2013 SKODA OCTAVIA warning lights

Switching on/offFig. 111
Button for switching on/off the system directly on the operating
part of the air conditioning/Climatronic
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 115.
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) can be switched on/off as follows.
Manually switching on using the button on the operating part of the manual air conditioning/Clima-
tronic. The indicator light in the button illuminates » Fig. 111.
by using the radio remote control » page 116
Manually switching off
using the button on the operating part of the manual air conditioning/Clima-
tronic. The indicator light in the button goes out » Fig. 111.
by using the radio remote control » page 116
After switching the system off, the auxiliary heating will continue running a little
while longer in order to burn the remaining fuel in the auxiliary heater.
After switching off the auxiliary heating, the coolant pump runs for a short period.
Switching on automatically
The auxiliary heater is switched on according to the Infotainment settings » Info-
tainment manual , chapter Vehicle settings .
When automatic switching on is activated, the indicator light in the symbol button  lights up for about 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off.
Switching off automatically
Turning off the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) occurs in the following cases. › The set switch-off has been achieved
» Operating instructions for Infotainment ,
chapter Vehicle settings .
› The fuel level has reached the reserve area (the warning icon
 illuminates).
› The charge state of the vehicle battery has reduced too much
» page 224.
Radio remote control
Fig. 112
Auxiliary heating (aux. heating):
Radio remote control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
Explanation of graphic » Fig. 112
Aerial
Warning light
Switch on the auxiliary heating
Switch off the auxiliary heating
The transmitter and the battery are housed in the housing of the remote control. The receiver is located in the interior of the vehicle.
When the battery is fully charged, the range of the remote control is a few hun-
dred metres. Obstacles between the radio remote control and the vehicle, bad
weather conditions and a weaker battery can clearly reduce the range.
To switch the auxiliary heating (aux. heating) on or off, hold the remote control
vertical, with the aerial
A
pointing upwards. The antenna must not be covered
with the fingers or the palm of the hand during this process.
The auxiliary heating can only be switched on/off safely using the radio remote control, if the distance between the radio remote control and the vehicle is at
least 2 m. 
AB116Using the system

After pressing the button, the warning light in the remote control gives the
user different kinds of feedback:Display warning light B » Fig. 112MeaningLights up green for around 2 seconds.The auxiliary heating has been switch-
ed on.Lights up red for around 2 seconds.The auxiliary heating has been switch-
ed off:Slowly flashes green for around 2 sec- onds.The ignition signal was not received.Quickly flashes green for around 2 sec-
onds.The auxiliary heating is blocked, e. g.
because the tank is nearly empty or
there is a fault in the auxiliary heating.Flashes red for around 2 seconds.The switch off signal was not received.Lights up orange for around 2 seconds,
then green or red.The battery is weak, however the
switching on or off signal was received.Lights up orange for around 2 seconds,
then flashes green or red.The battery is weak, however the
switching on or off signal was not re-
ceived.Flashes orange for around 5 seconds.The battery is discharged, however the
switching on or off signal was not re-
ceived.
Replace the battery » page 247.
CAUTION
The radio remote control comprises electronic components and must therefore be
protected against water, severe impacts and direct sunlight.
117Heating and air-conditioning

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

Information on brakingFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 124.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system consid-
ers the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light flashes
automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped,
the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches on.
The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically after accelerating
or driving off again.
Before driving a long distance at a steep incline, reduce speed and shift into the
next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reduc- ing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermit-tently, not continuously.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
If operated under severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a specialist garage between service appointments as well.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-ly, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 16,  Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Handbrake
Fig. 118
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 124.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the lock but-
ton » Fig. 118 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Release the parking brake!
PARKING BRAKE ON PLEASE RELEASE
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds. 
125Starting-off and Driving

WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which is
only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!

Manual shifting of gears and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
126
Pedals
126
Manual gear changing
Fig. 119
Gearshift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 126.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear on the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 27.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni- tion is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mecha-nism to wear excessively.
Pedals
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 126.
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two correspond- ing attachment points, may be used.
Only use factory-supplied foot mats or formats from the range of ŠKODA Original
Accessories, which are fitted to two attachment points.
WARNINGNo objects may be placed in the driver's footwell – risk due to obstruction or
limitation of pedal operation.

