2012 SKODA OCTAVIA open bonnet

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

Using the system
Cockpit
OverviewElectrical power windows
38
Door opening lever on the driver's side
29
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
58
Air outlet vent on the driver's side
82
Operating lever:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher
45
›Speed regulating system
119
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag
147
›With pushbuttons for radio, navigation system and mobile
phone
134
Instrument cluster: Instruments and warning lights
9
Operating lever:
› Multifunction display
22
›Windscreen wiper and wash system
53
Air outlet vents, middle
82
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Infotainment Radio
» operating instructions for Infotainment
Radio
› Infotainment Navigation
» operating instructions for the Info-
tainment Navigation
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag
151
Switch for hazard warning lights
49
Interior rear-view mirror
57
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
73
Front passenger airbag
147
CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive and memory card slot (in the passenger-side
storage compartment) » operating instructions for Infotainment
Radio and/or Infotainment Navigation
12345678910111213141516Air outlet vent on the front passenger side82Key switch for switching off the front passenger airbag (in front
passenger storage compartment)151
Door opening lever on the front passenger side
29
Electric power-operated window front passenger side
40
Light switch
44
Fuse box (behind the storage compartment in the dash panel)
200
Bonnet release lever
171
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel
93
Ignition lock
94
Pedals
99
Storage compartment
74
Handbrake lever
98
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)
99
›Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
130
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating
83
›Operating controls for the air conditioning system
84
›
Operating controls for Climatronic
86
Depending on equipment fitted:
› 12-Volt power socket
71
›Cigarette lighter
70
Bar with keys depending on the equipment fitted:
› 
Central locking system
32
› 
START STOP
121
› 
Traction control TCS
113
› 
Electronic Stability Control ESC
112
› 
Selection of driving mode
124
› 
Park Assist
116
› 
Parking aid
114
› 
Tyre inflation pressure calibration
185
Depending on equipment fitted:
› USB/AUX input
134
›MEDIA IN input
134

17181920212223242526272829303132337Cockpit

orCHECK OIL LEVEL
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 172 .
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds.
If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km.
The indicator light  flashes (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Oil sensor: workshop!
or
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes 
several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.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.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible  to top
up the engine oil under the prevailing conditions! Switch off the engine and
seek assistance from a ŠKODA specialist garage.

Power steering  
If the warning light 
lights up, this indicates a partial failure of the power steer-
ing and the steering forces can be greater. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage.
If the warning light 
lights up, this indicates a complete failure of the power
steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering forces).
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 93.
WARNINGIf 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.
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. If the yellow warning light  does not go out after start-
ing the engine again and a short drive, it is necessary to visit a ŠKODA specialist
garage.
Traction control system (TCS) 
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 112 .
The warning light flashes 
to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the ASR.
If the warning light 
comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ASR
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 ASR
is fully functional again.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Error: traction control
or
ASR ERROR
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 112 and » page 113 , Traction control system (TCS) .
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance.
16Using 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

Parking the vehicle
If the vehicle is not unlocked within 60 or 90 seconds, the sensors in the handle of the driver /front passenger's door is deactivated automatically » Fig. 15 on
page 33.
Activation after 60 hours›
Unlock the driver's door using the sensor
2
» Fig. 15 on page 33.
›
Press the handle of the boot lid.
›
Unlock the vehicle using the button  on the remote control key.
›
Unlocking the driver's door in an emergency
» page 36.
Activation after 90 hours
›
Unlock the vehicle using the button  on the remote control key.
›
Unlocking the driver's door in an emergency
» page 36.

Anti-theft alarm system
Introductory information
The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against people
seeking to break into the vehicle. The system triggers audible and visual warning
signals if an attempt is made to break into the vehicle.
Activating
The anti-theft alarm system is activated by locking the vehicle or inserting the key in the driver's door. It is activated 30 seconds after locking the door.
If you unlock the vehicle and do not open a door or the boot lid within the next45 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.
Deactivating
The anti-theft alarm system is deactivated by unlocking the vehicle. If the vehicle
is not opened within 45 seconds, the anti-theft alarm system is automatically ac-
tivated again.
The alarm system is also deactivated if you unlock the driver door using the key
within 45 seconds of locking the vehicle.
If the vehicle is unlocked by inserting the key into the driver door, the key must
be inserted into the ignition lock and the ignition switched on within 15 seconds
of unlocking the door to deactivate the alarm system. The alarm is triggered if
the ignition is not switched on within 15 seconds.
Triggering the alarm
An alarm is triggered when the following monitored areas of the vehicle have a fault:
› bonnet;
› boot lid;
› doors;
› ignition lock;
› Vehicle inclination
» page 36;
› Interior of the vehicle
» page 36;
› A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply;
› Socket of the factory-fitted towing device
» page 110, Driving with a trailer .
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is discon-
nected while the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
Switching off the alarm
The alarm is switched off by unlocking the vehicle or switching on the ignition.
CAUTION
Before leaving the car, it must be checked that all of the windows, doors and the
sliding/tilting roof are properly closed to ensure the full functionality of the anti-
theft alarm system.
Note
The working life of the alarm siren is 5 years.
35Unlocking and locking

