2008 SKODA OCTAVIA ignition

Inspecting and replenishing233
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•Hydrogen is released when you char ge a battery and a highly explosive
gas mixture is produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over
during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is on.
•Bridging of the poles will create a short circuit (e.g. through metal
objects, cables). Possible consequences of a short circuit: Melting of lead
struts, explosion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
•It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or to carry
out any activities which produce sparks. Avoid creating sparks when
working with cables and electrical device s. Strong sparking represents a risk
of injury.
•Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the
engine, the ignition as well as all electrical components and disconnect the
negative cable (-) on the battery. If you wish to replace a bulb it is sufficient
to switch off the appropriate light.
•Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns! Replace a frozen battery.
•Never use a battery which is damaged - risk of explosion! Immediately
replace a damaged battery.
Caution
•You must only disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched off, otherwise
the electrical system (electronic compon ents) of the vehicle may be damaged.
When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system of the vehicle, first
disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the battery. Then disconnect the positive
terminal (+).
•When reconnecting the battery, first conne ct the positive terminal (+) and only
then the negative terminal (-) of the ba ttery. You must on no account connect the
cables wrongly - risk of a cable fire.
•Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the vehicle body
otherwise damage could occur to the paintwork.
•Do not place the battery in direct dayl ight in order to protect the battery
housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
For the sake of the environment
A removed battery is a special type of waste which is harmful to the environment -
contact your specialist garage regarding disposing of the battery.
Note
Please also refer to the guidelines ⇒page 235, also after connecting the battery.
Battery with a charge level indicator, the so-called magic eye
There is a so-called magic eye ⇒fig. 216 located on the top of the battery. The
“magic eye” changes its colour in line with the charge state of and electrolyte level
in the battery.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of th e “magic eye”. For this reason carefully
knock on the “magic eye” before carrying out the check.
•Green colour - the battery is adequately charged.
•Dark colour - the battery has to be charged
•Colourless or yellow colour - have th e battery checked by a Škoda dealer.
Batteries, which are more than 5 years old, must be replaced. We recommend you
have the electrolyte level inspected and adju sted to the correct level or the battery
replaced if necessary by a Škoda Service Partner.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 216 Battery with a
charge level indicator
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Inspecting and replenishing
234
Caution
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge because certain electrical comp onents consume electricity (e.g. control
units) also in idle state. You can prevent the discharging of the battery by discon-
necting the negative terminal or charging the battery constantly with a very low
charging current. Please also refer to the notes when working on the battery
⇒ page 232.
Inspecting the electrolyte level
The battery is practically maintenance-free under normal operating conditions.
We do, however, recommend that you have the electrolyte level inspected from
time to time by a Škoda Service Partner when outside temperatures are high or
when driving on long trips. You should also check the electrolyte level ⇒page 234
each time the battery is charged.
The battery acid level will also be chec ked as part of the Inspection Service.
Operation in winter
The battery has to provide greater amounts of electricity during the winter. It also
has only part of the initial power output at low temperatures that it has at normal
temperatures.
A discharged battery may already freez e at temperatures just below 0°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked by a Škoda dealer
before the start of the winter, and recharged if necessary.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns. Replace a frozen battery.
Charging the battery
A properly charged battery is essential for reliably starting the
engine.
– Read the warning notes ⇒ in “Working on the battery” on
page 232 and ⇒.
– Switch the ignition and all electrical components off.
– Only for “quick-charging” : Disconnect both battery cables (first of all
“negative”, then “positive”).
– Carefully attach the terminal clam ps of the charger to the battery
terminals (red = “positive”, black = “negative”).
– You can now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the charger.
– When charging is completed: switch the charger off and unplug the mains cable from the power socket.
– Only then should you disconnect the terminal clamps of the charger.
– Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “nega-
tive”).
It is not normally necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge
the battery using low amperages (as for example from a mini-charger). Please also
refer to the instructions from the charger manufacturer.
A charging current of 0.1 of the total battery capacity (or lower) is that which should
be used until full ch arging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with
high amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
“Quick-charging” a battery is dangerous ⇒ in “Working on the battery” on
page 232. It requires a special charger and appropriate knowledge. We therefore
recommend that you have yo ur battery quick-charged only by your Škoda Service
Par tner.
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Breakdown assistance253
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Start engine
It is important to connect the jump -start cables in the correct order.
Connecting positive terminals
– Attach one end to the positive terminal ⇒fig. 230 of the
discharged battery .
– Attach the other end to the positive terminal of the battery supplying the power .
Connecting negative term inal and engine block
– Attach one end to the negative terminal of the battery supplying
the power .
