2013 SKODA OCTAVIA ignition

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

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

Counter for distance drivenFig. 6
Segment display / MAXI DOT dis-
play
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 11.
Daily trip counter (trip)
The daily trip counter
A
» Fig. 6 shows the distance driven since the time the
counter was last reset - in steps of 100 m.
Reset daily trip counter
›
Briefly press the button
6
» Fig. 2 on page 11.
Odometer
The odometer
B
» Fig. 6 displays the total distance the vehicle has travelled.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 11.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press and hold the button
6
» Fig. 2 on page 11 until the Time is shown in the
display.
›
Release the button
6
, and the system switches to the time setting function.
›
Press the button
6
again and set the hours.
›
Wait around 4 seconds - the system switches to the minutes setting.
›
Press the button
6
again and set the minutes.
The time can also be set in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotain-
ment , chapter Device settings .

Viewing the charge level vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 11.
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Press and hold the button
6
» Fig. 2 on page 11 until the Battery status or BAT-
TERY SOC is shown in the display.
›
Release the button
6
- the current charge level of the vehicle battery is dis-
played in %.

Auto-check control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 11.
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked contin-
uously when the ignition is switched on.
Error messages and/or other information are displayed in the instrument clusterdisplay.
Some messages are displayed simultaneously with the warning lights » page 15
or warning icons in the display » page 21.
While the operational faults remain unrectified, the messages are always indica-
ted again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols 
or 
continue
to be indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
SymbolMeaningWarningDangerWARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 61 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.

14Using the system

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

Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 223 » .
If the warning light  lights up together with the warning light , there is a
problem with the ABS.WARNING■ 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 switch on the hazard warning lights » page 61 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 18 ,  Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a specialist garage.
■
A fault to the braking system can increase the vehicle's braking distance -
risk of accident!

 Seat belt warning light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
The warning light 
comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt.
The warning light 
goes out if the driver or front passenger has fastened their
seat belt.
If the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and the vehicle
speed is more than 30 km/h, the warning light 
flashes and you will hear an
acoustic signal.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
approx. 2 seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light 
lights up permanently.
Further information » page 180, Seat belts .

  Power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If the warning light  lights up, this indicates a partial failure of the power steer-
ing and the steering forces can be greater. Seek assistance from a specialist ga-
rage immediately.
If the warning light  lights up, this indicates a complete failure of the power
steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering forces).
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Further information » page 119, Power steering .
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. If, after starting the engine again and a short drive, the
yellow warning light  does not go out, there is a fault in the system. Seek assis-
tance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Traction Control System (ASR)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If your vehicle is equipped with the ESC system, the TCS is part of the
ESC » page 137 .
The warning light flashes
to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light 
illuminates , there is a fault in the ASR.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Error: traction control
ASR ERROR
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. If the warning light 
comes on after starting the engine, the TCS may be switch-
ed off for technical reasons.
› Switch the ignition off and on again.

17Instruments and warning lights

If the warning light  does not illuminates after you switch the engine back on,
the ASR is fully functional again.
Further information » page 137, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and » page 138 ,
Traction Control System (TCS) .
Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, the indicator
light  comes on after switching on the ignition. If the indicator light does not go
out after moving a short distance, this means that there is an error in the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Traction control system (TCS) off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
If the warning light 
is lit, the TCS is off.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Traction control (ASR) deactivated.
ASR OFF
Further information » page 138, Traction Control System (TCS) .

 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
The warning light 
flashes to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light 
illuminates , there is a fault in the ESC.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Error: stabilisation control (ESC)
ESC ERROR
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. If the warning light 
comes on after starting the engine, the ESC system may be
switched off for technical reasons.
› Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the indicator light  does not illuminate after you switch the engine back on,
the ESR is fully functional again.
Further information » page 137, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .
Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, the indicator
light  comes on after switching on the ignition. If the indicator light does not go
out after moving a short distance, this means that there is an error in the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Error: ABS
ABS ERROR
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. Further information » page 138, Antilock Braking System (ABS) .
WARNING■
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 switch on the hazard warning lights » page 61 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light , 
do not continue your journey! Seek help from a specialist garage.
■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – risk of accident!

18Using the system

 Rear fog lightFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog light is switched on.
Further information » page 60, Rear fog light .

 Exhaust inspection system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the exhaust inspection system.
The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
The warning light 
comes on after the ignition has been switched on. Once the
light has gone out, the engine can be started immediately.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light 
does not come on
at all or lights up continuously .
If the warning light 
begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

 Engine performance check (petrol engine)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the engine control. The system
allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Security Systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
Fault with airbag system
When the warning light  lights up and the following message appears in the in-
strument cluster display, there is a fault with the airbag system.
Error: airbag
AIRBAG ERROR
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored automatically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
One of the airbags or a belt tensioner has been disabled by the diagnostic tool
› The warning light

lights up for approx. 4 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes again for approx. 12 seconds.
› The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Airbag/ belt tensioner deactivated.
AIRBAG/ BELT TENSIONER OFF
The front passenger airbag has been disabled with the key switch › The warning light

comes on for about 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› The warning light

in the display 



in the middle of the dash
panel lights up after switching on the ignition » page 191.
ProActive passenger protection When the warning light 
lights up and the following message appears in the in-
strument cluster display, there is a fault with the airbag system. Seek assistance
from a specialist garage immediately.
Proactive passenger protection not available.PROACTIVE PASSENGER PROTECT NOT AVAIL
or Proactive passenger protection: funct. restricted.
LIMITED PROACTIVE PASSENGER PROTECT 
19Instruments and warning lights

WARNINGIf there is a fault in the safety system, have it checked immediately by a spe-
cialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the systems not being activated in the event of an accident.

 Tyre inflation pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
The warning light 
lights up , if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres » page 228.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
If the warning light 
flashes , there is a fault in the system.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Further information » page 231, Tyre control display .
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on the ignition. If the warning light does not go out
after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in the system. Seek as-
sistance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Brake linings
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If the indicator light 
is lit, the brake pads are worn.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Check brake wear!
BRAKE PADS PLEASE CHECK
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

  Lane following system (Lane Assist)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
The warning lights   indicates the state of the Lane Assist system.
Further information » page 164, Lane Assist .

  Turn signal system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
Either the left 
or right 
indicator light flashes depending on the position of
the control lever.
If there is a fault in the turn signal system, the warning light flashes at twice its
normal rate. This does not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of theturn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Further information » page 56, Turn signal and main beam .

 Trailer turn signal lights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
if the warning light 
flashes, the trailer turn signal lights are turned on.
If a trailer is hitched and the warning light 
is not flashing, one of the trailer turn
signal lights has failed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display, for example. Trailer: check left turn signal!
TRAILER TURN SIG_ CHECK LEFT
The trailer must be unhitched properly » page 169, Towing a trailer .

20Using the system