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

Contents
6
Important safety information regarding the use
of seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely. . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting
children! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching child seat using the “ISOFIX” system
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill-Start off-Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detachable ball head* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen Wiper and Washer System . . . .
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and replacement parts . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Octavia)
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate
car) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Te c h n i c a l D a ta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
185
186
188
190
190
192
195
197
199
202
202
206
210
213
213
213
216
217
218
218
219
219
220
221
221
222
223
227
228
228 229
229
231
233
233
233
233
239
242
242
242
245
247
247
250
253
256
258
262
263
263
270
270
270
273
273
273
273274
274
275
275
276
281
283
288
288
294
303
303
303
305
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
32
Turn signal system 
Either the left  or right  indicator light flashes depending on the posi-
tion of the turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails.
This does not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching on 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 68.
Main beam 
The indicator light  comes on when the main beam is selected or also
when the headlight flasher is operated.
Further information about the main beam ⇒page 68.
Low beam 
The indicator light  comes on when low beam is selected ⇒page 63.
The rear fog light 
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog lights are operating
⇒ page 65.
Electronic immobiliser 
Data is compared between the ignition key and the control unit when
switching on the ignition. The indicator light  will light up for a few
seconds when ignition key authorisation is confirmed.
The warning light will start flashing continuously if a non-authorised igni-
tion key (for example the wrong ignition key) has been used. The engine
cannot be started ⇒page 45.
It is only possible to start the engine of the vehicle with a Genuine Škoda
key with the matching code.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Immobilizer active
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Unlocking and locking55
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Interior monitor* 
The interior monitor detects movements inside the car and
then triggers the alarm.
You must switch the interior monitor off if, for example, a child or
an animal inside the car might trigger the alarm.
Deactivation of interior monitor
– Switch off the ignition.
– Open the driver door.
– Press the button
 at the centre colum on the driver side
⇒ fig. 34 , the symbol
 lights up in the button.
– Lock the vehicle within 30 seconds.
The interior monitor is switched on again automatically the next time the
car is locked.
Note
•You can also switch off the interior monitor, by deactivating the safe
securing system ⇒page 47.
•The version of the button can differ depending on the equipment
installed in the vehicle.
Towing protection monitoring*
The towing protection monitoring should be switched off, if the
vehicle is transported (e.g. by rail or by ship) or should be towed.
Switching off the towing protection monitoring
– Switch off the ignition.
Fig. 34 Interior
monitor pushbutton
Fig. 35 Button for the
towing protection
monitoring
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Lights and Visibility65
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
The automatic driving lamp control only operates as a support. The
driver is not released from his responsibility to inspect the light
and if necessary to switch on the light depending on the light
conditions. The light sensor cannot detect for example rain or
snow. Always switch on the low beam
 under these conditions
as well as when driving in the dark!
Note
•Do not affix any stickers in front of the light sensor, so that you do not
impair its function or put it out of operation.
•The same principles as for using the automatic driving lamp control
also apply to the light which is switched on manually ⇒page 63.
Fog lights* 
Switching on the fog lights
– First of all turn the light switch ⇒fig. 43 into position
 or .
– After this pull the light switch out to the first detent .
When the fog lights are operating, the symbol  next to the light switch is
illuminated more intensely.
The rear fog light 
Switching on the rear fog light
– First of all turn the light switch ⇒fig. 43 into position
 or .
– Pull the light switch out to the second detent .
The rear fog light warning light  ⇒ page 30 lights up in the instrument
cluster when the fog light is switched off.
Only the rear fog light of the trailer lights up automatically when you are
towing a trailer using a factory-fitted towing device which is fitted with
the rear fog light.
The rear fog light is located in the rear light array on the driver's side.
Caution
The rear fog light should only be switched on if visibility is particularly poor
(conform with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles
behind your vehicle.
Fig. 43 Dash panel:
Light switch
A1
A2
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Seats and Stowage
116
– Pull the securing belt tight at the free end of the belt .
Stowing
– Fold the lid and the armrest up to the stop in upward direction - the lid must click into place audibly. You can recognize this
on the fact that the red field above the unlocking button of
the luggage compartment is not visible ⇒page 115, fig. 111.
