trailer SKODA OCTAVIA 2006 Owner´s Manual

Table of Contents
Abbreviations
Using the system
Cockpit 7
Overview 6
Instruments and warning lights 8
Instrument cluster 8
Multifunction display (onboard computer) 12
MAXI DOT (information display) 15
Warning lights 18
Unlocking and locking 26
Vehicle key 26
Child safety lock 27
Central locking system 27
Remote control 30
Anti-theft alarm system 31
Boot lid 33
Electric power windows 34
Electric sliding/tilting roof 37
Lights and visibility 39
Lights 39
Interior light 45
Visibility 47
Windscreen wipers and washers 48
Rear window 51
Seats and Stowage 54
Front seats 54
Seat heaters 57
Head restraints 58
Rear seats 59
Boot 60Variable loading floor in the boot 64
Net partition (Combi) 65
Roof rack system 66
Cup holder 68
Ashtray 68
Cigarette lighter, 12-volt power socket 69
Storage compartments 70
Clothes hooks 77
Parking ticket holder 77
Heating and air conditioning system 79
Heating and air conditioning system 79
Air outlet vents 80
Heating 80
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) 82
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning
system) 85
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and
ventilation) 87
Starting-off and Driving 91
Starting and stopping the engine 91
Brakes and brake assist systems 93
Shifting (manual gearbox) 97
pedals 97
Parking aid 98
Cruise control system (CCS) 99
START/STOP 100
Automatic gearbox 102
Automatic gearbox 102
Communication 107
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems 107
Operating the phone on the multifunction
steering wheel 108
Symbols in the information display 109
Phone Phonebook 109
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II 109
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM IIl 112Voice control 116
Multimedia 118
Safety
Passive Safety 121
General information 121
Correct seated position 122
Seat belts 125
Seat belts 125
Airbag system 129
Description of the airbag system 129
Front airbags 130
Side airbags 131
Head airbags 132
Deactivating airbags 133
Transporting children safely 135
Child seat 135
Driving Tips
Driving and the Environment 139
The first 1 500 km 139
Catalytic converter 139
Economical and environmentally friendly
driving 140
Environmental compatibility 142
Driving abroad 143
Avoiding damage to your vehicle 143
Driving through water on the street 144
Towing a trailer 145
Towing a trailer 145
General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle 148
Taking care of your vehicle 148
3
Table of Contents

Airbag system 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the airbag system.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Airbag
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using the
vehicle system tester:
› The warning light
 lights up for around 4
seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes approximately another 12 seconds in 2 second intervals.
The following is displayed in the information display: Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated!
The following applies if the airbag has been switched off using the key switch
in the storage compartment: › The warning light
 comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been switch-
ed on.
› Switching off the airbag is indicated by the lighting up of the warning light

 (airbag switched off) in the middle of the dash panel » page 133.WARNING
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident. ÐTyre control display 
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres » page 170.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the system.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information »

page 175, Tyre control display. Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  illuminates after the ig-
nition is switched on. The warning light should go out after driving a short dis-
tance. Ð Windscreen washer fluid level 
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light  comes on. Top
up with liquid » page 165.
The following is displayed in the information display: Top up wash fluid! Ð Switching off traction control system (TCS) 
The ASR is switched off by pressing the button » Fig. 96
on page 95 and the
warning light  illuminates.
The following is displayed in the information display: Traction control (ASR) deactivated. Ð Turn signal system 

Either the left  or right  warning light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
If a turn signal light fails, the warning light flashes at twice its normal rate. This
does not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Further information » page 45, Turn signal and main beam lever .Ð Fog lights 
The warning light  comes on when the fog lights are operating » page 42.Ð
24 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

Parking aid
Fig. 99
Parking aid: Range of the sensors/activating the parking aid
The parking aid determines the distance between the front or rear bumper and
an obstacle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integrated in the
front/rear bumper.
The signal tones for the front parking aid sound higher than for the rear parking
aid. The tones of the parking aid can be adapted in the menu of the Information
display » page 16.
Range of sensors
The distance warning begins at a distance of about 160°cm from the obstacle at
the rear of the vehicle and about 120
cm from the obstacle in front of the vehicleA
» Fig. 99
. The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the
clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30

cm B
» Fig. 99
- danger
area. From this moment on do not continue driving!
On vehicles with a factory-fitted radio or navigation system, the distance to the
obstacle is simultaneously graphically illustrated on the display, refer to the oper-
ating instructions for the radio or navigation system.
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the border of the danger area
starts (continuous tone) 5

