2014 SKODA OCTAVIA manual transmission

  Automatic TransmissionRead and observe on page 34 first.
The warning lights 

indicate a fault or the state of the automatic gearbox.

Warning lightMessageMeaning and Action
Error: gearbox. Reverse gear not available.
GEARBOX ERROR REV_ GEAR NOT AVAILFault in the automatic gearbox, the reverse cannot be appealed.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Error: gearbox.
GEARBOX ERRORFault in the automatic gearbox.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Gearbox overheated.
GEARBOX OVERHEATEDThe temperature of the automatic transmission clutches is too high.
 do not continue to drive!
Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
Switch on the ignition and wait until the 
warning light disappears – risk of gearbox
damage!
You can continue your journey as soon as the warning light disappears.
If the warning light does not go out, do not continue driving. Seek help from a specialist
garage.

Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's manual!
STOP VEHICLE GEARBOX OVERHEAT
Gearbox faulty. Workshop!
GEARBOX FAULTY WORKSHOPFault in the automatic gearbox.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
The warning light 
illuminates if the handbrake is applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 5 km/h while the
handbrake is still on.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Release the handbrake!
RELEASE HANDBRAKE
 Brake system
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
If the warning light 
lights up , the brake fluid level in the brake system is too
low.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
BRAKE FLUID PLEASE CHECK›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 199 » .
If the warning light, 
together with the warning light, 
lights up , there is a
problem with the ABS.
WARNING■ A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!■
If warning light 
illuminates simultaneously with warning light
 » page 37 , 
Antilock brake system (ABS) 
, do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a specialist garage.
35Instruments and warning lights

For instance, if    appears in this display, this means it is recommended that
you shift from 3rd into 4th gear.
The gear recommendation is intended only for vehicles with a manual trans-
mission or for vehicles with an automatic transmission in manual shift mode
(Tiptronic).WARNINGThe driver is always responsible for selecting the correct gear in different
driving situations, such as overtaking.
For the sake of the environment
A suitably selected gear has the following advantages.■It helps to reduce fuel consumption.■
It reduces the operating noise.
■
It protects the environment.
■
It benefits the durability and reliability of the engine.
Door, luggage compartment or bonnet warning
Read and observe
on page 45 first.
If at least one door is open, or the boot or bonnet is open, the display indicates
the relevant open door or boot/bonnet.
An acoustic signal will also sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h when a
door is opne.
Auto-check control
Read and observe
on page 45 first.
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked
continuously when the ignition is switched on.
Error messages and other information appears on the display.
Some messages are displayed simultaneously with the warning
lights » page 34 or warning icons in the display » page 40.
While the operational faults remain unrectified, the messages are always indi- cated again. After the message is displayed for the first time, the symbols 
or
 continue to be displayed without any extra messages for the driver.
SymbolMeaningDangerWarning
Driving data (Multifunction display)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Memory
48
Information overview
48
Warning at excessive speeds
50
The driving data display is only possible with the ignition switched on.
After the ignition is switched on, the function that was last selected before
switching off the ignition is displayed.
Individual information can be shown or hidden in the infotainment sys-
tem » Infotainment operating instructions , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR but-
ton) .
WARNINGConcentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver, you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.
Note
In some national versions the displays appear in the Imperial system of meas-
urement.47Information system

The vehicle is unlocked.
If the ignition switch can not be turned on, then turn the steering wheel back
and forth slightly and thereby unlock the steering lock.
Turning ignition on/off and starting the engine
Fig. 129
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock
Read and observe and on page 126 first.
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock » Fig. 129
Ignition switched off, engine switched off
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Switching ignition on/off
›
Turn key to position
2
.
The ignition is switched on.
›
Turn key to position
1
.
The ignition is switched off.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , shift gear stick to neutral, depress
the clutch pedal and hold it there until the engine starts.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in position
P or N and depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.
›
Turn the key into position
3
as far as it will go - the engine's starting proce-
dure will commence (do not touch the accelerator).
›
Release the key, the engine will start automatically.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
123If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position 1. Re-
peat the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
For vehicles with diesel engines, the glow plug warning light 
goes on dur-
ing starting. The engine starts after the indicator light goes out.
Vehicles with manual transmission
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Press the clutch to start.
PRESS CLUTCH
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine will not start if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Depress the brake to start.
APPLY BRAKE
Note
■ The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.■
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heat-
ing period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Stopping the engine
Read and observe
and on page 126 first.
›
Stop the vehicle » page 132, Parking .
›
Turn key to position
1
» Fig. 129 on page 127 .
The engine and the ignition are switched off simultaneously.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed if the selector lever is in position P .
CAUTION
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumula-
tion of heat when the engine is switched off. 127Starting-off and Driving

Under certain circumstances (e.g. after switching off the ignition and opening
the driver's door), the steering is enabled only when the ignition is switched on
or the engine is started.WARNINGNever let the vehicle roll with locked steering lock - there is a risk of acci-
dent!
Switching ignition on / off
Read and observe
and on page 128 first.
›
Press the button » Fig. 130 on page 128 briefly.
The ignition is switched on or off.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, the clutch pedal must not be de-
pressed while switching the ignition on or off, otherwise the system would try
to start.
On vehicles fitted with a automatic gearbox, the brake pedal must not be de-
pressed while switching the ignition on or off, otherwise the system would try
to start.
If the driver's door is opened while the igition is on, an audible signal sounds
and the following message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Ignition on!
IGNITION STILL ON
When leaving the vehicle always switch off the ignition.
Starting the engine
Read and observe
and on page 128 first.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , shift gear stick to neutral, depress
the clutch pedal and hold it there until the engine starts.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in position
P or N and depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 130 on page 128 briefly – the engine starts au-
tomatically.
In vehicles with diesel engines after pressing the button, the glow plug warn-
ing light  lights up. The engine can be started after the indicator light goes
out.
Note
■ The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.■
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heat-
ing period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Switching off the engine
Read and observe
and on page 128 first.
Switching off
›
Stop the vehicle » page 132, Parking .
›
Press the button » Fig. 130 on page 128 briefly.
The engine and the ignition are switched off simultaneously.
Emergency shutdown
If necessary, the engine in exceptional cases may also be turned off while driv-
ing.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 130 on page 128 for longer than 1 second or
twice within 1 second.
After the emergency stop of the engine, the steering lock will remain un-
locked.
CAUTION
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumula-
tion of heat when the engine is switched off.
Note
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.129Starting-off and Driving

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 handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of acci-
dent!
Parking
Read and observe
and on page 130 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , select 1st gear or reverse gear
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNINGThe parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come in-
to contact with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth,
leaves, spilled fuel or such like. - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!
Manual shifting of gears and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
132
Pedals
132Manual gear changingFig. 133
Gearshift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
On the shift lever, the individual gear positions are shown » Fig. 133.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 46.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear
on the clutch.
Reverse gear is engaged
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal is fully depressed.
›
Move the shift lever to the idle position switch and press down.
›
Move the shift lever fully to the left and then forward into R posi-
tion » Fig. 133 .
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the ignition is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gear-
shift lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift
mechanism to wear excessively.■
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator
pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances! 
132Driving

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