Instruments and warning lights
Instrument cluster
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Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview 8
Engine revolutions counter 9
Speedometer 9
Coolant temperature gauge 9
Fuel gauge 9
Counter for distance driven 10
Service Interval Display 10
Digital clock 11
Recommended gear 11
WARNING
■ Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.
■ Never operate the controls in the instrument cluster while driving, only
when the vehicle is stationary! Ð Overview
Fig. 2
Instrument cluster
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
Engine revolutions counter
» page 9
Speedometer » page 9
Coolant temperature gauge » page 9
Display:
› With counter for distance driven
» page 10
› With service interval display
» page 10
› With digital clock
» page 11
› With multifunction display
» page 12
› With information display » page 15
Knob for the selection of the mode (turn knob)/the setting (press knob):
› Setting the hours/minutes
› Activating/deactivating the second speed in mph or km/h
› Service intervals - Display of the number of days and kilometres remaining
until the next Inspection Service
› Reset trip counter for the distance driven
› Resetting Service Interval Display
› Activate/deactivate display mode
Fuel gauge » page 9 Ð
ä 1
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3
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6
8
Using the system
Engine revolutions counter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The red scale of the rev counter 1
» Fig. 2 on page 8 indicates the range in which
the engine control unit begins to limit the engine speed. The engine control unit
restricts the engine speed to a steady limit.
You should shift into the next higher gear before the red scale of the revolution
counter is reached, or move the selector lever into position D if your car is fitted
with an automatic gearbox.
To maintain the optimum motor speed, observe the gearshift indica-
tor » page 11. For the sake of the environment
Shifting to a higher gear in good time helps to lower fuel consumption, minimises
operating noise levels, protects the environment and contributes to a longer life
and reliability of the engine. ÐSpeedometer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
Warning against excessive speeds
An audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h.
The audible warning signal is switched off when the vehicle speed falls below
this speed limit.
Note
This function is only valid for some countries. Ð
ä
ä Coolant temperature gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The coolant temperature gauge 3
» Fig. 2 on page 8 operates only when the ig-
nition is switched on.
The following guidelines regarding the temperature ranges must be observed to
avoid any damage to the engine.
Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high
engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves
into the mid-range of the scale, for a normal style of driving. The pointer may also
move further to the right at high engine loads and high outside temperatures. CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air in-
let impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine
overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads »
page 20.Ð Fuel gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The fuel gauge 6
» Fig. 2 on page 8 only operates when the ignition is switched
on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres or 60 litres 1)
. The warning light in
the instrument cluster lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve mark-
ing » page 23.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal. £
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1)
Valid for Octavia Combi 4x4 and Octavia Scout.
9
Instruments and warning lights
The following is displayed in the information display:
Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's man.!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the symbol disappears -
risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your journey as soon as the symbol dis-
appears.
Problem with the engine oil pressure
If the symbol is shown in the information display, you must have your vehicle
checked immediately by a
ŠKODA specialist garage. The information about the
maximum permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 44. Note
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indica-
ted again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver. ÐWarning lights
Overview
The warning lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
Handbrake
» page 19
Brake system
» page 19
Seat belt warning light
» page 19
Generator
» page 20
Open door
» page 20
Coolant temperature/coolant level
» page 20
Bonnet
» page 20
Boot lid
» page 21
Engine oil
» page 21
Electromechanical power steering
» page 21
Traction control (TCS)
» page 21
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
» page 22
Antilock brake system (ABS)
» page 22
Rear fog light
» page 22
Bulb failure
» page 22
Exhaust inspection system
» page 22
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
» page 23
EPC fault light (petrol engine)
» page 23
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
» page 23
Fuel reserve
» page 23
Airbag system
» page 24£18
Using the system
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver during the next 90 seconds, the
warning signal is deactivated and the warning light
lights up permanently.
Further information » page 125, Seat belts. ÐDynamo
If the warning light lights up when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek help from a ŠKODA
specialist garage. The electrical system requires check-
ing. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 44. CAUTION
If the warning light (cooling system fault) comes on in addition to the warning
light when driving, stop the vehicle immediately and switch the engine off -
risk of engine damage! ÐOpen door
The warning light comes on, if one or several doors are opened.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 44. Ð Coolant temperature/coolant level
If the warning light lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is too
high or the coolant level is too low.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Check coolant! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant » page 163,
and refill the coolant if necessary » page 163.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the radia-
tor fan, replace if necessary » page 191, Fuses in the engine compartment .
If the warning light does not go off even though the coolant level is correct
and the fuse for the fan is in working order do not continue driving!
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system »
page 44.
■ Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cooling
system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the engine
to cool down before removing the cap.
■ Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off. Ð Bonnet
The warning light comes on if the bonnet is unlocked. If the bonnet unlocks
while driving, the warning light lights up and an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes. £
20 Using the system
Heating and air conditioning system
Heating and air conditioning system
Introductory information
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The well-being 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.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling ef-
fect.
Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode for the air-condi-
tioning system » page 84 or for Climatronic »
page 86.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves to en-
sure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning 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 win-
dows 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.
■ Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Note
■ The used air streams out through the vents in the boot.
■ We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the in-
terior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning sys-
tem. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is oper-
ating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (re-
placement of compressor). ■ To ensure that the heating and air conditioning systems work properly, do not
block up the air outlet vents with any objects. Ð Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the engine when
in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the inte-
rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to al-
low the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window
is open.
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the
cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected. For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also reduced when fuel is saved. Ð 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.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry »
page 190 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 9.
If you cannot rectify the functional fault yourself, or the cooling capacity decrea-
ses, the cooling system must be switched off. Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð
79
Heating and air conditioning system
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning system)
Introductory information
The Climatronic maintains fully automatically a convenience temperature. This is
achieved by automatically varying the temperature of the air flow, the blower
stages and air distribution. The system also takes sunlight into account, which
eliminates the need to alter the settings manually. The automatic
mode » page 86
ensures maximum well-being of the occupants at all times of
the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling system only operates if the following conditions are met:
› engine running;
› outside temperature above approx. +2 °C;
› AC 13
» Fig. 90 on page 85
switched on.
The AC compressor is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to pro-
vide cooling at a high load of the engine.
Recommended setting for all periods of the year.
› Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22 °C.
› Press the button
AUTO 8
» Fig. 90
on page 85.
› Move the air outlet vents
3 » Fig. 86 on page 80 and 4 so that the air flow is
directed slightly upwards. Note
■ We recommend that you have the Climatronic system cleaned by a
ŠKODA spe-
cialist garage once every year. ■ On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio or radio navigation system, the
Climatronic information is also shown on their displays. This function can be
switched off, see operating instructions for the radio or navigation system. Ð Overview of the control elements
Fig. 90
Climatronic: Control elements
The buttons Defrost windscreen intensively Air flow to the windows
Air flow to head
Air flow in the footwell
Recirculated air mode
with air quality sensor
Rear window heater The buttons/control dial
Setting of the temperature for the left side, operation of the seat heating of
the left front seat
Automatic mode AUTO Switching off Climatronic
OFF Setting the blower speed
Button for direct switching on/off of auxiliary heating
» Fig. 91 on
page 88
Switching on/off of the temperature setting in dual mode DUAL Switching the cooling system on and off
AC Setting of the temperature for the right side, operation of the seat heating of
the right front seat £ 1
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85
Heating and air conditioning system
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) warms up the coolant by combusting fuel
from the vehicle tank. The coolant warms up the air, which (if the blower speed is
not set to zero) flows into the passenger compartment.
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively de-
creased (e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).
WARNING
■ The auxiliary heating must never be operated in closed rooms - risk of poi-
soning! ■ The auxiliary heating must not be running during refuelling - risk of fire.
■ The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of the
vehicle. Therefore, if you wish to operate the auxiliary heating, do not park the
vehicle in such a way that the exhaust gases from the auxiliary heating can
come into contact with highly flammable materials (e.g. dry grass) or easily in-
flammable substances (e.g. spilt fuel). Note
■ If the auxiliary heating runs, the fuel consumption comes from the vehicle tank.
The auxiliary heating automatically controls the filling level in the fuel tank. If only
a low quantity of fuel is present in the fuel tank, the function of the auxiliary
heating is blocked. ■ 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 kilometres 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 peri-
od.
■ The auxiliary heating and ventilation does not switch on or comes on, if the ve-
hicle battery indicates a low loading state » page 169, Automatic load deactiva-
tion . ■
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) does not switch on, if the following was
shown in the information display or before switching off the ignition: Please re-
fuel! ■ 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 warm air can flow into the vehicle interior after switching on the auxili-
ary heating, you must maintain the comfort temperature normally selected by
you, leave the fan switched on and leave the air outlet vents in an open position.
It is recommended to put the air flow in the position or .Ð Direct switching on/off
Fig. 91
Button for direct switching on/
off of the auxiliary heating (aux-
iliary heating and ventilation) on
the operating part of the air con-
ditioning system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) can be
directly switched
on or off at any time using the button » Fig. 91 on the operating part of the air-
conditioning system, on the operating part of the Climatronic system or via the ra-
dio remote control » page 89.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is not switched off earlier, it switches off
automatically after the set operating period, in the menu Running time has ex-
pired. Ð
ä
88 Using the system
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