cm further away from the vehicle. The length of the ve-
hicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing device.
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated
when towing a trailer. Activating/deactivating the rear parking aid
The parking aid is activated automatically when
reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief audible signal.
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear.
Activating/deactivating the front and rear parking aid
The parking aid is activated when the ignition is turned on and reverse gear is en-
gaged and or by pressing the button  » Fig. 99
- the symbol  lights up in the
button. This is confirmed by a brief audible signal.
The parking aid is deactivated by pressing the button  or at a speed of more
than 10 km/h (the symbol  in the button is no longer illuminated). 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 reversing the vehicle
or carrying out similar manoeuvres. Pay particular attention to small children
and animals as they are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■ Before reversing or parking, check that there is no small obstacle, such as a
rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front of or behind the vehicle. Such ob-
stacles may not be recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■ Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of cloth-
ing cannot reflect the signals from the parking aid. Thus, these objects or peo-
ple who wear such clothing are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■ External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on the parking aid.
Under unfavourable conditions, objects or people may not be recognised. Note
■ 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  . Have the
fault rectified by a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) 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 P, the warning signal is interrupted (the vehicle cannot move). Ð
98 Using the system

Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase):
›
The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
› The clutch pedal is not depressed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The driver's door is closed.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The vehicle is at a standstill.
› The factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
› The engine is at operating temperature.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
› The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The engine speed is less than 1
200 rpm.
› The temperature inside the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
› There is sufficient pressure in the braking system.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
› The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
› No cleaning of the diesel particle filter takes place
» page 23.
› The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution).
Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase):
› The clutch pedal is depressed.
› The max./min. temperature is set.
› The defrost function for the windscreen is switched on.
› A high blower stage has been selected.
› The START STOP button is pressed.
Conditions for an automatic restart without driver intervention: › The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 3 km/h.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
too great.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is not sufficient.
› There is insufficient pressure in the braking system.
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's door is
opened during stop mode, the engine must be started manually with the key. The
following messages in the instrument cluster display must be observed. Messages in the instrument cluster display (valid for vehicles without
Information display)
ERROR START STOP Error in the START-STOP system
START STOP NOT POSSIBLE Automatic engine shut down is not
possible.
START STOP ACTIVE Automatic engine shut down (stop
phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITION Switch off the ignition.
START MANUALLY Start the engine manually. WARNING
■ The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
■ Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off. CAUTION
Deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through water on the
street » page 144. Note
■ Changes to the outdoor temperature can have an effect on the internal temper-
ature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains out-
doors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take sev-
eral hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suitable
temperature for proper operation of the

START STOP system.
■ If the Climatronic is running in automatic mode, under certain conditions, the
engine may not switch off automatically. Ð 101
Starting-off and Driving

N
- Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of the position
N (if the lever is in this position for longer than 2
seconds) into the position D or R
when the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/h or the vehicle is stationary and
the ignition is switched on. D
- Position for driving forward (normal programme)
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are automatically
shifted up and down in line with the engine load, vehicle speed and dynamic shift
programme.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever into position D
from Nwhen the vehicle is travelling at less than 5

km/h or is stationary.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when
towing a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift pro-
gramme » page 104 for a short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manual-
ly to the driving situations. S
- Position for driving forward (sports programme)
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power po-
tential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds
as in the position D .
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selec-
tor lever out of the position D into the position S. ÐManual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 103
Selector lever and multifunction steering wheel First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 102.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lever or
multifunction steering wheel.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the selector lever to the right out of position
D. The selector lever posi-
tion you have engaged is indicated in the information display of the instrument
cluster together with the engaged gear 1

» Fig. 102 on page
103 on the right.
Shifting up gears
› Press the selector lever forwards +
» Fig. 103.
› Pull the right rocker switch
+ towards the multifunction steering wheel.
Shifting down gears › Press the selector lever backwards -
» Fig. 103.
› Pull the left rocker switch
- towards the multifunction steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual shifting
› If the selector lever is in position
D or S, pull the left rocker switch - or the
right rocker switch + towards the multifunction steering wheel.
› Manual shifting switches off if the rocker switches
- or
+ are not actuated for
some time. You can also switch off the temporary switch-over to manual shift-
ing by pressing the right rocker switch + for more than 1 second.
It is possible to switch to manual shifting when the car is stationary and when
driving.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no risk
of the engine overrevving.
If you operate the kickdown function, the gearbox shifts into a lower gear in line
with the vehicle speed and engine speed. Note
The kickdown function is also available when manually shifting gears. Ð
ä
104 Using the system

Driving Tips
Driving and the Environment
The first 1 500 km
New engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres › Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
› No full throttle.
› Avoid high engine speeds.
› Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1
500 kilometres
› Gradually
increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later
until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1

