2015 SKODA OCTAVIA steering

Starting and stopping the engine at the push of the button
Introduction
Fig. 143
Starter button ( 


)
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Steering column lock locking / unlocking
122
Switching ignition on / off
123
Starting the engine
123
Switching off the engine
123
Problems starting the engine
124
The ignition can be switched on and off and the engine can be started/stop-
ped with the starter button » Fig. 143.
The key must be in the vehicle in order to unlock the steering wheel, switch on the ignition, start the engine and drive.
WARNING■ Never leave the key in the vehicle when you exit the vehicle. Unauthor-
ized persons such as children could lock the car, turn on the ignition or start
the engine -risk of injury, accidents and damage!■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - there is a
risk of theft etc!
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNINGNever (e.g. in garages) run the engine in a closed place - there is the danger
of poisoning and death!CAUTION■ The system can recognize the valid key, even if it has been accidentally left
on the vehicle roof - there is danger of loss or damage to the key!■
Only start the engine when the engine and the vehicle are stationary - there
is a danger of starter and engine damage!
■
Do not push-start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and
the catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a
jump-start aid » page 219.
Note
■
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start
your journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this, the engine rea-
ches its operating temperature faster.■
The system is protected against inadvertently switching off the engine while
driving, this means that the engine can only be switched off in an emergency
» page 123 .
Steering column lock locking / unlocking
Read and observe
and on page 122 first.
The steering lock (steering lock) deters any attempted theft of your vehicle.
Locking
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the driver door.
The steering lock is locked automatically.
If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off afterwards, the
steering is only locked after the vehicle has been locked.
Unlocking
›
Open the driver's door and get into the vehicle.
›
Close the driver's door.
The steering is locked automatically.
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. 
122Driving

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 122 first.
›
Press the button » Fig. 143 on page 122 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 ignition is on, an audible signal sounds
and the following message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Ignition switched on.IGNITION STILL ON
When leaving the vehicle always switch off the ignition.
Starting the engine
Read and observe
and on page 122 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. 143 on page 122 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 starts after the warning 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 122 first.
Switching off
›
Stop the vehicle » page 128, Parking .
›
Press the button » Fig. 143 on page 122 briefly.
The engine and the ignition are switched off simultaneously.
Emergency shut-down
If necessary and in exceptional cases, the engine may even be turned off while
driving.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 143 on page 122 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.123Starting-off and Driving

OperationFig. 145
Display
Vehicles with manual transmission
The engine is automatically switched off as soon as the vehicle comes to a
halt, the shift lever is moved into neutral and the clutch pedal is released.
The engine is automatically started as soon as the clutch pedal is depressed.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine is automatically switched off as soon as the vehicle comes to a halt
and the brake pedal is operated.
The engine is automatically started as soon as the brake pedal is released.
Conditions for the system function
The following conditions must be met for the system to function correctly.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The bonnet is closed.
The driving speed was higher than 4 km.h after the last stop.
System status
The system status is shown in the display when the vehicle comes to a halt
» Fig. 145 .
The engine is automatically switched off; when the vehicle moves off, the
ignition process will be automatically initiated.
The engine is not automatically switched off.
Reasons for the engine running
It may be essential for the engine to keep running when the vehicle comes to
a halt, for the following reasons. ▶ The engine temperature for the proper function of the system has not yet
been reached.
▶ The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
▶ The current consumption is too high.
▶ High air-conditioning or heating capacity (high fan speed, big difference be-
tween the desired and actual interior temperature).
When the engine is shut-down automatically and the system detects that the
engine is required such as when the brake pedal is pressed repeatedly then
the system automatically starts the engine.
Infotainment display
Information about the current status of the system can be displayed in the In-
fotainment display » Owner´s Manual Infotainment , chapter CAR - vehicle set-
tings .
Note
■
If the vehicle remains outdoors for a long time in minus temperatures or in
direct sunlight, it can take several hours until the internal temperature of the
vehicle battery reaches a suitable temperature for proper operation of the
START STOP system.■
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than approx. 30 seconds or the
driver's door is opened during stop mode, the engine will have to be started
manually.
■
No automatic engine shut-down takes place when a vehicle with automatic
transmission is moving at low speed (e.g. during a traffic jam) and remains sta-
tionary after pressing the brake pedal lightly. Automatic engine shut-down
takes place if you press the brake pedal down with more force.
■
For vehicles with automatic transmission there is no automatic engine shut-
down when the system detects a manoeuvring action due to a large steering
angle.
125Starting-off and Driving

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. 149 .
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 157, Se-
lection of the driving mode (Driving Mode Selection) , the transmission is auto-
matically set in the S mode.
E – Economical driving mode
If the driving mode Eco or Individual (engine - Eco) » page 157 is selected and
the selection lever is in the setting D/S, the transmission is automatically set
to 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
Fig. 150
Shift lock button
Read and observe and on page 129 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. 150 .
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 225.
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. 151
Selector lever/multi-function
steering wheel
Read and observe and on page 129 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. 149 on page 129 .
130Driving

The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 41.
Switching to manual shifting›
Push the gear selector from position D/S towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle.
When switching to the manual shifting while driving, the current gear is main-
tained.
Shifting up gears
›
Push the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 151 .
›
Pull the paddle +
» Fig. 151 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Shifting down gears
›
Push the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 151 .
›
Pull the paddle -
» Fig. 151 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual shifting in position D/S
›
Pull one of the -/+ paddles
» Fig. 151 briefly towards the steering wheel .
If you do not pull one of the rocker switches -
/+ for more than 1 Minute, man-
ual shifting of gears is deactivated. The temporary switch to manual gear shift-
ing can also be deactivated by pulling the +
paddle towards the steering
wheel for more than 1 second.
Note
■ It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual
shifting of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and
hence the wear of the brakes » page 126.■
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear
just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
■
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no
risk of the engine overrevving.
Starting-off and driving
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the lock button in the direction of
1
» Fig. 150 on page 130 and hold.
›Move the selector lever into the desired position
» page 129 and then release
the lock button.›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stopping (while the car is moving)
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of
your vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activa-
ted in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed
and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has
reached its maximum revolutions for this gear range.
Driving in neutral position in mode E (free-wheel)
›
Move the selector lever into the position D/S.
›
Select the driving mode Eco or Individual (Drive - Eco) » page 157, Selection
of the driving mode (Driving Mode Selection) .
›
Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal (the speed is higher than 20
km/h).
The vehicle moves without the braking effect of the engine.
The gear is selected again automatically, when you briefly depress the acceler- ator brake pedal or pull the left rocker switch -
towards the steering wheel
» page 130 , Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic) .
This function is not available when towing a trailer or when another accessory
is connected to the trailer socket.
Launch control 1)
The launch control function allows the vehicle in mode S or Tiptronic to reach
its maximum acceleration when starting off.
›
Disable the TCS » page 135, Braking and stabilisation systems .
1)
This function is only valid for some engines.
131Starting-off and Driving

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

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