traction control SKODA OCTAVIA 2007 1.G / (1U) Owner's Manual

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights25
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body
injuries or major vehicle damage.
•The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk
of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine
compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenis hing oil and other fluids. It is also
essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 210.
Note
•Arrangement of the indicator lights de pends on the model and model version.
The symbols shown in the following function al description are to be found as indi-
cator lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority
1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system 
Either the left  or right  indicator light flashes depending on the position 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 off 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 56.
Airbag system⇒page 28
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 28
Brake pad wear*⇒page 29
Fluid level in windshield washer system*⇒page 29
Fuel reserve⇒page 29
Engine oil pressure⇒page 29
Bonnet⇒page 30
Open door*⇒page 30
Engine oil level*⇒page 30
Tyre pressure*⇒page 30
Selector lever lock*⇒page 31
*Speed regulating system*⇒page 31
Antilock brake system (ABS)⇒page 31
Traction control system (TCS)⇒page 31
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 32
Dynamo⇒page 32
Brake system⇒page 32
Seat belt warning light*⇒page 33
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights31
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake mano euvres. Please stop the vehicle
without delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their
inflation pressures.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or
unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at
all.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching
on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Selector lever lock* 
If the warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in order
to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N.
Cruise control system* *
The warning light  lights up, when operating the speed regulating system.
Antilock brake system (ABS) 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switched
on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after an automatic check
sequence has been completed.
A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning pr operly if the ABS warning light
 does not go out
within a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not light up at all or lights up while driving. The vehicle will only be
braked by the normal brake system. Visit
a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving in the
meantime since you will not know how great the damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the ABS.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 185, “Antilock brake system (ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
 comes on together with the brake system warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in the ABS but also in
another part of the brake system ⇒.
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the ABS
warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 217, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped
below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact
a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒ page 210, “Working in the
engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level and opening the
bonnet.
•If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function has
failed. The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when braking. In certain
circumstances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk
of skidding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the
fault rectified.
Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off or if there
is a fault in the system.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
32
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS
system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS system can
be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes
out, the TCS system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 183, “Traction control system (TCS)”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes
on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short
distance.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System (TCS),
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and the Antilock Brake System ABS (ABS).
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the ESP is switched off or if there
is a fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP
system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESP system can
be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes
out, the ESP system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP ⇒page 181, “Electronic stability programme
(ESP)*”. Electronic Differen
tial Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in th e EDL is indicated by the ESP warning light
in the instrument cluster. Have the ve hicle inspected without delay by a Škoda
Service Partner. Further information on the EDL ⇒page 182, “Electronic Differen-
tial Lock (EDS)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes
on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short
distance.
Alternator 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should go
out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes on when
driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be discharged
in this case so switch off all non-essential electrical components.
Caution
If the warning light  comes on when driving and in addition the warning light 
(cooling system fault) also comes on in display, you must then stop the car imme-
diately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage!
Brake system 
The warning light  flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low, if there
is a fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light
 flashes (handbrake is not applied), stop and check the brake
fluid level ⇒ .
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: STOP Brake fluid Owner's manual
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Intelligent Technology181
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Driving Tips
Intelligent Technology
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
General
General
The ESP aids you maintain control of your vehicle in situations in borderline driving
situations such as when negotiating a curve too fast. The risk of skidding is reduced
and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the conditions of the
road surface. This occurs at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:
•Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),
•Traction control system (TCS),
•Driver-steering recommendation,
•Antilock brake system (ABS),
•Brake Assist,
•Uphill-Start off-Assist. Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also
processes additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive
sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehi
cle about its vertical axis, the lateral accel-
eration of the vehicle, the brakin g pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to ta ke is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exis t, such as the car beginning to skid, the
ESP will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel is braked.
Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of
a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break
away) while occurs this is on the inner re ar wheel of a vehicle which tends to under-
steer (tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied
by noises.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 185, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light ⇒page 32 lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a
fault on the ESP.
Switching off
You can switch the ESP off and on again as you wish, by pressing the button
⇒ fig. 184 . The ESP warning light ⇒page 32 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the ESP is switched off.
The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the
system.
Examples:
Fig. 184 ESP switch
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Intelligent Technology183
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning
when accelerating.
General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditio ns of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when th e engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the
ABS sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is
automatically adapted by redu cing the engine speed. This occurs at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 185, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light ⇒page 31 lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a
fault on the TCS.
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button
⇒ fig. 185 . The TCS warning light ⇒page 31 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the TCS is switched off. The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish
to have wheel slip, to switch off the
system.
Examples:
•when driving with snow chains
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface
•when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the TCS again.
WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road
surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt
you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-
free operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to
an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-
ment of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the TCS ⇒page 229,
“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Driver-steering recommendation*
The driver-steering recommendation is an additional function of the electronic
stability programme (ESP). This function indicates to the driver in critical situations
by means of slight steering wheel impulses the direction evaluated by the system,
in which the vehicle must be steered, so that it stabilizes. The driver-steering
recommendation is active when braking shar ply on different road surfaces and on
the right and left vehicle side.
Fig. 185 TCS switch
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Index
284
The roof luggage rack system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Thickness of brake pads
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 automatic gearbox DSG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Top Tether . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Towing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Towing protection monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Tow-starting and towing vehicle Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131, 137
Traction Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Traction control system (TCS) Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Two-way radio systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Tyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Tyre inflation pressure Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Tyres Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227U
Underbody protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Uphill-Start off-Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
V
Vanity mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Ventilation Auxiliary ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
W
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Warning symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 with a high-pressure cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Washing vehicle by hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Wax treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Wheel Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Wheel trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223, 235
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Windows
de-icing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Windscreen washer nozzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Windscreen washer system Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Windscreen Wiper and Washer System Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Windshield wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Wiper blades Replacing the wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
X
Xenon headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
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