2013 SKODA OCTAVIA ignition

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
137
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
138
Traction Control System (TCS)
138
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
139
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
139
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
139
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
139
Multicollision brake
140WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of accident!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of accident!
■
In the event of an ABS fault, visit a specialist garage immediately. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know
how great the damage is and the limitation it is placing on the braking effi-
ciency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 200.
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL also do not work. An
ABS fault is indicated with the warning light  » page 18 .

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Fig. 127
ESC button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
The ESC system helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is
being operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of
travel. The risk of skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving sta-
bility depending on the conditions of the road surface.
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actualbehaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the car beginning to skid,
the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light 
flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
› Antilock Brake System (ABS)
» page 138.
› Traction control (TCS)
» page 138.
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
» page 139.
› Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
» page 139.
› Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
» page 139.
› Hill Hold Control (HHC)
» page 139.
› Multicollision brake
» page 140.
› Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
» page 173, Driving with a trailer .
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. Only some systems with built-in ESC
can be deactivated or activated. 
137Assist systems

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

Automatic system activation when moving forwardFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 140.
Automatic activation takes place at a speed below around 10 km/h under the fol-
lowing conditions.
› The distance to the obstacle at the front is less than around 90 cm.
› The distance to the obstacle at the front is less than around 30 cm.
› The distance to the obstacle to the side of the vehicle is less than around
30 cm.
After activation, the following is shown in the left pane of the Infotainment dis-
play » Fig. 130 on page 141 - 
.
Acoustic signals are sounded as of a distance from the obstacle of around 50 cm.
Automatic display can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » Infotain-
ment manual , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .

Road display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 140.
The display of the upcoming road changes depending on the steering angle
A
» Fig. 130 on page 141 - 
.
Obstacles that are located on the road are represented by the following colours.
› Red – the distance to the obstacle is less than about 30 cm.
› Yellow – the distance to the obstacle is more than about 30 cm.
Obstacles that are not located on the road are represented by the following col-
ours.
› Red – the distance to the obstacle is less than about 30 cm.
› White – the distance to the obstacle is more than about 30 cm.
The road ahead is displayed when a forward gear or Neutral is engaged or the se-
lector lever is in position N.
The road behind the vehicle is displayed when reverse gear is engaged or the se-
lector lever is in position R.

Park assist
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Finding a parking space
143
Parking
144
Manoeuvring out of a parallel parking space
145
Automatic brake assist
145
Information messages
145
The parking aid is part of the park assist system, therefore the information and
safety guidelines » page 140 , Parking aid must also be read and observed.
Park Assist (in the following referred to as the system) helps drivers park in suita- ble parallel and perpendicular parking places and also to manoeuvre out of paral-lel parking spaces.
The system only operates if the ignition is switched on. The displays, messages and system instructions are displayed in the MAXI DOTdisplay (in the display only below).
During the parking procedure the system only takes over the steering move- ments, the pedals continue to be operated by the driver.
When the system is activated, the warning light lights up 
» Fig. 131 on
page 143 - 
.
The traction control system (TCS) must always be switched on when parking.
Basis of the system function› The measurement and evaluation of the size of parking spaces when driving.
› The determination of the correct position of the vehicle for parking.
› The calculation of the line on which the vehicle drives backwards into the park-
ing space or forwards from the parking space.
› the automatic turning of the front wheels when parking in, or manoeuvring out
of the parking space. 
142Driving