– Attach the other end to a solid metal part which is connected firmly to the engine block, or to the engine block itself.
Starting engine
– Start the engine of the vehicle providing current and run the engine at idling speed.
– Now start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery. – Interrupt the attempt at starting an engine after 10 seconds if it does
not start right away and wait for about 30 seconds before repeating
the attempt.
– Disconnect the cables on the engine in exactly the reverse order they
were connected up.
WARNING
•The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never make contact
with each other. Furthermore, the cable connected to the positive terminal
of the battery must not come into contact with electrically conducting parts
of the vehicle - risk of a short circuit!
•Do not affix the jump starting cables to the negative terminal of the
discharged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out the
battery being ignited by the strong spark which results from the engine
being started.
•Run the jump-start cables so that th ey cannot be caught by any rotating
parts in the engine compartment.
•Do not bend over the batteries - risk of caustic burns!
•The vent screws of the battery cells must be tightened firmly.
•Keep any sources of ignition (naked flame, smouldering cigarettes etc.)
away from the battery - risk of an explosion!
Tow-starting and towing vehicle
General
Please pay attention to the following in structions if you are going to use a
tow rope:
Driver of the towing vehicle
– Do not drive off until the tow rope is taught.
Fig. 230 Jump-starting using
the battery from another
vehicle: A - flat vehicle
battery, B - battery providing
current
A1
AA
A2
AB
A3
AB
A4
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Breakdown assistance
254
– Release the clutch particularly gent ly when starting off or depress the
accelerator particularly gently if yo ur vehicle is fitted with an auto-
matic gearbox.
Driver of the towed vehicle
– Switch the ignition on so that the steering wheel is not blocked and you can also operate the turn signal lights, the headlight flasher, the
windscreen wipers and wi ndscreen washer system.
– Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N
if your vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
– Note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is running. You will require si gnificantly greater physical force
to depress the brake pedal and to steer the vehicle if the engine is not
running.
– Ensure that the tow rope is always kept taught.
Tow rope or tow bar
A tow bar is safest way of towing a vehicle and also minimizes any shocks. You can
use a tow rope only if a suitable tow bar is not available.
The tow rope must be elastic to protect the vehicle. Thus one should only use
plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope to the towing eyes provided for this purpose ⇒page 254
and ⇒page 255.
Driving style
Towing another vehicle requires a certain amount of practice. Both drivers should
be familiar with the particular points about towing a vehicle. Unskilled drivers
should not attempt to tow in another vehicle or to be towed in.
One should be constantly vigilant not to allow impermissibly high towing forces or
jerky loadings. There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage resulting at
the points to which you attach the tow ro pe or tow bar when you attempt to tow a
vehicle which is not standing on a paved road.
Caution
If the gearbox of your vehicle no longer contains any oil because of a defect, your
vehicle must only be towed in with the driven wheels raised clear of the ground, or
on a special vehicle transporter or trailer.
Note
•Please comply with any legal requirements particularly regarding the switched
on signal systems, when towing in or tow-starting another vehicle.
•The tow rope must not be twisted as it may in certain circumstances result in the
front towing eye being unscrewed out of your vehicle.
Front towing eye
The towing eye is stored in the box for the vehicle tool kit.
Fig. 231 Front bumper:
Protective grille
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Fuses and light bulbs257
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Fuses and light bulbs
Electric fuses
Replacing fuses
Defect fuses must be replaced.
Individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses. The fuses are located
on the left side of the dash panel behind the safety cover and under the
cover in the engine compartment on the left.
– Switch the ignition off and also the electrical component affected.
– Use a screwdriver to take off the fuse cover on the side of the dash panel ⇒fig. 235 or the fuse cover in the engine compartment
⇒ page 258.
– Find out which fuse belongs to the relevant component ⇒page 261,
“Fuse assignment in the dash panel”, ⇒page 258, “Fuse assignment
in engine compartment - version 1” or ⇒page 260, “Fuse assignment
in engine compartment - version 2”.
– Take the plastic clip out of its fixture in the fuse cover, insert it onto the respective fuse and pull out this fuse. – Defect fuses can be detected by their melted metal strips. Replace the
defect fuse by a new fuse of the same ampere number.
– Fit on the fuse cover again.
We recommend that you carry the box of replacement fuses with you which was
delivered in your vehicle. You can obtain replacement fuses 22) from a Škoda
Service Partner.
Colour coding of fuses
Caution
•Never attempt to “repair” fuses and also do not replace them with a fuse of a
higher amperage - risk of fire! This may also cause damage at another part of the
electrical system.
•Have the electrical system checked as quickly as possible by a specialist garage
if a newly inserted fuse blows again after a short time.
