2007 SKODA OCTAVIA coolant level

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights11
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Caution
The needle of the revolutions counter must on no account move into the red zone
of the scale - risk of engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Shifting up early helps yo u save fuel and reduce the operating noise of your
vehicle.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 10, fig. 2 operates only when the igni-
tion is switched on.
In order to avoid any damage to the engine , please pay attention to the following
notes regarding the temperature ranges:
Cold range
If the pointer is in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid running at high engine speeds, at full
throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temp erature as soon as the pointer moves
into the mid-range of the scale. The pointe r may also move further to the right at
high engine loads and high outside temperat ures. This is not critical provided the
warning symbol
 in the instrument cluster does not flash.
If the symbol
 in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Please refer to the guide-
lines ⇒page 28, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒page 210, “Working in the engine
compartment” before opening the bonnet and inspecting the coolant level.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached co mponents in front of the fresh air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine over-
heating at high outside temper atures and high engine loads!
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge ⇒page 10, fig. 2 only operates when the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 li tres (on vehicles with four-wheel drive
approx. 60 litres). The warning symbol
 in the instrument cl uster lights up when
the pointer reaches the reserve marking. There are now about 8 litres of fuel
remaining in the tank. This symbol is a reminder for you, that you must refuel.
The following will be displayed in the information display*: Please refuel! (Please refuel!)
A peep sounds as an ad ditional warning signal.
Caution
Never run the fuel tank completely empty! An irregular fuel supply can result in
poor ignition or misfiring. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and
damage the catalytic converter.
Speedometer
Warning against excessive speeds*
An acoustic warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilome-
tres per hour. The acoustic warning signal will switch off again when the vehicle
speed goes below this speed limit.
Note
This function is only valid for some countries.
A2
A3
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights21
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Auto Check Control*
Car state
The Auto Check Control carries out a check of certain functions and vehicle compo-
nents. The check is performed constantly when the ignition is switched on, both
when the vehicle is stationary, as well as when driving.
Operational faults, urgent repairs, service work or other information appear in the
display of the instrument cluster. The disp lays are shown with a red or yellow light
symbol depending on the priority of the message.
The red symbols indicate danger (priority 1) while the yellow symbols indicate a
warning (priortity 2). Information for the driver may also appear in addition to the
symbols ⇒page 24.
There is at least one error message to be read when the term Vehicle status is
flashing in the main menu. After selecting this menu the first of the error messages
is displayed. If there are several error messages, they are shown on the display
under the message e.g. 01/03 ⇒ fig. 15 . This display indicates that the first of a total
of three error messages should be displa yed. The respective symbols light up one
after the other in an interval of 5 seconds. Investigate the displayed faults as soon
as possible.
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indicated
again. After the first display, the symbols are indicated without information for the
driver. If a fault occurs, a warning signal will also sound in addition to the symbol and text
in the display:
•Priority 1 - three warning signals
•Priority 2 - one warning signal
Red symbols
A red symbol signals danger.
Proceed as follows if a red symbol is displayed:
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Investigate the function indicated.
– Obtain professional assistance.
Meaning of the red symbols:
Fig. 15 Information
display: Display of opera-
tional fault
Coolant level too low/coolant tempera-
ture too high⇒
page 28
Engine oil pressure too low⇒page 29
Fig. 16 Information
display: Oil pressure is
low
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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
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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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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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
214
– Inspect the oil level ⇒page 213.
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick
in fully.
WARNING
•Avoid dripping oil onto hot parts of the engine when topping up will oil -
a risk of fire!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 210, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account be above the range ⇒page 213. Oil will other-
wise be drawn in through the crankcase ventilation and may pass through the
exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil ma y combust in the catalytic converter and
damage it.
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or
according to the service interval indicator ⇒page 12.
WARNING
•Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required profes-
sional knowledge!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 210, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
•Let the engine cool down - risk of burning from hot oil.
•Wear an eye protection - risk of caustic burns due to oil splashes.
•Oil is toxic! Store old oil in a safe place out of the reach of children and
unauthorized persons until you dispose of it properly.
Caution
You must not pour any additives into th e engine oil - risk of engine damage!
Damage, which results from such produc t, are excluded from the warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage system.
•In view of the problems involved in prop erly disposing of old oil, the material,
equipment and the knowledge required fo r such work, we recommend that you
have the oil and oil filter change carr ied out by your Škoda Service Partner.
Note
After your skin has come in contact with the oil, you must thoroughly wash your
skin.
Cooling system
Coolant
The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.
The cooling system does not require an y maintenance under normal operating
conditions. The coolant consis ts of water with a concentration of coolant additive
of 40 %. This mixture not only provides antifreeze protection down to -25°C but
also protects the cooling and heating system from corrosion. It also prevents the
formation of scale and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant.
You must therefore not reduce the concentration of antifreeze agent in the coolant
by adding water, also not during the summer months or in countries with a warm
climate. The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must be at least
40%.
You can increase the amount of antifreeze in the coolant if a higher concentration
of antifreeze is necessary for climatic reasons but only up to 60% (antifreeze
protection down to approx. -40°C). The an tifreeze protection tails off above that
concentration.
Aa
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