2005 SKODA OCTAVIA coolant

Heating and air conditioning system 123
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Climatic* (semi-automatic air
conditioning system)
Description
The Climatic is a combined cooling and heating system. It
makes it possible to optimally control the air temperature
at any season of the year.
Description of the Climatic
It is important for your safety and for your driving comfort that the Climatic
is operating properly.
The cooling only operates if button ⇒page 124, fig. 119 is
pressed, and the following conditions are met:
•engine running,
•outside temperature above +2 °C and
•blower switch switched on (positions 1 to 4).
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity
drops in the vehicle. The wellbeing of the occupants of the car is
enhanced as a result of this particularly at high outside temperatures and
a high air humidity. The system prevents the windows misting up during
the cold season of the year.
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full
heat output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating
temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode in order to enhance
the cooling effect ⇒.
Air at a temperature of about 5°C may flow out of the vents under certain
circumstances when the cooling system is operating. Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (in particular at the leg area) and
large differences in temperature, for example when getting out of the
vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves
in order to ensure that the heating and cooling systems operate properly.
After switching on the cooling
Condensation from the evaporator of the
air conditioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This
is quite normal and not an indication of a leak!
WARNING
•For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all
the windows are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize
yourself about how to correctly operate the heating and ventilation
systems, how to demist and defrost the windows, as well as with
the cooling mode.
•You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer
period of time. “Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and
passengers, reduce attention levels and also cause the windows to
mist up. The risk of having an accident increases. Switch recircu-
lated air mode off as soon as the windows begin misting up.
Note
•We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recir-
culating air mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evap-
orator from the interior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of
the air conditioning system. This produces a permanent odour when the
air conditioning system is operating which can only be eliminated through
considerable effort and expense (replacement of compressor).
ACA1
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Heating and air conditioning system
128
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which
the interior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight
in order to allow the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the
window is open.
The desired interior temperature can also be achieved without switching
in the cooling system just by switching to fresh air mode.
For the sake of the environment
When you economize on fuel, you also reduce pollutant emissions.
Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher
than +5 °C, there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be:
•The fuse on the air conditioning system has blown. Check the fuse,
replace it if necessary ⇒page 288.
•The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time
because the coolant temperature of the engine is too hot ⇒page 14.
If you are not able to rectify the operational problem yourself, or if the
cooling capacity decreases, switch the cooling system off. Contact a
specialist garage.
Climatronic* (automatic air conditioning)
Description
The Climatronic system is a combination of an automatic
heating, fresh air and cooling system which provides
optimal comfort for the occupants of the car.
The Climatronic maintains a constant temperature fully automatically,
once it has been set. This is achieved by automatically varying the
temperature of the outflowing air, the blower stages and the air distribu-
tion. The system also takes into account bright sunlight which eliminates
the need to alter the settings manually. The automatic mode ⇒ page 130
ensures maximum wellbeing of the occupants at all times of the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling operates only if the following conditions are met:
•engine running,
•outside temperature above +2 °C,
•the button is not pressed.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity
drops in the vehicle. The wellbeing of the occupants of the car is
enhanced as a result of this particularly at high outside temperatures and
a high air humidity. The system prevents the windows misting up during
the cold season of the year.
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full
heat output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating
temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode in order to enhance
the cooling effect ⇒.ECON
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Heating and air conditioning system 129
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves
in order to ensure that the heating and cooling systems operate properly.
The AC compressor is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order
to provide cooling at a high load of the engine.
After switching on the cooling
Condensation from the evaporator of the
air conditioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This
is quite normal and not an indication of a leak!
Recommended setting for all periods of the year:
•Set the temperature to 22 °C (72 °F).
•Press the button ⇒page 130, fig. 122 .
•Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4 so that the air flow is directed slightly
upwards ⇒page 133, fig. 123 .
Switching over between degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit
Press and hold the buttons and ⇒page 130, fig. 122 . The
information in the desired temperature measuring unit appears in the
display.
WARNING
•For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all
the windows are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize
yourself about how to correctly operate the heating and ventilation
systems, how to demist and defrost the windows, as well as with
the cooling mode.
•You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer
period of time. “Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and
passengers, reduce attention levels and also cause the windows to
mist up. The risk of having an accident increases. Switch recircu-
lated air mode off as soon as the windows begin misting up.
Note
•If the cooling system has not been switched on for a lengthy period,
odours may be produced at the evaporator because of deposits. Switch
the cooling system on at least once a month for approximately 5 minutes
at the highest blower stage - also during the cold season of the year - in
order to remove such odours. Also open a window for a short time.
•We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recir-
culating air mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evap-
orator from the interior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of
the air conditioning system. This produces a permanent odour when the
air conditioning system is operating which can only be eliminated through
considerable effort and expense (replacement of compressor).
•The used air streams out through the air removal openings in the
luggage compartment.
•The Information of the Climatronic is displayed on the display of the
radio*. You can also switch off this function - see operating instructions for
radio
•Using the cooling economically ⇒page 127.
•Operational problems ⇒page 128.
AUTO
ECONAUTO
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Heating and air conditioning system
134
Close air outlet vents
– Turn the vertical thumbwheel into the end position.
