ECO mode SKODA OCTAVIA 2006 Owner´s Manual

Lights and visibility
Lights
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Switching lights on and off 40
DAY LIGHT function (Daylight driving light) 40
Automatic driving lamp control 40
Cornering lights 41
Parking light 41
COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function 41
Tourist light 42
Fog lights 42
Fog lights with the function CORNER 42
Rear fog light 43
Instrument lighting  43
Headlight beam adjustment  44
Switches for the hazard warning light system 44
Turn signal and main beam lever 45
On models fitted with right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs
from that shown in » Fig. 22
on page 40. The symbols which mark the switch
positions are identical, however.
The low beam continues to shine while the ignition is switched on and the light
switch is in the position  or  . After switching off the ignition, the low beam
is switched off automatically and only the side lights come on. The side lights also
go out after the ignition key is removed. WARNING
■ Never drive with only the side lights on! The side lights are not bright
enough to light up the road sufficiently in front of you or to be seen by other
oncoming traffic. Therefore always switch on the low beam when it is dark or
if visibility is poor.
■ The automatic driving lamp control 
 only operates as a support and does
not release the driver from his responsibility to check the light and, if necessa-
ry, to switch on the light depending on the light conditions. The light sensor
cannot, for example, detect rain or snow. Under these conditions we recom-
mend switching on the low beam or fog lights! CAUTION
■ The activation of the lights should only be undertaken in accordance with na-
tional legal requirements.
■ The driver is always responsible for the correct settings and use of the lights. Note
■ If the light switch is in the position , the ignition key is removed and the driv-
er's door is open, an audible warning signal will sound. The audible warning signal
is switched off by means of the door contact when the driver's door is closed (ig-
nition off), however, the side lights remain on to illuminate the parked vehicle if
necessary. ■ If there is a fault in the light switch, the low beam comes on automatically.
■ In the event of cool or humid weather conditions, 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, although the headlight
lenses may still be misted up in the peripheral areas. It also concerns reverse light
and turn signal lights. This mist has no influence on the life of the lighting system. Ð
39
Lights and visibility

If the light switch is in the position
, the symbol illuminates when the ignition
is switched on  next to the light switch. If the low beam is activated with the
light sensor, the symbol  illuminates additionally next to the light switch.
If the light comes on automatically, the side lights and low beam as well as li-
cence plate light light up at the same time.
If the automatic driving lamp control is switched on, the light is regulated with
the light sensor in the rear mirror holder. 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.
Rain lights
If the windscreen wiper is switched on in rain sensor mode for longer than 10
sec-
onds or in permanent wipe mode (position 2 or 3) » page 49, Activating the
windscreen wipers and washers for longer than 15 seconds, the side lights and
low beam are switched on automatically. The light switches off if the windscreen
wipe is in operation rain sensor for more than around 4 minutes or is not switch-
ed on in the operation permanent wipe. Note
Do not affix any stickers in front of the light sensor, so that its functionality is not
impaired or disabled. ÐCornering lights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
The cornering lights are used to illuminate the curves by means of the cone of
light swivelling together with the front headlight with Xenon lights. This function
is active when the speed of the car increases to more than 10

km/h.
The swivelling function of the headlights can be switched off/on via the menu
point Assistants in the main menu of the information display » page 15.
ä WARNING
If the cornering lights are defective, the headlights are automatically lowered
to the emergency position, which prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming
traffic. Thus the illuminated length of the road is shortened. Drive carefully
and visit a

ŠKODA specialist garage as soon as possible. Ð Parking light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Parking light

› Switch off the ignition.
› Pull the turn signal light lever
» Fig. 28 on page 45 upwards or downwards -
the side light on the right or left side of the vehicle is switched.
Parking light on both sides
› Turn the light switch into the position
 and lock the vehicle. Note
■ The parking light  can only be activated if the ignition is switched off.
■ If the right or left turn signal light has been switched on and the ignition is
switched off, the parking light is not automatically switched on. Ð COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
When it is dark, this function makes it possible to switch on the lights for a short
time after leaving the vehicle or when approaching the vehicle.
Switching on the

COMING HOME function
› The light switch is in the position automatic driving lamp control
.
› Switch off the ignition.
› The light switches on after the driver's door is opened.
Switching on the
LEAVING HOME function
› After leaving the vehicle, the light switch is in the position automatic driving
lamp control . £
ä
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41
Lights and visibility

