2013 SKODA OCTAVIA handbrake

Using the system
Cockpit
OverviewElectrical power windows
47
Door opening lever
40
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
69
Air outlet vent
107
Parking ticket holder
80
Operating lever:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher
56
›
Speed regulating system
146
›Activating the menu item wizard
32
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag
187
›
with buttons for the operation of the information system
26
›With buttons for the Infotainment Control
» Infotainment Man-
ual , chapter Device Operation
Instrument cluster
11
Operating lever:
› Windscreen wiper and wash system
65
›Multifunction display
29
›
Information system
32
Air outlets in the central part of the dash panel
107
Infotainment
» owner's manual for the Infotainment radio or navi-
gation
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag
191
Button for hazard warning light system
61
Interior rear-view mirror
69
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
87
Front passenger airbag
18712345678910111213141516CD/DVD drive and memory card slot (in the passenger-side storage compartment) » owner's manual for the Infotainment radio and/or
navigation
Air outlet vent107
Key switch for switching off the front passenger airbag (in front passenger storage compartment)
191
Door opening lever
40
Power window in the front passenger door
48
Light switch
55
Storage compartment on the driver's side
80
Fuse box (behind the storage compartment on the driver's side)
252
Bonnet release lever
217
Operating lever for adaptive cruise control
151
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel
118
Ignition lock
120
Pedals
126
Storage compartment / Phone box » Infotainment Manual , chap-
ter Phone box
Handbrake lever
125
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)
126
›
Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
127
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating
108
›
Operating controls for the air conditioning system
110
›Operating controls for Climatronic
112
Depending on equipment fitted:
› 12-Volt power socket
84
›
Cigarette lighter
83
Bar with keys depending on the equipment fitted:
› 
Central locking system
39
› 
START STOP
158
› 
Traction control TCS
138
› 
Electronic Stability Control ESC
137
› 
Selection of driving mode
161
› 
Park Assist
142

1718192021222324252627282930313233349Cockpit

Warning lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
  Automatic Transmission
16

Handbrake
16
 Brake system
16
 Seat belt warning light
17
  Power steering
17

Traction Control System (ASR)
17
 Traction control system (TCS) off
18
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
18
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
18
 Rear fog light
19
 Exhaust inspection system
19
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
19

Engine performance check (petrol engine)
19
 Security Systems
19
 Tyre inflation pressure
20
 Brake linings
20
 
Lane following system (Lane Assist)
20


Turn signal system
20
 Trailer turn signal lights
20
 Fog lights
21
 Cruise control system
21
 Selector lever lock
21
 Main beam
21
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Some warning lights can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in the
display of the instrument cluster.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights illuminate briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few sec-
onds after switching on the ignition.
The condition of some features and systems is shown by the warning icons on
the display » page 21.
The warning lights are at the following locations in the instrument cluster » Fig. 2
on page 11.
› Revolutions counter 1
›Speedometer
3
›Bar with warning lights
5WARNING■
Ignoring illuminated warning lights and related messages or instructions in
the display of the instrument cluster may lead to serious personal injury or
damage to the vehicle.■
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 61. The warning triangle must be set up at the prescri-
bed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warn- ings » page 215 , Engine compartment .

15Instruments and warning lights

  Automatic TransmissionFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 15.
The warning lights   indicate a fault or the state of the automatic gearbox.

Warning lightMessageMeaning and Action
Error: gearbox. Reverse gear not available.
GEARBOX ERROR REV_ GEAR NOT AVAILFault in the automatic gearbox, the reverse cannot be appealed. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Error: gearbox
GEARBOX ERRORFault in the automatic gearbox.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

Gearbox overheated.
GEARBOX OVERHEATED
The temperature of the automatic gearbox clutches is too high.
 do not continue to drive!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the indicator  goes out – risk of
gearbox damage! You can continue your journey as soon as the light goes out.
If the warning indicator does not go out, do not continue driving. Seek help from a special- ist garage.

Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's manual!
STOP VEHICLE GEARBOX OVERHEAT
The temperature of the automatic gearbox clutches is too high.
 do not continue to drive!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the indicator  goes out – risk of
gearbox damage!
If the warning indicator does not go out, do not continue driving. Seek help from a special- ist garage.
Gearbox faulty. Workshop!
GEARBOX FAULTY WORKSHOPFault in the automatic gearbox.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

 Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
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!
RELEASE HANDBRAKE

 Brake system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If the warning light  lights up, the brake fluid level in the brake system is too
low.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Brake fluid: owner's manual!
BRAKE FLUID PLEASE CHECK 
16Using the system

Power steeringFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 118.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The power steering only works when the engine is running. It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-gine is not running (e.g. vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is required to turn the steering wheel.
Steering force assistance can be influenced by the selection of driving mode » page 161 .

