headlights SKODA OCTAVIA 2005 1.G / (1U) Owner's Manual

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
14
Engine revolutions counter
The start of the red zone in the revolutions counter ⇒page 13, fig. 2
indicates the maximum permissible engine speed for all gears for an
engine which has been run in and operating at a normal temperature. You
should shift into the next higher gear before this red zone is reached, or
move the selector lever into position D if your car is fitted with an automatic
gearbox.
One should shift to the next lower gear at the latest when the engine is no
longer running smoothly.
Avoid high engine speeds during the running-in period ⇒page 221.
Caution
The needle of the revolutions counter must on no account move into the
red zone of the scale - risk of engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Shifting up early helps you save fuel and reduce the operating noise of
your vehicle.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒ page 13, fig. 2 operates only when
the ignition is switched on.
In order to avoid any damage to the engine, please pay attention to the
following notes regarding the temperature ranges: Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid running at
high engine speeds, at full throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer
moves into the mid-range of the scale. The pointer may also move further
to the right at high engine loads and high outside temperatures. This is not
critical provided the warning symbol
 in the instrument cluster does not
flash.
If the symbol
 in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Please
refer to the guidelines ⇒page 35, “Coolant temperature/coolant level ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒page 248, “Working in the
engine compartment” before opening the bonnet and inspecting
the coolant level.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh
air inlet impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of
the engine overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine
loads!
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge ⇒page 13, fig. 2 only operates when the ignition is
switched on.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights33
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
In the diesel particle filter the resulting soot particles are
collected and burnt during the combustion of diesel fuel.
Code 7GG on the vehicle data sticker ⇒fig. 20 indicates that your
vehicle is equipped with a diesel particle filter. The vehicle data
sticker ⇒page 303, fig. 234 is located on the floor of the luggage
compartment and is also stated in the Service schedule.
The soot particles, which result from the combustion of diesel fuel, are
collected in the diesel particle filter . If the filter is full, the warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster.
The soot particles must be burned in the filter. The combustion is
performed when you are driving at least 60 km/h for 5 to 10 minutes. The
warning light goes out. If the warning light remains on despite this measure, the following text
appears in the display of the instrument cluster:
Engine fault Workshop!.
In this case contact a specialist garage to obtain assistance.
WARNING
Please pay attention to the traffic regulations and speed limits.
Note
It is prohibited to use biofuel and diesel fuel mixture (RME) for vehicles
with diesel engines which are fitted with diesel particle filter.
Bulbs 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds after ignition is switched
on and goes out after several seconds.
If the warning light does not go out or comes on when driving, a bulb in the
headlights of the rear parking light or in the brake lights is defective.
The following text e.g will be displayed in the information display*:
Dipped beam front left defective!
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
Electromechanical power steering 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
Fig. 20 Vehicle data
sticker
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Lights and Visibility
64
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in
accordance with the legal requirements.
•If a fault occurs in the light switch, the low beam comes on automati-
cally
•In the event of cool or humid weather conditons, the headlights can be
misted up from inside.
−The temperature difference between interior and external area of
the headlight lenses is decisive.
− When the driving lights are switched on, the light outlet surfaces are
free from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly
mist up at the border areas.
− It also concerns reverse light and turn signal lights.
− This mist has no influence on the life of the lighting system.
Automatic driving lamp control*
Switching on automatic driving lamp control*
– Turn the light switch ⇒page 63, fig. 41 into position
.
Switching off automatic driving lamp control*
– Turn the light switch into position 0.
If the light comes on when the driving lamp control is switched on, the side
lights and low beam as well as licence plate light light up at the same time.
You can also switch on the side lights, fog lights and rear fog light with the
light switch .
If the automatic driving lamp control* is switched on, the light is controlled
by a light sensor in the mount of the interior rear mirror. If the light intensity
drops below the set value, e.g when driving during the day into a tunnel,
the low beam and the side lights as well as the licence plate light come on
automatically. If the light intensity increases again, the lights switch off
automatically.
Motorway lights
If the automatic driving lamp control* has been switched on and the
vehicle speed is over 140 km/h for at least 10 seconds, the side lights and
low beam are switched on automatically.
If the vehicle speed is below 65 km/h for at least 2 minutes, the lights are
