2013 SKODA OCTAVIA headlights

AbbreviationsAbbreviationDefinitionrpmEngine revolutions per minuteABSAnti-lock brake systemACCAdaptive cruise controlAHLAdaptive headlightsTCSTraction controlCO2 in g/kmdischarged quantity of carbon dioxide in grams per driven kilo-
metreDPFDiesel particle filterDSGAutomatic double clutch gearboxDSRActive driver-steering recommendationEDLElectronic differential lockECEEconomic Commission for EuropeEPCEPC fault lightESCElectronic Stability ControlEUEuropean UnionHBAHydraulic brake assistHHCUphill start assistkWKilowatt, measuring unit for the engine outputMGManual gearboxN1Panel van intended exclusively or mainly for the transporta-
tion of goodsNmNewton meter, measuring unit for the engine torqueTDI CRDiesel engine with turbocharging and common rail injection systemTSATrailer stabilisationTSIPetrol engine with turbocharging and direct injection
7Abbreviations

Coolant temperature gaugeFig. 4
Coolant temperature gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 11.
The coolant temperature gauge » Fig. 4 only operates when the ignition is
switched on.
Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale, this indicates that the engine has
not yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and
high engine loads. This prevents possible damage to the engine.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves into the mid-range of the scale. At very high ambient temperatures or heavy en-
gine loads, the pointer may move even further to the right.
High temperature range
If the pointer reaches the red area of the scale, the coolant temperature is too high. Further information » page 22.
CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet im-
pair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
Fuel gaugeFig. 5
Fuel gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 11.
The fuel gauge » Fig. 5 only operates if the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 50 litres. If the amount of fuel reaches the reserve area (the pointer reaches the red scale range), the indicator symbol illumi-
nates 
to » page 25 .
CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine
and the exhaust system.
Note
■ After filling up, it can occur that during dynamic driving (e.g. numerous curves,
braking, driving downhill and climbing a steep hill) the fuel gauge indicates ap-
prox. a fraction less. When stopping or during less dynamic driving, the fuel gauge displays the correct fuel level again. This is not a fault.■
The arrow  next to the icon  within the fuel gauge displays the installation
location of the fuel filler on the right side of the vehicle.

13Instruments and warning lights

Lights and visibility
Lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Side lights and low beam
55
Daylight running lights (DAY LIGHT)
55
Turn signal and main beam
56
Automatic driving lamp control
57
Adaptive headlights (AFS)
57
Headlight assist
58
Fog lights
59
Fog lights with the CORNER function
59
Rear fog light
60
COMING HOME / LEAVING HOME
60
Hazard warning light system
61
Parking lights
61
The lights work only with the ignition on, unless otherwise stated.
On models fitted with right-hand steering, the position of some of the controls
differs from that shown in » Fig. 28 on page 55. The symbols which mark the
positions of the controls are identical.
Keep the headlights lenses clean. The following guidelines must be ob-
served » page 207 , Headlight lenses .
WARNING■
The activation of the lights should only be undertaken in accordance with
national legal requirements.■
The driver is always responsible for the correct settings and use of the
lights.
■
The automatic driving lamp control  only operates as a support and does
not release the driver from his responsibility to check the light and, if necessa-
ry, to switch on the light depending on the given light conditions. The light sensor cannot, for example, detect rain or snow. Under these conditions we
recommend switching on the low beam or fog lights!
Note
■ If there is a fault in the light switch, the low beam comes on automatically.■The headlights may mist up temporarily. When the driving lights are switched
on, the light outlet surfaces are free from mist after a short period, although the
headlight lenses may still be misted up in the peripheral areas. This mist has no
influence on the life of the lighting system.■
The instruments are also illuminated when the side light, low or high beam light
is switched on. The brightness of the instrument lighting can be activated or de- activated in the Infotainment » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chap-
ter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .

54Using the system

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

Automatic driving lamp controlFig. 30
Light switch
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 54.
If the light switch is in position 
» Fig. 30 , the parking lights, low beam and
number plate lights are switched on or off automatically.
The light is regulated based on data gathered by the light sensor attached be- tween the windscreen and the interior mirror.
The sensitivity of the light sensor can be activated or deactivated in the Infotain-
ment » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR
button) .
If the light switch is in position 
, the symbol 
lights up next to the light
switch. If the light is switched on automatically, the symbol 
next to the light
switch also lights up.
Automatic headlight control in rain
If the light switch is in position 
and if automatic wiping in rain or wiping (posi-
tion 2 or 3) is switched on for longer than 30 seconds » page 66, the side lights
and low beam will switch on automatically.
The light switches off when automatic wiping/wiping (position 2 or 3) is not
switched on for longer than approx. 4 seconds.
The automatic headlight control in rain can be activated or deactivated in the In-fotainment » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings
(CAR button) .
CAUTION
Do not affix any stickers or similar objects in front of the light sensor on the wind-
screen, so that its functionality is not impaired or disabled.
Adaptive headlights (AFS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 54.
The AFS system works in tandem with automatic driving lamp control , please
read the following » page 57.
The AFS system makes sure the street remains lit up depending on the traffic and weather situation.
The system automatically adjusts the cone of light in front of the vehicle based
on the vehicle speed, whether the windscreen wipers are in use, the rear fog
lights, and data from Infotainment Navigation.
The AFS system can work only if the following condition is met. The light switch is in the position 
.
The AHL system operates in the following modes.
Out of town mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is similar to the low beam. The mode is
active if none of the following modes are active.
City mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted so that it illuminates the adja- cent pavement, crossings, etc. The mode is active at speeds of 15-50 km/h.
Motorway mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted so that the driver can respond in time to an obstruction or other hazard in time. The mode is active at speeds
above 110 km/h.
Rain mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted so that the driver can reduce the glare from oncoming vehicles in rain.
The mode is active at speeds of 50 – 90 km/h and if the windscreen wipers con-tinuously operate for a period of time longer than 2 minutes. The mode is deacti-
vated when the windscreen wipers are switched off for longer than 8 minutes.
Fog mode
The cone of light in front of the vehicle is adjusted so that the driver is not daz-
zled by the reflection of the cone of light by fog in front of the vehicle. 
57Lights 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

