2008 SKODA OCTAVIA coolant reservoir

Inspecting and replenishing225
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Grip with the hand under the radiator grille and lift up the bonnet.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the opening designed for it ⇒page 224, fig. 210 .
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 20 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 immediately while driv ing if you notice that the lock is
not properly engaged and close the bonnet properly - risk of an accident!
Caution
Never open the bonnet using the hand le - 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 and 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 ma nual 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 vehicle, 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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Inspecting and replenishing
226
− Never touch the electrical cabl es of the ignition system.
− Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or long hair
from getting into the rotating parts of the engine - Hazard! Therefore
remove any jewellery beforehand, tie up your hair and wear tight fitting
clothing.
•Please also comply with the warning instructions st ated below when
carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the electrical
system:
−Always separate the car batter y from the electrical system.
− Do not smoke.
− Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
− Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand.
Caution
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are on no
account mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and also vehicle
damage!
Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection points
Fig. 211 Petrol engine 1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
WARNING (continued)
A1229
A2235
A3228
A4227
A5231
A6232
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Inspecting and replenishing229
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 concentr
ation of antifreeze agent in the coolant
by adding water, also not during the summ er 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.
Vehicles exported to countries with a co ld climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway, Finland)
are already factory-filled with a coolant wh ich offers antifreeze protection down to
about -35°C. In these countries the concentr ation of coolant additive should be at
least 50 %.
Coolant
The cooling system is factory-filled with co olant (purple in colour), which complies
with the specification TL-VW 774 G.
We recommend that you use the same c oolant additive - G12 PLUS-PLUS (purple
in colour) for toppi ng up the system.
Please contact your Škoda Service Partner if you have any questions regarding the
coolant or if you wish to fill up with a different coolant.
Your Škoda Service Partner can also suppl y you with the correct coolant additives.
Caution
•Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in partic-
ular, involves significantly redu cing the anticorrosion effect.
•Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of
coolant and, as a consequence of th is, result in major engine damage.
Inspecting the coolant level
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on
the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒page 224.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒fig. 213.
The coolant level when the engine is cold must lie between the
(MIN) and (MAX) markings. The level may also rise slightly above
the (MAX) marking when the engine is warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too low, this is indicated by the warning light
in the instrument cluster ⇒page 37, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity ”.
We nevertheless recommend in specting the coolant level directly at the reservoir
from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. You
should not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also important to have
the cooling system inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
Fig. 213 Engine compart-
ment: Coolant expansion
bottle
Ab
Aa
Aa
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Inspecting and replenishing
230
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant expan-
sion bottle which is completely free of leak s if the coolant boils as a result of over-
heating and is forced out of the cooling system.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
One should contact a specialist garage as soon as possible if the source of over-
heating itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be grave
damage to the engine.
Replenishing the coolant
– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir ⇒page 229, fig. 213 and unscrew the cap carefully by turning it to the
left ⇒ .
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with one
specific specification ⇒ page 228. Do not use an alternative additive if the coolant
additive G12 PLUS is not available in exceptional cases. Just top up the system with
water and as soon as possible arrange ad justment to correct the mixing ratio of
water and coolant additive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system. Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Excess coolant which is heated up is forced
out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the cap of the coolant
compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a major loss
of coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid engine damage.
WARNING
•The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the coolant
expansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of scalding!
•The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to the
health. It is important, therefore, to always safely store any coolant additive
in its original container out of the reach of children - risk of poisoning!
•If any splashes of coolant get into yo ur eyes, rinse out your eyes immedi-
ately with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
•You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently
swallowed coolant.
Caution
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch of the engine and contact
and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage.
For the sake of the environment
Do not re-use coolant if it is necessary to drain the coolant in the system. It should
be collected and disposed of in comp liance with environmental protection
regulations.
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Inspecting and replenishing231
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Radiator fan
The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.
The radiator fan is driven by an electr ic motor and controlled according to the
coolant temperature.
The radiator fan may continue running fo r up to 10 minutes after the engine has
been switched off - even if the ignition is also off. It may also switch on suddenly
after a certain time, if
•the coolant temperature ha s risen because of an accumulation of heat or
•the warm engine compartment is heated up additionally by strong sunlight.