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

Automatic gearbox
Automatic transmission
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Introductory information
129
Starting-off and driving
130
Selector lever positions
130
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
131
Selector lever lock
131
Kickdown function
132
Dynamic shift programme
132
Emergency programme
132
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
133WARNING■ Do not depress the accelerator if changing the position of the selector lever
when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running – risk of accident!■
Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving – risk of an
accident!
■
When the vehicle is stationery and the engine is running, stopping the vehi-
cle requires you pressing the brake pedal in all selector lever settings. When
the engine is idling, the power transmission is never completely interrupted -
the vehicle creeps.
■
The selector lever must be placed into position P and the handbrake firmly
applied before the bonnet can be opened and work on the running engine can
be completed – risk of accident! The safety guidelines must always be ob-
served » page 169 , Engine compartment .
■
If stopping on a hill (downhill gradient), never try to maintain the vehicle sta-
tionary with the gear engaged by means of the accelerator pedal, i.e. by let-
ting the clutch slip - This can lead to overheating of the clutch. If there is a risk
of overheating of the clutch due to overload, the clutch is opened automati-
cally and the vehicle rolls backward – risk of accident!
WARNING (Continued)■ If you have to stop on a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling back.■
On a smooth or slippery road surface using the kickdown function can cause
the driven wheels to spin – risk of skidding!
Note
If the driving mode Sport or Eco » page 124 is selected and the selector lever is in
position D/S, the gearbox is automatically set to mode S or E. The mode is indica-
ted in the instrument cluster display » Fig. 120 on page 130.
Introductory information
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 129.
Starting
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N .
When the steering is locked, when the ignition is turned on or off, or when start-
ing the engine, If the selector lever is not in the positions P or N, the following
message appears in the instrument cluster display Move the selector lever to Po-
sition P/N! or ENGAGE N OR P .
Shifting gears
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. The gearbox
can also be switched to Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it possible for you to
also shift gears manually » page 131.
If the selector lever position N is accidentally selected while driving, it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for the idling speed of the engine to be reached before the selector lever can be engaged in the driveposition.
At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the selector lever position P.
Parking
When parking on a level road surface, it suffices to engage selector lever position
P . 
129Automatic gearbox

■Engine parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the one
prescribed is used.■
In no case may fuel additives with metal components be used, especially not
with manganese and iron content. Do not use any LRP fuels (lead replacement petrol) with metal parts - risk of serious damage to parts of the engine or exhaust
system!
■
Do not use any fuels with metal parts - risk of serious damage to parts of the
engine or exhaust system!
■
The use of unsuitable fuel additives can cause considerable damage to parts of
the engine or the exhaust system.

Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 167.
Your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel, which complies with the
standard EN 590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in
Austria, GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia).
All diesel engines can be operated with diesel fuel with a maximum content of
7 % bio-fuel (B7), which complies with the standard DIN 52638 in Germany (in
Austria C 1590, in France EN 590).
Operation in winter – Winter-grade diesel fuel In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operateproperly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. The ŠKODA Partners and
filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with information
regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures operation of
a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of -25 °C.
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar products) must not
be added to the diesel fuel.
CAUTION■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!■
Damage caused by using diesel fuel which does not comply with the standards
are excluded from the warranty.
■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that the
fuel system is cleaned by a ŠKODA Partner.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
■
Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must not
be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) can cause considerable damage
to parts of the engine or fuel system.
■
Comply with the proscribed oil change intervals.

Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
171
Engine compartment overview
172
Checking the engine oil level
172
Replenishing the engine oil
173
Changing engine oil
173
Coolant
173
Checking the coolant level
174
Replenishing the coolant
175
Radiator fan
175
Checking the brake fluid
175
Brake fluid change
176
Windscreen washer system
176

169Inspecting and replenishing