2014 SKODA OCTAVIA display

Problems starting the engineFig. 131
Starting the engine - press the
button with the key
Read and observe and on page 128 first.
The key in the vehicle cannot be verified
If the key in the vehicle cannot be verified, then engine cannot be started by pressing a button.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Key not detected. Owner's manual!
Key not found.
NO KEY
The reasons for this may be:
› The battery in the key is almost out of charge.
› The key is malfunctioning
› There is interference in the signal between the system and the key (strong
electromagnetic field).
Try to start the engine by pressing the button with the key » Fig. 131.
System fault
If the following message appears on the display of the instrument cluster,
there is a system malfunction.
Keyless access system faulty.
KEYLESS ACCESS SYSTEM FAULTY
Try to start the engine by pressing the button with the key » Fig. 131.
CAUTION
The key can only be verified if it is in the vehicle. It is therefore not always nec-
essary to know where the key is.Note■ When attempting to start, the key bit must be pointed towards the but-
ton » Fig. 131 .■
If the engine fails to start after pressing the button with the key, seek spe-
cialist help.
Brakes and parking
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
130
Handbrake
131
Parking
132WARNING■ Greater physical effort for braking is required when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
During the braking procedure on a vehicle with manual transmission,
when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs, press the clutch pedal. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of acci-
dent!
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle might then move off – risk of accident!
■
Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 136, New
brake pads .
CAUTION
Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not nec-
essary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer brak-
ing distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 130 first.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing style. 
130Driving

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 »
.
Long or steep slopes
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Emergency brake display
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders 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 stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
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 appropri-
ately, 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 35,
 Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.WARNINGOnly apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake
discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users
in jeopardy.
Handbrake
Fig. 132
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 130 first.
The hand brake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the lock
button » Fig. 132 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Release the handbrake!
RELEASE HANDBRAKE 
131Starting-off and Driving

In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two corre-
sponding attachment points may be used.
Only use factory-supplied footmats or footmats from the range of ŠKODAOrigi-
nal 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 gearbox
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Modes and use of selector lever
133
Selector lever lock
134
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
134
Starting-off and driving
135
The automatic transmission performs automatic gear changes.
The modes of the automatic transmission can be adjusted by the driver by
means of the selector lever.
WARNING■ No throttle when it is set before starting the mode for moving forward
with the selector lever - there is a risk of accident!■
Never move the selector lever to mode R or P when driving – risk of an
accident!
■
When the vehicle is stationery and the engine is running, you need to
hold the vehicle with the brake pedal in mode D, S or R. Even when the en-
gine is idling, the power transmission is never completely interrupted – the
vehicle creeps.
■
When leaving the vehicle, the selector lever is always to put in the P
mode. Otherwise the vehicle could then start to move and potentially cause
an accident.
CAUTION■ If the selector lever is moved to mode N while driving, the accelerator pedal
must be released and you will need to wait until the engine has reached its
idling speed before moving the selector lever to a forward driving mode again.■
When the outdoor temperature is below -10 ° C, the selector lever when
starting must always be in P mode.
■
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator
pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the
selector lever is in the position P.
Modes and use of selector lever
Fig. 134
Selection lever / lock button / display
Read and observe
and on page 133 first.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 134.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 134.
P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
The parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
R
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is at idling speed. 
133Starting-off and Driving

