SKODA OCTAVIA 2010 2.G / (1Z) Owner's Manual

Starting-off and Driving
110

The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine is switched off. Because if you do
not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated for a lengthy period at high loads but should be allowed it
to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This prevents any accumulation of heat
when the engine is switched off.
Note

The radiator fan may continue running fo r a further 10 minutes or so after the
engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, also
switch on again after some time if the co olant temperature rises because of an accu-
mulation of heat in the engine or if the engine is warm and the engine compartment is
additionally heated by strong sunlight.

This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine
compartment  page 197, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)
Shift into reverse only when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and hold
it fully depressed. Wait a mo ment before engaging reverse gear in order to avoid any
shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the ignition is
on.
WARNING
Never engage the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident!
Note

One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle. The pres-
sure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This can, over
a period of time, lead to earl y wear of the gearshift forks.

Depress the clutch pedal fully when changi ng gears, in order to avoid unnecessary
wear and damage.
HandbrakeApplying the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 112 The shift pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
Fig. 113 Centre console: Handbrake
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Starting-off and Driving111
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Releasing the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the locking
button fig. 113 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully .
The handbrake warning light
 lights up when the handbrak e is applied, provided the
ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have inad-
vertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is acti vated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING

Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating which will
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident! In
addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake pads.

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for
example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always firs t of all apply the handbrake firmly before
then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector lever into
position P (automatic gearbox).
Rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.The audible parking aid determines the di stance between the rear bumper and an
obstacle located behind the ve hicle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The tones of
the parking aid can be adapted in th e menu of the information display* page 25.
The sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area
 fig. 114 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the clear-
ance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area ) - danger area.
You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds! If the vehicle is
equipped with a factory-fitted towing device*, the border of the danger area starts -
continuous tone - 5 cm further behind th e vehicle. The vehicle can be extended
through an installed deta chable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio* or navigation system*, the distance
to the obstruction is shown graphically in the display. On vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing device, the sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The driver is informed
about this by a graphic display (vehicle towing a trailer) in the radio* or the navigation*
display. The factory-fitted radio* or navigati on system* can be set so that the play func-
tion volume decreases when activating the parking aid, see Owner's Manual radio* or
navigation system*. This improves the audibility of the parking aid.
Fig. 114 Parking aid: Detection range of
rear sensors
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Starting-off and Driving
112
Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged and the igni-
tion is turned on. This is confirme d by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear.
WARNING

The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when parking the vehicle or
carrying out similar manoeuvres.

You should therefore satisfy yourself, befo re reversing, that there is no small
obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., behind your vehicle.
Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the sensors.

Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the parking
aid.Note

The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to models
which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).

If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after switching the ignition on and
engaging reverse gear, and there is no obstac le close to your vehicle, this indicates a
system fault. Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.

The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to operate
properly.
Front and rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles in front and behind the
vehicle.Fig. 115 Activating the parking aid / detection range of the front sensorsThe audible parking aid determines the distan ce between the front or rear bumper and
an obstacle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integrated in the front
and rear bumper. The signal tones for the fr ont parking aid sound higher as standard
than for the rear parking aid. The tones of the parking aid can be adapted in the menu
of the information display* page 25.
Range of sensors
The distance warning begins at a distance of about 120°cm from the obstacle in front
of the vehicle (area fig. 115 ) and about 160 cm from the obstacle behind the
vehicle (area ). The interval between th e warning signals becomes shorter as the
clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area ) - danger area.
From this moment on do not continue driving! If the vehicle is equipped with a
factory-fitted towing device*, the border of the danger area starts - continuous tone -
5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehi cle can be extended through an installed
detachable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio* or navigation system*, the distance
to the obstruction is shown graphically in the display. On vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The driver is
informed about this by a graphic display (vehic le towing a trailer) in the radio* or the
navigation* display. The factory-fitted radio* or navigation system* can be set so that
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Starting-off and Driving113
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
the play function volume decreases when activating the parking aid, see Owner's
Manual radio* or navigation system*. This
improves the audibility of the parking aid.
Activating
The parking aid is activated when the reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is
switched on or by pressing the button page 112, fig. 115 - left, the symbol lights
up in the button. The activation is conf irmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated after pressing the button  page 112, fig. 115 - left,
or at a speed of more than 10 km/h - the symbol
 in the button is no longer illumi-
nated.
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.