500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of
running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period
is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked by the start of the
red scale area of the revolutions counter. On vehicles fitted with a manual gear-
box, at the very latest shift up into the next gear when the red area is reached.
During acceleration (depressing the accelerator) exceptionally high engine
speeds are automatically reduced, yet the engine is not protected against too
high engine speeds which are caused by incorrectly shifting down the gears re-
sulting in a sudden increase of the engine speeds above the permitted maximum
revolutions which can lead to engine damage.
For a vehicle fitted with a manual gearbox the converse situation also applies: Do
not drive at an engine speed that is too low. Shift down a gear when the engine
is no longer running smoothly. Observe the recommended gear » page 11, Recom-
mended gear . CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature. Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is
stationary or when driving in individual gears. For the sake of the environment
Not driving at unnecessarily high engine revolutions and shifting to a higher gear
as early as possible are ways to minimise fuel consumption and operating noise
levels and protects the environment. Ð New tyres
New tyres have to be “
run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive
especially carefully for the first 500 km or so. Ð New brake pads
New brake pads initially do not provide full braking efficiency. The brake pads
must initially be “run in

”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so. Ð Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter) is of major
significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally conscious way.
The following guidelines must be observed: › Vehicles fitted with a petrol engine must always be refueled with unleaded pet-
rol » page 156, Unleaded petrol ;
› Do not pour too much oil into the engine
» page 161, Checking the engine oil
level;
› Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory. £
139
Driving and the Environment

Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer
Technical requirements
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
On vehicles with a towing device, the ball rod is detachable and is stowed togeth-
er with separate operating instructions in the spare wheel well or in the compart-
ment for the spare wheel within the boot » page 179, Vehicle tool kit .
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connec-
tor, you can use a suitable adapter from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
If a towing device is retrofitted, it must be completed in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. Note
If you have any questions, please contact a ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐLoading a trailer
Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum permis-
sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardises
the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination. Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a

“full load” » page 171,
Service life of tyres.
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 197, Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level. As the engine output drops at an increasing altitude due to the declin-
ing air pressure and therefore the climbing ability is also reduced, this means that
the maximum permissible towed weight must be reduced by 10 % for every fur-
ther increase of 1 000 m in height. The towed weight comprises the actual weight
of the (loaded) towing vehicle and the (loaded) trailer. Always drive particularly
carefully with the trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device
are merely test data for the towing device The vehicle-specific values are detailed
in the vehicle documents. WARNING
■ If the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the maximum per-
missible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer are exceeded this
can cause accidents and serious injuries.
■ Slipping loads can significantly affect the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination, causing accidents and serious injuries. Ð Towing a trailer
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. The national legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The headlight settings must be checked before starting a journey with a coupled
trailer. If necessary, adjust the settings with the headlight beam adjust-
ment » page 44 , Headlight beam adjustment .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than the maximum permissible speed indi-
cated on the trailer. £
145
Towing a trailer

Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail-
er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
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. On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to
also use the engine as a brake.
Trailer stabilisation
The trailer stabilisation is an extension of the stabilisation control that works in
conjunction with the counter-steering assistance to reduce the amount the trail-
er "sways". After turning on the ignition, the ESC warning light  in the instru-
ment cluster lights up for about 2 seconds longer than the ABS warning light.
Prerequisites for stabilising the trailer.
› The towing device is factory-fitted or a compatible towing device has been ret-
rofitted.
› The ESC is active. The warning light
 or  in the instrument cluster is not illu-
minated.
› The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the trailer
socket.
› The speed is higher than approx. 60 km/h.
› Trailers must have a fixed drawbar.
› The ESC works for both braked and unbraked trailers.
Trailer is connected to the anti-theft alarm system. › If the vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing de-
vice.
› If the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the trail-
er socket.
› If the electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is fully functional.
› If the vehicle is locked with the car key and the anti-theft alarm system is acti-
vated.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated as soon as the electrical con-
nection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always deactivate the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is connected/dis-
connected. Otherwise, the anti-theft alarm system could accidentally be trig-
gered » page 31 , Anti-theft alarm system . Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area
or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately. Stop and
switch off the engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluster starts to
flash. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion
bottle » page 163, Checking the coolant level .
The following guidelines must be observed » page 20, Coolant temperature/cool-
ant level  .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. WARNING
■ The increased safety offered by the trailer stabilisation must not tempt you
to take greater risks than otherwise. ■ Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic sit-
uation.
■ Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer and
cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well as acci-
dents and severe injuries.
■ Any work on the electrical system must be carried out only by ŠKODA spe-
cialist garages.
■ Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical con-
nections for the tail lights or other current sources. CAUTION
■ The trailer stabilisation need not be able to correctly detect all of driving situa-
tions.
■ Trailers that sway slightly are not always detected by the trailer stabilisation
and thus are not stabilised accordingly.
■ Release the pressure on the accelerator pedal if the system is being regulated.
■ Avoid abrupt and sudden driving/braking manoeuvres.
■ When the ball rod is removed, the mounting shaft must be sealed with an ap-
propriate cover. This prevents foreign matter from penetrating into the mounting
shaft. See the fitting instructions for the towing device. £
146 Driving Tips

Note
■ We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service in-
tervals if you tow a trailer frequently. ■ The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.
■ For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system. Ð
147
Towing a trailer