2014 SKODA OCTAVIA lock

Hitch and trailer
Hitch
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
169
Adjusting the ready position
170
Correctly adjusted ready position
170
Assembling the ball rod - 1st step
171
Assembling the ball rod - 2nd step
171
Check proper fitting
172
Removing the ball rod - 1st step
172
Removing the ball rod - 2nd step
173
Accessories
173
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 75 kg.
For vehicles with all-wheel drive, the maximum trailer nose weight is 80 kg.
With G-TEC-vehicles, the maximum trailer drawbar load is 56 kg .
WARNING■
Before each time you make a journey when using the ball rod, check that
it is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting recess.■
Do not use the ball rod if it is not correctly inserted into the mounting re-
cess and secured.
■
Do not use the towing hitch if it is damaged or if there are parts missing.
■
Do not perform any modifications or changes to the towing device.
■
Never release the ball rod while the trailer is still coupled.
■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing device clean at all times. Such
dirt prevents the ball rod from being attached securely!
CAUTION
■ Take care when using the ball rod - there is a risk of paint damage to the
bumper.■
When the ball rod is removed always place the cover onto the mounting re-
cess - there is a danger of soiling the mounting recess.
Note■ Operation and maintenance of the tow hitch » page 185.■The towing vehicle by means of the detachable ball rod » page 223.
Description
Fig. 166
Support for the hitch equipment / ball bar / key (Version 1 and 2)
Read and observe
and on page 169 first.
The ball rod can be removed and is located in the spare wheel well or in a com- partment for the spare wheel in the luggage compartment.
The hitch comes with two key versions. The handling of the hitch is identical
for the two key versions. The difference is only in the key version.
Carrier for the towing device and ball rod » Fig. 166
13-pin power socket
Safety eye
Mounting recess
Cap
Dust cap
Ball rod
Operating lever
Lock cap
Trigger pin
Lock
Locking ball
Key – Version 1
Key – Version 2 
12345678910111213169Hitch and trailer

NoteIf you lose the key, please get in touch with a specialist garage.
Adjusting the ready position
Fig. 167
1st Step: Key Version 1 / key Version 2
Fig. 168
2nd step: both key versions
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
The ball rod must be set to the ready position prior to installation » page 170,
Correctly adjusted ready position .
If it is not in the ready position, then it must be set to the ready position as
follows.
1st Step - applies to the key version 1
›
Remove the cap from the lock
›
Insert key
A
into the lock so that the green marking is pointing upwards.
›
Turn key
A
in the direction of arrow
1
so that the red marking is pointing
upwards » Fig. 167.
1st Step - applies to the key version 2›Remove the cap from the lock›
Insert key
B
into the lock so that the eye of the key is pointing downwards.
›
Turn the key in the direction of arrow
B

2
so that the conclusions release
shows up » Fig. 167.
2nd Step - applies to both key versions
›
Grip the tow bar below the protective cap.
›
Push release pin
C
in the direction of arrow
3
to the stop, and simultane-
ously push operating lever
D
in the direction of arrow
4
to the
stop » Fig. 168 .
Operating lever
D
remains locked in this position.
Correctly adjusted ready position
Fig. 169
Ready position: Key Version 1 / key Version 2 / position of the
lever and the release bolt with two key versions
Read and observe
and on page 169 first.
Correctly adjusted ready position » Fig. 169
Applies to key version 1 - the red marking on key
A
is pointing upwards.
Applies to key version 2 - the eye of the key
B
is pointing upwards.
Operating lever
C
is locked in the lower position.
The trigger pin
D
can be moved.
The ball bar is thus set ready for installation.
CAUTION
In the ready position, the key cannot be removed nor turned into a different
position.170Driving