Redirecting air flow
– Swivel upward or downward the gril le of the vents in order to
change the direction of the air flow using the vertically
arranged thumbwheel.
– Turn the horizontal thumbwheel on the vent to the right or left in order to change the air flow to the appropriate side.
You can control the air distribution to the air outlet vents via the buttons of
the operating part of the Climatronic ⇒page 130. Air outlet vents 3, 4
⇒ page 133, fig. 123 and 6 ⇒ page 133, fig. 124 can also be opened or
closed individually.
The air outlet vents 6 are only fitted on vehicles with higher centre
console.
Note
The air outlet vents 2 ensure in the ventilation and cooling mode for a
comfortable (no-draught) ventilation of the interior of the vehicle, also if the
air outlet vents 4 are closed.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and
ventilation)*
Description
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)
heats or supplies the interior of the vehicle with fresh air
independent of the engine.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating )
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) functions in connection with the
heater or with the Climatic or Climatronic.
It can be used when stationary, when engine is switched off for preheating
of the vehicle as well as while driving (e.g. during the heating phase of the
engine).
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) warms up the coolant during the
combustion of fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant warms up the air,
which (if the blower speed is not set to zero) flows into the occupant
compartment.
6)
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior
by switching on the blower, if the blower speed is not set to zero, whereby
the interior temperature is effectively decreased (e.g. with a vehicle
parked in the sun).
6)However the coolant does not warm up the engine.
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Heating and air conditioning system 137
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the
underside of the vehicle. Therefore do not place the vehicle, if you
wish to operate the auxiliary heating, in such a way that the exhaust
gases of the auxiliary heating can come easily into contact with
inflammable materials (e.g. dry grass) or easily inflammable
substances (e.g. fuel run out).
Note
•If the auxiliary heating runs, the fuel consumption comes from the
vehicle tank. Therefore the auxiliary heating should not be operated, if
there is very little fuel in the tank.
•The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the
underside of the vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must
not be blocked.
•If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running, the vehicle battery
discharges. If the auxiliary heating and ventilation has been operated
several times over a longer period, the vehicle must be driven a few kilom-
eters in order to recharge the vehicle battery.
•The auxiliary heating only switches the blower on, if it has achieved a
coolant temperature of approx. 50 °C.
•At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water
vapour in the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is
not an operating problem.
•After switching off the auxiliary heating, the coolant pump runs for a
short period.
•The auxiliary heating and ventilation does not switch on or comes on,
if the vehicle battery indicates a low loading state.
•The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) switches on, if in the informa-
tion display: Please refuel! is indicated or was indicated before switching
off the ignition.
•When driving, the auxiliary heating can only be switched on, if the exte-
rior temperature is lower than 5 °C.
•The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or
leaves in order to ensure that the auxiliary heating operates properly.
•So that the warm air can flow into the vehicle interior after switching on
the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating), the control dial ⇒page 119,
fig. 116 must be turned up to the stop to the right when heating. With
Climatic and Climatronic, you can maintain the temperature normally
selected by you (we recommend 22 °C). It is recommended to put the air
flow in the position
. For heating and climatic put the blower switch
⇒ page 119, fig. 116 if necessary ⇒page 124, fig. 119 in the position 2.
WARNING (continued)
AA
AB
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Starting-off and Driving141
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Petrol engines
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct
fuel/air mixture for every external air temperature.
•Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not
start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the
attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the electrical fuel pump is defect if the
engine still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary
⇒ page 288.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assist-
ance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the
accelerator after the engine has started.
Diesel engines
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period
being controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and
outside temperature.
The preglow indicator light
 comes on after the ignition has been
switched on.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during
the heating period otherwise the ve hicle battery will be drained
unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning
light  has gone out.
•The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the
engine is at a normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature
is above +5°C. This means that you can start the engine right away.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not
start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the
attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the
engine still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary
⇒ page 288.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assist-
ance.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel
tank has run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel
system must first of all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching the engine off
– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from position ⇒page 139, fig. 129 into position .
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk
of accident!
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Greater physical effort for braking is required when engine is
switched off. Because if you do not stop as normal, this can cause
an accident and severe injuries.
A1
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Starting-off and Driving
142
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 for 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 coolant temper-
ature rises because of an accumulation 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 248, “Working in the engine
compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)
Shift into reverse only when the car is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment 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 pressure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the
gearbox. This can, over a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift
forks.
Fig. 130 The shift
pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
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Towing a trailer
230
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are
located as close as possible to the axle. Secure the items to prevent them
slipping.
Tyre inflation pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
⇒ page 264. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
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. Both exte-
rior mirrors should be attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that
they provide you with an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the head-
lights. Alter the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam
adjuster ⇒page 67.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing
device. It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare
wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device ⇒page 231.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between
service intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling
and decoupling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and
the trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid
driving with this combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies
for countries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination
reduces with increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed
should not be used when there are unfavourable road, weather or wind
conditions, particularly near accident black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediately as soon as you detect
even just the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to
stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
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. Shift down gears in good time
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