2015 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner's Manual

Assist systems
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Radar sensor
135WARNINGThe following general information regarding the use of assistance systems
must be observed.■
The assistance systems only serve to support and do not relieve the driv-
er of the responsibility for driving the vehicle.
■
The increased safety provision, as well as the increased occupant protec-
tion provided by the assistance systems must not tempt you to take risks -
risk of accident!
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
■
The assistance systems have physical and system-related limitations. For
this reason, the driver may experience some undesired or delayed system
responses in certain situations. You should therefore always be alert and
ready to intervene!
■
Only activate, deactivate or set the assistance systems so that you have
the vehicle fully under control in every traffic situation - risk of accident!
Radar sensor
Fig. 154
Mounting location of the radar
sensor
Read and observe on page 135 first.
The radar sensor » Fig. 154 (From here on referred to as sensor) is used to as-
sess the traffic situation in front of the vehicle.
The sensor can distinguish objects by radiating and receiving electromagnetic waves.
The sensor is a component of the ACC » page 150 and Front Assist
» page 155 systems.
The sensor function may be impaired in the events of one of the following. ▶ The sensor is soiled by mud, snow and the like.
▶ The area in front and around the sensor is obscured by labels, auxiliary lights
and similar.
▶ When visibility is poor, (e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall).
If the sensor is covered or dirty, the corresponding message appears in the in-
strument cluster display for the ACC system » page 155 or Front Assist system
» page 157 .
WARNING■
If you suspect that the sensor is damaged, deactivate the ACC system
» page 150 and Front Assist system » page 155. Have the sensor checked
by a specialist garage.■
The sensor can become misaligned by collisions or by damage to the front
of the vehicle, the wheel arch or the underside of the vehicle. This can lead
to impaired function of the sensor - risk of accidents! Have the sensor
checked by a specialist garage.
■
The area in front and around the sensor should not be obscured by labels,
auxiliary lights and similar. This can lead to impaired function of the sensor
- risk of accidents!
CAUTION
Remove the snow with a brush and the ice with a solvent-free de-icer.
Braking and stabilisation systems
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stability Control (ESC)
136
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
136


135Assist systems

Traction control (TCS)136Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDS)137
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
137
Brake Assist (HBA)
137
Hill Start Assist (HHC)
137
Multi collision brake (MCB)
138
Trailer stabilization system (TSA)
138
This chapter describes the functions of the brake and stabilization systems.
The error display is in Chapter » page 31, Warning lights .
The brake and stabilization systems are automatically activated each time the
ignition is switched on, unless otherwise indicated.
WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 135, in section Introduction .
Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 136 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
The activation of the ESC sports allows a sportier driving style. With a slight
over or under steering of the vehicle take no ESC interventions take place and
the TCS is restricted so that the spinning of the wheels of the driven axle can
occur.
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. 155 on page 136 .
▶ Infotainment » Owner´s Manual Infotainment , chapter CAR - vehicle set-
tings .
Upon activation, in the instrument cluster the indicator light  comes on and
the display shows the following message.ESC sport: directional stabil. restricted.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
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 136 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.
Traction control (TCS)
Fig. 155
System button: Vehicle with ESC / vehicle without ESC
Read and observe
on page 136 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. 
136Driving

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. ▶ Infotainment » Owner´s Manual Infotainment , chapter CAR - vehicle set-
tings .
▶ By briefly pressing the symbol key 
» Fig. 155 .
▶ By briefly pressing the symbol key 
» Fig. 155 .
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 TCS 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 136 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. Once the brakes have cooled down, there is
an automatic re-activation of EDL.
XDS
XDS is an extension to the electronic differential lock. XDS 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 136 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.
Brake Assist (HBA)
Read and observe
on page 136 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 Start Assist (HHC)
Read and observe
on page 136 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 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.
137Assist systems

Multi collision brake (MCB)Read and observe
on page 136 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 ESC and other required electrical systems remain function-
al after impact.
The accelerator pedal is not actuated.
Trailer stabilization system (TSA)
Read and observe
on page 136 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.
Further information » page 167, Hitch and trailer .
OFF ROAD-mode
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operation
139
Hill Descent Assistant
139
ESC OFF ROAD
140
TCSOFF ROAD
140
EDS OFF ROAD
140
ABS OFF ROAD
140
The OFF ROAD mode includes several features that help to overcome difficult
navigable routes when travelling on non-paved roads.
But even with OFF ROAD mode activated, your vehicle is never a true SUV.
WARNING■ The general information relating to the use of assistance systems must
be observed » page 135, in section Introduction .■
A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to
shut down. This would lead the OFF ROAD mode to lose its effectiveness -
risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ The OFF ROAD mode is not designed for the use on common roads.■All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufac-
turer to ensure theOFF ROAD mode operates correctly.138Driving

