2013 SKODA OCTAVIA steering

Side lights and low beamFig. 28
Light switch and control dial for
the headlight beam range regu-
lation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 54.
Light switch positions
A
» Fig. 28 .
Switching off lights (except daytime running lights) Automatic switching lights on and off » page 57
Switch on the parking light or parking lights on both sides » page 61
Switching on the low beam
Switch on the front fog lamp » page 59
Switching on the rear fog light » page 60
Headlight beam control 
Turning the rotary switch
B
» Fig. 28 from position 
to 
gradually activates the
headlight beam control, thereby shortening the beam of light.
The positions of the width of illumination correspond approximately to the fol-
lowing car load.
Front seats occupied, boot empty
All seats occupied, boot empty
All seats occupied, boot loaded
Driver seat occupied, boot loaded
WARNINGAlways adjust the headlight beam to satisfy the following conditions.■The vehicle does not dazzle other road users, especially oncoming vehicles.■
The beam range is sufficient for safe driving.Note■ We recommend you adjust the headlight beam when the low beam is switched
on.■
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.
■
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.

Daylight running lights (DAY LIGHT)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 54.
The daytime running lights function provides the lighting of the front of the vehi-
cle.
Switching on daytime running lights
›
The light switch
A
is in position 
or turn 
» Fig. 28 on page 55.
Activating or dectivating daytime running lights function on vehicles with Infotainment
The daytime running light can be activated or deactivated in the Infotain-
ment » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR
button) .
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. 29 on page 56.
›
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. 29 on page 56.
›
At the same time switch on the ignition and hold the lever down in this position
for at least 3 seconds. 
55Lights and visibility

The mode is active at speeds of 15 – 70 km/h and if the rear fog light is switchedon for a period of time longer than 10 seconds. The mode is deactivated when the
rear fig light is switched off for longer than 5 seconds.
Dynamic cornering lights
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted to the steering angle so that the road in the curve is illuminated. This function is active at speeds greater than
10 km.h and in all AFS modes.
Tourist light (Travel mode)
This mode makes it possible to drive in countries with opposing traffic system (driving on the left/right) without dazzling the oncoming vehicles.
When the “tourist light” mode is active, the above-mentioned modes and the side
swivel of the headlights is deactivated.
The "Tourist light" mode can be configured in the Infotainment » Operating in-
structions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .WARNINGIf the AFS system is defective, the headlights are automatically lowered to the
emergency position, which prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming traffic. This reduces the cone of light in front of the vehicle. Drive carefully and visit a
specialist garage as soon as possible.
Note
If the Eco driving mode is selected, the AFS system is deactivated » page 161.
Headlight assist
Fig. 31
Operating lever: Headlight assist
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 54.
The Headlight assist switches the headlights on/off automatically depending on
the environmental conditions.
The headlight is regulated based on data gathered by the camera attached be-
tween the windscreen and interior mirror.
The function of high beam assist can be activated or deactivated in the Infotain-ment » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR
button) .
The headlight can switch off automatically at speeds above 60 km/h. The head-
light switches off automatically when the speed falls below 30 km/h.
When the assistant automatically switches on the main beam, warning light 
is
lit in the instrument cluster.
Activating
›
Turn the light switch to the 
» Fig. 30 on page 57 position.
›
Place the lever in position
A
(spring-tensioned position) » Fig. 31.
The warning icon 
for the activated headlight assist appears in the display of
the instrument cluster.
Deactivating
›
If the headlight is currently switched on automatically, move the lever into posi-
tion
B
(spring-tensioned position) » Fig. 31.
›
If the headlight is not currently switched on automatically, move the lever into
position
A
(the headlight switches on) followed by position
B
.
If you want to reactivate the Assist, put the lever back into position
A
.
The Assist can also be deactivated when the light switch is turned from position
 to another position.
Manually switching on the headlights
If the headlight is not switched on automatically, it can be switched on manually -
put the lever into position
A
. The assistant is deactivated, the warning icon 
goes out.
Manually switching off the headlights
If the headlight is switched on automatically, it can be switched off manually -
put the lever into position
B
. The assistant is deactivated, the warning icon 
goes out. 