Information message
The messages and information are indicated in the instrument cluster display. Fault: Light Assist
LIGHT ASSIST FAULT
Seek help from a specialist garage. Light Assist: clean the windscreen!
WINDSCREEN PLEASE CLEAN
Check for any obstacles on the windscreen in the viewing area of the camera.WARNINGHeadlight assist only functions as a support and does not relieve the driver of
his responsibility to check the headlights and light beam and, if necessary, to
switch on the lights depending on the light conditions. Manual operation may be required in the following situations.■
Poor visibility conditions, e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall.
■
The oncoming traffic is partially blocked on roads or motorways.
■
Passing poorly lit road users, e.g. cyclists.
■
Driving around “sharp” curves.
■
Driving on sharp slopes up/large inclines.
■
Driving through poorly-lit locations.
■
Driving over highly reflective surfaces.
■
The windscreen around the camera is dirty, iced up, misted up, or covered by
stickers.
■
Near the camera lens there is a light source, such as the screen of an exter-
nal navigation system.
CAUTION
Do not attach any stickers or similar objects to the windscreen to avoid impairing
the functions of the Assist system.Fog lightsFig. 32
Light switch
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 54.
Switching on/off
›
Turn the light switch to position 
, 
or 
» Fig. 32 .
›
Pull the light switch to position
1
.
The rear fog light is switched off in the reverse order.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog lights are
switched on » page 15.

Fog lights with the CORNER function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 54.
The CORNER function improves illumination of the vehicle surroundings when
turning, parking and the like, by switching on the fog lights on the respective side
of the vehicle.
The CORNER function is switched on automatically if the following conditions
are met.
The turn signal is switched on or the front wheels are turned sharply to the
right or left 1)
.
The engine is running. 
1)
If both switch-on conditions are conflicting, for example, if the front wheels are turned to the left and
the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
59Lights and visibility

Automatic windscreen wiping in rain
Automatic windscreen wiping in rain can be activated or deactivated in the Info-
tainment » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR
button) .
Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen
The wash system operates immediately, the windscreen wipers wipe somewhat
later. The wash system and the windscreen wiper operate simultaneously at a
speed of more than 120 km/h.
Letting go of the operating lever will cause the windscreen wash system to stop and the wipers to continue for another 2-3 wiper strokes (depending on the spraying duration).
At a speed of more than 2 km/h, the wiper wipes once again 5 seconds after the last wiper stroke in order to wipe the last drops from the windscreen. This func-
tion can be activated/deactivated by a specialist garage.
Automatic wipe/wash for the rear windowThe wash system operates immediately, the windscreen wiper wipes somewhat
later.
Letting go of the operating lever will cause the windscreen wash system to stop and the wiper to continue for another 2-3 wiper strokes (depending on the spray-
ing duration). The operating lever remains in position 6
.
Automatic rear window wipe (Octavia Estate)
If the lever is in position
2
or
3
» Fig. 42 , the rear window is wiped every
30 or 10 seconds if the vehicle's speed exceeds 5 km/h.
If automatic windscreen wiping in rain is activated (the operating lever is in the
position
1
) the function is only active if the windscreen wipers operate in contin-
uous mode (no break between each wiping process).
Automatic rear window wiping can be activated or deactivated in the Infotain-
ment » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR
button) .
Winter setting of the windscreen wiper If the windscreen wipers are in rest position, they cannot be folded out from thewindscreen. For this reason we recommend adjusting the windscreen wipers in
winter so that they can be folded out from the windscreen easily.
› Switch on the windscreen wipers.
› Switch off the ignition.
The windscreen wipers remain in the position in which they were when switching
off the ignition.
The service position can also be used as a winter position » page 250
.
Note
If the slow or the fast wiper setting is switched on and the vehicle speed decrea-
ses to below 4 km/h, the wiper speed is incrementally set to a lower wiper speed.
The original setting is restored step by step when the speed of the vehicle ex-
ceeds 8 km/h.
Headlight cleaning system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 65.
The headlights will be cleaned once the ignition is on and always upon the first and after every tenth spraying of the windscreen, when the low beam is switched
on.
Each time the headlamps are cleaned each lamp is sprayed twice. You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the headlight len-
ses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. The following guidelines
must be observed » page 207, Headlight lenses .
To ensure the proper operation of the cleaning system during the winter, any
snow should be removed from the washer nozzle fixtures and ice should be
cleared with a de-icing spray.
CAUTION
Never remove the nozzles from the headlight cleaning system by hand – risk of
damage!
Note
The headlamp cleaning system works with an ambient temperature of about -12 °
C to + 39 ° C.
67Lights and visibility