›
Unlock the vehicle with the radio remote control and the light is switched on.
Depending on the equipment fitted the COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function
switches on the following lights:
› Parking lights;
› Low beam;
› Entry lighting in the exterior mirrors;
› Licence plate light.
The COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function is controlled with the light sensor in
the mount of the interior rear mirror. If the light intensity is higher than the set
value of the light sensor, the light is not switched on after opening the driver's
door or unlocking the vehicle with the radio remote control.
Switching off the COMING HOME function
The light goes out 10 seconds after closing all of the doors and the boot lid.
If a door or the boot lid remains open, the light goes out after 60 seconds.
Switching off the LEAVING HOME function
The light goes out 10 seconds after unlocking the vehicle with the radio remote
control, switching on the ignition or locking the vehicle.
If no door is opened, the vehicle is locked automatically after 30 seconds.Note
■ If the
COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function is switched on constantly, the
battery will be heavily discharged particularly over short distances. ■ The illumination period for the COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function can be
changed by means of the information display. ÐTourist light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
This mode makes it possible to drive in countries with opposing traffic system,
driving on the left/right, without dazzling the oncoming vehicles. When the mode
tourist light is active, the side to side swivel of the headlights is deactivated. ä The mode tourist light is activated/deactivated via the information display in the
menu:
■ Settings
■ Lights & Vision
■ Travel mode
■ Off
■ Switched on Ð Fog lights
Fig. 24
Dash panel: Light switch
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Switching on
› First of all, turn the light switch to position
 or  » Fig. 24.
› Pull the light switch to position 1
.
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog lights are
switched on » page 18. Ð Fog lights with the function CORNER
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
The fog lights with the function CORNER are designed to improve the illumination
of the surrounding area near the vehicle when turning, parking, etc. £
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42 Using the system

WARNING
If the entry light is on, do not touch its cover - risk of burns! ÐBoot light
The light comes on automatically when the boot lid is opened. If the lid remains
open for more than about 10
minutes, the boot light switches off automatically. ÐVisibility
Rear window heater
Fig. 32
Switch for rear window heater
› The rear window heater is switched on or off by pressing the switch
 »
Fig. 32 the warning light in the switch comes on or goes out.
The rear window heater only operates when the engine is running.
The rear window heater switches off automatically after 10 minutes. For the sake of the environment
The heating should be switched off as soon as the window is de-iced or free from
mist. The reduced current consumption will have a favourable effect on fuel econ-
omy »

page 142 , Saving electricity . Note
■ If the on-board voltage drops, the rear window heater switches off automatical-
ly, in order to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine con-
trol » page 169, Automatic load deactivation .
■ The position and shape of the switch may vary according to the model. Ð Sun visors
Fig. 33
Sun visor/double sun visor
The sun visor for the driver or front passenger can be pulled out of the fixture and
swivelled towards the door in the direction of the arrow 1
» Fig. 33
.
The vanity mirrors in the sun visors are provided with covers. Push the cover in
the direction of the arrow 2
.
On vehicles that are equipped with a double sun visor, the auxiliary visor can be
unfolded in the direction of the arrow 3
after swivelling the sun visor towards
the door. WARNING
The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the deploy-
ment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens, etc. are
attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head air-
bag is deployed. Ð
47
Lights and visibility

CAUTION
■ In cold temperatures and during the winter, check before the journey or before
switching on the ignition that the wiper blades are not frozen to the windscreen.
If the windscreen wipers are switched on when the blades are frozen to the
windscreen, this may damage both the blades and windscreen wiper motor!
■ If the ignition is switched off while the windscreen wipers are switched on, the
windscreen wipers will continue wiping in the same mode after the ignition is
turned back on. The windscreen wipers could freeze up in cold temperatures be-
tween the time the ignition was turned off and when it was turned back on again.
■ Carefully detach frozen wiper blades from the front or rear window.
■ Remove snow and ice from the windscreen wipers before driving.
■ If the windscreen wipers are handled carelessly, there is a risk of damage to the
windscreen.
■ Replace the windscreen wiper blades once or twice a year for safety reasons.
These can be purchased from a ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ The ignition must not be switched on if the front windscreen wiper arms are fol-
ded out. The wiper blades would move back into their rest position and while do-
ing so damage the paintwork of the bonnet. Note
■ If the slower 2
» Fig. 35 on page 49 or the faster 3
wiper setting is switched
on and the vehicle speed decreases to below 4 km/h, the 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 automati-
cally after 5 attempts to eliminate the obstacle, in order to avoid a damage to the
wiper. Remove the the obstacle and switch the wiper on again. ■ The windscreen washer nozzles for the windscreen are heated when the en-
gine is running and the outside temperature is less than approx. +10
°C.
■ The content of the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is 3 litres. On vehicles fit-
ted with the headlight cleaning system, the volume is 5.5
litres. On vehicles fitted
with auxiliary heating, the content of the windscreen wiper reservoir is 4.5 litres.
■ The wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis with a windscreen clean-
er to avoid any smears. The wiper blades should be cleaned with a sponge or
cloth if they are heavily soiled by insect residues, for example. Ð Activating the windscreen wipers and washers
Fig. 35
Windscreen wiper lever
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 48.
Flick wipe
›
If you only wish to wipe the windscreen
briefly, push the lever into the spring-
tensioned position 4
» Fig. 35. If the lever is held in the lower position for more
than 1 second, the wiper wipes faster.
Periodic wiping
› Position the lever upwards into position 1
» Fig. 35.
› Set the desired break between the individual wiper strokes with the switch A
.
Slow wipe
› Position the lever upwards into position 2
» Fig. 35.
Fast wipe
› Position the lever upwards into position 3
» Fig. 35.
Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen
› Pull the lever towards the steering wheel into the spring-tensioned position 5
» Fig. 35, the washer system is activated immediately, while the windscreen
wipers start wiping a little later. The wash system and the windscreen wiper op-
erate simultaneously at a speed of more than 120
km/h.
› Release the lever. The windscreen wash system stops and the wiper continues
for another 3 - 4 wiper strokes (depending on the period of spraying of the
windscreen). At a speed of more than 2 km/h, the wiper wipes once again 5 sec-
onds after the last wiper stroke in order to wipe the last drops from the wind-
screen. This feature can be activated/deactivated by a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
Rain sensor
› Place the lever in position 1
» Fig. 35.
£
ä
49
Lights and visibility