OperationFig. 156
Button for selecting the driving mode / function key in Infotain-
ment display
Read and observe
and on page 138 first.
We recommend that you activate the OFF ROAD mode for every trip on non-paved roads.
Activation
›
Press the symbol button 
» Fig. 156 .
In the Infotainment display a running mode menu » Fig. 156 appears.
›
Press the function key
Off-road
in the Infotainment display.
Deactivation
›
Press the symbol button 
» Fig. 156 .
›
In the Infotainment display select a driving mode other than
Off-road
.
So that an engagement of the OFF ROAD mode can take place, the following
conditions must be met.
The OFF ROAD mode is enabled.
The vehicle is moving at a speed of less than 30 km/h. The warning light  illuminates in the instrument cluster.
The following functions are integrated in the OFF ROAD mode.
▶ Downhill Drive Support » page 139.
▶ ESC OFF ROAD » page 140.
▶ TCS OFF ROAD » page 140.
▶ EDL OFF ROAD » page 140.
▶ ABS OFF ROAD » page 140.
NoteIf the engine stalls while driving and is started again within 30 seconds, then
OFF ROAD mode will be automatically activated.
Hill Descent Assistant
Read and observe
and on page 138 first.
The hill descent assistant (hereinafter referred to as assist system), with its
automatic braking action on all wheels, ensures a constant speed is main-
tained on a steep slope when driving forwards and reversing.
During an intervention of the assistant, the warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The assistant is automatically engaged under the following conditions. The engine is running.
For vehicles with Manual transmission the shift lever is in the neutral po-
sition and or the 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear, or reverse gear is engaged.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission , the selector lever is in the R,
N, D/S position or in the Tiptronic position.
The downhill gradient is at least 10 % (when driving over sleepers, the lim-
it can briefly drop to 8 %).
Neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is operated.
Driving speed
Initiate the downhill decent at a reasonable speed up to 30 km / h the hill de-
scent assist maintains this speed when driving downhill constant.
The assistant can maintain constant speed of about 2 - 30 km / h.
If a forwards or reverse gear is engaged for vehicles with Manual transmis-
sion , the speed must be high enough to avoid stalling the engine.
By pressing the accelerator or brake pedal, the speed can be increased or re-
duced. This is true even if the shift lever is in the neutral position and the se-
lector lever in the N position. The engagement of the assistant is resumed af-
ter the pedal is released.
WARNINGFor the correct operation of the assistant the road surface must be suffi-
ciently adherent. The assistant cannot properly fulfil its function on slushy
soil due to physical reasons (e.g. ice or mud). - there is a risk of an accident! 139Assist systems

NoteDuring an active intervention of the assistant, the brake lights do not light up.
ESC OFF ROADRead and observe
and on page 138 first.
The ESC OFF ROAD makes driving on a dirt roads easier, as no ESC interven-
tions occur when the vehicle is over or under steered.
TCSOFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 138 first.
The TCS OFF ROAD makes starting and driving on an unpaved surface easier as
it partially allows wheel-spin.
Note
When disabled, the TCS » page 136 OFF ROAD mode works without the sup-
port of the TCS OFF ROAD.
EDS OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 138 first.
The EDS supports OFF ROAD vehicle traction when driving on a surface with
different grip under the drive wheels or when driving over bumps.
A spinning wheel or wheels are braked earlier and with more force than with
the intervention of the standard EDS system.
ABS OFF ROAD
Read and observe
and on page 138 first.
The ABS OFF ROAD supports the driver when braking on an unpaved surface
such as gravel, snow, etc.
The system generated by a controlled locking of the wheels braked wheel be-
fore a “wedge” of piled material, which shortens the braking distance.
The system is only available, if the front wheels are in the straight-ahead posi-
tion.
The system operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
Parking aid (ParkPilot)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
141
Display in the Infotainment display
142
Activation / deactivation
142
Automatic system activation when moving forward
143
The parking aid (hereinafter referred to as system) draws attention via acous-
tic signals or the Infotainment display when manoeuvring around obstacles in
the vicinity of the vehicle.
WARNING■ The general information relating to the use of assistance systems must
be observed » page 135, in section Introduction .■
Moving persons or objects may not be recognized by the system sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the system signals. For this reason, such people or
objects may not be recognised by the system sensors.
■
External noise sources may affect the signals of the system sensors. Un-
der adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people not to be recog-
nised by the system.
■
You should satisfy yourself before reversing that there is no small obsta-
cle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind your ve-
hicle. Such obstacles may not be recognised by the system sensors.
CAUTION
■ Keep the system sensors » Fig. 157 on page 141 clean, and free from snow
and ice, and do not cover with any objects of any kind, otherwise the system
functioning may be limited.■
Under adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, water vapour, very low or
high temperatures, etc.), the system function may be limited - “incorrect recog-
nition of obstacle”.
■
Accessories additionally installed on the vehicle rear, such as bicycle carriers,
can impair the system function.
Note
The display of obstacles in the Infotainment black and white display is descri-
bed in the » Owner´s Manual Infotainment , chapter CAR - vehicle settings .140Driving