Starting and stopping the engine using the key

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobiliser
120
Ignition switch
120
Starting the engine
120
Stopping the engine
121
Starting and stopping the engine on vehicles with the KESSY system » page 121.
The engine can only be started with an appropriate original key.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ When driving without the engine running, the ignition key must always be in
the position 2 » Fig. 115 on page 120 (ignition switched on). This position is
indicated by the illumination of certain indicator lights in the instrument clus-
ter. ■ If the key is not in position 2
, this could lead to unexpected the steering
locking - 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 vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNING■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases from the engine contain substances such as odourless and col-
ourless carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) – risk to life! ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine may be damaged if the starter is activa- ted when the engine is running 3
» Fig. 115 on page 120.
■
Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start
aid » page 243 , Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the en-
gine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
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. 
119Starting-off and Driving

For the sake of the environmentDo 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.
Note
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.
Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock.
The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is
withdrawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Immobilizer active.
IMMOBILIZER ACTIVE

Ignition switch
Fig. 115
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lockFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 119.
Petrol engines » Fig. 115
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines » Fig. 115
Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and it is impossible or difficult to turn the key into posi-
tion
2
» Fig. 115 , move the steering wheel back and forth to unlock the steering.
Note
We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light 
illuminates after the ignition has been switched on. Start
the engine after the warning light 
has gone out.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe- riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever into position P
or N.
›
Switch on the ignition
2
» Fig. 115 on page 120. 

123123120Driving

›Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.›
Turn the key into position
3
as far as it will go - the engine's starting proce-
dure will commence (do not touch the accelerator).
›
Release the key, the engine will start automatically.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
›
Release the handbrake.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Repeat
the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
Vehicles with manual transmission
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Press the clutch to start.
PRESS CLUTCH
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine will not start if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Apply the brake to start.
APPLY BRAKE
CAUTION
■ If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, one of the following
fuses may be defective. ■Petrol engine - fuse for the fuel pump.
■ Diesel engine - fuse for the glow plug control unit or fuel pump.■
Check the fuse and replace if necessary » page 251, or seek assistance from a
specialist garage.

Stopping the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 119.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position
1
» Fig. 115 on
page 120.
NoteFor vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed if
the selector lever is in position P .
Starting and stopping the engine - KESSY
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Steering lock / unlock
122
Switching on the ignition
123
Starting the engine
123
Switching off the ignition
123
Switching off the engine
123
Emergency start-up of the engine
124
Emergency ignition shutoff system
124
The KESSY system (Keyless Entry Exit System, hereinafter referred to only as sys- tem) allows the switching on or switching off of the ignition and starting or stop-
ping of the engine without the active use of the key.
A key must be in the vehicle to unlock the steering, switch on the ignition and
start the vehicle. When travelling the key must be in the vehicle.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time afterstarting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ Never leave the key in the vehicle when you exit the vehicle. This is particu-
larly 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 vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent! 
121Starting-off and Driving

If the steering is still not unlocked, then the following message is displayed on
the display of the instrument cluster.
Move the steering wheel!
MOVE STEERING WHEEL
Slightly move the steering wheel and the system will make up to 3 more attempts
to unlock after 2 seconds. At the same time, the indicator light  flashes.
If the steering is still not unlocked, to try to eliminate the possible cause and then
repeat the unlocking attempt.
Switching on the ignition
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 121.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 116 on page 122 briefly.
The ignition is switched on.
Note
The ignition is switched on when indicated by the lighting up of certain indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 121.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light 
illuminates after the ignition has been switched on. Start
the engine after the warning light 
has gone out.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe- riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever into position P
or N.
›
Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.
› Press the starter button
» Fig. 116 on page 122 briefly – the engine starts auto-
matically.›
Release the handbrake.
CAUTION
■ If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, one of the following
fuses may be defective. ■Petrol engine - fuse for the fuel pump.
■ Diesel engine - fuse for the glow plug control unit or fuel pump.■
Check the fuse and replace if necessary » page 251, or seek assistance from a
specialist garage.

Switching off the ignition
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 121.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 116 on page 122 briefly.
The ignition is switched off.
The ignition can be switched off up to a speed of 2 km/h.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, the clutch pedal must not be de-
pressed after switching off the ignition, otherwise the system would try to start.
For automatic transmission vehicles, the brake pedal must not be depressed,
otherwise the system will try to start.
If the driver's door is opened while the igition is on, an audible signal sounds andthe following message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Ignition on!
IGNITION STILL ON
When leaving the vehicle always switch off the ignition.

Switching off the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 121.
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 116 on page 122 . 
123Starting-off and Driving

The engine and the ignition are switched off simultaneously.
Emergency start-up of the engine
Fig. 117
Emergency start-up of engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 121.
If the authorisation check for the key fails, the following message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Key not found.
NO KEY
The emergency start-up must be completed.
› Press the starter button directly with the key
» Fig. 117.
Or
› Press the starter button and then hold the key to the starter button.
Note
During an emergency start-up of the engine, the key bit must face the starter
button » Fig. 117 .
Emergency ignition shutoff system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 121.
The ignition can be turned off in an emergency even when travelling at a speed of
more than 2 km / hr.
› Press the starter button
» Fig. 116 on page 122 for longer than 1 second or twice
within 1 second.
After emergency stop of the ignition, the steering is unlocked.

Brakes
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
125
Handbrake
125WARNING■ Greater physical effort for braking is required when the engine is switched
off – risk of accident!■
During the braking procedure on a vehicle with manual transmission, when
the vehicle is in gear and at low revs, press the clutch pedal. If you fail to do
so, the functionality of the brake booster can be impaired – risk of accident!
■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle might then move off – risk of accident!
WARNING■ In the event of damage occurring to the standard fitted front spoiler or the
retrofitting of another front spoiler, wheel hubs etc. » page 200, Service work,
adjustments and technical alterations , It must be ensured that the air supply
to the front brakes is not impaired. The front brakes may overheat which can
have a negative impact on the functioning of the braking system – risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 131.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear.

124Driving