switched off.
Rain lights
If you move the windshield wiper lever in the position slow wipe for more
than 5 seconds, the side lights and low beam are automatically switched
on. The light is switched off when the windshield wiper lever is no longer
than 4 minutes in the position for slow or intermittent wipe.
Fig. 42 Dash panel:
Light switch
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Lights and Visibility67
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Instrument lighting* 
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting.
Instrument lighting
– Switch on the light.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 44 to the desired intensity of the
instrument lighting
5).
Headlight range adjustment 
Once the low beam is switched on you can then adapt the
range of the headlights to the load of the vehicle.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 45 until you have adjusted the low
beam so that oncoming traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following vehicle loads:
Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Caution
Set the headlight beam adjustment in such a way as to avoid dazzling
oncoming traffic.5)On the information display* ⇒page 23 the intensity of the lighting is automatically
set. The setting using the control dial ⇒fig. 44 is only possible when driving in the
dark.
Fig. 44 Dash panel:
Instrument lighting
Fig. 45 Dash panel:
Lights and Visibility
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Lights and Visibility
68
Note
Headlights fitted with Xenon bulbs* adapt automatically to the load and
driving state of the vehicle (e.g. accelerating, braking) when the ignition is
switched on and when driving.
Switch for hazard warning lights 
– Press switch  ⇒ fig. 46 to switch the hazard warning light
system on or off.
All the turn signal lights on the vehicle flash at the same time when the
hazard warning light system is switched on. The indicator light for the turn
signals and the indicator light in the switch also flash at the same time.
You can also switch on the hazard warning light system if the ignition is
switched off. The hazard warning light system is switched on automatically if an airbag
is deployed in the event of an accident.
Please comply with any legal requirements when using the hazard
warning light system.
Note
Switch on the hazard warning light system if, for example:
•you encounter traffic congestion,
•your vehicle breaks down or an emergency situation occurs.
Turn signal   and main beam lever 
The parking lights and headlight flasher are also switched
on and off using the turn signal and main beam lever.
Fig. 46 Dash panel:
Switch for hazard
warning lights
Fig. 47 Turn signal
and main beam lever
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Lights and Visibility77
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
•If the slower or the faster wiper setting is switched on ⇒page 75,
fig. 55 and the vehicle speed decreases to below 4 km/h, the next lower
wiper step is switched on automatically. At a speed increase of more than
8 km/h the previous wiper setting is established again.
•If there is an obstacle on the windscreen, the wiper will try to push
away the obstacle. If the obstacle continues to block the wiper, the wiper
stops after 5 cycles, in order to avoid a damage to the wiper. Remove the
obstacle and and switch on the wiper again.
Headlight cleaning system*
The headlights are being cleaned after the windscreen has been sprayed
for the fifth time, the low beam or main beam are switched on and the
windscreen wiper lever was held in the position ⇒page 75, fig. 55 for
about 1 second.
The headlight washer nozzles are moved forward out of the bumper by the
water pressure for cleaning the headlights.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the head-
light lenses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. Please refer
to the following guidelines ⇒page 237, “The headlight lenses”.
You should remove any snow from the fixtures of the washer nozzles and
clear ice in winter with a de-icing spray in order to ensure proper operation
of the cleaning system.
Replacing wiper blades for the windscreen wipers
One cannot fold out the wiper arms in the rest position from the
windscreen. Before replacing the wiper arms you must put them
into the service position.
Service position for changing wiper blades
– Close the bonnet.
– Switch the ignition on and then again off.
– Then press the windscreen wiper lever in the position ⇒page 75, fig. 55 within 20 seconds - the wiper arms move
into the service position.
Taking off the wiper blade
– Fold windscreen wiper arm away from the windscreen and position the wiper blade at right angles to the wiper arm ⇒.
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Fig. 56 Wiper blades
for the windscreen
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Communication163
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Communication
Multifunction steering wheel*
Operating the radio system
The driver can set the basic functions of the radio system by simply oper-
ating the buttons on the steering wheel so that he can concentrate on the
traffic situation without being distracted as little as possible by operating
the radio system ⇒fig. 146 .
This applies only if your radio equipment has been installed at the factory.
You can of course operate the radio system at the appliance. You will find
a description in the operating instructions of your radio system.
If the headlights are switched on, the buttons on the steering wheel come
on when pressing the button
.
By pressing the buttons, you can carry out the following functions: The buttons apply for the respective operating mode of the current radio
system.
Fig. 146 Multifunction
steering wheel:
Buttons for the opera-
tion of the radio
ButtonRadioCassetteCD
Button for stored
transmitter
forward