Assembling the ball rod - 1st stepFig. 170
Insert ball rod / trigger bolt in the extended state
Read and observe
and on page 169 first.
Insert ball rod - applies to both key versions
›
Remove the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 166 on page 169 in a
downwards direction.
›
Adjust the ball rod to the ready position » page 170.
›
Grip the tow bar from underneath » Fig. 170 and insert into the mounting re-
cess in arrow direction
1
until you hear it click into place » .
The lever
A
automatically turns upwards in the direction of arrow
2
and the
release pin
B
pops out (both its red and green parts are visible) » .
If lever
A
does not turn automatically, or if the release pin
B
does not pop
out, remove the ball rod from the mounting recess by turning lever
A
down-
wards as far as it can go. Clean the contact surfaces on the ball rod and the
mounting recess.
WARNING■ Keep your hands outside the lever's range of motion when attaching the
ball rod – risk of finger injuries!■
Never attempt to pull the operating lever violently upwards to turn the
key. Doing so would mean the ball rod is not attached correctly!
Assembling the ball rod - 2nd stepFig. 171
Lock lock: Key Version 1 / key Version 2
Fig. 172
Place cap on the lock
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
Firstly, carry out the 1st step of ball rod assembly » page 171.
Applies to the key version 1
›
Turn key
A
in the direction of arrow
1
so that the green marking is pointing
upwards » Fig. 171.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
Applies to the key version 2
›
Turn the key
B
in the direction of arrow
3
so that the conclusions release
points down » Fig. 171.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
4
.
Applies to both key versions
›
Fit and press cap
C
onto the lock in the direction of arrow
5
» Fig. 172 .
›
Check that the ball rod is securely attached » page 172, Check proper fitting .
171Hitch and trailer

CAUTIONAfter removing the key, always replace the cap on the lock – risk of lock get-
ting dirty.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 173
Duly fortified ball head
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
Before each use of the ball rod, check that it is attached properly.
Correctly secured ball rod » Fig. 173
The ball rod does not come off the mounting recess even after strong
“shaking”.
Operating lever
A
is as far up as possible.
The release pin
B
is completely exposed (both its red and green parts are
visible).
The key is removed.
The cap
B
is on the hand-wheel.
WARNINGDo not use the towing device unless the ball rod was properly locked!Removing the ball rod - 1st stepFig. 174
Remove the cap from the lock
Fig. 175
Unlock lock: Key Version 1 / version 2 key
Read and observe
and on page 169 first.
Applies to both key variants
›
Remove the cover
A
from the lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 174 .
Applies to key version 1
›
Insert key
B
into the lock in the direction of arrow
2
so that the green
marking is pointing upwards.
›
Turn key
B
in the direction of arrow
3
so that the red marking is pointing
upwards » Fig. 175.
Applies to key version 2
›
Insert key
C
into the lock in the direction of arrow
4
so that the eye of the
key is pointing downwards.
›
Turn key
C
in the direction of arrow
5
so that the eye of the key is pointing
upwards » Fig. 175. 
172Driving

Trailer operation
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when hitching a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand
area or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning symbol  in the instrument clus-
ter » page 41 lights up.
The following information must be observed » page 41,
 Coolant
.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Always drive particularly carefully with the trailer.■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.
CAUTION
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
Anti-theft alarm system
If the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connection to
the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 59 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system.
The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing
device.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system
is activated.
CAUTION
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.176Driving

Washing by handRead and observe
and on page 180 first.
Soak the dirt with plenty of water and rinse as well as possible.
Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush.
Work from the top to the bottom – starting with the roof.
For stubborn dirt, agents specifically intended for this purpose are to be used. Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such areas.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois
leather.
WARNINGProtect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor or the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – risk
of cuts!
CAUTION
■ Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.■Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
Automatic car wash systems
Read and observe
and on page 180 first.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle
in an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows and the sliding/tilt-
ing roof etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler,
roof rack system, two-way radio aerial etc., it is best to consult the operator of
the car wash system beforehand.
After an automatic wash with wax treatment, the lips of the wipers should be
cleaned with cleaning agents specially designed for the purpose, and then de-
greased.
CAUTIONFold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system. Never manually fold in electric exterior mirrors -
always use the electric controls.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
Read and observe
and on page 180 first.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for
use of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the pres-
sure used and to the spraying distance .
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the parking aid sensors and soft mate-
rials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
CAUTION
■ If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner,
ensure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints – risk of freezing!■
To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short pe-
riods while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
Note
See also Washing cars with decorative films using a high-pressure clean-
er » page 183 .
Cleaning vehicle exterior

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Vehicle paint work
182
Plastic parts
182
Rubber seals
183
Chrome parts
183
Decorative films
183
Windows and external mirrors
183
Headlight glasses
184
Camera lens
184

