2007 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner's Manual

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
24
Warning lights
Overview
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Fig. 19 Instrument cluster with warning lights
Turn signal lights (to the left)⇒ page 25
Turn signal lights (to the right)⇒page 25
Main beam⇒page 26
Low beam⇒page 26
Rear fog light⇒page 26
Electronic immobiliser⇒page 26
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)⇒page 26
Bulbs⇒page 27
Electromechanical power steering⇒page 27
Control system for exhaust⇒page 27
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒page 27
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 27
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights25
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body
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
compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenis hing oil and other fluids. It is also
essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 210.
Note
•Arrangement of the indicator lights de pends on the model and model version.
The symbols shown in the following function al description are to be found as indi-
cator lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority
1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system 
Either the left  or right  indicator light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails. This does
not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
Further information about the turn signal system ⇒page 56.
Airbag system⇒page 28
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 28
Brake pad wear*⇒page 29
Fluid level in windshield washer system*⇒page 29
Fuel reserve⇒page 29
Engine oil pressure⇒page 29
Bonnet⇒page 30
Open door*⇒page 30
Engine oil level*⇒page 30
Tyre pressure*⇒page 30
Selector lever lock*⇒page 31
*Speed regulating system*⇒page 31
Antilock brake system (ABS)⇒page 31
Traction control system (TCS)⇒page 31
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 32
Dynamo⇒page 32
Brake system⇒page 32
Seat belt warning light*⇒page 33
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
26
Main beam 
The indicator light  comes on when the main beam is selected or also when the
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information about the main beam ⇒page 56.
Low beam 
The indicator light  comes on when low beam is selected ⇒page 51.
Rear fog light 
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog lights are operating ⇒ page 53.
Electronic immobiliser
Data is compared between the ignition key and the control unit when switching on
the ignition. The indicator light  will light up for a few seconds when ignition key
authorisation is confirmed.
The warning light will start flashing conti nuously if a non-authorised ignition key
(for example the wrong ignition key) has been used. The engine cannot be started
⇒ page 36.
It is only possible to start the engine of the vehicle with a Genuine Škoda key with
the matching code.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Immobilizer active
Diesel particle filter*  (diesel engine)
If the warning light  comes on, this means that soot has accumulated in the diesel
particle filter because of the frequent short distances. In order to clean the diesel particle filter,
the vehicle should be driven at an even
speed of at least 60 km/h at engine speeds of 1 800 - 2 500 rpm for at least 15
minutes or until the warning light goes ou t with the 4th or 5th gear engaged (auto-
matic gearbox: position S) when the traffi c situation permits it. This increases the
exhaust temperature and the soot deposited in the diesel particle filter is burnt.
Always pay attention to the valid speed limits ⇒.
The warning light
 goes out after the successful cl eaning of the diesel particle
filter.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light
 does not go out and the
warning light  begins to flash. Engine fault Workshop! is shown in the informa-
tion display*. Afterwards the engine cont rol unit shifts the engine into the emer-
gency mode, which only has a reduced powe r output. After switching the ignition
off and on again the warning light
 comes on.
Have the vehicle inspected without delay by your specialist garage.
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the wa rning light coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in injuries or
major vehicle damage.
•Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The route indicated by the warn ing light must not tempt you to disre-
gard the national regulations for road traffic.
Caution
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an increased
fuel consumption and in certain circumst ances a power reduction of the engine.
Note
Further information about diesel particle filter ⇒page 188, “Diesel particle filter*
(diesel engine)”.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights27
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Light bulbs 
The warning light  comes on if a light bulb is damaged:
•brakes applied (brake light),
•when switching on lighting (low beam and/or rear light).
The following text e.g will be displayed in the information display*: Dipped beam front left defective! (Dipped beam front left defective!)
A peep sounds as an addi tional warning signal.
Electromechanical power steering 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light after switching on the ig nition or when driving lights up contin-
uously, a fault exists in the el ectromechanical power steering.
•If the yellow warning light lights up, this indicates a partial failure of the power
steering and the steering forces can be greater.
•If the red warning light lights up, this indicates a complete failure of the power
steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering forces).
If the red warning light lights up, three peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Further information ⇒page 186, “Electromechanical power steering”.
WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective.
Note
•If the yellow warning light  goes out after starting the engine again and a short
drive, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.
•If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after
driving a short distance.
Control system for exhaust 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the engine or it lights up or flashes
when driving, a fault exists in an exhaus t relevant component. The engine manage-
ment system selects an emergency progra mme which enables you to drive to the
nearest specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Emissions workshop! (Emissions workshop)!
EPC fault light  (petrol engine)
The  (Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light
 does not go out or lights up after starting the engine, a fault
exists in the engine control. The engine management system selects an emergency
programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting
a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault Workshop! (Engine fault workshop!)