You should therefore satisfy yourself, befo re reversing, that there is no small
obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind your
vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the sensors.

Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the parking
aid.Note

Only the front parking aid operates if yo u are towing a trailer (applies only to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).

If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seco nds after activating the system and there
is no obstacle close to your vehicle, this indicates a system fault. The fault is confirmed
additionally when the symbol flashes in the button page 112, fig. 115 - left.
Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.

The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to operate
properly.

If the parking aid is activated and the sele ctor lever of the automatic gearbox is in
the position , warning signal indicates inte rruption (vehicle can no longer move).
Cruise control system (CCS)*IntroductionThe cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h (20
mph), once it has been set, without you havi ng to depress the accelerator pedal. This
is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output and braking
power of the engine. The cruise control system makes it possible - particularly on long
journeys - for you to rest your “accelerator foot”.
WARNING

For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable ro ad surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads, loose
gravel) - risk of accident!

In order to prevent unintentional use of the cruise control system, always
switch off the system after use.Note

Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Alwa ys depress the clutch pedal if you switch
on the cruise control system when the gearbo x is in Neutral! Otherwise the engine can
rev up unintentionally.

The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving on
steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at which it
travels. One should shift down in good time to a lower gear or slow the vehicle down
by applying the foot brake.

It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the sele ctor lever is in the position P, N or R.



AP
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Starting-off and Driving
114
Storing a speedThe cruise control system is operated by means of the switch and the rocker button
in the left lever of the multi-functional switch.
– Press the switch fig. 116 into the position ON.
– After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button into the SET
position.
After you have released the rocker button out of the position SET, the speed you
have just stored is maintained at a consta nt speed without having to depress the accel-
erator.
You can increase the speed by depressing the accelerator. Releasing the accelerator
will cause the speed to drop again to the set speed.
T h i s d o e s n o t a p p l y, h o w e v e r, i f y o u d r i v e a t a s p e e d w h i c h i s m o re t h a n 1 0 k m / h h i g h e r
than the set speed for a period of longer than 5 minutes. The stored speed will be
cancelled in the memory. You then have to re-store the desired speed.
One can reduce the speed in the usual manner. The system is switched off temporarily
by actuating the brake or clutch pedal page 114.
WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed.
Changing a stored speed
You can also change the speed of the vehicle without depressing the
accelerator.Fa s t er–You can increase the stored speed without depressi ng the accelerator, by pressing
the rocker button fig. 116 in the RES position.
– The speed of the vehicle will increase cont inuously if you hold the rocker button
pressed in the RES position. Once the vehicle ha s reached the desired speed,
release the rocker button. The set speed is then stored in the memory.Slower– You can decrease the stored speed by pressing the rocker button in the SET
position.
– Holding down the rocker button pressed in the SET position will cause the speed
of the vehicle to reduce continuously. Once the vehicle has reached the desired
speed, release the rocker button. The set speed is then stored in the memory.
– If you release the rocker button when the vehicle is travelling at a speed of less than 30 km/h, the speed is not stored, the memory is erased. It is then necessary to again
store the speed with the rocker button in the position SET after an increase in
speed of the vehicle to more than 30 km/hour.Switching off the cruise control system temporarily–You can switch off the cruise control system temporarily by depressing the brake
pedal or clutch pedal, on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox only with the
brake pedal.
– You can switch off temporarily the cruise control system, if you press the switch in the middle position.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
The Resumption of the stored speed is achieved by releasing the brake or clutch
pedal, on vehicles fitted with automatic gearbox only after releasing the brake pedal
and after shortly pressing the rocker button fig. 116 into the position RES.
Fig. 116 Operating lever: Rocker button
and switch of the cruise control system
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Starting-off and Driving115
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed.Switching off the cruise control system completely– Press the switch page 114, fig. 116 to the right into position OFF.
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Automatic gearbox
116
Automatic gearboxAutomatic gearbox*Information for driving with the 6-speed automatic gearbox*
Your car is equipped with a conv entional 6-speed automatic gearbox.The maximum speed is reached in the 5th gear. The 6th gear serves as an economic
driving programme, which is intended to redu ce the fuel consumption. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed automa tically. You can also, however, switch the
gearbox over into the Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it possible for you to also shift
gears manually page 120.Starting-off and Driving– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in ha ndle of the selector lever), move the
selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D  page 118, and then release the
Shiftlock button.
– Wait a moment until the gearbox has shif ted (a slight engagement nudge can be
felt).
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator .Stop– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping just for
a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is absolutely sufficient to hold the stopped
vehicle stationary by depressing the foot brake. The engine can, however, be
allowed just to idle.Parking– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to P and
then release the Shiftlock button. The engine can only be
started when the selector lever is in position P or N
 page 108.
It is sufficient to engage selector lever position P when parking on a flat surface. When
parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then move the
selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive pressure acting
on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move the selector lever out
of position P.
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first necessary
to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling speed of the engine to
be reached before engaging a driv e position in the selector lever.
WARNING

Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the selector
lever if the car is stationary and the engine is running - risk of accident!

Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!

When the engine is running and the vehi cle is stationary, it is necessary to
hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever (except
P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted, also not
when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps.
Information for driving with the automatic gearbox DSG*
The abbreviation DSG means Direct shift gearbox (Direct shift gearbox). Two independent clutches are needed for the power transmission between the engine
and the gearbox. These replace the torque converter of the conventional automatic
gearbox. Their shifting is matched in such a way that there are no jerks when shifting
the gear and the power transmission of the engine to the front wheels is not inter-
rupted. Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. You can
also, however, switch the gearbox over into the Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it
possible for you to also shift gears manually page 120.
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Automatic gearbox117
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Starting-off and Driving– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in ha ndle of the selector lever), move the
selector lever into the desired position, e.g. in D, and then release the Shiftlock
button.
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator .Stop– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping just for
a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is absolutely sufficient to hold the stopped
vehicle stationary by depressing the foot brake. The engine can, however, be
allowed just to idle.Parking– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to P and
then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector le ver is in position P or N
 page 108. At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the
selector lever position P .
It is sufficient to engage selector lever position P when parking on a flat surface. When
parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then move the
selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive pressure acting
on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move the selector lever out
of position P.
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first necessary
to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling speed of the engine to
be reached before engaging a drive position in the selector lever.
WARNING

Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the selector
lever if the car is stationary and the engine is running - risk of accident!

Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!

If you are stopping at a hill (downhill section), never try to hold the car
stationary with the gear engaged by mean s of the “accelerator”, this means by
letting the clutch slip. This can lead to ov erheating of the clutch. If there is a risk
of overheating of the clutch due to overlo ad, the clutch is opened automatically
and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!

If yo u m us t s to p a t a sl ope , d e pre s s a nd ho ld t he b ra ke pe d a l , s o t ha t y ou c a n
prevent the vehicle from rolling back.Caution

The double clutch on the automatic gear box DSG is equipped with an overload
protection. If you make use of the uphill func tion on a vehicle which is stationary or
driving slowly uphill, it will result in an increase of thermal stress of the clutches.

