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

Switching lights on and off
Fig. 22
Dash panel: Light switch
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Switching on the parking light
› Turn the light switch
» Fig. 22 to position .
Switching on the low beam and main beam
› Turn the light switch to position
.
› Push the main beam lever slightly forward in the spring-tensioned position to
switch on the main beam » Fig. 28 on page 45.
Switching off lights (except daytime running lights)
› Turn the light switch to position 0. ÐDAY LIGHT function (Daylight driving light)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Switching on daytime running lights
› Turn the ignition on and turn the light switch to position 0 or
 .  .
Deactivating the daytime running lights
› Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel within 3
seconds of
switching on the ignition and at the same time, slide it downwards and hold it in
this position for at least 3

seconds.
ä
ä Activating the daytime running lights
› Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel within 3
seconds of
switching on the ignition and at the same time, slide it upwards and hold it in
this position for at least 3

seconds.
On vehicles with an information display, the daytime running lights can also be
activated or deactivated via the menu:
■ Settings
■ Lights & Vision
On vehicles with separate lights for daylight driving lights in the fog lights or in
the front bumper, the parking lights and the licence plate light do not come on
when activating the function daylight driving lights (neither front nor rear).
If the vehicle is not equipped with separate lights for daylight driving lights, the
combination of the low beam, the parking lights (front and rear) including the li-
cence plate light is used as daylight driving lights.
When the daylight driving lights are switched on, the illumination of the instru-
ment cluster is switched off, however, it is switched on in the position  when
it is dark and the low beam shines with full brightness (100 % of the perform-
ance). Ð Automatic driving lamp control
Fig. 23
Dash panel: Light switch
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Switching on
› Turn the light switch
» Fig. 23 to position .
Switching off
› Turn the light switch to the position 0,
 or . £
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40 Using the system

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
ä
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. £
ä
ä
42 Using the system

The fog lights with the function CORNER are adjusted according to the steering
angle or after switching on the turn signal light
1)
in the following circumstances:
› the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running or it moves with a speed of
maximum 40 km/h;
› the daytime running lights are not switched on;
› the low beam is switched on or the light switch is in the position
 and the
intensity of the ambient light causes the low beam to be switched on;
› the fog lights are not switched on;
› no reverse gear is engaged. Note
If the reverse gear is engaged during the active function CORNER, both fog lights
illuminate. ÐRear fog light
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 on page 42.
› Pull the light switch to position 2
.
If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights » page 42, the rear fog light is switched
on by turning the light switch to the position  or  and is pulled out directly to
the position 2
. This switch does not have two positions, but only one position.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster when the rear fog light is
switched on » page 18.
Only the rear fog light on the trailer lights up if the vehicle has a factory-fitted
towing device or a towing device from ŠKODA original accessories and it is driven
with a trailer and the rear fog light switched on.
The rear fog light is located in the rear light array on the driver's side. Ð
ä Instrument lighting 
Fig. 25
Dash panel: Instrument lighting
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
›
Switch on the light.
› Turn the control dial
» Fig. 25 to the desired intensity of the instrument light-
ing.
The illumination intensity of the Information display »

page 15 is set automatical-
ly. It is only possible to adjust the instrument lighting with the control dial if the
light intensity drops below the set value of the light sensor. Ð
ä
1)
If both switch on versions are conflicting, for example if the steering wheel is turned to the left and
the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
43
Lights and visibility

Headlight beam adjustment 
Fig. 26
Dash panel: Lights and visibility
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Turn the control dial
» Fig. 26 to the desired width of illumination.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following car load. Front seats occupied, boot empty.
All seats occupied, boot empty.
All seats occupied, boot loaded.
Driver seat occupied, boot loaded. CAUTION
Always adjust the headlight range adjustment in such a way that:
■ it does not dazzle other road users, especially oncoming traffic;
■ and the range is sufficient for safe driving. Note
■ We recommend you adjust the headlight beam when the low beam is switched
on. ■ 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. Vehicles which are equipped with Xenon bulbs do not have a
manual headlight range adjustment control. Ð
ä -
1
2
3 Switches for the hazard warning light system
Fig. 27
Dash panel: Switch for hazard
warning lights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
›
Press switch
 » Fig. 27 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 warning light for the turn signals and
the warning light in the switch also flash at the same time. The hazard warning
light system can also be operated if the ignition is switched off.
The hazard warning light system is switched on automatically if an airbag is de-
ployed in the event of an accident. Note
The hazard warning light system must be switched on if, for example:
■ you encounter a traffic congestion;
■ your vehicle breaks down or an emergency situation occurs. Ð
ä
44 Using the system