WARNING
You must therefore be aware when work ing in the engine compartment that
the fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury!
Brake fluid
Inspecting the brake fluid level
The brake fluid reservoir is located on the left of the engine compartment.
The brake fluid reservoir on right-hand steering models is positioned on
the other side of the engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒page 224.
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒fig. 214 . The level must
be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear
and automatic adjustment of the br ake pads, and is perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid level
drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking. If the
brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light ⇒page 40, “Brake
system ” lighting up in the instru ment cluster. In this case stop immediately and
do not drive any further! Obtain professional assistance.
WARNING
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
•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.
Replacing brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. This causes the fluid to absorb moisture from the
surrounding air over a period of time. Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the
cause of corrosion in the brake system. Th e water content also lowers the boiling
point of the brake fluid. This is why brake fluid must be replaced every two
years.
One may only use new genuine brake fluid from Škoda Auto a.s. The specification
for the brake fluid is “FMVSS 116 DOT 4”.
Fig. 214 Engine compart-
ment: Brake fluid reservoir
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Technical Data275
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Capacities (in liter)
Weight (in kg)
Fuel tank capacity/of which spare55/9
Reservoir for windscreen washer system/ with headlight cleaning system3/5,5
Engine oila)
a)Oil capacity with oil filter change. Inspec
t oil level when filling; do not fill up too much. The oil level must be between the markings ⇒page 227.
3,2
Cooling system of the vehicleb)
b)On vehicles which are fitted with an independent auxiliary heating and a ventilation, the volume of the coolant is greater by a pprox. 1 ltr.
7,1
OCTAVIA
M5COMBIM5
Permissible gross weight 18701885
Unloaden weight ready for work12101225
Loading capacity660660
Loading capacity when using the TLC585585
Permissible front axle load10001000
Permissible rear axle load11001150
Permissible trailer loads, trailer braked900a)
1100b)
a)Uphills up to 12 %b)Uphills up to 8%
900a)
1100b)
Permissible trailer loads, trailer unbraked600600
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Technical Data277
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Capacities (in liter)
Weight (in kg)
Fuel tank capacity/of which spare55/9
Reservoir for windscreen washer system/ with headlight cleaning system3/5,5
Engine oila)
a)Oil capacity with oil filter change. Inspec
t oil level when filling; do not fill up too much. The oil level must be between the markings ⇒page 227.
3,6
Cooling system of the vehicleb)
b)On vehicles which are fitted with an independent auxiliary heating and a ventilation, the volume of the coolant is greater by a pprox. 1 ltr.
7,7
OCTAVIA
M6OCTAVIADQ7COM B I M6COMBIDQ7
Permissible gross weight 1925194519401960
Unloaden weight ready for work1265128512801300
Loading capacity660660660660
Loading capacity when using the TLC585585585585
Permissible front axle load1000100010001000
Permissible rear axle load1100110011501150
Permissible trailer loads, trailer braked1200a)
1400b)
a)Uphills up to 12 %b)Uphills up to 8%
1200a)
1400b)1200a)
1400b)1200a)
1400b)
Permissible trailer loads, trailer unbraked600600600600
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Technical Data279
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Capacities (in liter)
Weight (in kg)
Fuel tank capacity/of which spare55/9
Reservoir for windscreen washer system/ with headlight cleaning system3/5,5
Engine oila)
a)Oil capacity with oil filter change. Inspec
t oil level when filling; do not fill up too much. The oil level must be between the markings ⇒page 227.
4,5
Cooling system of the vehicleb)
b)On vehicles which are fitted with an independent auxiliary heating and a ventilation, the volume of the coolant is greater by a pprox. 1 ltr.
7,4
OCTAVIA
M5OCTAVIAAG6COMBIM5COMBIAG6
Permissible gross weight 1895193019101945
Unloaden weight ready for work1235127012501285
Loading capacity660660660660
Loading capacity when using the TLC585585585585
Permissible front axle load1000100010001000
Permissible rear axle load1100110011501150
Permissible trailer loads, trailer braked1200a)
1400b)
a)Uphills up to 12 %b)Uphills up to 8%
1200a)
1400b)1200a)
1400b)1200a)
1400b)
Permissible trailer loads, trailer unbraked600600600600
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