2012 SKODA OCTAVIA ESP

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

Information system
Introductory information
The information system provides the driver with alerts and messages about indi-
vidual vehicle systems. These alerts and messages appear in the display of the in- strument cluster
2
» Fig. 2 on page 9.
The following is displayed in the information system:
› The outside temperature
» page 21;
› Recommended gear
» page 21;
› Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
» page 21;
› Eco tips
» page 21 ;
› Service Interval Display
» page 11;
› Auto Check Control
» page 12
› some warning lights
» page 12;
› Driving data
» page 22;
› Warning against excessive speeds
» page 24
› Data on the information display
» page 25;
› Traffic sign recognition
» page 25;
› Fatigue detection system
» page 27;
› Selector lever positions for an automatic gearbox
» page 130;
› Information and alerts in the Assist systems
» page 112.

Outside temperature
The current outside temperature is indicated in the display of the instrument cluster.
If the outside temperature drops below +4 °C while driving, a snow flake symbol
(warning signal for ice on the road) appears before the temperature indicator and
an audible signal will sound.
If the outside temperature is less than +4 °C when the ignition is turned on, a
snow flake symbol appears in the display and an acoustic signal sounds. After
pressing the rocker switch
A
or the adjustment wheel
D
» Fig. 3 on page 22,
the function shown last is indicated.
WARNINGEven at temperatures around +4 °C, black ice may still be on the road surface!
Do not only rely upon the information given on the outside temperature dis-
play that there is no ice on the road.

Recommended gear
In order to minimise the fuel consumption, a recommendation for shifting into an- other gear is indicated in the display.
Information about the currently-selected gear is shown in the upper part of the
display. When the system determines that a change in gear is required, the arrow
symbol 
and the recommended gear appears next to the current gear indication.
For instance, if 


appears in this display, this means it is recommended that
you shift from 3rd into 4th gear.
WARNINGThe driver is always responsible for selecting the correct gear in different driv-
ing situations, such as overtaking.

Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
If at least one door is open, or the boot or bonnet is open, the instrument cluster
display indicates the relevant open door or boot/bonnet.
An acoustic signal will also sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h.

Eco tips
To minimise fuel consumption, fuel economy tips can appear in the display.
Eco tips are indicated next to the letters ECO-TIP.
For instance, if the air-condition is on and a window is open, the following mes- sage appears ECO TIP Air conditioning switched on: close windows.
Eco tips display must be activated in the Infotainment » operating instructions for
Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings .

21Information system

The detected traffic signs appear in the instrument cluster display in the follow-
ing menu:
■ Driving data
■ Traffic sign
Additional display
If the menu item is not currently displayed with traffic sign detection, the traffic
sign is displayed with the speed limit in the upper area of the instrument cluster display » Fig. 7 on page 26 - .
The additional display traffic sign detection can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle
systems (CAR button) .
Traffic sign display when towing a trailer
When towing a trailer, displaying the traffic signs which apply when towing a
trailer can be activated.
The traffic sign detection display when towing a trailer can be activated/deactiva-
ted in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting
vehicle systems (CAR button) .WARNING■
Traffic sign detection only operates as a support. Real traffic signs always
have priority over electronic displays. The driver is always responsible for cor-
rectly assessing the traffic situation.■
Traffic signs may not be recognised at all by the system, or may be recog-
nised incorrectly. As a result, the traffic signs may not be displayed at all, or
the wrong one may appear.
■
Traffic sign recognition does not warn about exceeding the maximum per-
mitted speed nor does it adjust the driving speed to the maximum speed!
■
The display is based on standard national speed units. The display  in the
instrument cluster display can therefore be in km/h or mph depending on the country concerned.
Note
Traffic sign recognition is not available in all countries.
Operating principleFig. 6
Windscreen: Camera viewing
range for traffic sign recognition
Fig. 7
Instrument cluster display: Ex-
ample of traffic sign recognition
display/additional display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 25.
Traffic sign recognition allows traffic signs with maximum speeds/no overtaking
recognised by the system to be shown in the instrument cluster display.
Additional signs, such as 'when wet' or signs which only apply for a limited time
can also be displayed.
Traffic sign recognition works on the basis of the data captured by the camera
and is only able to show traffic signs which are in the camera's viewing range » Fig. 6 .
Data from the camera can be supplemented by information from the Infotainment Navigation. This is the reason why traffic signs with maximum speeds can also be shown on sections of roads which do not have any traffic signs. 
26Using the system

Traffic sign recognition may not be available or may only be available to a limited
extent in the following situation:
› in poor visibility conditions, e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall;
› when dazzled by the sun;
› when dazzled by oncoming traffic;
› when the camera viewing range is obstructed by an obstacle;
› at high speeds;
› when the traffic signs are fully or partially obscured (e.g. by trees, snow, dirt or
other vehicles);
› when the traffic signs are not standard (round with a red border);
› when the traffic signs are damaged or bent;
› when the traffic signs are fixed to signs with flashing lights;
› when the traffic signs were changed and the navigation data are out of date.
Information for the driver
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 25.
The information for the driver appears in the instrument cluster display.
No traffic signs detected.
No maximum speeds were recognised (e.g. on German motorways where there is
no speed limit).
Error: traffic sign recognition
A system error is present. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Traffic sign recognition: clean windscreen!
The windscreen is dirty, iced over or misted up in the camera viewing range. Clean
the windscreen or remove the obstacles.
Traffic sign recognition: restricted.
Infotainment Navigation is not currently providing any data. Check whether the
maps are up-to-date or the whether the vehicle is currently in a location for which
no navigation data are available.