N – Neutral
The power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.D
/
S
- mode for driving forward (Normal program) / mode for driving
forward (Sport program)
The system switches from one mode to the other by moving the selector lever
into the spring-loaded position 
» Fig. 134 .
In mode D or S, the forward gears are shifted automatically depending on the
engine load, the operation of the accelerator pedal, the vehicle speed, and the
selected driving mode .
In mode S , the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at high-
er engine speeds than in mode D.
If the Sport driving mode is selected with the engine running » page 160, Se-
lection of travel mode (Driving Mode Selection) , the transmission is automati-
cally set in the S mode.
E – Economical driving mode
If the driving mode Eco or Individual (engine - Eco) » page 160 is selected and
the selection lever is in the setting D/S, transmission is automatically set in
mode E . This mode cannot be selected with the selector lever.
In mode E , the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at lower
engine speeds than in mode D.
Selector lever lock
Read and observe
and on page 133 first.
The selector lever is locked in mode P and N to prevent that the forward driv-
ing is selected accidentally, thereby setting the vehicle in motion.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds
up to 5 km/h.
The selector lever lock is indicated by the illumination of the warning light .
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N
(e.g. from R to D/S ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck,
e.g. in a bank of snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being de-
pressed.
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)›Press the brake pedal and the lock button at the same time in the direction
of 1
» Fig. 134 on page 133 .
Just depress the brake pedal, if you would like to change from the mode N to
D/S .
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever must be unlocked specially » page 226.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D/S or vice versa,
move the selector lever quickly. This prevents that you accidentally select
mode R or N.
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 135
Selector lever/multi-function
steering wheel
Read and observe and on page 133 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lev-
er or multifunction steering wheel. This mode can be selected both while stop-
ping and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 134 on page 133 .
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 46.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the gear selector from position D/S towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle. 
134Driving

Reactivate the TCS and START-STOP when the desired speed has been
reached.WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of control
of the vehicle – risk of accident!
Retraction and economical driving
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving in
136
Tips for economical driving
136
The fuel consumption, degree of pollution and vehicle wear depend on driving
style, road condition, weather conditions and the like.
Driving in
Driving in the engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1500 kilometres. During this period,
the driving style decides on the quality of the driving-in process.
During the first 1 000 km we recommend not driving faster than 3/4 of the
maximum permissible engine speed, not to drive at full throttle and to dis-
pense with the trailer.
In the area of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres the engine load can be increased up
to the maximum permitted engine speed.
New tyres
New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first.
Drive especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
New brake pads have to first “grind in” because these do not initially have the
best possible braking effect.
Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.
Tips for economical driving
To achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption, the following instructions
must be observed.
Looking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Switch in an energy saving and timely manner Observe the recommended gear » page 46.
Avoid full throttle and high speeds
Fuel consumption will be halved if only three-quarters of the possible top
speed of your vehicle is used.
Reducing idling
When the engine is switched off, such as when waiting in a traffic jam, the fuel
economy is already greater after 30 - 40 s than the fuel quantity which is re-
quired for engine re-start.
Avoid short distances
When driving a short distance of less than about 4 km, the engine cannot
reach its operating temperature. As long as the engine has not reached oper-
ating temperature, the fuel consumption is significantly higher than with the
engine hot.
Pay attention to the correct tyre inflation pressure being maintained
Further information » page 204.
Avoid unnecessary ballast
Per 100 kg of weight, consumption increases by about 1 l/100 km. At a speed of
100-120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member without a load
will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased aerodynamic
drag.
Saving electricity
Electrical consumers (e.g. seat heating, air conditioning and the like) only turn
on for as long as necessary.
In Infotainment, the display is shown of up to three consumers which are cur-
rently showing the highest degree of fuel consumption » Infotainment operat-
ing instructions , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .136Driving

Assist systems
Braking and stabilisation systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
138
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
138
Traction Control System (TCS)
139
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
139
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
139
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
140
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
140
Multi-collision brake (MCB)
140
Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
140
This chapter deals with the functions of the braking and stabilisation systems,
with the error indicator referred to in chapter » page 34, Warning lights .
The braking and stabilisation systems are automatically activated each time
the ignition is switched on.
WARNING■ 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!■
The increased safety provided by the brake assist systems must not
tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
Always adjust your speed and driving style to the current visibility, weath-
er, road and traffic conditions.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
The ESC improves vehicle stability in dynamic driving situations, such as when
the vehicle starts to skid.
The ESC monitors whether the desired direction of the current vehicle motion
is occurring. In case of any deviation (e.g. oversteer), the ESC automatically
brakes individual wheels to maintain the desired direction.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
Enable/disable ESC Sport
ESC Sport allows for sportier driving style. The activation of the ESC sport
leads to the ASR being deactivated and no ESC interventions will occur in the
event of slight over- or under-steering occurring.
The activation or deactivation of the ESC sports can be done in one of two
ways.
› By pressing the Symbol key

