... SKODA OCTAVIA 2011 2.G / (1Z) Owner's Manual

Page 14 of 248

Please refuel!
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal. CAUTION
Never run the fuel tank completely empty! An irregular supply of fuel can lead to
irregular engine running. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and dam-
age the catalytic converter. Note
After filling up, it can occur that during dynamic driving (e.g. numerous curves,
braking, driving downhill and climbing a steep hill) the fuel gauge indicates ap-
prox. a fraction less. When stopping or during less dynamic driving, the correct fuel
supply quantity is indicated. This effect is not a fault. 
Counter for distance driven The distance which you have driven with your vehicle is shown in kilometres (km).
In some countries the measuring unit
“mile” is used.
Reset button
If you hold the reset button 5

 fig. 2 pressed for about 1 second, the trip counter
is set back to zero.
Trip counter for distance driven
The trip counter indicates the distance which you have driven since this counter
was last reset - in steps of 100 metres or 1/10 of a mile.
Counter for distance driven
The counter for distance driven indicates the total distance in kilometres or miles
which the vehicle has been driven.
Fault display
If there is a fault in the instrument cluster Error will appear continuously in the
display. Have the fault rectified as soon as possible by a specialist workshop. WARNING
Never seek to adjust the trip counter for distance driven while driving for
safety reasons! Note
If vehicles which are fitted with the information display the display of the second
speed is activated in mph or km/h, this driving speed is indicated instead of the
counter for the total distance driven. 
Service reminder indicator Fig. 3 Service Interval Display: Note
Depending on the equipment installed in the vehicle, the text can differ on the
display.
Service Interval Display
Before the next service interval a key symbol 
and the remaining kilometres are
indicated after switching on the ignition ⇒ fig. 3 . At the same time, a display ap-
pears regarding the remaining days until the next service interval.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Service after ... km or... days. (Service after ... km or ... days.)
The kilometre indicator or the days indicator reduces in steps of 100 km. or days
until the service due date is reached.
A flashing key symbol 
and the text Service appears in the display for 20 sec-
onds as soon as the due date for the service is reached.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Service now! (Service now!)
Display regarding the distance and days until the following service interval
You can use the button 5 to display the remaining distance driven and the days
until the next service interval ⇒

 fig. 2. £12
Instruments and warning lights

Page 15 of 248

A key symbol  and a display regarding the remaining kilometres appear for 10
second in the display. At the same time, a display appears regarding the remaining
days until the next service interval.
On vehicles which are equipped with an information display, you can call up this
display in the menu
Settings ⇒ page 19
.
The following will be displayed in the information display for 10 seconds:
Service after ... km or... days. (Service after ... km or ... days.)
Resetting Service Interval Display
It is only possible to reset the Service Interval Display, if a service message or at
least a pre-warning is shown on the display of the instrument cluster.
We recommend having this resetting performed by a specialist garage.
The specialist garage:
● resets the memory of the display after the appropriate inspection,
● makes an entry in the Service schedule,
● affix the sticker with the entry of the following service interval to the side of
the dash panel on the driver's side.
Reset the service interval displays by using the button 5
⇒  fig. 2.
On vehicles which are equipped with an information display, you can call up this
display in the menu Settings ⇒ page 19

. CAUTION
We recommend that you do not reset the Service Interval Display yourself other-
wise this can result in the service interval display being incorrectly set, which may
also result in problems with operation of your vehicle. Note
● Never reset the display between service intervals otherwise this may result in
incorrect readouts.
● information is retained in the Service Interval Display also after the battery of
the vehicle is disconnected.
● If the instrument cluster is exchanged after a repair, the correct values must
be entered in the counter for the Service Interval Display. This work is carried out
by a specialist garage. ●
The data displayed is the same after resetting the display with flexible service
intervals (QG1) is displayed as that for a vehicle with fixed service intervals (QG2).
We therefore recommend having the Service Interval Display reset only by an au-
thorised

