2016 SKODA OCTAVIA airbag off

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
12
Driving safety
12
In this section of the instructions you will find important information on the
subject of passive safety. We have combined everything here which you
should be familiar with, for example, regarding seat belts, airbags, safety of children and anything similar.
Other important safety information can also be found in the subsequent sec-
tions of this Owner's Manual. Therefore, the Owner's Manual should always be
kept in the vehicle.
Before setting off
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
▶ Check the lights and turn signal lights are functioning correctly.
▶ Check the wiper function and the wiper blades for wear. Check the wind-
screen washer fluid level.
▶ 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 using a suitable child seat » page 22, Transporting children
safely .
▶ Adopt the correct seated position. Tell your passengers to assume the cor-
rect seated position » page 12, Correct and safe seated position .
Driving safety
For safety in traffic, the following precautions must be observed. ▶ Do not become 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. due to medication, al-
cohol, drugs or similar).
▶ Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
▶ Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather conditions.
▶ Take regular breaks on long journeys (at least every two hours).
Correct and safe seated position
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driver’s correct seated position
13
Adjusting the steering wheel position
13
Passenger’s correct seating position
14
Passengers’ correct seating position on the rear seats
14
Always assume the correct seated position before setting off and do not
change this position while driving. Also advise your passengers to adopt the
correct seated position and not to change this position while the car is moving.
The following list contains instructions for the Passenger which, if not ob-
served, may cause serious injuries or death. ▶ Do not lean against the dash panel.
▶ Do not put your feet on the dash panel.
The following list contains instructions for all Passengers which, if not ob-
served, may cause serious injuries or death.
▶ Do not sit only on the front area of the seat.
▶ Do not sit facing to one side.
▶ Do not lean out of the window.
▶ Do not put your limbs out of the window.
▶ Do not put your feet on the seat upholstery. 
12Safety

›Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position. The steering wheel can be
adjusted in the direction of arrow 2.›
Pull the safety lever in the direction of arrow
3
to the stop.
WARNING■ Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when
the vehicle is stationary!■
The safety lever must always be locked so that the steering wheel cannot
accidentally change position – There is a risk of accident!
Passenger’s correct seating position
Read and observe
on page 13 first.
For passenger safety and to reduce the risk of injury in an accident, the follow-
ing instructions must be observed.
Position the front passenger seat back as far as possible. The front pas-
senger must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel so
that the airbag offers the greatest possible safety if it is deployed.
Adjust the headrests so that the top edge of the headrest is at the same
level as the upper part of your head » Fig. 2 on page 13 -
C
(not for seats
with integrated headrests).
Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 15, Using seat belts .
WARNING■
A distance of least 25 cm to the dash panel should be maintained, other-
wise the airbag system will not be able to protect you - There is a risk to
life!■
Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven – nev-
er place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the
surface of the seats! You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it be-
comes necessary to apply the brake or in the event of an accident. If an air-
bag is deployed, you could suffer fatal injuries by adopting an incorrect
seated position!
Passengers’ correct seating position on the rear seats
Read and observe
on page 13 first.
For the safety of the passengers in the rear seats, and to reduce the risk of
injury in an accident, the following instructions must be observed.
Adjust the headrests so that the top edge of the headrest is at the same
level as the upper part of the head » Fig. 2 on page 13 -
C
.
Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 15, Using seat belts .
14Safety

Airbag deploymentFig. 8
Inflated airbags
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
When triggered, the airbag fills with gas and unfolds. The inflation of the air- bag is carried out in a fraction of a second.
When the airbag inflates, smoke is released. This is not a sign of a fire in the
vehicle.
Triggering conditions
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. The important factors here are the hard-
ness of the object with which the vehicle collides, the angle of impact, vehicle
speed etc.
A decisive factor in the deployment of the airbags is the degree of deceleration
at the time. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured during
the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the
control unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer
severe damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal
collision.
▶ Driver’s front airbag.
▶ Front passenger airbag.
▶ Driver’s knee airbag.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision.
▶ Front side airbag.
▶ Rear side airbag.
▶ Head airbag.
When an airbag is deployed, the following occurs.
▶ The hazard warning lights are switched on.
▶ All the doors are unlocked.
▶ The fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
▶ The interior light comes on (if the automatic operation of the interior light is
switched on - switch 
).
When there is no air bag deployment?
With minor frontal and side collisions, rear collision, overturning of the vehicle
or vehicle roll-over there is no airbag deployment.
Safety instructions
Fig. 9
Safe distance from the steering
wheel and dash panel
WARNINGGeneral information■The seat belts and the airbag system can only offer optimum protection
if the driver and passengers are seated properly » page 12 .■
The airbag unleashes enormous force when triggered, which can lead to
serious injuries or fatalities if the driver and passengers are not seated
properly. This applies in particular to children who are transported without
using a suitable child safety seat » page 24.
■
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a spe-
cialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident. 
19Airbag system

