traction control SKODA OCTAVIA 2010 2.G / (1Z) Owner's Manual

Instruments and warning lights
28
WARNING

If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body inju-
ries or major vehicle damage.

The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire wh en working in the engine compartment,
e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is also essential to
observe all warnings page 197, “Working in the engine compartment”.Note

The arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model version. The
symbols shown in the following functional description are to be found as indicator
lights in the instrument cluster.

Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority 1 -
danger) or yellow symbol s (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system

Either the left
 or right
 indicator light flashes depending on the position of the turn
signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the turn
signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
Further information about the turn signal system page 57.

Glow plug system (diesel engine) page 31

Coolant temperature/coolant level page 31

Traction control system (TCS) page 32

Electronic stability programme (ESP)* page 32

Switch off traction control system (TCS) page 32

Selector lever lock* page 33

Tyre pres su re* page 33

Antilock brake system (ABS) page 33

Bonnet page 33

Seat belt warning light page 34

Brake pad wear* page 34

Boot lid page 34

Open door page 34

Fluid level in windshield washer system* page 34

Brake system page 34

Dynamo page 35

Engine oil level page 35

Fuel reserve page 35
s43s.1.book Page 28 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Instruments and warning lights
32
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be caused
by an operating problem at th e coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant fan, replace
it if necessary page 227, “Fuse assignment in engine compartment”.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the fluid is at the
correct level and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order. Contact a specialist garage
to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions page 200, “Cooling system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check coolant! Owner's manual
WARNING

If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system page 56.

Take care when opening the coolant expa nsion bottle. If the engine is hot,
the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is best to allow the engine
to cool down before removing the cap.

Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on automatically
even if the ignition is off.
Traction control system (TCS)

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.
The warning light lights up permanentl y if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS system can be switched
on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the TCS
system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS page 169, “Traction control system (TCS)”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short
distance.
Switch off traction control system (TCS)

The TCS system is switched off by pressing the button page 169, fig. 150 and the
warning light
 lights up.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
When the ESP helps to stabilise the vehicle, the warning light
 flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The warning light lights up permanently if there is a fault in the ESP system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESP system can be switched
on again by switching the igni tion on and off. If the warning light goes out, the ESP
system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP page 167, “Electronic stab ility programme (ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the ED L is indicated by the lighting up of the ESP
warning light in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected without delay by an
authorised Škoda Service Partner. Further information on the EDL page 168, “Elec-
tronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short
distance.
s43s.1.book Page 32 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Intelligent Technology167
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Driving TipsIntelligent TechnologyElectronic stability programme (ESP)*GeneralThe ESP aids you in maintaining control of your vehicle in situations in which the
vehicle is driving at its dynamic limits, such as entering a curve fast. The risk of skidding
is reduced and your vehicle thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface. The system operates at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),

Traction control system (TCS),

active driver-steering recommendation (DSR),

Antilock brake system (ABS),

Brake Assist,

Uphill Start Assist
The ESP system cannot be switched off, only the TCS system can be switched off by
pressing the button fig. 149 , the warning light
 lights up. Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also proc-
esses additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive sensors: the
rotational velocity of the vehicle about its ve
rtical axis, the lateral acceleration of the
vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is co nstantly compared with the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the vehi cle beginning to skid, the ESP will
automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces wh ich take effect when the wheel is braked.
Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of a
vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break away)
while occurs this is on the inner rear wh eel of a vehicle which tends to understeer
(tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied by
noises.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light
 flashes in the instrument
cluster page 32.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS page 171, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on the
ESP
  page 32.WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the vehicle.
Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your style of
driving to the condition of the road surfac e and the traffic situation. This partic-
ularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety
Fig. 149 ESP switch
s43s.1.book Page 167 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Intelligent Technology
168
offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an acci-
dent!
Note

All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free
operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circum ferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-
sirable reduction in the engine output.

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on th e brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP page 214, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)*
The electronic differential lock prev ents an individual wheel from slip-
ping.Models fitted with ESP ar e equipped with electronic differential lock (EDL).
General
The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The EDL is activated automaticall y, that is without any action on the part of the driver.
It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors. Should
only one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will be an appreciable
difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes the slipping
wheel and the differential transmits a greate r driving force to the other driven wheel.
This control process is also accompanied by noises.
Overheating of the brakes
The EDL switches off automatica lly if unusually severe stresses exist in order to avoid
excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being braked. The
vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not
fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically
as soon as the brake has cooled down.
XDL function (only for Octavia RS)
The XDL function is an extension to the electronic differential lock. The XDL function
does not respond to traction, but to the relief of the inner front wheel during fast
cornering. An active brake intervention on the brake of the inner wheel prevents it from
spinning. Thus, the trac tion is improved and the vehicle continues to follow the desired
track.
WARNING

Carefully depress the accelerator when accelerating on uniformly slippery
road surfaces, such as ice and snow. Th e driven wheels might still spin despite
the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!

