2012 SKODA OCTAVIA catalytic converter

Table of Contents
Abbreviations
Using the system
Cockpit
7
Overview
6
Instruments and warning lights
9
Instrument cluster
9
Warning lights
12
Information system
21
Introductory information
21
Outside temperature
21
Recommended gear
21
Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
21
Eco tips
21
Driving data (Multifunction display)
22
Information display
25
Traffic sign recognition
25
Fatigue detection (break recommendation)
27
Unlocking and locking
28
Vehicle key
28
Child safety lock
29
Open door and close
29
Central locking system
29
Locking/unlocking with the key
31
Vehicle locking/unlocking from the inside
32
Remote control
32
KESSY system
33
Anti-theft alarm system
35
Emergency unlocking/locking
36
Luggage compartment lid
37
Electrical power windows
38
Power panoramic sliding/sliding tilting roof
41Lights and visibility43Lights43
Interior light
51
Visibility
52
Windscreen wipers and washers
53
Rear mirror
56
Seats and Stowage
59
Front seats
59
Seat heaters
62
Head restraints
63
Rear seats
63
Boot
64
Roof rack system
68
Cup holder
69
Ashtray
70
Cigarette lighter
70
Sockets
71
Storage compartments
72
Clothes hooks
79
Parking ticket holder
80
Heating and air conditioning system
81
Heating and air conditioning system
81
Air outlets
82
Heating
83
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning system)
84
Climatronic (automatic air conditioningsystem)
86
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating andventilation)
88
Starting-off and Driving
92
Starting and stopping the engine
92
KESSY system
95
Brakes
97
Shifting
99
Pedals
99Driving and the Environment100Running in100
Catalytic converter
100
Economical and environmentally friendly
driving
101
Environmental compatibility
103
Driving abroad
104
Driving through water on the street
104
Towing a trailer
106
Towing device
106
Loading a trailer
109
Driving with a trailer
110
Assist systems
112
Brake assist systems
112
Parking aid
114
Park Assist
116
Cruise control system (CCS)
119
START/STOP
121
Select driving mode
124
ProActive passenger protection
125
Lane Assist
126
Automatic gearbox
129
Automatic transmission
129
Communication
134
Introductory information
134
Declaration of conformity
134
Warning statement
134
Phonebox
135
Multimedia
135
Safety
Passive Safety
138
General information
138
Correct seated position
1393Table of Contents

The fuel tank has a capacity of about 50 litres. The warning light lights up whenthe pointer reaches the reserve marking » page 18 .
CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! An irregular supply of fuel can
lead to irregular engine running. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system
and damage the catalytic converter.
Note
The arrow  next to the icon  within the fuel gauge displays the installation lo-
cation of the fuel filler on the right side of the vehicle.
Counter for distance driven
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 9.
Daily trip counter (trip)
The daily trip counter shows the distance driven since the time the counter was
last reset - in steps of 100 m.
The daily trip counter can be reset by briefly pressing the button
6
» Fig. 2 on
page 9.
Odometer
The odometer indicates the total distance which the vehicle has been driven.

Setting the time
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 9.
›
Press the button
6
» Fig. 2 on page 9 and keep it pressed down until the Time
appears.
›
Release the button
6
- the currently set time is displayed.
›
Press the button
6
again and set the hours.
›
Wait around 4 seconds - the system switches to the minutes setting.
›
Press the button
6
again and set the minutes.
The time can also be set in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotain-
ment , chapter Unit setup .

Display the charge level of the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 9.
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Press the button
6
» Fig. 3 on page 22 and keep it pressed down until Battery
status /BATTERY appears.
›
Release the button
6
- the current charge level of the vehicle battery is dis-
played in %.