An overheating of the clutches can be detect ed by the flashing of the selector level
indicator and the “jerk” of the clutches, finally the clutches are opened. The power
transmission from the engine to the front whee ls is interrupted and as a result of this
the vehicle can no longer be driven. If th e clutch opens automatically, depress the
brake pedal, wait a few seconds and only then continue driving.
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Automatic gearbox
118
Selector lever positionsFig. 117 Selector lever / informatio n display: Selector lever positionsThe current selector lever position is indica ted in the information display of the instru-
ment cluster fig. 117 - right. In the positions D and S the gear you have already
engaged will be additionally displayed on the display.
- Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engage d when the vehicle is stationary .
If you wish to move the selector lever into or out of this position, you must press the
Shiftlock button in the handle of the select or lever and at the same time depress the
brake pedal.
If the battery is used, the selector lever cannot be moved out of the position P.
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
idling  .
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or N.
When the ignition is switched on an d the selector lever is in position R, the reverse
lights will come on.
- Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position. The brake pedal must be depressed (if the le
ver is in its position for longer than 2
seconds) in order to move the se lector lever out of the position N into the position D
or R, with the ignition switched on, on a vehicl e travelling at less than 5 km/hour or on
a stationary vehicle.
- Position for driving forward
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are shifted up and down
automatically in line with engine load, vehicle speed and the dynamic shift
programme.
You must depress the brake pedal if you wish to move into position D from N when the
vehicle is travelling at less th an 5 km/hour or is stationary .
In certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when towing a
trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift programme page 120 for a
short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manually to the driving situations.
- Position for sporty style of driving
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power potential
of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds as in the posi-
tion D.
The gearbox does not shift into the 6th gear in the position S, because the maximum
speed is reached with the 5th gear
11).
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip mu st be pressed when moving the selector
lever out of the position D into the position S.
WARNING

Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!

When the engine is running and the vehi cle is stationary, it is necessary to
hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever (except
P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted, also not
when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps.

You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle (e.g. by hand
from the engine compartment) if a driv e position is engaged when the car is
APARAN
11)Not valid for vehicles with automatic gearbox DSG.ADAS
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Automatic gearbox119
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
stationary. The vehicle would otherwise
immediately start off - also when the
handbrake is firmly applied - risk of an accident!

You must move the selector lever into position P and firmly apply the hand-
brake first before you or any other person opens the bonnet and starts working
on the engine when it is running - risk of accident! It is also essential to observe
all warnings page 197, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Selector lever lockAutomatic selector lever lock

With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and N . You
must first of all depress the brake pedal in or der to move the selector lever out of this
position. The warning light
  page 33 lights up in the instrument cluster as a
reminder for the driver when the selector lever is in the positions P and N.
A time delay element ensures that the selector lever is not blocked when rapidly
switching over the position N (e.g. from R to D). This does, for example, allow one to
seesaw out a stuck vehicle. The selector lever lo ck will click into place if the lever is in
the N position for more than 2 seconds without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if the vehicle is stationary or moving at speed of
less than 5 km/hour. The lock is swit ched off automatically into position N when the
car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the hand le of selector lever prevents certain selector lever posi-
tions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever lock is cancelled when you press
the Shiftlock button.
Keylock - Ignition key withdrawal lock
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selector
lever is in position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever is blocked in
position P.
Kickdown function
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration
power.Fully depressing the a ccelerator pedal allows the kickdown function to be activated in
the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving
programme and serves for maximum accelerati on of the vehicle when exploiting the
maximum power potential of the engine wi thout taking into account the current
selector lever position ( D, S or Tiptronic). The gearbox shifts down to one or several
gears in line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The gearbox does not
shift up into the highest gear until the en gine has reached its maximum revolutions for
this gear range.
WARNING
Please note that using the kickdown function can result in the driven wheels
spinning on a smooth or slippery road surface - risk of skidding!Dynamic shift programmeThe automatic gearbox of your vehicle is controlled electronically. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed automatically on the basis of pre-defined driving
programmes.
Adopting a moderate style of driving will cause the gearbox to select the most
economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as soon as possible and
shifting down as late as po ssible will have a favourable effect on your fuel consump-
tion.
Adopting a sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the accelerator pedal
combined with sharp acceleration and freque nt changes in speed, exploiting the top
speed of the car or depressing the accele rator pedal (kickdown function), will cause
the gearbox to switch over to this style of driving and shift down earlier with frequent
changes in gears in comparison to the moderate style of driving.
Selecting the most appropriate driving programme for the particular style of driving is
a continuous process. Irrespective of this it is, however, possible to switch or shift down
into a dynamic shift programme by depressi ng the accelerator rapidly. The gearbox
shifts down into a lower gear matching the speed of the car and this allows you to
WARNING (continued)
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