ŠKODA Service Partner who is familiar with the procedure for resetting
the display with a vehicle system tester.
● Please refer to the brochure Service schedule for extensive information about
the service intervals. 
Digital clock You can set the time with the rotary knob
5 ⇒

fig. 2.
Select the information which you wish to change by turning the button 5 and
carry out the change of the selected information by pressing the button.
On vehicles which are fitted with the information display, it is possible to set the
time in the menu Time ⇒

  page 19. WARNING
The clock should not be adjusted while driving for safety reasons but only
when the vehicle is stationary! 
Shift recommendation for changing gears Fig. 4 Shift recommendation for chang-
ing gears
An information for the engaged gear A
⇒  fig. 4 is shown in the display of the in-
strument cluster.
In order to minimise the fuel consumption, a recommendation for shifting into an-
other gear is indicated in the display. £ 13
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Page 22 of 248


Units
● Assistants
● Alternative speed displayed (Second speed)
● Service Interval
● Factory setting
● Back
After selecting the menu point Back you will reach one level higher in the menu.
Language
Here you can set in which language the warning and information texts should be
displayed.
Displays of the MFA
Here you can switch off or on certain displays of the multi-functional indicator.
Comfort
Here you can activate, deactivate or adjust the following functions: Rain closing Switch on/off the function for automatically closing the
window and panoramic tilt/slide sunroof in a locked rain
when it starts raining a)
. If the function is set and it is not
raining, the windows including the panoramic tilt/slide
sunroof will close automatically after approx. 12
hours.ATA confirm Switch on/off the acoustic signal indicating activation of
the anti-theft alarm system.
Central locking Switch on/off the central locking and automatic locking
function. Window op. Here you can set the convenience mode only for the
driver window or for all the windows.
Mirror down Switch on/off the function for mirror lowering on the
front passenger side when engaging the reverse gear b)
. Mirror adjust. Switch on/off the function for left and right exterior
mirror setting simultaneously.
Factory setting
Restore the Convenience factory setting.
a)
This function is only available on vehicles with a rain sensor.
b) This function is only available on vehicles with an electrically adjustable driver seat. Lights and Visibility
Here you can activate, deactivate or adjust the following functions: Coming Home Switch on/off and adjust the light duration of the Com-
ing Home function.
Leaving Home Switch on/off and adjust the light duration of the Com-
ing Home function.
Dayl. dri. light
Switch on/off the “DAY LIGHT” function.
Lane ch. flash
(convenience flashing) Switch on/off the convenience flashing function.
Rear wiper Switch on/off the function for automatic rear window
wiping.
Travel mode
Switch on/off the travel model function.
Factory setting
Restore the factory setting for the lighting.
Time
Here you can set the time, the time format (12 or 24 hour indicator) and the time
change summer/winter time.
Winter tyres
Here you can set at which speed a warning signal should sound. This function is
used for e.g winter tyres with the permissible maximum speed less than the maxi-
mum speed of the vehicle.
When exceeding the speed, an indication is displayed on the information display:
Winter tyres max. speed
... km/h
Measures
Here you can set the units for temperature, consumption and distance driven.
Assistants
Here you can adjust the tones of the acoustic signals of the parking aid. £20
Instruments and warning lights

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Handbrake 
The warning light
 comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 6
km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake! (Release parking brake!) 
Alternator The warning light
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should
go out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes on
when driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be
discharged in this case so switch off all non-essential electrical components. CAUTION
If the warning light  comes on when driving and in addition the warning light 
(cooling system fault) also comes on in display, you must then stop the car imme-
diately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage! 
Engine oil level Warning light
 lights up
If the warning light  lights up, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably too
low. Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒ page 183, Replenishing
engine oil with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Check oil level! (Check oil level!)
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds.
If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km. Warning light
 flashes
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible signal
and the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has been switch-
ed on.
In this case have the engine inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Oil sensor workshop! (Oil sensor workshop!) 
Fuel reserve  The warning light
 comes on, if the fuel level is still below 9 litres.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Please refuel! Range...km (Please refuel! (Range...km) Note
The Text in the information display goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance. 
Temperature of the clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG  In the event that the temperature of the clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG is
too high, the symbol and the warning are shown in the  Information display:
Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's man.! (Transmission overheated. Stop!
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal. 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. CAUTION
In the event that the clutches of the automatic gearbox have overheated, bring
the vehicle to a stop and switch off the engine. You must wait until the symbol 
and the warning go out - risk of gearbox damage! You can continue the trip as
soon as the symbol and the warning go out.  29
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Page 101 of 248

