2007 SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR catalytic converter

45
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT

Avoid high revs and running the engine
at full load until the engine has reached its
normal operating temperature.

Do not allow the engine to idle for a
lengthy period. If the engine is running
when the car is stationary, there is not al-
ways an adequate flow of air through the
radiator. In certain circumstances, this can
result in the engine overheating and also
in engine damage.

On vehicles with a catalytic converter
the engine must not be started by tow-
ing the vehicle more than 50 m. Other-
wise, unburnt fuel can pass into the
catalytic converter and cause damage.

Before trying to start engine by tow-
ing, use the battery from another vehi-
cle for jump-starting if possible - see
page 177.
Petrol enginesThese engines are equipped with a petrol
injection system that automatically supplies
the correct fuel/air mixture at all ambient
temperatures.
The information for starting these engines
therefore applies irrespective of the outside
temperature and is the same whether the
engine is cold or at normal operating
temperature :

Do not operate throttle before and
when starting the engine.

If the engine does not start immediately,
do not operate the starter for more than 10
seconds and wait about 30 seconds before
repeating the attempt to start the engine.

If the engine is very hot, it may be nec-
essary to depress the throttle slightly after
the engine starts.

If the engine still does not start, the fuse
for the electric fuel pump may have blown -
see page 167.
Contact your Škoda Dealer in this case.
Diesel enginesGlow plug system
After switching on the Drive position (igni-
tion on), the glow warning light comes on.
Start the engine immediately after the warn-
ing light goes out.
Starting a cold engine
Ambient temperature above +5 °C:
The engine can be started immediately
without preglow. Do not operate throttle
when starting engine.
Ambient temperature below +5 °C:

Turn the key in ignition lock to position
„2“ (see page 43) - the glow warning light
comes on. It goes out after the ignition tem-
perature is reached (see page 57).
While the glow plugs are working, do not
switch on any other major electrical
components as this would place an un-
necessary load on the battery.

When the warning lamp goes out, start
the engine immediately.

120DRIVING TIPS

Do not switch off the ignition when driv-
ing.

Do not overfill engine with oil - see page
140.

Do not tow start vehicle for more than
50 m - see page 179.
Warning
Due to the high temperatures which
can occur in catalytic converters in
very unfavourable conditions, the
vehicle should not be parked in such
a way that the catalytic converter can
come into contact with inflammable
materials.
Note
Even if the emission control system is op-
erating perfectly properly, there may be a
sulphurous exhaust smell in certain engine
operating conditions. This depends on the
sulphur content in the fuel being used.
Quite often this can be remedied by select-
ing another brand of fuel or filling up with
unleaded premium petrol.
Trouble-free operation of the
emission
control system is decisive for environmen-
tally friendly operation of the vehicle.
That is why it is important to note the fol-
lowing points:

Vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter
must only be driven on unleaded petrol -
see page 128.

Never drive until the fuel tank is comple-
tely empty on vehicles fitted with a catalytic
converter. The irregular fuel supply can
cause misfiring. This allows unburnt fuel in-
to the exhaust system which can cause
overheating and damage to the catalytic
converter.

If misfiring, a loss of power and rough
engine running occur when driving, this
may be caused by a fault in the ignition
system. In this case, uncombusted fuel can
get into the exhaust system and thus pass
to the atmosphere. In addition, the catalytic
converter may be damaged as a result of
overheating. Reduce your speed immedi-
ately and have the fault rectified at the near-
est Škoda Dealer. General notes


The wear of the brake pads depends to
a great extent on the driving conditions and
your style of driving. Consequently, it may
also be necessary to have the thickness of
the brake pads inspected at a Škoda Dealer
between the intervals stated in the Service
Schedule, particularly if your car is driven
frequently in towns or over short distances,
or in a very sporty manner.

Change down in good time when driv-
ing downhill, in order to make use of the
engine braking effect. This relieves the
strain on the brake system. When the bra-
kes are applied, do not keep them on con-
tinuously, apply and release the brakes al-
ternately.

Under certain operating conditions, for
example after driving through water, after
heavy rain or after washing the vehicle, the
braking effect may be retarded by wet, or
in winter iced-up brake discs and pads - the
brakes must be dried out first by applying
the footbrake.
Brakes

127
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Filling the tankThe fuel filler neck is inserted into the rear
right body panel.
The fuel tank holds about 55 litres.
Notes
The fuel filler flap can be opened from the
driver’s seat* - see page 65.
On this version the fuel cap cannot be
locked separately.
A sticker with data is affixed to the fuel filler
flap - see page 181.When refuelling, the filler cap can be in-
serted at the flap.
After refuelling, fit on the filler cap tight until
it is heard to click. After this, close the filler
flap.
If your car is not fitted with a remote re-
lease for the fuel filler flap at the driv-
er’s seat*, the following instructions
apply:
Use the car key to unlock the filler cap of
the fuel filler neck by turning it to the left
and unscrew it.
When refuelling, the filler cap can be in-
serted at the flap.
After refuelling, screw the filler cap tight until
it is heard to click. Lock the filler cap by
turning the key of the car to the right, with-
draw the key and close the fuel filler flap.
As soon as the petrol pump at the
filling station switches off automati-
cally for the first time after being prop- erly used, the fuel tank is „full“. Do notfill in any more petrol otherwise the ex-pansion chamber in the tank will be filled
and fuel might flow out when it warms up.
Note
Never run the fuel tank completely empty
on models fitted with a catalytic con-
verter. The irregular fuel supply may re-
sult in misfiring and uncombusted fuel
may get into the exhaust system. This
can cause overheating and damage to
the catalytic converter.
Warning
Observe any statutory regulations
when carrying a reserve canister of
fuel. For safety reasons, it is recom-
mended that you do not carry a re-
serve canister in the car. In the event
of an accident, the canister could be
damaged and fuel spillage could oc-
cur.