Automatic transmission
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Modes and use of selector lever
127
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
128
Starting-off and driving
129

126Driving

›Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.›Deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through water
» page 158.WARNING■
Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power and
extend the braking distance – risk of accident!■
Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■
After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and dried
as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for the pur-
pose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this.
Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
CAUTION
■ When driving through bodies of water, some parts of the vehicle such as the
engine, gearbox, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permissible
water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water making it difficult or im-
possible to drive through the body of water.
■
Do not drive through salt water. The salt can lead to corrosion. Any vehicle parts
that have come into contact with salt water must be rinsed immediately with
fresh water.
Note
After driving through water, we recommend having the vehicle checked by a spe-
cialist garage.
Driving abroad
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unleaded petrol
136
Headlights
136In certain countries it is also possible that the ŠKODA Partner network is limited
or has not been established yet. This is the reason why procuring certain spare
parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garages may only be able to
make limited repairs.
Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 136.
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded pet-rol » page 213 . Information regarding the locations of filling stations that offer
unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the automobile associations.

Headlights
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 136.
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side ofthe road on which the vehicle is being driven to a greater extent.
When driving in countries in which the traffic drives on the other side of the roadthan in your home country, the asymmetrical low beam may dazzle oncoming
drivers. In order to avoid this, the headlights must be adjusted at a specialist ga-
rage.
You can adjust the Xenon headlights yourself by setting the "tourist light" mode
in Infotainment » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle set-
tings (button CAR) .
Note
You can find out more information on adjusting the headlights at a specialist ga-
rage.
136Driving

Activate/deactivate TCS
Within the ESC system, the TCS can be activated or deactivated in the Infotain-
ment » Infotainment manual , chapter Vehicle settings (key CAR) or with the sym-
bol key  » Fig. 127 .
› Briefly press the symbol button
.
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster and the following message
is shown on the display.
Traction control (ASR) deactivated.
ASR OFF
› Press the symbol button
 again.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster and the following message
is shown on the display.
Traction control (ASR) activated.ASR ON
Enable/disable ESC Sport Within the ESC system, the ESC SPORT can be deactivated or activated in the In-
fotainment » Infotainment manual , chapter Vehicle settings (key CAR) or with the
symbol key 
» Fig. 127 .
ESC Sport is a setting intended for a sporty way of driving. By activating ESC
Sport, the TCS is disabled and the activation of the ESC procedure is delayed so
that the sporty drive will not be compromised if applicable.
› Press and hold the symbol button

.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster and the following message
is shown on the display.
ESC sport: directional stabil. restricted.
ESC SPORT
› Press the symbol button

again.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster and the following message
is shown on the display.
Stabilisation control (ESC) activated.
ESC ONCAUTIONBy activating ESC Sport, TCS is automatically deactivated. As a result of this, some
of the other vehicle system functions may be limited.
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 137.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pressure
on the brake pedal.

Traction Control System (TCS)
Fig. 128
TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 137.
If the wheels are slipping, the TCS system adapts the engine speed to the condi-
tions of the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate
and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
The TCS function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 137 . 
138Driving

During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example.
› When driving with snow chains.
› When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
› When it is necessary to “rock” a car free when it has become stuck.
The TCS can be deactivated in the Infotainment or with the symbol button

» Fig. 128 » Infotainment manual , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the TCR is deactiva-
ted.
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 137.
EDL
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and
transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches itself off automatically, in order to avoid excessive heat genera-
tion in the disc brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be
driven and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL
switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
XDS
XDL is an extension to the electronic differential lock. XDL does not respond to traction, but to the load relief of the inner front wheel of the driving axle during
fast cornering.
The automatic brake intervention on the brake of the wheel with reduced load prevents the wheel from spinning. Thus, the traction is improved and the vehicle can continue to follow the desired track.

Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 137.
The DSR indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommendation in
order to stabilise the vehicle. The DSR is activated, for example, on the right and
left vehicle side when braking sharply on different road surfaces.

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 137.
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.
The HBA is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. To achieve
the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly un-
til the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
The HBA is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released.The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the HBA.

Hill Hold Control (HHC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 137.
HHC allows you, when driving on slopes, to move your foot from the brake pedal
to the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brakepedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator pedal. Ifthe vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
The HHC is active from a 5% slope if the driver's door is closed. HHC is always ac-tive on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving downhill, it is in- active.

139Assist systems