Advance warning
If Front Assist detects a risk of collision with a vehicle ahead, a symbol appears in
the display of the instrument cluster and an acoustic signal is heard » Fig. 142 -  .
At the same time, the braking system is prepared for possible emergency braking.
The advance warning may occur when driving between 30 km/h and 210 km/h.
Apply the brakes or avoid the obstacle!
Acute alert
If the driver does not react to the advance warning, Front Assist briefly applies
the brake automatically via an active brake intervention to draw attention to the
potential danger of a collision again.
Automatic Braking
If the driver fails to respond to the acute warning, Front Assist starts to apply the
brakes automatically with increasing stopping power in several stages.
Front Assist can help to mitigate the consequences of a potential accident by
means of a speed reduction.
Brake Support
If the driver does not brake sufficiently in case of an imminent collision, Front As-
sist can increase the braking power, thereby reducing the consequences of a po-
tential accident.
The brake support only occurs as long as the brake pedal is being firmly pressed
down.
CAUTION
The automatic braking interventions by Front Assist can be terminated by press-
ing the clutch or the accelerator, or by moving the steering wheel.
Note
If an automatic brake intervention is triggered by Front Assist, the pressure in the
brake system increases and the brake pedal cannot be operated with the normal
pedal stroke.
Activating/deactivating
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 154.
Front Assist is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
Front Assist should only be disabled in exceptional cases.
Activate / deactivate front assist
Front Assist can be activated or deactivated in the Infotainment » Infotainment
manual , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) or in the MAXI-DOTDis-
play » page 32 , Menu item wizard .
By disabling the system, the proximity warning system and the advance warning are also deactivated.
Activate/deactivate proximity warning
The proximity warning indicator can be activated/deactivated in the Infotain-
ment » Infotainment manual , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
The set proximity warning remains active even after stopping and starting the ig-
nition.
Activate/deactivate advance warning
The advance warning can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » Info-
tainment manual , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
The set advance warning remains active even after stopping and starting the ig- nition.

“City”Emergency braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 154.
The “City”Emergency braking function (From here on referred to only as the emer-
gency brake function) is a component of the Front Assist system.
The emergency brake function assists the driver when driving as follows. › Prepares the brakes for emergency braking prior to a detected danger.
› If the driver fails to respond to a detected danger, an automatic brake action oc-
curs with stopping power that increases in several stages.
The emergency brake function intervenes when driving between about 5 km/h
and 34 km / h. 
157Assist systems

The emergency brake function is automatically activated or deactivated togetherwith the Front Assist system.
If the emergency brake function triggers an automatic brake action, the display of
the instrument cluster shows the symbol » Fig. 142 on page 156 - .WARNINGThe emergency brake function can slow down the vehicle to a complete
standstill. If the vehicle continues to roll forward after stopping, then it should
be stopped with the footbrake.
CAUTION
Automatic braking interventions by the emergency brake function can be termi-
nated by pressing the clutch or the accelerator, or by moving the steering wheel.
Note
If an automatic brake intervention is triggered by the emergency brake function,
the pressure in the brake system increases and the brake pedal cannot be oper-
ated with the normal pedal stroke.
Information messages
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 154.
The messages and information are indicated in the instrument cluster display.
Front Assist: no sensor view.
The sensor is dirty or has no “visibility”. Stop the car, switch off the engine and clean the sensor or remove the obstacle causing the lack of “visibility” » Fig. 135
on page 149 . If the message appears again after starting the engine, the system
should be disabled » page 157. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Front Assist not available.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and then start it again. If the message ap-
pears again after starting the engine, the system should be disabled » page 157.
Seek help from a specialist garage.

START-STOP
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Starting/shutting down the engine
159
Operating conditions of the system
160
Manually activating/deactivating the system
160
Information messages
161
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
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 Vehicle set-
tings (CAR button) .
The system can work only if the following basic conditions are met. 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-STOPsystem before driving through wa-
ter » page 135 . 158Driving

Information messagesFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 158.
The messages and information are indicated in the instrument cluster display.
Start the engine manually!
START MANUALLY
The driver sees this message when the conditions for the automatic start proce-
dure are not met during the STOP phase. The engine must be started manual-
ly » page 121 .
Error: start-stop system
START STOP ERROR
Error in the START-STOP system. Seek help from a specialist garage.

Driving mode
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Selecting driving mode
161
Normal Mode
162
Sportmode
162
Ecomode
162
Individualmode
163
Selecting the driving mode allows you to adjust a range of different driving pa-
rameters for the vehicle.
The set driving mode remains stored even after switching the ignition on and off.
WARNING■ Setting the driving mode while driving can distract you from other traffic –
risk of accident.■
Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.
Note
The driver can change some vehicle functions irrespective of the selected driving
mode. For instance, in the driving mode Eco, the driver can switch the automatic
transmission to the mode S.
Selecting driving mode
Fig. 146
Button for selecting the driving mode: Octavia, Octavia Combi / Fa-
bia RS Octavia RS
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 161.
The menu for selecting the driving mode allows you to set the vehicle to one of
the three preset driving modes Normal, Sportand Eco, or to the driving mode
Individual which allows individual settings.
The selected driving mode is accessed by pressing the symbol button 
or
 » Fig. 146 , and the menu is opened in the Infotainment display. More informa-
tion about setting the driving mode » operating instructions for Infotainment ,
chapter Vehicle settings . 
161Assist systems