›
The sensitivity of the sensor can be set individually with the switch A
.
Wiping the rear window pane
› Push the lever away from the steering wheel into position 6
» Fig. 35 and the
windscreen wiper will operate every 6
seconds.
Automatic wipe/wash for the rear window
› Press the lever completely away from the steering wheel into the spring-ten-
sioned position 7
» Fig. 35, the washer system is activated immediately, while
the windscreen wiper starts wiping a little later. The wiper and washer system
will operate as long as the lever is held in this position.
› Release the lever. The washer system stops and the wiper continues for anoth-
er 2 to 3
wiper strokes (depending on the duration of the spraying process). The
lever will stay in position after releasing it 6
.
Switching windscreen wipers off
› Move the lever back into the home position 0
» Fig. 35.
Winter position
If the windscreen wipers are in rest position, they cannot be folded out from the
windscreen. For this reason we recommend adjusting the windscreen wipers in
winter so that they can be folded out from the windscreen easily.
This rest position is set as follows:
› Switch on the windscreen wipers.
› Switch off the ignition. The windscreen wipers remain in the position in which
they were when switching off the ignition.
The service position can also be used as a winter position » page 51.ÐAutomatic rear window wiper (Combi)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 48.
If the windscreen wiper is in position 2
» Fig. 35 on page 49 or 3
the rear win-
dow is wiped every 30 or 10 seconds if the vehicle's speed exceeds 5
km/h.
When the rain sensor is active (the lever is in the position 1
) the function is only
active if the windscreen wipers operate in continuous mode (no break between
each wiping process). ä Activation/deactivation
The function of the automatic rear window wiper is activated/deactivated in the
information display in the menu:
■ Settings
■ Lights & Vision
■ Rear wiper Ð Headlight cleaning system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 48.
The headlights are being cleaned after the windscreen has been sprayed for the
first time and fifth time, the low beam or main beam are switched on and the
windscreen wiper lever was held in the position 5
» Fig. 35 on page 49 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 headlight len-
ses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. The following guidelines
must be observed » page 151, Headlight lenses.
To ensure the proper operation of the cleaning system during the winter, any
snow should be removed from the washer nozzle fixtures and ice should be
cleared with a de-icing spray. CAUTION
Never remove the nozzles from the headlight cleaning system by hand - risk of
damage! Ð
ä
50 Using the system

WARNING
■ Do not place anything on the dash panel. These objects might slide or fall
down when driving (when accelerating or cornering) and may distract you
from concentrating on the traffic - risk of accident!
■ When driving, ensure that no objects from the centre console or from other
storage compartments can get into the driver's footwell. You would then no
longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or accelerator - risk of
accident! ÐStorage compartment on the front passenger side
Fig. 68
Dash panel: Storage compart-
ment on the front passenger
side
Open/close
› Press the handle
» Fig. 68 and the lid folds down.
› Lift the lid upwards until it clicks into place.
The inside of the flap contains pen and note book holders. WARNING
The storage compartment must always be closed when driving for safety rea-
sons. Ð Cooling the storage compartment on the front passenger side
Fig. 69
Storage compartment: Using
cooling system
› Use the rotary switch
» Fig. 69 to open/close the air supply.
Opening the air supply when the air conditioning system is switched on allows
cooled air to flow into the storage compartment.
Opening the air inlet when the air conditioning system is on causes fresh or inte-
rior air to flow into the storage compartment.
We recommend closing the air supply if it is operated in heating mode or the cool-
ing system for the storage compartment is not being used. Ð Storage compartment on the driver's side
Fig. 70
Dash panel: Storage compart-
ment on the driver's side
› The storage compartment is opened by lifting the handle and folding open in
the direction of arrow » Fig. 70. £
71
Seats and Stowage