Service Interval Display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 9.
Service message
Before reaching the service interval, the icon 
appears in the display after the
ignition is switched on, together with the message:
Service in ... km or ... day(s).
or SERVICE IN... km OR ... DAYS
The kilometre indicator or the days indicator reduces in steps of 100 km or, where
applicable, days until the service due date is reached.
Once the service interval is reached, the icon 
appears in the display after the
ignition is switched on, together with the message:
Service now!
or SERVICE NOW
Displaying the distance and days until the next service interval › Switch on the ignition.
› Press the button
6

» Fig. 2 on page 9 and keep it pressed down until Service
appears.
› Release the button
6
.
The icon 
appears in the display, together with the message:
Service in ... km or ... day(s). 
11Instruments and warning lights

Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position
93
Power steering
93
Electronic immobiliser
93
Ignition lock
94
Starting engine
94
Switching the engine off
94
Starting and stopping the engine on vehicles with the KESSY system » page 95.
WARNING■
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!■
Maintain a distance of 25 cm
1
to the steering wheel » Fig. 89 on page 93
–  . Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system
will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■
The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the journey – risk of accident!
■
If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.
■
When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of the steering wheel). In such cases, you could injure the arms, hands and head
when the driver airbag is deployed.
WARNING (Continued)■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2 » Fig. 90 on
page 94 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result
in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – risk of accident!■
Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – risk of accident or injury!
■
Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas – hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death.
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3 » Fig. 90 on
page 94), if the engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if
the starter is activated when the engine is running.■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■
Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage the catalytic converter. The battery from an- other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 195.
■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation of heat when the engine is switched off.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. 92Using the system

Driving and the Environment
Running in
New engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres
›
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than lateruntil all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period
is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked by the start of the red scale area of the revolutions counter.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the nextgear when the red area is reached. Very high engine speeds when accelerating
(accelerator) are automatically restricted »
.
If the engine is no longer running smoothly, do not drive with unnecessarily low
engine revs on a vehicle with manual transmission. Shift down. Observe the rec-
ommended gear » page 21.
CAUTION■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in the sudden increase in revs beyond
the permissible maximum rpm and thus cause engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in in-
dividual gears.
■
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature.
For the sake of the environment
Never drive with unnecessarily high engine revs. Shifting up sooner helps save on
fuel, reduces engine noises and protects the environment.
New tyres
New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive
especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.

New brake pads
New brake pads initially do not provide optimal braking performance. They first need to be “run in”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.

Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter) is of major
significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally conscious way.
› Vehicles fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded
petrol » page 168 .
› Do not pour too much oil into the engine
» page 172, Checking the engine oil
level .
› Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory. 
100Using the system

WARNING■In view of the high temperatures which can be produced in the catalytic con-
verter, the vehicle should be parked in such a way that the catalytic converter
cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials under the vehicle –
risk of fire!■
Never use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields – risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and exhaust system.■
Just filling the tank with leaded petrol once will damage the exhaust system!

Economical and environmentally friendly driving
Introductory information
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve- hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to
make best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
› your personal style of driving;
› the conditions under which your vehicle is operated;
› technical aspects.
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 -15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to
avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving, less braking and consequently less accelerating are required.
If possible, let your vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set of traffic lights is on red, for example.

Shifting to save energy
Fig. 95
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approx. 2 000 revolutions.
An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe the
recommended gear » page 21.
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 95.
Automatic gearbox › Slowly
apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress it to the kickdown
position.
› If the accelerator pedal is only depressed slowly on a vehicle fitted with an au-
tomatic gearbox, an economic driving programme is automatically selected.

101Driving and the Environment

Avoiding full throttleFig. 96
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km. and speed
in km/h
The slower you drive, the more the fuel savings.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consump- tion but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of your vehi-
cle.
The maximum speed of your vehicle should, as far possible, never be used. Fuel
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at
high speeds.
The » Fig. 96 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle.
Fuel consumption will be halved if only three-quarters of the possible top speed
of your vehicle is used.

Reducing idling
Idling also costs fuel.
In vehicles not equipped with the START-STOP system, turn off the engine when
in a traffic jam, at a level crossing or traffic lights with longer wait times.
Even after just 30-40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is needed
when you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating
temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particularly
high in the warming-up phase. Therefore, start driving as soon as the engine has
started. whereby high engine speeds should be avoided.