Airbag deactivation
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
21
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
21
Deactivating airbags
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated switch
» Fig. 10 on page 21 -
 .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other
airbags as appropriate.
A warning light  indicates that the airbag has been deactivated
» page 35.
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones
outlined below. ▶ If a child seat must be used on the front passenger seat, where the child is
transported facing towards the rear » page 22.
▶ 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).
WARNINGIf an airbag is deactivated at the time of the vehicle being sold, the pur-
chaser must be informed!Deactivating the front passenger airbagFig. 10
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag/warning light
for the front passenger airbag
Switch positions » Fig. 10 -

The front passenger airbag is deactivated - after the ignition is switched
on, the indicator light » Fig. 10
illuminates -

The front passenger airbag is switched on - after switching on the ignition,
the warning light illuminates for 65 seconds 

Switch 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
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch
» .
›
Close the storage compartment on the front passenger side.
›
Check that the warning light

 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
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch
» .
›
Close the storage compartment on the front passenger side.
›
Check that the warning light

 lights up after the ignition is switched on. 
21Airbag system

WARNING■The key cannot be inserted into 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!■
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.
CAUTION
An insufficiently folded out key bit can damage the key switch!Transporting children safely
Child seat
 Introduction
To reduce the risk of injury in an accident, children should only be transported
in child seats!
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat (variant 1)
23
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat (variant 2)
24
Child safety and the side airbag
24
Classification of child seats
24
Use of child safety seats which are secured using a seat belt
24
Please refer to the instructions in this Owner's Manual and the child seat man-
ufacturer's instructions with regard to the installation and use of the child
seat.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you always transport children in the
rear seats. Only transport a child in the passenger seat in exceptional circum-
stances.
Child seats complying with the ECE-R 44 Economic Commission for Europe
standard must be used.
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■ One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's lap.■When leaving the vehicle, do not leave children unattended in the vehicle.
In an emergency, they might not be able to get out of the vehicle on their
own or to help themselves. At very high or very low temperatures can be
fatal!■
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

WARNING (Continued)■Children are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent if they lean forward or adopt an incorrect seated position when the
vehicle is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported
on the front passenger seat as they can suffer severe, or even fatal injuries
if the airbag system is deployed!■
Pay particular attention to the information provided by the manufacturer
of the child safety seat regarding the correct routing of the belt. Seat belts
which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in mi-
nor accidents.
■
Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running properly.
One should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by sharp-edged fit-
tings.
■
When installing the child seat on the back seat, the corresponding front
seat must be adjusted so that there is no contact between the front seat
and the child seat or the child being transported in a child seat.
■
When installing a child seat in which the child faces forward, adjust the
head restraints so that they are as high as possible.
■
If the head restraints still prevent the child seat from being installed,
even in the highest position, you will need to remove them » page 80. Af-
ter removing the child seat, refit the head restraints.
Note
We recommend that you use child seats from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
These child seats were developed and also tested for use in ŠKODA vehicles.
They meet the ECE-R 44 standard.Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat (variant 1)
Does not apply to TaiwanFig. 11
Warning labels
Read and observe
on page 22 first.
Never use a rearward-facing child restraint system on a seat which is protec-
ted by an active airbag. This could cause serious injury to the child, even
death.
This warning is also given on stickers that are located in the following places.
▶ On the passenger sun visor » Fig. 11 - 
.
▶ On the B-column on the front passenger side » Fig. 11 – 
.
The following advice must be heeded when using a child seat in which the
child is carried on the front passenger seat.
▶ It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if using a child seat in
which the child is carried with its back facing the direction of travel »
.
▶ If possible, adjust the front passenger seat backrest so that it is as vertical,
so as to ensure secure contact between the passenger seat backrest and the
back of the child seat.
▶ If possible, move the front passenger seat backwards so that there is no con-
tact between the front passenger seat and the child seat behind it.
▶ Set the height-adjustable front passenger seat as high up as possible.
▶ Set the front passenger seat belt as high up as possible.
▶ With child safety seats in groups 2 and 3, make sure that the loop-around fit-
tings attached to the child seat headrest is positioned in front of or at the
same height as the loop-around fittings on the B pillar on the passenger side. 
23Transporting children safely