without functionTitle search forward

Increase volume 
Decrease volume 
Button for stored
transmitter back

without functionTitle search back

Lighting of buttons 
Frequency search back
Fast rewind Reading the
previous CD

Frequency search forward
Fast forward Reading the
following CD

Mute switch 
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Communication
164
Radio and mobile phone operation
The driver can set the basic functions of the radio and mobile phone
system by simply operating the buttons on the steering wheel so that he
can concentrate on the traffic situation without being distracted as little as
possible by operating the radio and mobile phone system ⇒fig. 147 .
This applies only if your radio and mobile phone equipment has been
installed at the factory. You can of course operate the radio and mobile
system at the appliance. You will find a description in the operating
instructions of your radio system.
If the headlights are switched on, the buttons on the steering wheel come
on when pressing the button
.
By pressing the buttons, you can carry out the following functions:Fig. 147 Multifunction
steering wheel:
Buttons for the radio
and mobile phone
operation
ButtonRadioCassetteCDPhone
Button for stored
transmitter forward
without
functionTitle search
forward
without function
Increase volume 
Decrease volume 
Button for stored
transmitter back
without
functionTitle search
back
without function
Lighting of buttons 
without functionReject, end a call, reach one level higher in the menu 
Switching over between radio system and mobile phone Receive, accept a call, call up menu telephone, confirm menu selection

without functionActivation/deactivation button for voice control (button PTT)
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Driving and the Environment
228
Motoring abroad
General
Other circumstances may exist abroad.
It is also possible, in certain countries, that the Škoda dealership network
has not been established yet. This is the reason why obtaining certain
spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garage
personnel may only be able to make limited repairs. Škoda Auto in the
Czech Republic and relevant importers are happy to provide information
about technical aspects of the vehicle, required maintenance work and
possibilities for getting repairs done.
Unleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with
unleaded petrol ⇒page 222. The automobile associations can provide you
with information regarding the locations of filling stations which offer
unleaded petrol.
Headlights
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the
side of the road on which you are driving to a greater extent. If you drive
abroad on the other side of the road, you will dazzle oncoming traffic.
It is necessary in order to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic to stick a sticker
over a certain part of the headlights.
Windscreen wiper stickers are available at Škoda dealers. Headlights with Xenon lamps are designed for driving in countries with
traffic on the right or on the left. Have this done always at a Škoda dealer.
Note
You can obtain further information regarding masking over or converting
the headlights from your Škoda dealer.
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
When driving on poor roads and lanes or when driving over kerbstones,
steep ramps etc., you must pay particular attention to ensuring that any
low-slung parts of the vehicle, such as spoiler and exhaust, do not touch
the ground and get damaged.
This particularly applies to models with a lowered suspension (sport
suspension) and also when your vehicle is fully laden.
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Towing a trailer
230
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are
located as close as possible to the axle. Secure the items to prevent them
slipping.
Tyre inflation pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
⇒ page 264. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exte-
rior mirrors should be attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that
they provide you with an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the head-
lights. Alter the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam
adjuster ⇒page 67.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing
device. It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare
wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device ⇒page 231.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between
service intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling
and decoupling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and
the trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid
driving with this combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies
for countries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination
reduces with increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed
should not be used when there are unfavourable road, weather or wind
conditions, particularly near accident black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediately as soon as you detect
even just the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to
stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake ,
apply the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts
resulting from the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time
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