128GENERAL MAINTENANCE
FuelPetrol enginesUnleaded petrol conforming to DIN EN
228 RON 95
Notes

Use only high-quality fuel.

Unleaded petrol RON 95 can be
used although engine output in this case is
slightly reduced.

Fuels with a higher octane number than
specified can be used without restrictions.
This does not offer any advantages in re-
spect of engine output and fuel con-
sumption, however!
Cars with a catalytic converter must only be driven with unleaded fuel.
Using fuels which contain lead results in a
lead deposit forming in the catalytic con-
verter.
Even refuelling only once with lea-
ded petrol destroys the effect of the
catalytic converter.
Even if the fuel tank is then again filled with
unleaded fuel, the original efficiency of the
catalytic converter is no longer achieved.
The operation, power output and dura-
bility of the engine are affected to a ma-
jor extent by the quality of the fuel. Do
not mix any additives into the fuel. Use
only fuel which complies with official
standards.
Diesel enginesDiesel fuel complying with DIN EN 590.
Cetane number not less than 49.
Driving in winter
Winter-grade diesel fuel
In winter a different grade of diesel fuel is
available at filling stations than during the
summer months. If „summer-grade diesel
fuel“ is used, operational problems may
occur at temperatures below 0 °C because
the diesel becomes too viscous as a result
of paraffin separation. „Winter-grade die-
sel fuel“, in contrast, is still fully operational
down to -20 °C.
In countries with different climatic condi-
tions, it is quite common to find diesel fu-
els which have a different temperature
characteristic. Škoda Dealers, and filling
stations in the particular country, will pro-
vide you with further information regarding
the diesel fuels which are available in that
country.

134GENERAL MAINTENANCECleaning engine compartmentWarning
Before carrying out any work in the
engine compartment, it is essential
to read the Notes on page 137.
Good corrosion protection is very important,
particularly in winter when road salts are fre-
quently used. For this reason, the entire en-
gine compartment and the plenum chamber
should be thoroughly cleaned before and af-
ter the winter months and then treated with a
wax preserver so that the road salt cannot
produce any harmful effects.
The ignition must be switched off before
washing the engine.
It is recommended to cover over the al-
ternator before washing the engine com-
partment.
As petrol, grease and oil residues are washed off when cleaning the
engine, the dirty water has to be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason, anengine wash should only be carried outin a workshop or at a service station (if
these are appropriately equipped).
Škoda Dealers have available the factory-
recommended cleaning and wax treatment
products and are equipped with the nec-
essary facilities.Underbody sealantThe underside of your car is durably protec-
ted against chemical and mechanical influ-
ences.
As it is not possible, however, to totally rule
out the likelihood of the underbody sealant
being damaged from driving, it is recom-
mended to have the protective layer on the
underside of the car touched up at certain
intervals. This is best done before the start
of the winter and in the spring.
Škoda Dealers have available the suitable
sealant products and the equipment nec-
essary and are acquainted with the instruc-
tions for use. For this reason, it is best to
have any touch-up work or additional cor-
rosion protection measures carried out by
your Škoda Dealer.
No underbody sealant should be applied to
the heat shields of the catalytic converter
and to the exhaust pipes because of the
high temperatures in the area of the cata-
lytic converter (risk of fire). It is also not
permitted to remove the heat shields.
Cavity protectionAll the cavities of the vehicle which are at
risk from corrosion are durably protected
before the car leaves the factory.
The cavity protection does not require to
be inspected or touched up. If any wax flo-
ws out of the cavities at high outside tem-
peratures, this can be removed with a plas-
tic scraper. Any stains can be removed with
white spirits.
Pay attention to the relevant safetyand environmental protection regu-
lations if white spirits is used to remove
wax and stains.

