2016 SKODA OCTAVIA ignition

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

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

Coolant temperature gaugeFig. 18
Coolant temperature gauge
The display » Fig. 18 only works if the ignition is switched on.
Cold range - The pointer is in the range
A
, the engine has not yet reached its
operating temperature. Avoid high speeds and high engine loads.
Operating range - The pointer is in the range
B
.
High temperature range The pointer is in the range
C
. The coolant tempera-
ture is too high. The warning light 
» page 38 illuminates in the instrument
cluster.
Fuel gauge - natural gas
Fig. 19
Gas gauge
The display » Fig. 19 only works if the ignition is switched on.
The capacity of the natural gas fuel tank is approximately 15 kg.
If this fuel level reaches the reserve area, in the display the icon  and a re-
quest for natural gas refuelling is displayed.
NoteThe arrow next to the symbol within the fuel gauge displays the installation
location of the fuel filler on the right side of the vehicle.
Fuel gauge - Petrol/ Diesel
Fig. 20
Petrol/ diesel reserve display
The display » Fig. 20 only works if the ignition is switched on.
The contents of the fuel tank for petrol / diesel is approximately 50 litres.
If the fuel level reaches the reserve level
A
» Fig. 20 , the warning light 
illu-
minates in the instrument cluster » page 36.
WARNINGFor the vehicle systems to function correctly, and thus for safe driving,
there must be sufficient fuel in the tank. Never drain the fuel tank com-
pletely – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! Irregular supply of fuel can
cause misfiring, which can result in damage to parts of the engine and the ex-
haust system.
Note
■ After filling up, it’s possible that during dynamic driving (e.g. numerous
curves, braking, driving downhill and climbing a steep hill) the fuel gauge indi-
cates a fraction less.■
The arrow 
next to the symbol 
within the fuel gauge displays the installa-
tion location of the fuel filler on the right side of the vehicle.
31Instruments and warning lights

Warning lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
33
 Braking system
33
 Front seat belt warning light
33
 Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
33
 
Power steering / steering lock (KESSY system)
33
 Stability control (ESC) / Traction control (TCS)
34
Traction control (TCS) disabled
34
 Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
34
Rear fog light
34
 Emission control system
35
 Preheating unit (diesel)
35
 EPC warning light (petrol)
35
Safety systems
35
Tyre pressure
35
 Brake linings
36
 Low fuel - petrol / diesel
36

Lane assist (Lane Assist)
36


Turn signal system
36
 Trailer turn signal lights
36
 Fog lights
37
 Cruise control
37
 Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
37
Natural gas operation
37
 Main beam
37
 Automatic gearbox
37
 Rear seat belt warning light
37
 Generator
37
 Coolant
38
 Engine oil pressure
38
 Engine oil level
38
 Lamp failure
39
 Diesel particle filter (diesel)
39
Windscreen washer fluid level39High beam assistant39

START-STOPsystem
39
Display a low temperature
39
 Water in the fuel filter (diesel)
40

 
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
40

Distance warning (Front Assist)
40
 Front assist
40
 OFF ROAD mode
40
 Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC)
40
 Service
40
The warning lights in the instrument cluster 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 warning lights are located at the following positions in the instrument
cluster » Fig. 17 on page 30 .
▶ Tachometer
1
▶Display
2
▶Speedometer
3
▶Bar with warning lights
5
Warning lights in the display
Depending on the importance the warning light  (danger) or
 (warning) illu-
minate along with some of the warning lights in the list with the warning
lights.
Depending on vehicle equipment, some warning lights can be displayed in col-
our on the display. For example. the coolant warning lamp may be represented
as follows.
▶  - Segment display / monochromatic (“black and white”) MAXI DOT display
▶  - Coloured MAXI DOT display 
32Using the system

WARNING■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 68. Place the warning triangle at the prescri-
bed distance.
■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warnings
» page 252 .
Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – the handbrake has been applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 5 km/h while the
handbrake is still on.
▶ Release the handbrake.
Braking system
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates – the brake fluid level in the brake system is too low.
▶ Park the vehicle, 
stop driving! Seek help from a specialist garage.
WARNINGA fault to the braking system can increase the vehicle’s braking distance -
There is a risk of an accident!
 Front seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up - the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
At a speed of over 30 km/h the warning light 
flashes and an audible warning
sounds at the same time.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
approx. 2 minutes, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light il-
luminates permanently.
 Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates - the ACC delay is not sufficient.
▶ Apply the brake.
For more information about the ACC system » page 214.
  Power steering / steering lock (KESSY system)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
Fault in the power steering
 lights up – this indicates a complete failure of the power steering and the
steering assist is no longer working (significantly higher steering forces).
 lights up – this indicates a partial failure of the power steering and the
steering forces can be greater.
▶ Switch off the ignition, start the engine again and travel a short distance.
▶ If the warning light does not go off, stop the vehicle,
stop driving
. Seek
help from a specialist garage.
▶ If the warning light does not go off, you can drive on, exercising appropriate
caution. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Steering lock defect (KESSY system)
An audible signal sounds as a warning.
 flashes
Steering column lock faulty. Stop!STOP VEHICLE STEERING FAULTY
▶ Park the vehicle, 
stop driving . After switching off the ignition, it is no lon-
ger possible to lock the steering, to activate the electrical components (e.g.
Infotainment ), to switch on the ignition again and to start the engine. Seek
help from a specialist garage.
 flashes
Steering lock: Workshop!STEERING WORKSHOP
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately. 
33Instruments and warning lights

Steering column lock not unlocked (System KESSY) flashes
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
required.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
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, after the motor is restarted and a short drive, the indicator light does not go
out, there is a system error.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
 Stability control (ESC) / Traction control (TCS)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
If your vehicle is equipped with the ESC system, the TCS is part of the ESC sys-
tem.
 flashes – the ESC or TCS is currently active.
System fault
 lights up – there is an ESC or TCS fault.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
If the warning light comes on after starting the engine, the TCS may be
switched off for technical reasons. ▶ Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light does not illuminate after you switch the engine back on,
the ASR is fully functional again.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the indicator
light comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after a short drive, the indicator light does not go out, there is a system er-
ror.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
For more information on the ESC system » page 200 or TCS system
» page 201 .
Traction control (TCS) disabled
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates – the TCS system is disabled.
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.
 Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – there is an ABS fault.
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
WARNING■ If warning light  illuminates simultaneously with warning light
 » page 33 ,  Braking system , do not continue your journey! Seek help
from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – the rear fog light is switched on.
34Using the system