Using the system
cockpit
OverviewElectric windows
59
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
74
Door opening lever
54
Air outlet vents
108
Ticket holder
83
Operating lever (depending on equipment):
▶ Direction and high beam
65
▶Speed regulating system
212
▶Headlight assist
67
Steering wheel with horn / with driver's front airbag
18
Buttons for operating the information system
41
Instrument cluster
30
Operating lever:
▶ Windscreen wipers and washers
72
▶Information system
41
Infotainment
113
Button for hazard warning light system
68
Warning light for the front passenger airbag
21
Interior rear-view mirror
74
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
87
Front passenger airbag
18
External Infotainment module (in the front passenger storage
compartment)
115
Key switch for switching off the front passenger airbag (in front
passenger storage compartment)
21
Power window in the front passenger door
60
Storage compartment
83
Light switch
64
Bonnet release lever
253
Storage compartment
83
Operating lever for adaptive cruise control
216123456789101112131415161718192021222324Steering wheel locking lever13
Depending on equipment fitted:
▶ Ignition lock
189
▶Starter button
189
Handbrake lever
192
Depending on equipment fitted:
▶ Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)
193
▶Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
194
Depending on equipment fitted:
▶ 12-Volt power socket
90
▶Cigarette lighter
91
Bar with keys depending on the equipment fitted:
▶  Central locking system
53
▶
 START STOP
190
▶
 Traction control TCS
201
▶
 Electronic Stability Control ESC
200
▶
/
 Selection of travel mode
221
▶
 Park Assist
209
▶
 Parking aid
204
▶
 Tyre pressure monitoring system
229
Storage compartmenttelephone box
84, 84
USB and AUX inputs
85
Controls for heating / air conditioning
105
Note
The layout of the controls on right-hand drive vehicles differs partially from
that shown in this layout » Fig. 16.25262728293031323329cockpit

 Emission control systemRead and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – there is a fault in the emission control system. The system
makes it possible to drive on in emergency mode - there may be a noticeable
reduction in engine performance.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
Preheating unit (diesel)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 flashes – there is a fault in the engine management system. The system
makes possible operation emergency mode - there may be a noticeable reduc-
tion in engine performance.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light  does not come
on or illuminates continuously.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
 EPC warning light (petrol)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – there is a fault in the engine management system. The system
makes it possible to drive on in emergency mode - there may be a noticeable
reduction in engine performance.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
Safety systems
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
System fault
 lights up - there is a fault in the airbag system.
Error: AirbagAIRBAG ERROR▶
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The front passenger airbag has been disabled with the key switch
 illuminates for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been switched on.
One of the airbags or a belt tensioner has been disabled by the diagnostic
tool
 illuminates for around 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on and then
flashes for approximately 12 seconds.Airbag/ belt tensioner deactivated.AIRBAG/ BELT TENSIONER OFF
ProActive passenger protection
 illuminates and the following message is shown in the information cluster
display.
Proactive passenger protection not available.PROACTIVE PASSENGER PROTECT NOT AVAIL
or
Proactive passenger protection: function restricted.LIMITED PROACTIVE PASSENGER PROTECT
The seat belt for the driver and front passenger needs to be replaced.
▶ Seek help from a specialist garage.
WARNINGWhen a fault in the airbag system occurs, there is a risk of the system not
being triggered in the event of an accident. Therefore, this must be
checked immediately by a specialized garage.
Tyre pressure
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
Change of tyre pressure values
 lights up - there was a pressure change in one of the tyres.
An audible signal sounds as a warning. ▶ Immediately reduce speed and avoid sudden steering and braking manoeu-
vres.
▶ Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and check the tyres and their inflation
pressure » page 261 . 
35Instruments and warning lights