140GENERAL MAINTENANCE
The car should be standing horizontally
when checking the oil level. Wait a few min-
utes after switching off the engine to allow
the oil to flow back into the sump.
Then, withdraw the dipstick, wipe it off with
a clean cloth and re-insert it fully.
After this, once again withdraw the dipstick
and read off the oil level:
a- Oil must be topped up.
After topping up, it is sufficient if the oil
level is somewhere in the range b.
b - Oil may be topped up.
After topping up, the oil level may then
be in the range c.
c - Oil must not be topped up.
If the engine is driven particularly hard, as
for example during long trips on motorways
in summer, when towing a trailer or driving
over mountain passes, the oil level should
be kept within the range c if possible - not
above .Topping up engine oilUnscrew the cap 2 of the oil filler opening
in the cylinder head cover and pour in the
quantity of oil needed. Check the oil level
with the dipstick. The oil level must on no account be hig-
her than the range „c“.
Otherwise, oil may
be drawn into the combustion chamber and
passed through the exhaust system to at-
mosphere. This can have a detrimental ef-
fect on combustion and on the operating
life of the catalytic converter.
Warning
When topping up the oil, do not spill
it onto hot engine components - dan-
ger of fire.
Carefully close the cap of the filler opening
and fully insert the dipstick into the inspec-
tion hole. Otherwise, oil might flow out when
the engine is running.
In the event that you do not have enough
fuel, do not drive any further. Switch off
the engine and contact a Škoda Dealer for
professional assistance, otherwise there is
a risk of serious engine damage.
The illustration shows part of an engine
compartment with the 2.0-ltr./85 kW engine.
For further information regarding the ar-
rangement in the engine compartment - see
page 136.
Checking oil levelIt is normal that the engine consumes a cer-
tain
quantity of oil . The oil consumption
may be as much as 0.5 ltr/1000 km if oper-
ating conditions are disadvantageous (e.g.
when driving in town) - see also page 119.
The engine oil level should therefore be
checked at regular intervals. This is best
done each time you refuel and before a long
journey.
The position of the dipstick 1 is shown in
the illustration.

158GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Motoring abroadPlease give consideration to the following
points when driving abroad with your car:

If your car is fitted with a petrol engine
and catalytic converter, it is important that
unleaded petrol is available on your route -
see also page 128. Information regarding
the availability of unleaded petrol can be
obtained from automobile associations.

In certain countries it is also possible that
the Škoda Dealership network is not fully
developed. Certain replacement parts may
therefore not be available or the personnel
of the Škoda Dealer may be able to carry
out repair work only to a limited extent.
ŠKODA AUTO a. s. in the Czech Republic
and the relevant importers will gladly pro-
vide you with the necessary information re-
garding preparing your car technically for
motoring abroad, the servicing required and
repair facilities.
The addresses of the Škoda dealers in
the @! can be found in the brochure
„Škoda dealers in @!“.
For all other countries, you will find a
contact address in the brochure „Trav-
elling assistant“ or in the local „ Work-
shop listing“.
Masking over headlightsAdapt your headlights for using the car in
countries in which the traffic drives on the
left-hand side: If you use your car in coun-
tries in which traffic drives on the left-hand
side of the road, other road users coming
toward you may be dazzled when you use
the headlights of your car which has been
designed for driving on the right-hand side
of the road. In order to eliminate this prob-
lem, you should mask over the left-hand
wedge-shaped areas of the headlight
lenses with an opaque adhesive strip.
The illustrations show how to mask over the
headlights of a car designed for driving on
the right-hand side of the road, when it is
used in a country in which traffic drives on
the left.
Adapting headlights with gas dis-
charge lamps* (applies to left-hand
and right-hand drive models)If you use your car in countries in which traf-
fic drives on the left-hand side of the road,
other road users coming toward you may
be dazzled when you use the headlights of
your car which has been designed for driv-
ing on the right-hand side of the road.
In order to eliminate this problem, the head-
lights must be adapted.
This adaptation is achieved by switching
over the shroud for low beam in the head-
light module.
This measure is carried out by your Škoda
Dealer. He can also provide you with more
detailed information on this matter.
Adapting the headlights with gas discharge
lamps is not a substitute for headlights
which are designed for driving on the right
or on the left, respectively.

180DO-IT-YOURSELFAdditional points for the driver of the to-
wed vehicle to note during tow-starting:

Before starting to tow the car, engage
3rd or 4th gear, depress clutch pedal and
hold. The ignition should be switched on.

Once both vehicles are moving, release
the clutch pedal.

As soon as the engine has started, de-
press clutch pedal and take the car out of
gear to avoid running into the towing vehi-
cle.

If your car is fitted with a catalytic con-
verter, the engine must not be started by
towing the car over a distance of more
than 50 m (150 ft) if the catalytic con-
verter is warm otherwise uncombusted
fuel may get into the catalytic converter
and cause damage. Pay attention to the following points if
towing a car fitted with an automatic
gearbox:


Move the shift lever into position „N“.

The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h
(30 mph).

The maximum towing distance is 50 km
(30 miles)!

If the car has to be towed over a greater
distance, the front wheels should be raised
clear of the ground.
The gear oil pump does not operate when
the engine is not running; consequently, the
gearbox is not sufficiently lubricated when
running at high speeds and over lengthy
distances.

If the car is towed by a tow truck, the front
wheels should always be raised clear of the
ground.
If the rear wheels are raised clear of the
ground, the drive shafts will rotate in the
opposite direction. As a result, the gears in
the automatic gearbox will run at such high
speeds that the gearbox could suffer se-
vere damage within a short time.