2008 SKODA OCTAVIA instrument cluster

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
32
Warning lights
Overview
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Fig. 36 Instrument cluster with warning lights
Turn signal lights (to the left)⇒ page 33
Turn signal lights (to the right)⇒page 33
Fog lights⇒page 34
Main beam light⇒page 34
Low beam⇒page 34
Rear fog light⇒page 34
Speed regulating system*⇒page 34
Failure of the light bulbs⇒page 34
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)⇒page 34
Airbag system⇒page 35
Control system for exhaust⇒page 35
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights33
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 225, “Working in the engine
compartment”.
Note
•The arrangement of the indicator light is dependent on the model version. The
symbols shown in the following functional description are to be found as indicator
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.
 Electromechanica l power steering⇒page 35
Engine oil pressure⇒page 36
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒page 36
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 36
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 37
Tra c t i o n c o n t r o l s y s t e m ( TC S )⇒page 37
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 38
Selector lever lock*⇒page 38
Tyre pressure*⇒page 38
Antilock brake system (ABS)⇒page 38
Bonnet⇒page 39
Seat belt warning light⇒page 39
Brake pad wear*⇒page 39
Boot lid⇒page 40
Open door⇒page 40
Fluid level in windshield washer system*⇒page 40
Brake system⇒page 40
Dynamo⇒page 41
Engine oil level⇒page 41
Fuel reserve⇒page 41
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
38
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System (TCS),
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and the Antilock Brake System ABS (ABS).
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the ESP is switched off or if there
is a fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP
system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESP system can
be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes
out, the ESP system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP ⇒page 193, “Electronic stability programme
(ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ESP warning light
in the instrument cluster. Have the ve hicle inspected without delay by a Škoda
Service Partner. Further information on the EDL ⇒page 194, “Electronic Differen-
tial Lock (EDS)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes
on after switching on the ignition. The warn ing light must go out after driving a short
distance.
Selector lever lock* 
If the green 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. Further information about the selector lever lock
⇒page 134.
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 237.
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 199.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. 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 disc onnected, the warning light  comes on after switching
on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
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 warnin g light goes out after an automatic check
sequence has been completed.
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Lights and Visibility
60
Daylight driving lights*
In some countries, the national legislation requires that the vehicles are
equipped with the function daylight driving lights.
Switching on daylight driving lights
– Switch on the ignition without turning the light switch out of the posi- tion 0.
Deactivate function daylight driving lights
– Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel up to 3 seconds after switching on the ignition and at the same time, slide it to
the bottom and hold it in this position for at least 3 seconds.
Activate function daylight driving lights
– Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel up to 3 seconds after switching on the ignition and at the same time, slide it to
the top and hold it in this position for at least 3 seconds.
When the daylight driving lights are switched on, the side lights and the low beam
shine together.
On vehicles which are fitted with bulbs for daylight driving lights* in the fog lights,
the parking lights do not switch on when activating the function daylight driving
lights.
When the daylight driving lights are switch ed on, the illumination of the instrument
cluster is switched off, however, it is switched on in the position
 when it is dark
and the low beam shines with full br ightness (100 % of the performance).
On vehicles fitted with an information disp lay*, you can activate or deactivate in the
menu the function dayl ight driving lights:
„SETUP (Settings)
„Lights & Vision (Lights & Vision)
Automatic light control*
Switching on automatic light control*
– Turn the light switch ⇒fig. 57 into position
.
Switching off automatic light control*
– Turn the light switch to the position 0,
 or .
If the light switch is in the position , the symbol illuminates when the ignition
is switched on  next to the light switch. If th e low beam is activated with the
light sensor, the symbol  illuminates additionally next to the light switch.
If the light comes on automatically, the side lights and low beam as well as licence
plate light light up at the same time.
If the automatic light control* is switched on, the light is regulated with the light
sensor in the rear mirror holder. If the li ght intensity drops below the set value, e.g
when driving during the day into a tunnel, the low beam and the side lights as well
as the licence plate light co me on automatically. If the light intensity increases
again, the lights swit ch off automatically.
Motorway lights
If the automatic light control* has been sw itched on and the vehicle speed is over
140 km/h for at least 10 seconds, the sid e lights and low beam are switched on
automatically.
Fig. 57 Dash panel: Light
switch
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Lights and Visibility63
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The rear fog light warning light

⇒ page 32 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the fog light is switched off.
Fog lights with the function “Corner”*
The fog lights with the function “Corner” improve the illumination of
areas close to the vehicle when turning, parking etc.
The fog lights with the function “Corner” are regulated according to the steering
angle or after switching on the turn signal light8) in the following circumstances:
•the vehicle is stationary an d the engine is running or it moves with a speed of
maximum 40 km/h;
•the daylight driving lights are not switched on;
•the low beam is switched on or th e light switch is in the position  and the
intensity of the ambient light causes the low beam to be switched on;
•the fog lights are not switched on;
•no reverse gear is engaged.
Note
If you engage the reverse gear during the active function “Corner”, both fog lights
illuminate.
Rear fog light 
Switching on the rear fog light
– First of all turn the light switch into position
 or  ⇒ page 62,
fig. 58 .
– Pull the switch into position .
The rear fog light warning light  ⇒ page 32 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the fog light is switched off.
Only the rear fog light of the trailer ligh ts up automatically when you are towing a
trailer using a factory-fitted towing device which is fitted with the rear fog light.
The rear fog light is located in the rear light array on the driver's side.
Caution
The rear fog light should only be switched on if visibility is particularly poor
(conform with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles behind your
vehicle.
Instrument lighting* 
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting.
Instrument lighting
– Switch on the light.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 59 to the desired intensity of the instru-
ment lighting
9).
8)If both switch on versions are conflicting, for example if the steering wheel is turned to the
left and the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
A2
9)For the information display* ⇒page 26 the intensity of the lighting is automatically set. The
setting using the control dial ⇒ fig. 59 is only possible when driving in the dark.
Fig. 59 Dash panel: Instru-
ment lighting
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Lights and Visibility65
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
Switch on the hazard warning light system if, for example:
•you encounter traffic congestion,
•your vehicle breaks down or an emergency situation occurs.
The turn signal   and main beam lever 
The parking lights and headlight flas her are also switched on and off
using the turn signal and main beam lever.
The turn signal and main beam lever perform the following functions:
Right
 and left  turn signal light
– Push the lever upwards or downwards ⇒fig. 62 .
– If you only wish to flash three times* (the so-called convenience turn signal), push the lever briefly up to the upper or lower pressure point
and release it. This function can be activated/deactivated in the infor-
mation display* ⇒page 26.
– Turn signal for changing lanes - in or der to only flash briefly, move the
lever up or down to the pressure po int and hold it in this position. Main beam