Turn signal and main beam lever
Fig. 28
Turn signal and main beam lever
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
The parking light and headlight flasher are also operated with the turn signal and
main beam lever.
Right  and left  turn signal light
› Push the lever upwards A
» Fig. 28
or downwards B
.
› If you only wish to flash three times (the "convenience turn signal"), briefly
push the lever to the upper or lower pressure point and release again. This fea-
ture can be activated/deactivated via the information display » page 15.
› Turn signal for changing lanes - to only flash briefly, move the lever up or down
to the pressure point and hold it in this position.
Main beam 
› Switch on the low beam.
› Push the lever away from the steering wheel in the direction of arrow C
(spring-tensioned position).
› The main beam is switched off by pulling the lever towards the steering wheel
(spring-tensioned position) in the direction of arrow D
.
Headlight flasher 
› Pull the lever towards the steering wheel (spring-tensioned position) in the di-
rection of arrow D
- the main beam and warning light
 in the instrument clus-
ter come on.
Parking light 
Description of the operation » page 41
ä CAUTION
Only use the main beam or the headlight flasher if other road users will not be
dazzled. Note
■ The turn signal system only operates when the ignition is switched on. The cor-
responding warning light  or  in the instrument cluster also flashes.
■ The turn signal is automatically cancelled after negotiating a curve.
■ The warning light flashes at twice its normal rate if a bulb for the turn signal
light fails. Ð Interior light
Interior lighting - version 1
Fig. 29
Interior lighting - version 1
Switching on › Press switch A
» Fig. 29 towards the edge of the light, the symbol
 appears.
Switching off
› Press the switch A
»
Fig. 29
in the middle position O.
Operating with the door contact switch
› Press switch A
» Fig. 29 towards the middle of the light, the symbol
 ap-
pears.
Reading lights
› Press switch B
» Fig. 29 to switch the reading lights on or off.
£
45
Lights and visibility

If operating lights with the door contact switch is enabled (switch A
is in position
), the light will come on when:
› the vehicle is unlocked;
› one of the doors is opened;
› or the ignition key is removed.
If operating lights with the door contact switch is enabled (switch A
is in position
), the light will turn off when:
› the vehicle is locked;
› the ignition is switched on;
› about 30 seconds after all the doors have been closed.
If a door remains open, or if the switch A
is in the position
, the interior light
goes out after 10
minutes to prevent the battery from discharging. Note
We recommend having these bulbs replaced by a ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐInterior lighting - version 2
Fig. 30
Interior lighting - version 2
Switching on
› Press the switch into position
 » Fig. 30.
Switching off
› Press the switch into position
O » Fig. 30.
Operating with the door contact switch
› Press the switch into position
 » Fig. 30.
The same principles apply for interior lighting version 2 as for » page 45, Interior
lighting - version 1 . Ð Illuminated storage compartment on front passenger side
› When opening the flap of the storage compartment on the front passenger
side the lighting in the storage compartment comes on.
› The light switches on automatically when the parking light is switched on and
goes out when the flap is closed. Ð Front door warning light
Fig. 31
Front door: Warning light
The warning light is located in the lower door trim panel » Fig. 31.
The warning light goes on every time the door is opened. The light goes out
about 10 minutes after opening the door in order to avoid discharging the battery
of the vehicle.
There is a reflector installed on some vehicles instead of the warning light. Ð Entry lighting
The lighting is positioned on the bottom edge of the exterior mirror.
The light beam is directed towards the entry area of the front door.
The light comes on after the doors have been locked or on opening the boot lid.
The light goes out after switching on the ignition or within 30

seconds of closing
all of the doors and the boot lid.
If a door or the boot lid remains open, the light goes out within 2 minutes if the
ignition is switched off. £
46 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

Sun screen
Fig. 34
Sun screen: unroll/remove
The sun screen is located in a housing on the luggage compartment cover. If re-
quired, you can remove the housing with the sun screen from the luggage com-
partment cover.
Pulling out
› Remove the sun screen using the loop A
and hang it from brackets
B
» Fig. 34.
Folding
› Remove the sun screen from the brackets B
» Fig. 34 and hold it on the loop
A
so that it can slowly roll up into the housing on the luggage compartment
cover without being damaged.
Removing
› Unhook the support straps C
from the boot cover » Fig. 34.
› Roll up the sun screen again into the housing on the luggage compartment
cover.
› Press the locking button in the direction of arrow 1
and take out the sun
screen in the direction or arrow 2
.
Ð Windscreen wipers and washers
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activating the windscreen wipers and washers 49
Automatic rear window wiper (Combi) 50
Headlight cleaning system 50
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades 51
Replacing the rear window wiper blade 51
The windscreen wipers and the wash system only operate if the ignition is
switched on and the bonnet is closed 1)
.
If the intermittent wipe is switched on, the intervals are also controlled depend-
ing on speed.
The rain sensor automatically regulates the break between the individual wiper
strokes depending on the intensity of the rain.
The rear window is wiped once if the windscreen wipers are on when reverse
gear is selected.
After the windscreen wiper switches off each time or the ignition switches off for
the third time, the position of the windscreen wiper changes, this counteracts an
early fatigue of the wiper rubbers.
Top up with windscreen wiper fluid » page 165. WARNING
■ Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visibility
and safe driving » page 51.
■ Do not use the windscreen washer system at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand. Otherwise the window cleaner could
freeze on the windscreen and restrict the view to the front. ■ The rain sensor only operates as a support. The driver is not released from
the responsibility to set the function of the windscreen wipers manually de-
pending on the visibility conditions. £1)
On vehicles which do not have a contact switch for the bonnet, the windshield wiper and wash sys-
tem operates also when the bonnet is opened.
48 Using the system