be without function – risk of acci-
dent!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of an accident!
■
In the event of an ABS fault, visit a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately.
Adjust your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know how great the damage is and the limitation it is placing on the braking
efficiency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 165.
Note
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL also do not work. An
ABS fault is indicated with the warning light  » page 17 .
Stabilisation Control (ESC)Fig. 105
ESC system: TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 112.
The ESC system helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is
being operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of
travel. The risk of skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving sta-
bility depending on the conditions of the road surface.
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actualbehaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the car beginning to skid,
the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light 
flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC) :
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic differential lock (EDL)
› Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR),
› Brake assistant (HBA)
› Hill hold control (HHC);
› “Multicollision brake”;
› Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
» page 110, Driving with a trailer .
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. In the Infotainment or with the button 
» Fig. 105 only the TCR can be deactivated » operating instructions for Info-
tainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .
112Using the system