FunctionFig. 157
Installation position of the sensors on the left side of the vehicle:
front/rear
Fig. 158
Sampled areas and range of the
sensors
Read and observe and on page 140 first.
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. 157.
Depending on the equipment, the following system versions can exist
» Fig. 158 .
▶ Version 1: warns of obstacles in the areas
C
,
D
.
▶ Version 2: warns of obstacles in the regions
A
,
B
,
C
,
D
.
▶ Version 3: warns of obstacles in the regions
A
,
B
,
C
,
D
,
E
.
Approximate range of sensors (in cm)Area » Fig. 158Version 1
(4 sensors)Version 2
(8 sensors)Version 3
(12 sensors)A-120120B-6090C160160160D606090E--90
Audible signals
The interval between the acoustic signals becomes shorter as the clearance is
reduced. A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm - danger
area. From this moment on do not continue driving!
The acoustic signals can be set in the Infotainment » Owner´s Manual , chap-
ter CAR - Vehicle Settings .
Towing a trailer
When towing, or when another accessory is connected to the trailer socket on-
ly the areas
A
and
B
» Fig. 158 are active in the system.
Note
■
If not all fields around vehicles with Version 3 are shown after the system is
activated, the vehicle will need to be moved a few metres forwards or back-
wards.■
The signal tones for front obstacle recognition are factory-set to be higher
than for rear obstacle recognition.
141Assist systems

Display in the Infotainment displayFig. 159
Display
Read and observe and on page 140 first.
Function keys and obstacle warning » Fig. 159ARoad display.  Depending on the Infotainment type: Switching off park assistant dis-
play.  Switching audible parking signals on/off.Change to rear-view camera display .Message: Look! Safe to move?Colour of an object detected in the collision area (the distance to the
obstacle is less than 30 cm). 
Stop driving in the direction of an ob-
stacle!Colour of an object detected in the manoeuvring area (the distance to
the obstacle is more than 30 cm).Colour of an object detected in the outside the manoeuvring area (the
distance to the obstacle is more than 30 cm).System failure (there is no indication of obstacles).
Road display
The roadway display varies depending on the steering angle
A
» Fig. 159 and
displays the roadway on which the vehicle would take with the current steer-
ing wheel position.
The road ahead is displayed when a forward gear or Neutral is engaged or the
selector lever is in mode D/S or position N is set.
The road behind the vehicle is displayed when reverse gear is engaged or the
selector lever is in mode R.
Activation / deactivationFig. 160
System key (option 2, 3)
Read and observe and on page 140 first.
Activation
The activation of the system is initiated when the reverse gear is engaged, or
vehicles with the Variant 2 and 3 , also by pressing the symbol key

» Fig. 160 .
This is confirmed by a short acoustic signal (the symbol  in the button lights
up).
Deactivation
On vehicles with Version 1, the system can be deactivated by moving out of re-
verse gear.
For vehicles with Version 2 and 3, the system is automatically deactivated by
pressing the symbol key  or at a speed above 15 km/h (the
 symbol in the
button goes out).
Fault display
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. The fault is
also indicated by the symbol  flashing in the button. Seek help from a spe-
cialist garage.
Note
The system can only be activated with the symbol key  at a speed of below
approx. 15 km / hr.142Driving