181Care and maintenance

■Do not remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water – risk of
cracks forming in the glass.■
Make sure that when removing snow and ice from the windows, the labels
attached to the vehicle by the factory are not damaged.
CAUTION
Information for cleaning windows■Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corro-
sive and acidic cleaning agents – there is a risk of damaging the heating ele-
ments or window aerial.■
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window
leathers that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preserva-
tives in the window leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility.
Headlight glasses
Read and observe
and on page 182 first.
Clean plastic front headlight lenses using clean, warm water and soap.
CAUTION
■The headlights are never to be wiped dry - there is a risk of damaging the
protective lacquer and the headlight glass subsequently developing cracks.■
Do not use sharp objects to clean the glasses - there is a risk of damaging
the protective lacquer and the headlight glasses subsequently developing
cracks.
■
Do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products to clean the
headlights – risk of damaging the headlight lenses.
Camera lens
Read and observe
and on page 182 first.
Moisten the lens of the rear view camera first with clean water and then dry
with a dry cloth.
Remove the snow from the lens with a brush and the ice from the lens with
de-icing agents specifically developed for these purposes.
CAUTION■ Remove snow or ice on the lens with warm or hot water - there is a risk of
damaging the lens.■
Never use cleaners containing abrasive effect to clean the lens.
■
Never use pressurized water or steam jet to clean the lens.
Door closing cylinder
Read and observe
and on page 182 first.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
CAUTION
Make sure that as little water as possible gets into the locking cylinder when
washing the vehicle - there is a risk of freezing the lock cylinder!
Cavity protection
Read and observe
and on page 182 first.
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected
for life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
Wax protection does not require to be inspected or re-treated.
If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, these
must be removed with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petrole-
um cleaner.
WARNINGSafety regulations should be observed when using petroleum cleaner to re-
move wax – risk of fire!
Jack
Read and observe
and on page 182 first.
The jack is maintenance-free.
If necessary, the moving parts of the jack should be lubricated with a suitable
lubricant.
184General Maintenance

We recommend using vehicle care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
These are available from ŠKODA Partners. The usage instructions on the pack-
age must be observed.WARNING■ Vehicle care products may be harmful to your health if not used according
to the instructions.■
Always keep the vehicle care products safe from people who are not com-
pletely independent, e.g. children - there is a danger of poisoning!
■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the tempera-
ture inside the vehicle is high.
CAUTION
■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.■
Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe
polish, etc., from the material (leather), panels and textiles as quickly as possi-
ble.
■
Do not attach scents or air fresheners to the dash panel – there is a risk of
damage to the dash panel.
■
Do not attach any stickers to the filaments or glass antenna - there is risk of
damage.
■
Do not clean the roof panelling with a brush – risk of damage to the surface
of the panelling.
■
Cleaner that contain solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■
Apply only a small amount of the cleaning and care product.
For the sake of the environment
Used vehicle care product cans represent hazardous waste that is harmful to the environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal
regulations.
Note
Due to the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any potential
problems with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle, we recom-
mend that cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle be carried out by a
ŠKODA service partner.Natural leather
Read and observe
and on page 186 first.
The leather needs, depending on the strain placed on it, regular cleaning and
maintenance.
Dust and dirt in pores and creases cause abrasions on the surface and lead to
premature embrittlement of the leather surface. Therefore, they must be re-
moved regularly at short intervals with a cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Clean soiled leather surfaces with a water-dampened cotton or woollen cloth and then dry with a clean, dry cloth »
.
Clean severely soiled areas with a cloth soaked in a mild soap solution (2 ta-
blespoons of neutral soap to 1 litre of water).
To remove stains , use a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose.
Treat the leather periodically with a suitable leather protector and use a skin
care cream with light blocker and impregnation after each cleaning.
CAUTION
■ Ensure that no part of the leather is soaked through during cleaning and that
no water gets into the seams. Otherwise, the leather could become brittle or
cracked.■
Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to avoid the
leather from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods,
protect the leather from direct sunlight by covering it.
■
The use of an additional mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the
leather surface of the steering wheel.
■
Some clothing materials, e.g. dark denim, do not have sufficient colour fast-
ness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers,
even when used correctly. This applies particularly to light-coloured seat cov-
ers. This does not relate to a fault in the seat cover, but rather to poor colour
fastness of the clothing textiles.
■
Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-
edged belts etc may leave permanent scratches or signs of rubbing on the sur-
face or damage these. Such damage cannot be subsequently recognised as a
justified complaint.
Note
During the use of the vehicle, minor visible changes can occur on the leather
parts of the covers (e. g wrinkles or creases as a result of the stress of the cov-
ers).186General Maintenance