for the activation and briefly pressing the but-
ton for the deactivation » Fig. 137 on page 139 .
› In Infotainment
» Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle
settings (CAR button) .
Upon activation, in the instrument cluster the indicator light  comes on and
the display shows the following message.
ESC sport: Limited driving stability.
ESC SPORT
Upon deactivation, in the instrument cluster the control indicator  turns off
and the display shows the following message.
Stabilisation control (ESC) activated.
ESC ON
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to
maintain 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 pres- sure on the brake pedal.
138Driving

Traction Control System (TCS)Fig. 137
System button: Vehicle with ESC / vehicle without ESC
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
TCS prevents the spinning of the wheels of the driven axle. TCS reduces the
drive power transmitted to the wheels in the case of slipping wheels. Thus, for
example, driving on road surfaces with low grip is made easier.
During a TCS intervention, the indicator light  flashes in the instrument clus-
ter.
Activating/deactivating TCS
The activation or deactivation of TCS can be done, depending on equipment, in
one of the following ways.
› In Infotainment
» Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle
settings (CAR button) .
› By briefly pressing the symbol key

» Fig. 137 .
› By briefly pressing the symbol key

» Fig. 137 .
Upon deactivation, in the instrument cluster the indicator light  lights up and
the display shows the following message.
Traction control (ASR) deactivated.
ASR OFF
Upon activation, in the instrument cluster the indicator turns  and the display
shows the following message.
Traction control (ASR) activated.
ASR ON
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.
Note
On vehicles without the ESC system, the warning light
 does not illuminate
upon deactivation of the ASR system, but a message is only displayed on the
display of the instrument cluster.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
EDL
EDL prevents the turning of the respective wheel of the driven axle. EDL
brakes the spinning wheel, if necessary, and transmits the driving force to the
other driving wheel. Driving becomes easier on road surfaces with different
traction under each wheel of the driven axle.
EDL switches off automatically to avoid excessive heat generation on the
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. Once the brakes
have cooled down, there is an automatic re-activation of EDL.
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 dur-
ing 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 vehi-
cle can continue to follow the desired track.
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
The DSR indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommenda-
tion 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.
139Assist systems

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)Read and observe
on page 138 first.
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 ach-
ieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied
firmly until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
The HBA is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
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 brake pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator ped-
al. If the 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 active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off.
Multi-collision brake (MCB)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
The MCB helps to decrease speed after a collision through automatic braking
interventions and to stabilize the vehicle. This reduces the risk of a subse-
quent crash due to uncontrolled vehicle movement.
The automatic brake interventions can take place only if the following condi-
tions are met.
A head-on or side collision occurred.
The impact speed was higher than approx. 10 km/h.
The brakes, the ESL and other required electrical systems remain function-
al after impact.
The accelerator pedal is not actuated.
Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
Read and observe
on page 138 first.
The TSA helps the combination stable in situations where the trailer sways
and then the whole trailer combination.
TSA brakes the individual wheels of the towing vehicle in order to damp the
rocking motion of the entire vehicle combination.
The following conditions are required for the correct TSA function. The trailer was shipped from the factory or purchased from the ŠKODA
genuine accessories.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The parking aid is activated.
The speed is higher than approx. 60 km/h.
The activated TSA is shown by the fact that after switching on the ignition, the
indicator light  in the instrument cluster lights up for about 2 seconds longer
than the indicator light .
Further information » page 169, Hitch and trailer .
Parking aid

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
141
Activation/deactivation
142
Road display
142
Automatic system activation when moving forward
143
The parking aid (hereinafter referred to only as system) draws attention via
acoustic signals or the Infotainment display when manoeuvring around obsta-
cles in the vicinity of the vehicle.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the
bumper and an obstacle. Depending on the vehicle equipment, the ultrasonic
sensors are located in the back or in the front bumper » Fig. 139 on page 141 .
140Driving