– Switch on the low beam.
– Push the lever forwards.
– Pull the lever back into the initial position in order to switch the main
beam off again.
Headlight flasher

– Pull on the lever of the steering wheel (sprung position) - the main beam and warning light in the instrument cluster come on.
Parking light

– Switch off the ignition.
– Push the lever up or down - the right-hand or left-hand parking light is switched on.
Information concerning the function of the lights.
•The turn signal system only operates when the ignition is switched on. The
corresponding indicator light  or  in the instrument cluster also flashes.
•The turn signal is automatically cancelled after negotiating a curve.
•The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a bulb of the turn signal light
fails.
•The side light and rear light on the appropriate side of the vehicle are switched
on when the parking light is selected. The parking light only operates if the ignition
is switched off.
Caution
Use main beam or the headlight flasher only if this does not risk dazzling other road
users.
Fig. 62 Turn signal and main
beam lever
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Automatic gearbox
136
result of this the vehicle can no longer be driven. If the clutch opens automatically,
depress the brake pedal, wait a few se conds and only then continue driving.
Selector lever positions
The current selector lever position is in dicated in the information display of the
instrument cluster ⇒fig. 154 . In the positions D and S the gear you have already
engaged will be additionally displayed on the display.
P - Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary ⇒. I f y o u w i s h t o m o v e t h e s e l e c t o r l e v e r i n to
or out of this position, you must press the
Shiftlock button in the handle of the selector lever and at the same time depress the
brake pedal.
If the battery is used, the selector leve r cannot be moved out of the position P .
R - Reverse
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
idling ⇒ .
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or N.
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position R, the reverse
lights will come on.
N - Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed (if the lever is in its position for longer than 2
seconds) in order to move the selector lever out of the position N into the position
D or R , with the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at less than 5 km/hour
or on a stationary vehicle.
D - Drive, position for driving forward
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are shifted up and
down automatically in line with engine load, vehicle speed and the dynamic shift
programme.
You must depress the brake pedal if you wise to move into position D from N when
the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/hour or is stationary ⇒.
In certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when towing
a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift programme ⇒page 138 for
a short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manually to the driving situations.
S - Position for sporty style of driving
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power
potential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds
as in the position D.
Fig. 153 Selector lever
Fig. 154 Information
display: Selector lever posi-
tions
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Automatic gearbox137
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The gearbox does not shift into the 6th gear in the position
S, because the
maximum speed is reached with the 5th gear
12).
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selector
lever out of the position D into the position S.
WARNING
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of
an accident!
•When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is necessary
to hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever
(except P and N) since the power transmission is never completely inter-
rupted, also not when the engine is idling - the vehicle "creeps".
•You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle (e.g. by
hand from the engine compartment) if a drive position is engaged when the
car is stationary. The vehicle would ot herwise immediately start off - also
when the handbrake is firmly applied - risk of an accident!
•You must move the selector lever into position P and firmly apply the
handbrake first before you or any other person opens the bonnet and starts
working on the engine when it is running - risk of accident! It is also essential
to observe all warnings ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine
compartment”.
Selector lever lock
Automatic selector lever lock 
With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and N.
You must first of all depress the brake peda l in order to move the selector lever out
of this position. The warning light
 ⇒ page 38 lights up in the instrument cluster
as a reminder for the driver when the selector lever is in position P and N:
A time delay element ensures that the selector lever is not blocked when rapidly
switching over the position N (e.g. from R to D). This does, for example, allow one to seesaw out a stuck vehicle. The selector
lever lock will click into place if the lever
is in the N position for more than 2 seconds without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if th e vehicle is stationary or moving at speed
of less than 5 km/hour. The lock is switched off automatically into position N when
the car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the handle of selector lever prevents certain selector lever
positions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever lock is cancelled when
you press the Shiftlock button.
Keylock - Ignition key withdrawal lock
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selector
lever is in position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever is blocked in
position P.
Kickdown function
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration
power.
Depressing the accelerator pedal allows the kickdown function to be activated in
the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving
programme and serves for maximum accelera tion of the vehicle when exploiting
the maximum power potential of the engine without taking into account the
current selector lever position ( D, S or Tiptronic ). The gearbox shifts down to one
or several gears in line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The
gearbox does not shift up into the highes t gear until the engine has reached its
maximum revolutions for this gear range.
WARNING
Please note that using the kickdown f unction can result in the driven wheels
spinning on a smooth or slippery road surface - risk of skidding!
12)Not valid for vehicles with automatic gearbox DSG.
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