You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road
surface and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL.
The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than
otherwise - risk of an accident!Note

If the ABS or ESP warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the EDL.
Please have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage.

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the EDL page 214, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
WARNING (continued)
s43s.1.book Page 168 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Intelligent Technology169
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning
when accelerating.General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate and
climb a steep hill when th e conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when th e engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS
sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is auto-
matically adapted by reducing the engine speed. The system operates at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS page 171, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light lights up in the instru ment cluster when there is a fault on the
TCS
  page 32.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light
 flashes in the instru-
ment cluster page 32.
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button fig. 150 .
The TCS warning light lights up in the instru ment cluster when the system is switched
off
  page 32. The TCS should normally always
be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the system.
Examples:

when driving with snow chains,

when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,

when it is necessary to rock a vehicle when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the TCS again.
WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road
surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt
you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note

All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free
operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-
sirable reduction in the engine output.

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS page 214, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR)*Vehicles with ESP are equipped with active driver-steering recommendation (DSR).
This function indicates to the driver in crit ical situations a steering recommendation in
order to stabilise the vehicle. The active driver-steering recommendation is activated,
for example, on the right and left vehicle si de when braking sharply on different road
surfaces.
WARNING
Even with this function the vehicle cann ot steer itself! The driver is furthermore
responsible for the steering of the vehicle!
Fig. 150 TCS switch
s43s.1.book Page 169 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Wheels and Tyres
212
Winter tyresThe handling of your vehicl e will be significantly improved when driving on wintry
roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice, snow and
at temperatures below 7 °C because of thei r construction (width, rubber blend, tread
pattern). This particularly applies to vehicles which are equipped with low-profile
tyres or high-speed tyres (code index H or V on wall of tyre).
Winter tyres must be mounted on all four wheels to obtain the best handling charac-
teristics.
You must only fit those types of winter tyre which are approved for your vehicle. The
permissible sizes of winter tyres are stated in your vehicl e documents. Approvals may
differ because of na tional legislation.
Please remember that the tyres should be inflated to 20 kPa (0.2 bar) more than is the
case for summer tyres page 208.
Winter tyres no longer offer the same winter performance once the tyre tread has
worn down to a depth of about 4 mm.
Ageing also causes winter tyres to lose most of their winter performance properties -
even in cases where the remaining tread depth is still clearly more than 4 mm.
Speed restrictions apply to winter tyres as well as to summer tyres page 210,
 .
You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed catego ry to your vehicle provided that you also
do not drive faster than the permissible maximum speed for such tyres, even if the
possible maximum speed of your vehicle is higher. The corresponding tyre category
can damage the tyres when exceeding the permissible maximum speed.
Please pay attention to the notes if you decide to fit winter tyres page 208.
You can also fit so-called “all-year tyres” instead of winter tyres.
Please contact your specialist garage if there are any points which are not clear who will
be able to provide you with information regarding the maximum speed for your tyres.
WARNING
You must on no account drive your car at more than the permissible maximum
speed for your winter tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and
loss of control over your car.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres on again in good time since summer tyres offer you better grip
and handling on roads which are free of snow and ice as well as ar temperatures below
7 °C - the braking distance is shorter, there is less tyre noise, tyre wear is reduced and
fuel consumption is reduced.
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.Unidirectional tyres*The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre. This
indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential that the tyres are fitted
on to run in this direction. Only then are the tyres able to provide the optimal proper-
ties in terms of grip, low nois e, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
Should it be necessary to fit on a spare wheel in exceptional cases with a tyre not dedi-
cated to the running direction or in oppo site running direction, please adopt a
cautious style of driving as the tyre is no longer able to provide optimal grip and
handling in such a situation. This particular ly important on wet roads. Please refer to
the notes page 217, “Spare wheel*”.
You should have the defective tyre replaced as soon as possible and restore the correct
direction of rotation on all tyres.Snow chainsSnow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
For technical reasons, it is only permissi ble to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations.
s43s.1.book Page 212 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Index
268
Tow-starting and towing vehicle
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Traction control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Traction control system (TCS) Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Transporting children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Two-way radio systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Tyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Tyre inflation pressure Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Tyre repair kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Tyres Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212UUnderbody protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Uphill Start Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172VVanity mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Ventilation Auxiliary ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
WWarning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Warning symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 with a high-pressure cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Washing vehicle by hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Wax treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Wheel Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Wheel trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208, 218
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Windows de-icing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Windscreen washer nozzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Windshield wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Wiper blades Replacing the wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63XXDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Xenon headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
s43s.1.book Page 268 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM