2007 SKODA OCTAVIA engine coolant

Heating and air conditioning system103
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Redirecting air flow
– Swivel upward or downward the grille of the vents in order to change
the direction of the air flow using the vertically arranged thumbwheel.
– Turn the horizontal thumbwheel on the v e n t t o t h e r i g h t o r l e f t i n o rd e r
to change the air flow to the appropriate side.
You can set the air supply to the individual air outlet vents using the control dial
⇒ page 100, fig. 119 . Air outlet vents 3, 4 ⇒ page 102, fig. 120 and 6 ⇒ page 102,
fig. 121 can also be opened or closed individually.
The air outlet vents 6 are only fitted on vehicles with higher centre console.
Unwarmed or cooled air will flow out of the opened air outlet vents according to
the setting of the control dial ⇒page 100, fig. 119 and according to outer
atmospheric conditions.
Note
The air outlet vents 2 ensure in the ventilation mode for a comfortable (no-draught)
ventilation of the interior of the vehicle, also if the air outlet vents 4 are closed.
Climatic* (semi-automatic air conditioning system)
Description
The Climatic is a combined coolin g 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 oper-
ating properly.
The cooling only operates if button ⇒page 104, fig. 122 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, th e 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 temperatur es 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 th e coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirc ulated 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 circum-
stances 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 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
windows are free of ice, snow and mistin g. Please familiarize yourself about
how to correctly operate th e 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, as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert
your attention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an
accident increases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows
begin misting up.
AC
AA
ACA1
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Heating and air conditioning system
108
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 243.
•The cooling system has switched off auto matically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot ⇒ page 11.
If you are not able to rectify the operat ional 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 combin ation 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 automa tically varying the temperature of the
outflowing air, the blower stages and the air distribution. The system also takes into
account bright sunlight which eliminates the need to alter the settings manually.
The automatic mode ⇒ page 110 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 th e 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 ⇒.
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 condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal
and not an indication of a leak!
Recommended setting for al l periods of the year:
•Set the temperature to 22 °C (72 °F).
•Press the button ⇒page 109, fig. 125 .
•Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4 so that the air flow is directed slightly upwards
⇒ page 112, fig. 126 .
Switching over between degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit
Press and hold the buttons and ⇒page 109, fig. 125 . The informa-
tion 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 mist ing. Please familiarize yourself about
how to correctly operate the heating an d ventilation systems, how to demist
and defrost the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
ECON
AUTO
ECONAUTO
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Heating and air conditioning system113
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
The air outlet vents 2 ensure in the ventilation and cooling mode for a comfortable
(no-draught) ventilation of th e interior of the vehicle, also if the air outlet vents 4
are closed.
Auxiliary heating system (auxiliary heating and
ventilation)*
Description
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) heats or
supplies the interior of the vehicl e with fresh air independent of the
engine.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating)
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) f unctions in connection with the heater or
with the Climatic or Climatronic.
It can be used when stationa ry, 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 combus-
tion of fuel from the vehicle tank. The cool ant 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).
Using the system
So that the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) func-
tions according to your expectations, it is necessary to carry out the
basic setting before its programming.
Basic setting
– In the information display, select from the menu Main menu the
Menu Setup (settings) ⇒ page 19, fig. 11 .
– In the menu Settings select the menu Aux. Heating (auxiliary
heating).
– In the menu Aux. Heating (auxiliary heating) ⇒ fig. 128 select the
menu Weekday and set the current day.
– Return to a higher level by selecting the menu Back, i. e. in the menu
Aux. Heating (auxiliary heating) .
– In the menu Aux. Heating select the menu Running time and set the
desired operating period in steps of 1 minute. The operating period
can be 5 to 60 minutes.
– Return to a higher level by selecting the menu Back in the menu
Aux. Heating .
6)However the coolant does not warm up the engine.
Fig. 128 Information
display: Aux. Heating
(auxiliary heating)
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Heating and air conditioning system115
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•The auxiliary heating must never be operated in closed rooms - risk of
poisoning!