Glow plug system  (diesel engine)
The indicator light  lights up for a cold engine when switching on the ignition
(pre-heat position) 2 ⇒ page 117. Start the engine just as soon as the indicator light
goes out.
The glow plug indicator light will come on for about 1 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.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the indicator light
 does not come on
at all or lights up continuously . Contact a specialist garage as soon as possible to
obtain assistance.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
28
If the warning light  begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine management system selects an emergency programme which
enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of
driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault Workshop! (Engine fault workshop!)
Airbag system 
Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warn ing light does not go out or comes on or
flashes while driving ⇒. This also applies if the warning light does not come on
when the ignition is switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag fault!
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically, when one
airbag has been switched off
Front, side or head airbags which have been switched off using the vehicle
system tester:
•The warning light  lights up for 4 seconds after switching on the ignition and
then flashes again for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag belt tensioner deactivated!
Front passenger airbags sw itched off using the switch for front passenger
airbags* in stowage compartmen t on the front passenger side:
•The warning light  comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
•Switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the lighting
up of the indicator light   (airbag switched off) ⇒ page 172.
WARNING
Have the airbag system ch ecked immediately by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of th e airbag not being activated in the event
of an accident.
Note
Further information about switching off airbags ⇒page 171.
Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 2) when the ignition is switched on.
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the warning light
 does not go out or flashes while driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level; top up the
coolant as necessary.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine switched off and
obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to
severe engine damage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant
fan, replace it if necessary ⇒page 244, “Fuse assignment in engine compartment -
version 1” or ⇒page 246, “Fuse assignment in engine compartment - version 2”.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the fluid is at
the correct level and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order. Contact a specialist
garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 214, “Cooling system”.
2)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if the coolan t temperature is too high or the coolant level
is too low.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP Check coolant! Owner's manual (STOP! Check coolant! Owner's
manual)
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system ⇒page 55.
•Take care when opening the coolant expa nsion bottle. If the engine is hot,
the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is best to allow the
engine to cool down before removing the cap.
•Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on automati-
cally even if the ignition is off.
Thickness of the brake pads* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 3) when the ignition is switched
on.
If the warning light
 comes on, contact a specialist garage immediately and have
the brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
A peep sounds as an addi tional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check brake pads!
Windshield washer fluid level*
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if there is insuffi-
cient fluid in the windshield wash er system. Top up with liquid ⇒page 221.
A peep sounds as an addi tional warning signal. The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
To p u p w a s h f l u i d !
Fuel reserve 
The warning light  comes on, if the fuel level is still below 8 litres.
A peep sounds as an ad ditional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Please refuel! (Please refuel!)
Note
The Text in the information display* goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance.
Engine oil pressure 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 4) when the ignition is switched
on.
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off if the warning light does not go off
after the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil level and top up
with oil as necessary ⇒page 213.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prev ailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain
professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe
engine damage.
Do not drive any further if the warning light flashes even if the oil is at the correct
level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact the nearest specialist
garage to obtain professional assistance.
3)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists.4)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
30
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP! Oil Pressure Engine off! Owner's manual
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system ⇒ page 55.
•The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One should
therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refu-
eling stop.
Bonnet 
The warning light  comes on if the bonnet is unlocked.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light goes out about 15 seconds after locking the vehicle.
Open door* 
The warning light  comes on if one or several door s are opened or if the boot lid
is opened.
The warning light on vehicles fitted wi th information display comes on when
switching the ignition off. The warning li ght goes out about 15 seconds after locking
the vehicle.
The warning light on vehicles fitted wi th information display goes out after
switching the ignition off.
Engine oil level* 
Warning light  lights up
If the warning light
 lights up, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably too low.
Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒page 213 with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check oil level!
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.
Warning light
 flashes
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible signal
and the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has been switched
on.
In this case have the engine inspecte d without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Oil sensor workshop!
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the
inflation pressure in the tyres ⇒page 223.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage
and have the fault rectified.
Further information about tyre pressure-control system ⇒page 187.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights31
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake mano euvres. Please stop the vehicle
without delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their
inflation pressures.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or
unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at
all.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching
on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Selector lever lock* 
If the warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in order
to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N.
Cruise control system* *
The warning light  lights up, when operating the speed regulating system.
Antilock brake system (ABS) 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switched
on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after an automatic check
sequence has been completed.
A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning pr operly if the ABS warning light
 does not go out
within a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not light up at all or lights up while driving. The vehicle will only be
braked by the normal brake system. Visit
a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving in the
meantime since you will not know how great the damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the ABS.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 185, “Antilock brake system (ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
 comes on together with the brake system warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in the ABS but also in
another part of the brake system ⇒.
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the ABS
warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 217, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped
below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact
a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒ page 210, “Working in the
engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level and opening the
bonnet.
•If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function has
failed. The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when braking. In certain
circumstances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk
of skidding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the
fault rectified.
Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off or if there
is a fault in the system.
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