– Carefully fold the empty (dry) through-loading bag together, place it in the luggage compartment and secure it to prevent it
slipping.
WARNING
•After placing items into the through-loading bag, you must
secure the bag with the securing belt .
•The securing belt must hold the items tight.
•Ensure that the securing belt on ski sport articles lies in the
middle between the bindings (see imprint on the through-loading
bag).
Note
•Place the skis with the tips facing the front, snowboards and ski sticks
with the tips facing the rear into the through-loading bag.
•If there are several pairs of skis in the through-loading bag, ensure that
the bindings are positioned at the same height.
•The through-loading bag must never be folded together or stowed
when moist.
Side compartment*
– You can open the compartment by turning the locks in the direction of arrow.
The CD changer* is housed in this compartment.
AB
AA
AA
Fig. 113 Luggage
compartment: Side
compartment
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Starting-off and Driving
144
Rear parking aid*
The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind
the vehicle.
The audible parking aid determines the distance between the rear bumper
and an obstacle located behind the vehicle with the aid of ultrasound
sensors. The sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the
obstacle (area ⇒ fig. 132). The interval between the warning signals
becomes shorter as the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a clearance of just 30 cm (Bereich ) -
danger area. You should not reverse any further after this signal
sounds!
For particular model versions, the distance to the obstruction is also
displayed on the display of the radio. You can also switch off this function
- see operating instructions for radio Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when
reverse gear is engaged
and the ignition is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief acknowledge-
ment signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear.
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper
attention and it is always the driver's responsibility to take care
when parking the vehicle or carrying out similar manoeuvres.
•You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that
there is no small obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar
etc., behind your vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the
range detected by the sensors.
Note
•The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
•If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after switching the igni-
tion on and engaging reverse gear, and there is no obstacle close to your
car, this indicates a system fault. Have the fault rectified by a specialist
workshop.
•The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking
aid to operate properly.
•If the parking aid is activated and the selector lever of the automatic
gearbox is in the position , warning signal indicates interruption (vehicle
can no longer move).
Fig. 132 Parking aid:
Detection range of rear
sensors
AA
AB
AP
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Starting-off and Driving
146
•You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that
there is no small obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar
etc., in front or behind your vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be
within the range detected by the sensors.
Caution
In order to ensure the correct functioning of the parking aid, only a licence
plate frame approved by the manufacturer Škoda for your vehicle type
should be installed at the front bumper. Un-approved licence plate frames
can project into the detection range ⇒page 145, fig. 134 . A non-proved
licence plate frame could be recognized as an obstacle by the system and
this would lead to an incorrect warning. If you have any questions, please
contact a specialist garage.
Note
•Only the front parking aid operates if you are towing a trailer (applies
only to models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
•If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the
system and there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system
fault. The fault is confirmed additionally when the symbol
 flashes in the
button ⇒page 145, fig. 133 . Have the fault rectified by a specialist work-
shop.
•The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking
aid to operate properly.
•If the parking aid is activated and the selector lever of the automatic
gearbox is in the position , warning signal indicates interruption (vehicle
can no longer move).
Cruise control system (CCS)*
Introduction
The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than
30 km/h (20 mph), once it has been set, without you having to depress the
accelerator pedal. This is only possible within the range which is permitted
by the power output and braking power of the engine. The cruise control
system makes it possible - particularly on long journeys - for you to rest
your “accelerator foot”.
WARNING
•The cruise control system must not, for safety reasons, be used
in dense traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy
roads, slippery roads or loose chippings) - risk of accident!
•In order to prevent unintentional use of the cruise control
system, always switch off the system after use.
Note
•Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Always depress the clutch pedal
if you switch on the cruise control system when the gearbox is in Neutral.
Otherwise the engine can rev up unintentionally.
•The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed
when driving on steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle
increases the speed at which it travels. One should shift down in good
time to a lower gear or slow the vehicle down by applying the foot brake.
•It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch
on the cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N or
R .
WARNING (continued)
AB
AP
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Automatic gearbox151
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock
must be pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions
R, P or
N .
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position R, the
reverse lights will come on.
N - Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed (if the lever is in its position for longer
than 2 seconds) in order to move the selector lever out of the position N
into the position D, with the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at
less than 5 km/hour or on a stationary vehicle.
The brake pedal must be depressed (if the lever is in its position for longer
than 2 seconds) in order to move the selector lever out of the position N
into the position R, with the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at
less than 5 km/hour or on a stationary vehicle.
D - Drive, position for driving forward
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are shifted up
and down automatically in line with engine load, vehicle speed and the
dynamic shift programme.
You must depress the brake pedal ⇒ if you wish to move the selector
lever into position D from N when the vehicle is travelling at less than
5 km/hour or is stationary.
In certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or
when towing a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift
programme ⇒page 153 for a short time in order to adapt the gearbox
ratios manually to the driving situations.
S - Position for sporty style of driving
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the
power potential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher
engine speeds as in the position D. The gearbox does not shift into the 6th gear in the position
S, because the
maximum speed is achieved with the 5th gear.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the
selector lever out of the position D into the position S.
WARNING
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving
- risk of an accident!
•When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is
necessary to hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions
of the selector lever (except P and N) since the power transmission
is never completely interrupted, also not when the engine is idling
- the vehicle "creeps".
•You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle
(e.g. by hand from the engine compartment) if a drive position is
engaged when the car is stationary. The vehicle would otherwise
immediately start off - also when the handbrake is firmly applied -
risk of an accident!
•You must move the selector lever into position P and firmly
apply the handbrake first before you or any other person opens the
bonnet and starts working on the engine when it is running - risk
of accident! It is also essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 248,
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Selector lever lock
Automatic selector lever lock 
With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions
P and N. You must first of all depress the brake pedal in order to move the
selector lever out of this position. The warning light
 ⇒ page 38 lights up
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Automatic gearbox155
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Simultaneously press the shiftlock button in the handle of the
selector lever in the position N7).
Tow-starting and towing vehicle
Tow-starting a vehicle
It is not possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with automatic gearbox
⇒page 283.
you can use jump-start cables connected to the battery of another vehicle
for starting your car if the vehicle battery is flat ⇒page 281.
Towing a vehicle
Please pay attention to the following information if it comes necessary to
tow-in your car ⇒ page 283.
7)If the selector lever is moved again into the position P, it is once again blocked.
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Automatic gearbox DSG
158
lighted ⇒fig. 142 . In the positions D and S the gear you have engaged will
be additionally displayed on the display.
P - Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary ⇒.
If you wish to move the selector lever into or out of this position, you must
press the Shiftlock button in the handle of the selector lever and at the
same time depress the brake pedal.
If the battery is used, the selector lever cannot be moved out of the posi-
tion P ⇒ page 162.
R - Reverse
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine idling ⇒ .
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock
must be pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or
N .
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position R, the
reverse lights will come on.
N - Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed (if the lever is in its position for longer
than 2 seconds) in order to move the selector lever out of the position N
into the position D, with the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at
less than 5 km/hour or on a stationary vehicle.
The brake pedal must be depressed (if the lever is in its position for longer
than 2 seconds) in order to move the selector lever out of the position N
into the position R, with the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at
less than 5 km/hour or on a stationary vehicle. D - Drive, position for driving forward
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are shifted up
and down automatically in line with engine load, vehicle speed and the
dynamic shift programme.
You must depress the brake pedal
⇒ if you wish to move the selector
lever into position D from N when the vehicle is travelling at less than
5 km/hour or is stationary.
In certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or
when towing a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift
programme ⇒page 160 for a short time in order to adapt the gearbox
ratios manually to the driving situations.
S - Position for sporty style of driving
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the
power potential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher
engine speeds as in the position D.
The gearbox does not shift into the 6th gear in the position S, because the
maximum speed is achieved with the 5th gear.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the
selector lever out of the position D into the position S.
WARNING
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving
- risk of an accident!
•When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is
necessary to hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions
of the selector lever (except P and N) since the power transmission
is never completely interrupted, also not when the engine is idling
- the vehicle "creeps".
•You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle
(e.g. by hand from the engine compartment) if a drive position is
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