2013 SKODA OCTAVIA traction control

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

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

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

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

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