Fig. 235 Fuse cover: left side
of the dash panel
22)Replacement fuses are, on the other hand, part of the basic equipping of the vehicle in some
countries.
ColourMaximum amperage
light brown5
brown7,5
red10
blue15
yellow20
white25
green30
orange40
red50
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Fuses and light bulbs259
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
F13Control unit for automatic gearbox15
F14Not assigned
F15Coolant pump10
F16Not assigned
F17Instrument cluster, windshield wiper lever and turn sig-
nal light lever5
F18Audio amplifier (sound system)30
F19Radio15
F20Phone5
F21Not assigned
F22Not assigned
F23Engine control unit10
F24Control unit for CAN databus5
F25Not assigned
F26Not assigned
F27Not assigned
F28Engine control unit15
F29Actuation for coolant pump after-running5
F30Control unit for auxiliary heating20
F31Front window wiper30
F32Not assigned
F33Not assigned
F34Not assigned
F35Not assigned
F36Not assigned
No.Power consumerAmperes
F37Not assigned
F38Radiator fan, valves10
F39Clutch pedal switch, brake pedal switch5
F40Ignition coils20
F41Not assigned
F42Actuation of fuel pump5
F43Not assigned
F44Not assigned
F45Not assigned
F46Not assigned
F47Central control unit, left main headlight, left rear light
unit30
F48Pump for ABS40
F49Power supply for terminal 15 (ignition on)40
F50Not assigned
F51Not assigned
F52Power supply relay - terminal X a)40
F53Accessory equipment50
F54Not assigned
a)In order not to drain the battery unnecessarily when starting the engine, the electrical com-
ponents of this terminal are automatically switched off.
No.Power consumerAmperes
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Fuses and light bulbs
260
Fuse assignment in engine compartment - version 2
Certain electrical components are only st andard on certain vehicle model versions
or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
No.Power consumerAmperes
F1Not assigned
F2Control unit for automatic gearbox DQ 20030
F3Measuring circuit5
F4Valves for ABS30/20
F5Control unit for automatic gearbox15
F6Instrument cluster, windshield wiper lever and turn sig-
nal light lever5
F7Power suppy terminal 15, Starter40
F8Radio15
F9Phone5
F10Engine control unit, Main relay5/10
F11Control unit for auxiliary heating20
F12Control unit for CAN databus5
Fig. 238 Schematic repre-
sentation of fuse box in
engine compartment -
version 2
F13Engine control unit15/30
F14Ignition20
F15Lambda probe, NOx-sensor, Fuel pump relay
Glow plug system relay15 5
F16Central control unit, right main headlight, right rear light
unit30
F17Horn15
F18Amplifier for digital sound processor30
F19Front window wiper30
F20Water pump10
F21Lambda probe10/15
F22Clutch pedal switch, brake pedal switch5
F23Secondary air pump
Air mass meter
Fuel high pressure pump5
10
15
F24Activated charcoal filter, exhaust gas recirculation valve10
F25Pump for ABS30/40
F26Central control unit, left main headlight, left rear light
unit30
F27Secondary air pump
Preglowing40
50
F28Not assigned
F29Power supply terminal 3050
F30Te r m i n a l Xa)40
a)In order not to drain the battery unnecessarily when starting the engine, the electrical com-
ponents of this terminal are automatically switched off.
No.Power consumerAmperes
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Fuses and light bulbs
264
Positions of the light bulbs in the front headlight ⇒page 263, fig. 240 .
- Front turn signal light
- parking lights and low beam
- main beam light
Removing the headlight
The headlight must be removed in order to change the light bulb of the
parking lights, low beam lights and main beam lights as well as the turn
signal lights.
Removing the headlight
– Switch the ignition and all lights off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ page 224.
– Unscrew the plastic nut ⇒fig. 241 .
– Pull the fuse in upward direction.
– Pull the locking lever of the headlight as far as the stop in the direction of arrow . – Unplug the plug connector and carefully take out the headlight in the
direction of arrow .
Installation takes place in the reverse order.
Note
We recommend that you have the headlight setting checked by a specialist garage
after installing the headlight.
Turn signal light (at the front)
Changing light bulb for turn signal light (at the front)
– Switch the ignition and all lights off.
– Remove the headlight ⇒page 264.
– Turn the socket in the direction of arrow OPEN (open) and take it out
together with the light bulb for the turn signal light ⇒fig. 242 .
– Press the defective light bulb into the socket, turn to the left and remove.
– Press a new light bulb into the socket and turn the light bulb to the right as far as the stop.
AA
AB
AC
Fig. 241 Front headlight:
Installing the light bulbs
AA
AB
A1
A2
Fig. 242 Removing the light
bulb for the turn signal light
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