2014 SKODA OCTAVIA ESP

On-board literature
You will always find this Owner's manual and the Service plan in the on-board
literature for your vehicle.
Depending on the equipment, the on-board literature may also include the In-
fotainment manual and in some countries also the brochure On the road.
Owner's manual
This Owner's manual applies to all body variants of the vehicle and all related
model versions as well as all equipment levels .
This Owner's manual describes all possible equipment variants without identi-
fying them as special equipment, model variants or market-dependent equip-
ment variants. Consequently, this vehicle does not contain all of the equip-
ment components described in this Owner's manual.
The level of equipment in your vehicle refers to your purchase contract for the
vehicle. For questions regarding the scope of equipment, please contact a
ŠKODA Partner.
The illustrations in this manual are for illustrative purposes only. The illustra-
tions can differ in minor details from your vehicle; they are only intended to
provide general information.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. pursues a policy of constant product and model develop-
ment. Changes to the scope of delivery with regard to design, equipment and
technology are therefore possible at any time. The information listed in this
manual corresponds to the information available at the time of going to press.
It is therefore not possible for legal claims to be made based on the technical
data, illustrations and information contained in this manual.
Service plan
The service plan includes the documentation of the vehicle handover and in-
formation relating to the warranty and service events.
Infotainment manual
The Infotainment manual contains a description of the Infotainment service
and possibly also some functions and vehicle systems.
On the move brochure
The On the move brochure contains phone numbers of importers and service
offices in individual countries and emergency numbers.4On-board literature

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
8
Driving safety
8
Safety equipment
8
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-
ject of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants.■
You will find further information on safety, which concerns you and those
travelling with you, in the following chapters of this Owner's Manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning proper-
ly.
Ensure that the function of the wipers and the condition of the wiper
blades are free of any defects.
Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
Check the tyre inflation pressure.
Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
Secure all items of luggage.
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle.
Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 22 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 9, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving
safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by
your passengers or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication,
alcohol or drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-
tions.
Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.
Safety equipment
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiters for the front seats.
› Belt tensioners for the front seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Driver’s knee airbag.
› Front side airbags.
› Rear side airbags. 

8Safety

Correct seated position for the passengers in the rear seatsRead and observe
on page 9 first.
To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or anaccident, the occupants on the rear seats must observe the following.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at
the same level as the upper part of the head
C
» Fig. 1 on page 9 .
Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 12, Using seat belts .
Use a suitable child restraint system if transporting children in the vehi-
cle » page 22 , Transporting children safely .
Adjust the seats and head restraints » page 86.
Examples of an incorrect seated position
Read and observe
on page 9 first.
The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if your
seatbelts are fastened correctly.
Incorrect seated positions considerably reduce the protective functions of the
seat belts and therefore increase the risk of injury due to an incorrect routing
of the seat belt.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and passengers, especially children.
Never allow a passenger to adopt an incorrect seated position when the car is
moving.
The following list contains instructions which, if not observed, may cause seri-
ous injuries or death. This list is not complete, however we would like you to
familiarise yourself with this subject.
Observe the following instructions while driving. Do not stand up.
Do not stand on the seats.
Do not knee on the seats.
Do not tilt the seat backrest too much to the back.
Do not lean against the dash panel.
Do not lie on the rear seat bench.
Do not sit only on the front area of the seat.
Do not sit facing to the side.
Do not lean out of the window.
Do not put your feet out of the window. Do not put your feet on the dash panel.
Do not put your feet on the seat upholstery.
Do not transport somebody in the footwell.
Do not drive without fastening the seat belt.
Do not remain in the luggage compartment.11Passive Safety

Deactivating airbags
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
21
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
21
Deactivating airbags
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones
outlined below.
› If using a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat (due to different
legal regulations, the airbag must be deactivated if using a forward-facing
child seat in some countries) » page 22, Transporting children safely .
› If not being able to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle
of the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly ad-
justed.
› If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because
of a physical disability.
› If other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side air-
bags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 21 , Deactivating the front passenger airbag .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other
airbags as appropriate.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one
of the airbags is switched off.
Airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment
› The warning light
 lights up for approx. 4 seconds after switching on the
ignition and then flashes again for approx. 12 seconds.
Front passenger airbag switched off with the key switch in the storage com-
partment
› The warning light
 comes on for about 4 seconds after the ignition has
been switched on.
› The warning light


» Fig. 14 on page 21 -
 comes on after the ignition
has been switched on.
Note■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA service partner will be able to inform you which, if any, of your vehi-
cle's airbags can or must be deactivated.
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
Fig. 14
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag/warning light
for the front passenger airbag
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position
 » Fig. 14 - 
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the warning light 

underneath the text 
 » Fig. 14 - 
lights up after the ignition is switched on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position
 » Fig. 14 - 
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
21Airbag system

›Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.›Check that the warning light
  underneath the text   » Fig. 14
- 
lights up after the ignition is switched on.
The 

warning light goes out 65 seconds after the key switch status has
changed or after the ignition is switched on.WARNING■ The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switch-
ed off.■
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag.
■
If the warning lights 



flash, the front passenger airbag will not
be deployed in the event of an accident! Have the airbag system checked
by a specialist garage immediately.
■
The key cannot be inserted in the key switch while driving.
■ Shocks can cause the key to turn in the slot and trigger the airbag!
■ The airbag could be triggered unexpectedly in an accident - it may result
in injury or death!
CAUTION
An insufficiently folded out key bit can damage the key switch!Transporting children safely
Child seat
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
23
Use of the child seat on the front passenger seat
24
Child safety and side airbag
24
Classification of child seats
25
Use of child seats fastened with a seat belt
25
Children are generally safer on the rear seats than on the front passenger
seat.
In contrast to adults, the muscles and bone structure of children are not yet
fully developed. Thus children are exposed to increased risk of injury.
Children should be transported in accordance with the relevant statutory pro-
visions.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard must be used. The ECE-R
standard stands for: Economic Commission for Europe – Regulation.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard have a test seal that can-
not be removed: a large E within a circle with the test number below.
WARNING■ The national legal requirements must be observed when using child
seats.■
One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's lap.
■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Certain outside climatic
conditions can cause life-threatening temperatures in the vehicle.
■
The child must be secured in the vehicle during the entire travelling time!
Otherwise, in the event of an accident, the child would be thrown through
the vehicle and as a result may suffer fatal injuries, and also injure other oc-
cupants. 
22Safety

Viewing the charge level vehicle batteryRead and observe
on page 30 first.
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Press and hold the button
6
» Fig. 22 on page 31 until the Battery status or
BATTERY SOC is shown in the display.
›
Release button
6
- the current charge level 1)
of the vehicle battery is dis-
played in %.
›
Wait about 4 seconds or press the
6
key, the system returns to the home
setting.
Warning lights
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 Automatic Transmission
35
 Handbrake
35
 Brake system
35
 Seat belt warning light
36
 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
36

 Central warning light
36

 Power steering/steering lock (KESSY system)
36
 Traction Control System (ASR)
37
 Traction control system (TCS) deactivated
37
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
37
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
37
 Rear fog light
38
 Exhaust inspection system
38
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
38
 Engine performance check (petrol engine)
38
 Security systems
38
 Tyre pressure
39
 Brake linings
39

 Lane following system (Lane Assist)
39

 Turn signal system
39
Trailer turn signal lights40 Fog lights40

Cruise control system
40
 Brake pedal (automatic transmission)
40
 Natural gas operation
40
 Main beam
40
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 light up briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine.
The condition of some features and systems is shown by the warning icons on
the display » page 40.
The warning lights are at the following locations in the instrument clus-
ter » Fig. 22 on page 31 .
› 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
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system » page 77. The warning triangle must be set up at
the prescribed 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 192 , Engine compartment .
1)
Applies to vehicles with START-STOP system.
34Using the system

 Seat belt warning lightRead and observe
on page 34 first.
The warning light 
illuminates as a reminder for the driver and front passen-
ger to fasten seat belts.
The indicator light 
goes off after the respective seat belt is fastened.
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 .
 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
If the warning light 
lights up , the delay of the ACC is not sufficient.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Apply the brake!
Further information » page 149, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) .
  Central warning light
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
When the warning light  or

lights up , the additional information in the dis-
play of the instrument cluster » page 40, Warning icons in the display
or » page 47 , Auto-check control must be observed.
  Power steering/steering lock (KESSY system)
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
Power steering
If the indicator light 
illuminates , 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.
If the indicator light  illuminates , this indicates a partial failure of the power
steering and the steering forces can be greater. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
Steering lock (KESSY system)
As long as the warning light 
is flashing , the steering lock cannot be re-
leased.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Move the steering wheel!
MOVE STEERING WHEEL
› Move the steering wheel slightly back and forth, thereby facilitating unlock-
ing the steering lock.
If the steering does also not unlock then, the help of a specialist garage is re-
quired.
If the warning light 
flashes and a beep sounds, the electric steering lock is
faulty.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Steering lock: Workshop!
STEERING WORKSHOP
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
If the warning light 
flashes and a beep sounds, the electric steering lock is
faulty.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Steering lock faulty. Stop!
STOP VEHICLE STEERING FAULTY
Park the vehicle, 
stop driving . After switching off the ignition, it is then no
longer possible to lock the steering, to activate the electrical components (e.g.
radio, navigation system), to switch on the ignition again and to start the en-
gine. Seek help from a specialist garage.
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 warning light 
does not go out once the
engine has been restarted and the vehicle has been driven for a short period
of time, this indicates a system error. Seek assistance from a specialist garage
immediately.36Using the system

 Trailer turn signal lightsRead and observe
on page 34 first.
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 exam-
ple.
Trailer: check left turn signal!
TRAILER TURN SIG_ CHECK LEFT
The trailer must be unhitched properly » page 169, Hitch and trailer .
 Fog lights
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
The warning light 
illuminates when the fog lights are operating.
 Cruise control system
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
The indicator light 
is illuminated when the cruise control system and auto-
matic distance control are switched on.
 Brake pedal (automatic transmission)
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
If the warning light 
illuminates , operate the brake pedal.
 Natural gas operation
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
If the warning light 
is lit, the vehicle is powered by natural gas.
 Main beam
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
The warning light 
illuminates when the main beam or the headlight flasher
is operated.
Warning icons in the display
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 Rear seat belt warning
41
 Alternator
41
 Coolant
41
 Engine oil pressure
42
 Engine oil level
42
 Lamp failure
43
 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
43
 Windscreen washer fluid level
43
 Fuel reserve
43
 Headlight assist
44

 START-STOP-system
44
 Display of a low temperature
44

Water in the fuel filter (diesel engine)
44


 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
44
 Distance warning (Front Assistant)
44
 Advance warning/emergency brake (Front Assistant)
45
The warning icons indicate the status of certain functions or faults.
The warning icons are indicated in the display of the instrument clus-
ter » page 31 .
Depending on the meaning, the symbol  or
 in the bar lists up simultane-
ously with the corresponding control symbol, with indicator lights
5
» Fig. 22
on page 31 .
SymbolMeaningDangerWarning 40Using the system