2006 SKODA OCTAVIA brake fluid


Tyre control display
» page 24
 Windscreen washer fluid level
» page 24
 Traction control (TCS) switched off
» page 24
  Turn signal (left/right).
» page 24
 Fog lights
» page 24
 Speed regulating system
» page 25
 Low beam
» page 25
 Selector lever lock
» page 25
 Main beam
» page 25WARNING
■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, this may result in severe 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 compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes »
page 158, Engine compartment .Note
■ The arrangement of the warning lights depends on the model version. The sym-
bols shown in the following functional description are to be found as warning
lights in the instrument cluster. Ð Handbrake 
The warning light  comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3
seconds at a speed of more than
6 km/h.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake! Ð Brake system 
The warning light  illuminates if the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 164 » .
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.
■ The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 158, Engine compartment .
■ If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 22, Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. ■ A fault to the braking system can increase the vehicle's braking distance! Ð Seat belt warning light 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes out if the driver has
fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver, a permanent warning signal
sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and simultaneously the warning
light  flashes. £
19
Instruments and warning lights

Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
» page 19, Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. ÐHandbrake
Fig. 95
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 93.
Apply
› Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
› Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 95 .
› Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following is displayed in the information display: ä Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than 6 km/h for more than 3
seconds. Ð Stabilisation Control (ESC)
Fig. 96
ESC system: TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 93.
The ESC is automatically activated after starting the engine. The ESC helps to
maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is being operated at its dy-
namic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of travel. The risk of skid-
ding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as if the car starts to
skid, the ESC automatically brakes the appropriate wheel.
The ESC cannot be switched off, the button  » Fig. 96
only deactivates the TCS
system and the warning light  in the instrument cluster lights up.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instrument
cluster 
» page 22.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC):
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
£
ä
95
Starting-off and Driving

Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 155.
Your vehicle can only be operated with
diesel fuel, which complies with the
standard EN
590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in
Austria, GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia).
Operation in winter - Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the winter, only use diesel fuel, which complies with the standard EN 590
(standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in Austria,
GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia). “Winter-grade diesel fuel” will still
operate properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuels
available have a different temperature characteristic. The ŠKODA Service Partners
and filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with infor-
mation regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures operation of
a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of -25 °C.
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar products) must not
be added to the diesel fuel. CAUTION
■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!
■ If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that the
fuel system is cleaned by a

ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
■ Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must not
be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) can cause considerable damage
to parts of the engine or fuel system. Ð
ä Engine compartment
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet 160
Engine compartment overview 160
Checking the engine oil level 161
Replenishing the engine oil 161
Changing engine oil 162
Coolant 162
Checking the coolant level 163
Replenishing the coolant 163
Radiator fan 164
Checking the brake fluid 164
Changing the brake fluid 164
Windscreen washer system 165
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the en-
gine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and
with the general applicable rules of safety. The vehicle's engine compartment is
a hazardous area . WARNING
■ Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
■ Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■ If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P .
■ Firmly apply the handbrake.
■ Allow the engine to cool.
■ For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when driving.
This is why after closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to en-
sure it has engaged properly. £
158 General Maintenance

Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 131
Bonnet/radiator grille release lever: Release lever Fig. 132
Securing the bonnet with the
bonnet support
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 158.
Opening
›
Pull the release lever under the dash panel 1
» Fig. 131.
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are
correctly in place against the windscreen otherwise the paintwork could be dam-
aged.
› Pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow 2
» Fig. 131 and the bonnet
is unlocked.
› Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
› Take the bonnet support out of its holder and secure the opened bonnet by in-
serting the end of the support in the opening 3
» Fig. 132
designed for it.
ä Closing
› Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet sup-
port into the holder designed to hold it.
› Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm –
do not push it in .
Check that the bonnet is closed properly. Ð Engine compartment overview
Fig. 133
1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI Petrol engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 158.
Coolant expansion reservoir 163
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir 165
Engine oil filler opening 161
Engine oil dipstick 161
Brake fluid reservoir 164
Battery (below a cover) 165
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical. Ð
ä 1
2
3
4
5
6
160
General Maintenance

Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 158.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the
coolant temperature.
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
ÐChecking the brake fluid
Fig. 136
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 158.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet
» page 160.
› Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir
» Fig. 136. The level must be be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
When driving, a slight drop in the fluid level is caused by the wear-and-tear and
automatic adjustment of the brake pads, and is therefore perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking. If
the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light  lighting up
in the instrument cluster » page 19, Brake system .
ä
ä WARNING
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking,  do not continue your
journey - risk of accident! Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.Ð Changing the brake fluid
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 158.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment. Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in
the brake system. The water content also lowers the boiling point of the brake
fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications:
› VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4. WARNING
Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes because of the
formation of vapour bubbles in the brake system. This greatly impairs the
braking efficiency and thus also the safety of your vehicle. CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle. Ð
ä
164 General Maintenance

Index
A
ABS 96
Warning light 22
Accessories 177
Active steering support 95
Adjusting Exterior mirror 52
Adjusting seats 122
Adjustment Seat 55
Aerial 149
see Radio reception 151
Airbag 129
Deployment 129
Front airbag 130
Head airbag 132
Side airbag 131
Airbag system 129
Air conditioning system Air outlet vents 80
Climatronic 85
Manual air conditioning system 82
Alarm 31
Anti-theft alarm system 31
Antilock brake system 96
Armrest Front 74
rear 60, 75
Ashtray 68
Assistance systems ESC 95
Assist systems ABS 22, 96
Cruise control systems (CCS) 99
EDS and XDS 97
ESC 22Parking aid 98
START/STOP 100
TCS 21, 96
Auto Check Control 17
Automatic driving lamp control 40
Automatic gearbox 102
Dynamic shift programme 105
Emergency programme 106
Information for driving 102
Kickdown 105
Manual shifting of gears on the multifunction steering wheel 104
Parking 103
Selector lever-emergency unlocking 106
Selector lever lock 105
Selector lever positions 103
Starting off 103
Stopping 103
Tiptronic 104
Automatic load deactivation 169
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventila- tion) 87
Avoiding damage to your vehicle 143
B
Before setting off 121
Belt tensioners 128
Bonnet Closing 160
Opening 160
Warning light 20
Boot Class
N1 vehicles 61
Cover 63
Emergency unlocking 34
Fastening elements 61
Fixing nets 62
Fixing of the floor covering 63
foldable boot cover (Combi) 64
Light 47see Boot lid 33
Unlocking the boot lid 34
Variable loading floor 64
Boot lid 33
Automatic locking 33
Warning light 21
Brake booster 95
Brake fluid Checking 164
Brakes Brake assist systems 93
Handbrake 95
Running in 139
Warning light 19
Braking Brake fluid 164
Braking assistant 95
Breakdown kit 182
Bulbs Replacing 191
Button in the driver's door Electric power windows 34
C
Car computer see Multifunction display 12
Car jack 179
Carrier 66
Catalytic converter 139
CD changer 119
Central locking button 29
Central locking system 27
lock 29
unlock 28
Changes 177
Changing Engine oil 162
Wheel 179
Charging a vehicle battery 168
208 Index