3
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position 1 To
lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel un-
til the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always lock the steering
as a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against possible
theft of your vehicle ⇒  .
Position 2 Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot, or
cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
3 The engine is started in this position. At the same time switched on low beam or
main beam or other electrical components with major power consumption are
briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into position
2 when one relea-
ses the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position 1 each time before starting
the engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock prevents the starter
being engaged when the engine is running and thus getting damaged.
Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selec-
tor lever is in position P.WARNING
● When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2 (ignition
switched on) without the engine running. This position is indicated by the
warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result in unexpected
locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident!
● Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has
come to a standstill (by applying the handbrake or moving the selector lever
into the position
P). The steering lock can engage immediately - risk of acci-
dent!
● Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle,
even for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the
vehicle. The children might otherwise start the engine or switch on electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of accident or injury! Starting the engine
General You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
Manual gearbox
– Place the gearshift lever into neutral and put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
– Engage the clutch pedal and keep it depressed until the engine starts.
If you start the engine without depressing the clutch pedal, the engine does not
start and the following message appears in the Information display Depress
clutch! or CLUTCH in the display of the instrument cluster.
– Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
to the starter.
Automatic gearbox
– Place the gearshift lever into P or N before starting the engine, and apply the
handbrake firmly.
– Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
to the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve
clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒

 page 206. WARNING
● Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust
gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon mon-
oxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness
and death.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running. £ 99
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Page 196 of 248

Changing wheels around
Fig. 159 Changing wheels around
If significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend changing
the front wheels around with the rear wheels as shown in the diagram ⇒
 fig. 159 .
You will then obtain approximately the same life for all the tyres.
It may be advantageous to swap the tyres over “crosswise” when uneven wear
characteristic arise on the running surfaces of the tyres (but not in the case of uni-
directional tyres). We recommend that you contact an authorised ŠKODA Service
Partner. They have extensive knowledge about the possible combinations.
We recommend that you change the wheels around every 10 000 km in order to
achieve even wear on all wheels and to obtain optimal tyre life. 
New tyres and wheels Tyres and wheel rims are important design elements. One should therefore use
the tyres and wheel rims which have been released for use by

ŠKODA. They are
exactly matched to the vehicle type and therefore contribute significantly to good
road holding and safe driving characteristics ⇒  .
Only fit radial tyres of the same type on all 4 wheels, size (rolling circumference)
and, if possible, the same tread pattern on one axle.
Authorised

ŠKODA Service Partners have access to the most current information
about which tyres we have released for use on your vehicle.
We recommend that you have any work relating to tyres or wheels carried out by
an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner. Authorised ŠKODA Service Partners have
all of the necessary special tools and replacement parts available plus the re-
quired specialist knowledge and are also in a position to properly dispose of the
old tyres. A large number of authorised ŠKODA Service Partners also have an at-
tractive range of tyres and wheels available. The tyre/wheel combinations which are approved for your vehicle are indicated in
your vehicle documents. Approval and licensing may differ according to the legis-
lation prevailing in individual countries.
Proper knowledge of the tyre data makes it easier for you to select the correct
type of tyre. Tyres do, for example, have the following inscription on their walls:
195/65 R 15 91 T
What this means is: 195 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
R Code letter for the type of tyre -
Radial 15 Diameter of wheel in inches
91 Load index
T Speed symbol
The following speed restrictions apply to tyres.
Speed symbol Permissible maximum speed
S 180 km/h
T 190 km/h
U 200 km/h
H 210 km/h
V 240 km/h
W 270 km/h
Y 300 km/h
The date of manufacture
is also stated on the tyre wall (possibly only on the in-
side of wheel):
DOT ... 20 11...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the 20th week of the year
2011.
Any spare wheel which differs from the tyres fitted to the vehicle (e.g. winter
tyres or low-profile tyres) should only be used only for a short time in the event of
a puncture and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving. It should
be replaced as quickly as possible by a normal wheel. £194
Wheels and Tyres