Fatigue detection (break recommendation)
The fatigue detection system advises the driver on the basis of information about
the steering behaviour, to take a break from driving. The system recommends a
break at speeds of 65-200 km/h.
After the ignition has been switched on, the system evaluates the steering be-
haviour for 15 minutes. This baseline analysis is constantly compared with the
current steering behaviour. If the system detects deviations from normal steering
behaviour due to possible fatigue of the driver, it recommends to take a break
from driving.
The symbol  appears in the instrument cluster display, with the following mes-
sage:
Driver alert. Take a break.
or DRIVER ALERT TAKE A BREAK
An audible signal is also emitted.
The system deletes the stored baseline analysis if one of the following condi-
tions is met:
› the vehicle is stopped and the ignition is turned off,
› the vehicle is stopped, the seat belt is taken off and the driver's door is opened;
› the vehicle is stopped for more than 15 minutes.
If none of these conditions is met, the system will recommend another break
from driving.
The system can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » operating instruc-
tions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .WARNING■
For the driving ability is always the driver's responsibility. Never drive if you
feel tired.■
The system may not detect all cases where a break is needed.
■
Therefore, take regular, sufficient breaks during long trips.
■
There will be no warning during the so-called micro-sleep.
Note
■ In some situations, the system may evaluate the driving incorrectly and thus
mistakenly recommend a break (e.g. sporty driving, in adverse weather conditions,
or in bad road conditions).■
The fatigue detection system is designed primarily for motorway driving.

27Information system

Vehicle locking/unlocking from the insideFig. 13
Central locking button
If the vehicle was not locked from the outside, you can also unlock or lock it with
the button » Fig. 13 without the ignition switched on. While a door is opened, the
vehicle cannot be locked.
Locking
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 13 . The symbol 
in the button comes on.
Unlocking
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 13 . The symbol 
in the button is no longer illuminated.
The following applies if your vehicle has been locked using the central locking button.
› It is not possible to open the doors or the luggage compartment lid from the
outside (safety feature, e.g. when stopping at traffic lights etc.).
› The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by a single pull on the
opening lever of the respective door.
› In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked from the inside in order to enable rescuers to gain access to the vehicle.
WARNING■ Locked doors make it difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emer-
gency – hazard!■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Note
If the safelock system is switched on » page 30
, the door opening lever and the
central locking buttons do not operate.
Remote control
Introductory information
You can use the remote control key to:
› unlock and lock the vehicle,
› unlocking boot lid;
› open and close the windows
» page 40, Window convenience operation .
The transmitter with the battery is housed in the handle of the remote control
key. The receiver is located in the interior of the vehicle. The operating range of
the remote control key is approx. 30 m. But this range of the remote control can
be reduced if the batteries are weak.
The key has a fold-open key bit which can be used for unlocking and locking the
car manually and also for starting the engine.
The spare key must by initialised by a ŠKODA partner after the receiver unit is re-
paired or replaced. Only then can the remote control key be used again.
Note
■ The operation of the remote control may temporarily be affected by interfer-
ence from transmitters close to the car and which operate in the same frequency
range (e.g. mobile phone, TV transmitter).■
The battery must be replaced if the central locking or anti-theft alarm system
does react to the remote control at less than approx. 3 metres away » page 28.

Unlocking/locking
Fig. 14
Remote control key 
32Using the system

CAUTION■Keep the windows clean to ensure the correct functionality of the electric win-
dows.■
In the event that the windows are frozen, first of all eliminate the
ice » page 162 , De-icing windows and exterior mirrors and only then operate the
electrical power windows. Otherwise, the electrical power window mechanism
could be damaged.
■
When leaving the locked vehicle make sure that the windows are closed at all
times.
For the sake of the environment
At high speeds, you should keep the windows closed to prevent unnecessarily
high fuel consumption.
Note
The window lift system is equipped with protection against overheating. Repea-
ted opening and closing of the window can cause this mechanism to overheat. If
this happens, it will not be possible to operate the window for a short time. You
will be able to operate the window again as soon as the overheating protection
has cooled down.
Opening/closing the window from the driver seat
Fig. 22
Buttons on the driver's door
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 38.
Opening›A window is opened by pressing lightly on the respective button. The opening
process stops when one releases the button.
The window can be completely opened automatically by briefly pressing the but- ton as far as the stop. Renewed pressing of the button causes the window tostop immediately.
Closing›
The window is closed through pulling lightly on the respective upper edge of the button. The closing process stops when one releases the button.
The window can be fully closed automatically by briefly pulling the button as far as the stop. Renewed pulling of the button causes the window to stop immedi-
ately.
Buttons for the electrical power windows » Fig. 22 .
Button for electrical power window of the driver's door
Button for electrical power window of the front passenger door
Button for electrical power window of the rear right door
Button for electrical power window of the rear left doorSafety pushbutton
Safety pushbutton
The buttons for electrical power windows in the rear doors can be deactivated by pressing the safety pushbutton
S
» Fig. 22 . The buttons for the electrical power
windows in rear doors are activated again by pressing the safety pushbutton
S
again.
If the buttons for the rear doors are deactivated, the warning light 
in the safe-
ty switch
S
lights up.
ABCDS39Unlocking and locking

Lights and visibility
Lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Side lights and the low beam
44
Daylight driving light function (DAY LIGHT)
44
Turn signal and main beam light
45
Automatic driving lamp control
45
Adaptive headlights (AHL)
46
Headlight assist
47
Fog lights
48
Fog lights with the function CORNER
48
Rear fog light
48
COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function
49
Hazard warning light system
49
The light only operates if the ignition is switched on.
On models fitted with right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs
from that shown in » Fig. 25 on page 44. The symbols which mark the switch
positions are identical, however.
The low beam continues to shine while the ignition is switched on and the light
switch is in the position 
or 
. After switching off the ignition, the low beam
is switched off automatically and only the side lights come on. The side light goes
out after the ignition key is removed.
Keep the headlights lenses clean. The following guidelines must be ob- served » page 162 , Headlight lenses .
WARNING■
The activation of the lights should only be undertaken in accordance with
national legal requirements.■
The driver is always responsible for the correct settings and use of the
lights.
■
The automatic driving lamp control  only operates as a support and does
not release the driver from his responsibility to check the light and, if necessa-
ry, to switch on the light depending on the light conditions. The light sensor
cannot, for example, detect rain or snow. Under these conditions we recom- mend switching on the low beam or fog lights!
Note
■ If there is a fault in the light switch, the low beam comes on automatically.■The headlights may mist up temporarily. When the driving lights are switched
on, the light outlet surfaces are free from mist after a short period, although the
headlight lenses may still be misted up in the peripheral areas. This mist has no
influence on the life of the lighting system.■
The instruments are also illuminated when the side light, low or high beam light
is switched on. The brightness of the instrument lighting can be activated/deacti- vated in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Set-
ting vehicle systems (CAR button) .

43Lights and visibility

Side lights and the low beamFig. 25
Dash panel: Light switch and
control dial for the headlight
beam range regulation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 43.
Switching on the parking light
›
Turn the light switch to position 

A
» Fig. 25 .
Switching on the low beam
›
Turn the light switch to position 

A
» Fig. 25 .
Switching off lights (except daytime running lights)
›
Turn the light switch to position 0
A
» Fig. 25 .
Switching on the side light on both sides
›
Turn the light switch into the position 

A
» Fig. 25 and lock the vehicle.
Headlight beam adjustment
›
Turn the control dial
B
» Fig. 25 to the desired width of illumination.
The positions of the width of illumination correspond approximately to the fol-
lowing car load.
Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.All seats occupied, luggage compartment loaded.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment loaded.
WARNINGAlways adjust the headlight range adjustment in such a way that:■it does not dazzle other road users, especially oncoming traffic;■
and the range is sufficient for safe driving.-123Note■ The Bi-Xenon bulbs adapt automatically to the load and driving state of the ve-
hicle when the ignition is switched on and when driving. Vehicles that are equip- ped with Bi-Xenon headlights do not have a manual headlight range adjustment
control.■
We recommend you adjust the headlight beam when the low beam is switched
on.

Daylight driving light function (DAY LIGHT)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 43.
Switching on daytime running lights
›
Turn the light switch to position 0 or 
» Fig. 27 on page 45.
Deactivating the daytime running lights feature on vehicles without
Infotainment
›
Pull the turn signal and main beam lever to the steering wheel and push down-
wards » Fig. 26 on page 45.
›
At the same time switch on the ignition and hold the lever down in this position
for at least 3 seconds.
Activating the daytime running lights feature on vehicles without Infotainment
›
Pull the turn signal and main beam lever to the steering wheel and push up- wards » Fig. 26 on page 45.
›
At the same time switch on the ignition and hold the lever down in this position
for at least 3 seconds.
The daytime running light can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » op-
erating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR but-
ton) .
Note
When the daytime running light is switched on, the side lights (neither at the
front or rear) and the number plate lights are not lit.
44Using the system