Avoid short distancesFig. 97
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We therefore recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel consump- tion drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption stabilises once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating tempera-
ture.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The im-
age » Fig. 97 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a certain
distance at a temperature of +20 °C and a temperature of -10 °C.
Your vehicle has a higher fuel consumption in Winter than in Summer.

Convenience consumers
The convenience consumers include:
› The air conditioning system;
› Rear window heater;
› Windscreen heater;
› Heating of the external mirror;
› Rear fog light;
› Fog lights;
› Heated front seats;
› Auxiliary heating (parking heating).
We recommend you keep the convenience consumers on for as long as necessary. 
102Using the system

Rubber sealsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 159.
The rubber seals on doors, door panels, and the sliding roof remain smoother and
last longer if the seals are treated regularly with a suitable rubber care product.
This helps to prevent leakages and premature wear of the seals. Rubber seals
which are well cared for also do not stick together in cold winter weather.

Door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 159.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
When washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the lock- ing cylinders.
Note
We recommend that suitable materials from ŠKODA Original Accessories are used for maintaining the door lock cylinders.
Wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 159.
Wheel rims
Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular ba- sis. Regularly remove salt and brake abrasion from the wheel rims otherwise the material will be affected. Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be
touched up immediately.
Light alloy wheels
After washing thoroughly and treat the wheel rims with a protective product for
light alloy wheels. Products which cause abrasion must not be used to treat the
wheel rims.
WARNINGWater, ice and grit in the brake system can affect the braking efficiency – risk
of accident!
CAUTION
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may
show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the steering
wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of the steering.
This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
Note
We recommend that any repairs to damaged paintwork are carried out by a
ŠKODA Partner.
Underbody protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 159.
The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and mechani-
cal influences.
As damage to the protective layer when driving cannot be ruled out completely,
we recommend that you inspect the protective layer on the underside of your ve- hicle and on the chassis at specific intervals – preferably at the beginning and end
of the winter.
ŠKODA Partners have suitable spray products and the necessary equipment
available, and are familiar with the instructions for use. We therefore recommend
that touch-up work or additional corrosion protection measures are carried out by
a ŠKODA Partner.
WARNINGNever use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters or heat shields. When
the engine reaches its operating temperature, these substances might ignite
– risk of fire!

163Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle

›If the engine does not start, terminate the attempt to start the engine after
10 seconds and wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the process.›
Disconnect the cables in exactly the reverse order to the one described above.

Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 168
Engine compartment: Earth
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 195.
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, the jump-start cable of the charger
must never be connected directly to the negative pole of the vehicle battery, but
only to the engine earth » Fig. 168.

Towing the vehicle

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye
197
Rear towing eye
197
Vehicles a towing device
198
Vehicles with manual transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow rope
or with the front or rear wheels raised.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at rear, the automatic
gearbox is damaged!
A tow bar is the safest way of towing a vehicle and also minimises any shocks.
Only use a tow rope if a suitable tow bar is not available.
The following guidelines must be observed.
Driver of the tow vehicle›
Release the clutch particularly gently when starting off or depress the accelera-
tor particularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
›
On vehicles with a manual transmission, only push down on the accelerator pedal once the rope is taught.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
›
Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not blocked and so that the
turn signal lights, horn, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer system can be switched on.
›
Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if the ve-
hicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the en-
gine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force is re- quired to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught.
CAUTION
■ Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage or destroy the catalytic converter. The bat-
tery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 195, Jump-start-
ing .■
If the gearbox of your vehicle no longer contains any oil because of a defect,
your vehicle must only be towed in with the driven wheels raised clear of the
ground, or on a special vehicle transporter or trailer.
■
The vehicle must be transported on a special vehicle or trailer if it is not possible
to tow in the vehicle in the way described or if the towing distance is greater than
50 km.
■
To protect both vehicles when tow-starting or towing, the tow rope should be
elastic. Thus one should only use plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a simi-
larly elastic material. 
196Do-it-yourself