Note■The Eco driving mode is not available when towing a trailer. When the vehicle is
connected electrically to a trailer and is in the Eco driving mode, the Normal driv-
ing mode is configured automatically.■
The maximum vehicle acceleration (kickdown function) is possible also in driving
mode Eco.

Individualmode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 161.
In mode Individual you can select between Normal, Sport and Eco for each system
separately » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings .

ProActive passenger protection

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
163WARNINGAdjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety by ProActive passenger protection must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of accident!
Note
■ If the front passenger front airbag is deactivated » page 191 the belt tension-
ing function for the front passenger seat is switched off.■
The system component service life is monitored electronically. Further informa-
tion » page 19 ,  Security Systems .

Function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 163.
ProActive passenger protection (From here on referred to only as system) increa-
ses passenger protection in the front seats in situations that could lead to vehicle
impact or overturning.
The system is ready to intervene automatically in the following conditions. The ignition is switched on.
The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 30 km/h.
In critical driving situations (e.g. during emergency braking or a sudden change in
direction), the following steps can be taken separately or combined in order to re-
duce the risk of serious injury.
› The front passenger's and driver's seatbelts, if worn, are automatically
ten-
sioned closely over the body.
› The windows in the side doors (if open) are automatically closed up to a gap of
about 5 cm from the edge.
› The sliding/tilting roof is closed.
Once the critical driving situation has passed, the tension on the seatbelts will be
released again.
The system operates at two levels of protection.
The first level of protection
The system already intervenes in situations that may occur during dynamic driv-
ing. As a result, this primarily helps to keep the driver and the passenger in the
correct seated position.
The first level of protection can be deactivated by one of the following measures. › Deactivation of the system in Infotainment
» Operating instructions for Info-
tainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
› Deactivation of TCS
» page 138.
› Selecting the driving mode Sport
» page 161.
The second level of protection
The system intervenes only if the situation is evaluated as critical, such as in pan-
ic braking at high speeds.
This level of protection cannot be deactivated.

163Assist systems

Infotainment Navigation is not currently providing any data. Check whether the
maps are up-to-date or the whether the vehicle is currently in a location for which
no navigation data are available.
Fatigue detection (break recommendation)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
168
Information messages
168WARNING■ For the driving ability is always the driver's responsibility. Never drive if you
feel tired.■
The system may not detect all cases where a break is needed.
■
Therefore, take regular, sufficient breaks during long trips.
■
There will be no system warning during the so-called micro-sleep.
Note
■ In some situations, the system may evaluate the driving incorrectly and thus
mistakenly recommend a break (e.g. sporty driving, in adverse weather conditions,
or in bad road conditions).■
The fatigue detection system is designed primarily for motorway driving.

Function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 168.
The fatigue detection system advises the driver on the basis of information about
the steering behaviour, to take a break from driving. The system recommends a
break at speeds of 65-200 km/h.
After the ignition has been switched on, the system evaluates the steering be-
haviour for 15 minutes. This baseline analysis is constantly compared with the
current steering behaviour.
If the system detects deviations from normal steering behaviour due to possible
fatigue of the driver, it recommends to take a break from driving.
The system deletes the stored baseline analysis if one of the following condi-tions is met.
› The vehicle is stopped and the ignition is turned off.
› The vehicle is stopped, the seat belt is taken off and the driver's door is opened.
› The vehicle is stopped for more than 15 minutes.
If none of these conditions is met or the driving style is not changed, the system
recommends a driving break again after 15 minutes.
The system can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » operating instruc-
tions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
Information messages
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 168.
The icon appears and the following message for a few seconds in the display of the instrument cluster  .
Driver alert. Take a break!
DRIVER ALERT TAKE A BREAK
An audible signal is also emitted.

168Driving