Heating and air conditioning system
Heating and air conditioning system
Introductory information
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The well-being of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of
this particularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling ef-
fect.
Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode for the air-condi-
tioning system » page 84 or for Climatronic »
page 86.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves to en-
sure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal
and not an indication of a leak! WARNING
■ For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the win-
dows are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about how
to correctly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to demist and
defrost the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
■ Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Note
■ The used air streams out through the vents in the boot.
■ We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the in-
terior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning sys-
tem. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is oper-
ating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (re-
placement of compressor). ■ To ensure that the heating and air conditioning systems work properly, do not
block up the air outlet vents with any objects. Ð Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the engine when
in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the inte-
rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to al-
low the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window
is open.
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the
cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected. For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also reduced when fuel is saved. Ð Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry »

page 190 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 9.
If you cannot rectify the functional fault yourself, or the cooling capacity decrea-
ses, the cooling system must be switched off. Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð
79
Heating and air conditioning system

Setting temperature
›
Turn the control dial A
» Fig. 88 to the right to increase the temperature.
› Turn the control dial A
to the left to decrease the temperature.
Controlling blower
› Turn the blower switch B

» Fig. 88 into one of the positions, 1 to 4, to switch
the blower on.
› Turn the blower switch B
into position 0 to switch the blower off.
› If you wish to shut off the fresh air supply, use the button 1
» page 82,
in
section Recirculated air mode .
Regulating the air distribution
› The direction of the inlet air flow is controlled with air distribution regulator C
» Fig. 88
» page 80.
Rear window heater
› Press the button 2
» Fig. 88
. Further information » page 47. Auxiliary heating (parking heating)
›
Press the button 3
» Fig. 88
to directly switch on/off the auxiliary heating
(auxiliary heating and ventilation). Further information » page 87.
All controls apart from the blower switch B
» Fig. 88
can be set to any desired
intermediate position.
The blower should always be on to prevent the windows from misting up. Note
If the air distribution is positioned towards the windows, the total amount of air is
used to defrost the windows and thus no air will be fed to the footwell. This can
lead to restriction of the heating comfort. ÐSet heating
Recommended basic settings of the heating controls for the respective operating
modes:
Set-up Setting of the control dial
Button 1
Air outlet vents 3
A B C
Defrosting the windshield and side
windows
To the right up to the
stop 3
Do not switch on Open and align with the side win-
dow
Free windshield and side windows
from mist Desired temperature 2 or 3
   Do not switch on Open and align with the side win-
dow
The fastest heating To the right up to the
stop 3
Briefly switch on
Opening
Comfortable heating Desired temperature 2 or 3
  Do not switch on
Opening
Fresh air mode - ventilation To the left up to the
stop Desired position
Do not switch on
Opening£ 81
Heating and air conditioning system

Note
■ Controls A
» Fig. 88
on page 80, B
, C
and the button 1
.
■ Air outlet vents 3 » Fig. 86 on page 80.
■ We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 4 » Fig. 86 on page 80 in the
opened position. ÐRecirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
Switching on
› Press the button
 1
» Fig. 88
on page 80 and the warning light in the but-
ton illuminates.
Switching off
› Press the button
 1
» Fig. 88
on page 80again - the warning light in the
button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution control C
» Fig. 88
on page 80 is in position . Recirculated air mode can be switched
on again from this setting by repeatedly pressing the button  .
WARNING
Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Ð Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) Introductory information
The cooling system only operates if the button AC 1
» Fig. 89 on page 82
is
pressed, and the following conditions are met:
› engine running;
› outside temperature above approx. +2 °C;
› blower switch switched on (positions 1 to 4).
Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow out of
the vents when the cooling system is switched on. Lengthy and uneven distribu-
tion of the air flow out of the vents and large differences in temperature, for ex-
ample when getting out of the vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons. Note
We recommend that you have the air conditioning system cleaned by a ŠKODA
specialist garage once every year. Ð Using the system
Fig. 89
The air conditioning system: Control elements £
82 Using the system