2006 SKODA OCTAVIA check engine

Dayl. dri. light
Switch on/off the “DAY LIGHT” function.
Rear wiper Switch on/off the function for automatic rear window
wiping.
Lane ch. flash Switch on/off the convenience flashing function.
Travel mode Switch on/off the travel model function.
Factory setting Restore the factory setting for the lighting.Time
The time, time format (12 or 24 hour indicator) and the changeover between sum-
mer/winter time can be set here.
Winter tyres
Here, you can set the speed at which an audible signal should sound. This func-
tion is, for example, used for winter tyres where the maximum permissible speed
is lower than the maximum speed of the vehicle.
When exceeding the speed, the following is shown on the information display:
Winter tyres:
max. speed ... km/h
Units of measurement
The units for the temperature, consumption and distance driven can be set here.
Assistants
The tones of the audible signals for the parking aid can be adjusted here.
Second speed
The display of the second speed in mph or in km/h can be switched on here.
Service
Here you can have the remaining kilometres and days until the next service inter-
val displayed, and reset the Service Interval Display.
Factory setting
After selecting the menu Factory setting the factory setting of the information
display is restored. Ð Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 15.
If at least one door is open, or the boot or bonnet is open, the information display
indicates the relevant
open door or boot/bonnet.
An audible signal also sounds if the vehicle is travelling at more than 6

km/h.Ð Auto Check Control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 15.
Vehicle condition
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked contin-
uously when the ignition is switched on and also while driving.
Some error messages and other information are displayed in the information dis-
play. The messages are displayed at the same time as the symbols in the informa-
tion display or the warning lights in the instrument cluster » page 18.
If there is at least one error message, the menu item Vehicle status is displayed
in the menu. After selecting this menu the first of the error messages is dis-
played. Several error messages are shown on the display under the message e.g.
1/3. This indicates that the first of a total of three error messages is being dis-
played.
Warning symbols
 Engine oil pressure too low
» page 21
 Clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG are
too hot » page 17
 Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor faulty
» page 21
 Problem with engine oil pressure
» page 18 Clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG are too hot

A symbol  in the information display indicates that the temperature of the
clutches of the automatic gearbox is too high. £
ä
ä
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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


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. £
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Instruments and warning lights

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

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. ÐBoot lid 
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if the luggage
compartment door is open. If the boot lid opens 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. ÐEngine oil 

The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil Pressure: Engine off! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 161 , Checking the engine oil level .
Even if the oil level is correct, do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing . Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a ŠKODA
specialist garage.
The warning light  lights up yellow (oil quantity too low)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Check oil level!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 161 .
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds.
If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km.
The warning light  flashes yellow (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil sensor: Workshop! If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes
 several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
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. Ð Electromechanical power steering 

If the warning light  lights up, this indicates a partial failure of the power steer-
ing and the steering forces can be greater. Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage.
If the warning light  lights up, this indicates a complete failure of the power
steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering forces).
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 92. 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
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warning
light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out
after driving a short distance. If the yellow warning light  does not go out after
starting the engine again and a short drive, it is necessary to visit a

ŠKODA spe-
cialist garage. Ð Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ASR is currently operating. £
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Instruments and warning lights

If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ASR
can be switched off for technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on again. If
the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on, the ASR
is fully functional again.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ASR.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: traction control (ASR)
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 96, Traction control system (TCS) .Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. ÐElectronic Stability Control (ESC) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after you start the engine, the ESC
might be switched off due to technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on
again. If the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on,
the ESR is fully functional again.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ESC.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 95, Stabilisation Control (ESC) .Note
If the vehicle's 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. Ð Antilock brake system (ABS) 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: ABS
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 96, Antilock brake system (ABS) . 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.
■ If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light , 
do not continue your journey!

Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance - risk of accident! Ð The rear fog light 
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog lights are operating » page 43.Ð Bulb failure 
The warning light  comes on if a bulb is faulty:
› within 2 seconds of the ignition being switched on;
› when switching on the defective light bulb.
The following is displayed in the information display: Check front-right dipped beam! Ð Exhaust inspection system 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the exhaust inspection system.
The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode. £
22 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

Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position 92
Electromechanical power steering 92
Electronic immobiliser 92
Ignition lock 93
Starting engine 93
Switching the engine off 93
WARNING
■ Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
■ Maintain a distance of 25 cm 1
to the steering wheel
» Fig. 93 on page 92
-  . Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system
will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
■ The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the
journey - risk of accident!
■ If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest. ■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could injure the arms, hands and head
when the driver airbag is deployed.
■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2
» Fig. 94 on
page 93 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result
in unexpected locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident! WARNING (Continued)
■ Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block - risk of accident!
■ When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine - risk of accident or injury!
■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause unconscious-
ness and death. ■ Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■ Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3
» Fig. 94 on
page 93), if the engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if
the starter is activated when the engine is running. ■ Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged. ■ Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature - risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■ Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage the catalytic converter. The battery from an-
other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 185, Jump-starting.
■ Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1
minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. £
91
Starting-off and Driving