•The auxiliary heating must not be running during refueling - risk of fire.
•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 su bstances (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 heat ing 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 kilometers in order to recharge the
vehicle battery.
•The auxiliary heating only sw itches the blower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.
•At low outside temperatures, this can resu lt 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 indicate s a low loading state.
•The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) switches on, if in the information
display: Please refuel! is indicated or was indicated before switching off the igni-
tion.
•When driving, the auxiliary heating can only be switched on, if the exterior
temperature is lower than 5 °C.
•The air inlet in front of the windscreen mu st 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 100, fig. 119 must
be turned up to the stop to the right when heating. With Climatic and Climatronic,
you can maintain the temperature norma lly 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 100, fig. 119 if necessary ⇒page 104,
fig. 122 in the position 2.
•On vehicles with DPF (die sel particle filter) the warm coolant heats up the
engine.
AA
AB
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Starting-off and Driving
118
Starting the engine
General
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
•Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the position
P or N in the case of an automatic gearbox) and put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
•The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine which
means that the starter only has to crank the engine.
•Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
to the starter.
The engine running noises ma y louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve
clearance compensation. This is quite no rmal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒page 238.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-
starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 242.
WARNING
•Never run the engine in non ventilat ed or enclosed areas. The exhaust
gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death.
•Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Caution
•The starter may only be operated (ignition key position ), if the engine is not
running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching off the engine, the
starter or the engine can be damaged.
•Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its normal oper ating temperature - risk of damaging the
engine!
•Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic conver ter should not be
tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away.
Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the
pollutant emissions are lower.
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 befo re 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 243.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
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 temper-
ature.
The preglow indicator light
 comes on after the igniti on has been switched on.
A3
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Starting-off and Driving119
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle 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 th e 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 243.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
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 off the engine
– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from posi- tion ⇒page 117, fig. 132 into position .
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent!
•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.
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 peri od 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 coolant temperature 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 210, “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.
A1
Fig. 133 The shift
pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
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Towing a trailer197
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 headlights.
Alter the setting as necessary with th e aid of the headlight beam adjuster
⇒ page 55.
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 198.
Note
•We recommend that you also have yo ur 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 temper- ature 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 coun-
tries 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 immedi ately 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 and then brake firmly . This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a down-
hill section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a
lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temperature is
very high ⇒page 11.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or
even the red area of the scale, reduce yo ur speed immediately. Stop and switch off
the engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluste r begins flashing. Wait a
few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
⇒ page 215, “Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 28, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant
quantity ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear
and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent
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Inspecting and Replenishing
210
– Grip with the hand under the radiat or grille and lift up the bonnet.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the opening designed for it ⇒page 209, fig. 196 .
Closing the bonnet
– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet support into the hold er designed to hold it.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 30 cm into the lock - bonnet do not press down on it !
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scaldi ng! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.
•For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when
driving. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact engaged prop-
erly after closing the bonnet.
•Stop your vehicle i mmediately while driving if yo u notice that the lock is
not properly engaged and close the bonn et properly - risk of an accident!
Caution
Never open the bonnet using the handle - danger of causing damage.
Working in the engine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine
compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the
engine compartment, e.g. inspecting an d 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 engine compart-
ment of your car is a hazardous area
⇒ .
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scaldi ng! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.
•Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
•Apply the handbrake firmly.
•If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever
into Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox, move the selector lever
into position P.
•Allow the engine to cool down.
•Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
•Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the
antifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
•Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the battery.
•Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the engine is still
warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
•Never open the cap of the coolant expa nsion bottle as long as the engine
is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
•Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a large cloth
when opening it as protection for your face, hands and arms from hot steam
or hot coolant.
•Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the engine
compartment.
•If you wish to work under the vehicl e, you must secure the vehicle from
rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is
not sufficient for this - risk of injury!
•In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work when the
engine is running there is an additional risk from rotating parts (e.g. the V-
ribbed belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the high-voltage ignition
system. Please observe in addition the following:
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