58Using the system

Seats and useful equipment
Adjusting the seats
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manually adjusting the front seats
72
Electric front seat adjustment
73
Head restraints
73
Memory function of the electrically adjustable seat
74
Memory function of the remote control key
75
The driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the pedals can be fully
pressed to the floor with slightly bent legs.
The seat backrest on the driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the
upper point of the steering wheel can be easily reached with slightly bent arms.
Correct adjustment of the seats is particularly important for the following: › Reaching the controls safely and quickly,
› A relaxed and fatigue-free body position.
› Achieving the maximum protection offered by the seat belts and the airbag
system.
WARNINGGeneral information■Caution when adjusting the seat! You may suffer injuries or bruises as a re-
sult of adjusting the seat without paying proper attention.■
The electric front seat adjustment is also functional when the ignition is
turned off (even with the ignition key removed). Therefore children should
never be left unattended in the vehicle.
■
The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag system –
risk of injury!
■
Never carry more people than there are number of seats in the vehicle.
WARNING (Continued)■ Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat.
Children must be fastened » page 193, Transporting children safely with a
suitable restraint system.■
At all times, the front seats and head restraints must be adjusted to match
the person's body size and the seat belt must be attached properly to provide
the most effective levels of protection to passengers.
■
Do not transport any objects on the front passenger seat except objects
(e.g. child safety seat) provided for this purpose – risk of accident!
WARNINGInformation for the driver■Only adjust the driver's seat when the vehicle is stationary – risk of accident!■
Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel, and a dis-
tance of at least 10 cm between the legs and the dash panel at the height of
the knee airbag. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the
airbag system will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■
Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell, as these may get
caught in the pedal apparatus when driving or braking » page 126. You would
then no longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or accelerate.
WARNINGInformation for the front passenger■Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel. Not maintaining this
minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to proper-
ly protect you – hazard!■
Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven – never
place your feet on the dash panel, out of the window or on the surfaces of the
seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury when braking or in the
event of an accident. If an airbag is deployed, you may suffer fatal injuries
when adopting an incorrect seated position! 
71Seats and useful equipment

Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Steering
Introduction
Fig. 113
Correct seated position for the
driver
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position
118
Power steering
119WARNING■ 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 severely injure the arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.■
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
WARNING (Continued)■ Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance A » Fig. 113 between the
steering wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm. Adjust the distance between the legs and the dash panel in the knee airbag area so that there is a distance
of at least 10 cm B
. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that
the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■
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.

Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 114
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever
below steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 118.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat » page 71.
›
Swivel the lever underneath the steering wheel downwards » Fig. 114.
›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
›
Push the lever upwards to the stop.
WARNINGThe 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!

118Driving

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

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 system can recognize the valid key, even if it has been forgotten, for exam-
ple, in the front of the vehicle roof D » Fig. 14 on page 38 - There is danger of
loss or damage to the key! It is therefore not always necessary to know where
the key is.■
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.
■
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.
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.
Note
■ The vehicle can not be locked if the ignition has not been turned off.■The system is protected against inadvertently switching off the engine while
driving, this means that the engine can only be switched off in an emergen- cy » page 124 .■
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. after switching off the ignition and opening
the driver's door), the steering is enabled only when the ignition is switched on or the engine is started.

Steering lock / unlock
Fig. 116
Starter button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
The steering lock (steering lock) deters attempted theft of your vehicle.
Locking
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Switch off the engine or the ignition by pressing the starter button » Fig. 116.
›
Open the driver door.
The steering is locked automatically.
If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off afterwards, the
steering is only locked after the vehicle is locked.
Unlocking
›
Open the driver's door and get into the vehicle.
›
Close the driver's door.
The steering is unlocked within 2 seconds.
If the system does not unlock the steering at the first time (for example when the
front wheels are in contact with an obstacle), then two more unlocking attempts
are performed automatically. 
122Driving