Checking
Battery electrolyte level 167
Brake fluid 164
Coolant level 163
Engine oil 161
Oil level 161
Windscreen washer fluid 165
Children and safety 135
Child safety Side airbag 136
Child safety lock 27
Child seat Classification 136
ISOFIX 137
on the front passenger seat 135
Suitability 137
TOP TETHER 137
Chrome parts refer to Taking care of your vehicle 150
Cigarette lighter 69
Cleaning 148
Artificial leather 153
Headlight lenses 151
Material coverings 153
Materials 153
Natural leather 153
Plastic parts 150
Wheels 152
Clock 11
Clothes hooks 77
Cockpit 12-volt power socket 70
Ashtray 68
Cigarette lighter 69
General view 7
Light 45
Storage compartments 70
Compartments 70
Computer see Multifunction display 12Coolant
Checking 163
Replenishing 163
Temperature gauge 9
Correct seated position 122
Counter for distance driven 10
Cruise control system (CCS) 99
D
Dash panel insert 8
Daylight driving light 40
Deactivating an airbag 133
Deactivating an airbag 133
Defrsoting rear window 47
Delayed locking of the boot lid see Boot lid 33
Diesel refer to Fuel 158
Diesel fuel Operation in winter 158
Diesel particulate filter 23
Digital clock 11
Dipstick 161
Display Coolant temperature 9
Service interval 10
Distance driven 10
Door Child safety lock 27
Warning light for an open door 20
Doors Emergency locking 32
Driving Abroad 143
Driving through water on the street 144
Emissions 197
Fuel consumption 197 E
Economical and environmentally friendly driving 140
EDS 97
Electrical power windows Button in the driver's door 34
Electric power windows Central locking system 36
Electric sliding/tilting roof 37
Electronic Differential Lock 97
Electronic immobiliser 92
Emergency Automatic gearbox 106
Changing a wheel 179
Hazard warning light system 44
Jump-starting 185
locking of the doors 32
Selector lever-unlocking 106
Sliding roof 38
Towing the vehicle 186
Tyre repair 182
Unlocking the boot lid 34
Emissions 197
Engine Running in 139
Starting and stopping the engine 91
Engine compartment Brake fluid 164
Coolant 162
Overview 160
Vehicle battery 165
Engine oil Capacity 200
Changing 162
Checking 161
Replenishing 161
Specification 200
Engine revolutions counter 9
Environment 140
Environmental compatibility 142
209
Index

Manual dimming interior mirror 51
Vanity 47
Mobile phone 107, 109, 112
Connecting to the hands-free system 110, 113
Multifunction display Functions 12
Memory 12
Operation 13
Multimedia 118
AUX-IN 119
MDI 119
N
Net partition 65
O
Oil refer to Engine oil 161
Onboard computer see Multifunction display 12
Operation in winter De-icing windows 151
Diesel fuel 158
Vehicle battery 167
Outside temperature 13
Overview Engine compartment 160
Warning lights 18
P
Paint see Paint damage 150
Paint damage 150
Parking Parking aid 98
Parking ticket holder 77
Passive Safety 121
Periodic wiping 49Petrol
refer to Fuel 156
Polishing the paintwork refer to Taking care of your vehicle 150
Power steering 92
Power windows Button in the driver's door 35
Button in the front passenger door 36
Button in the rear doors 36
Operational faults 37
Preservation refer to Taking care of your vehicle 150
R
Radiator fan 164
Radio reception Aerial 151
Functional fault 151
Raise vehicle 181
Rear mirror Automatic dimming interior mirror 52
Exterior mirror 52
Manual dimming interior mirror 51
Recirculated air mode Climatronic 86
Manual air conditioning system 84
Recommended gear 11
Refuelling 155
Fuel 155
Regulation Headlight beam 44
Remote control 30
Synchronisation process 31
Remote control key Replacing the battery 26
Removable through-loading bag 76
Removing the seats 59
Replacement of parts 177Replacing
Bulbs 191
Fuses 189
Vehicle battery 168
Windscreen wiper blade 51
Replenishing Coolant 163
Engine oil 161
Windscreen washer fluid 165
Roof luggage rack Attachment points 67
Roof rack system Roof load 67
Running in Brake pads 139
Engine 139
The first 1
500 km 139
Tyres 139
S
Safe securing system 28
Safety 121
Child safety 135
Child safety seats 135
Head restraints 58
ISOFIX 137
TOP TETHER 137
Save electrical energy 140
Seat Adjusting 55
Seat belt Warning light 19
Seat belt height adjuster 128
Seat belts Belt tensioners 128
Cleaning 154
fastening and unfastening 127
Height adjustment 128
211
Index