2008 SKODA OCTAVIA page 225

Inspecting and replenishing227
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Engine oil
Check engine oil level
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.
Checking the oil level
– Park the vehicle on a horizontal surface.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compartment” on
page 225.
– Wait a few minutes and pull out the oil dipstick.
– Wipe off the dipstick with a clea n cloth and insert it again fully.
– Then withdraw the dipstick ag ain and read off the oil level.
Oil level within range
– You must not top up the oil. Oil level within range
–You
may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be
within range after doing this.
Oil level within range
–You must top up the oil ⇒page 228. It is sufficient, once this is done,
to keep the oil level within range .
It is normal for the engine to consume oi l. The oil consumption may be as much as
0.5 ltr./1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which
you operate your vehicle. The oil consumpt ion may be slightly higher than this
during the first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably every time
after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range - but not above this,
if the engine has been operating at hi gh loads, for example during a lengthy
motorway trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high
mountain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster* will indicate ⇒page 36, “Engine oil
pressure ” whether the oil level is too low. In this case, check the oil level as soon
as possible. Top up with an appropriate quantity of oil.
Caution
•The oil level must on no account ex tend beyond the range . Danger of
damaging the catalytic converter.
•Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prev ailing to top up with oil. Switch of the engine and contact and
obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage.
Note
Engine oil specifications ⇒page 269, “Technical Data”.
Fig. 212 Dipstick
AA
AB
AA
AC
AC
AA
AA
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Inspecting and replenishing
228
Replenishing engine oil
– Inspecting the engine oil level ⇒page 227.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres ⇒page 272,
“Engine oil specifications”.
– Inspect the oil level ⇒page 227.
– 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 225, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range ⇒page 227. Oil will
otherwise be drawn in through the crankc ase 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 20, “Service Interval Display”.
WARNING
•Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required profes-
sional knowledge!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 225, “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
AA
WARNING (continued)
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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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Inspecting and replenishing
236
not be more than 15 %. Please note, howeve r, that the antifreeze protection at this
concentration is only adequate down to -5°C.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
•On no account should you add radiator antifreeze or other additives to the
windscreen washer fluid.
•If the vehicle is fitted with headligh t cleaning system, you should only add
cleaning products which do not attack th e polycarbonate coating of the headlights
to the windscreen washer fluid. Please contact your Škoda Service Partner, who will
tell you which cleaning agent you can use.
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Breakdown assistance249
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
•If you find, when changing the wheel, that the wheel bolts are corroded and
difficult to turn, the bolts mu st be replaced before checking the tightening torque.
•Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed to a workshop where the tight-
ening torque can be checked.
Full wheel trim*
Pulling off
– Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge of the full wheel trim.
– Push the wheel key through the clamp, support the wheel key at the tyre and pull off the wheel trim.
Installing
– First press the full wheel trim onto the wheel at the valve opening provided. Then press the full wheel trim into the wheel in such a way
that its entire circumference locks correctly in place.
Caution
•Use the pressure of your hand, do not knock on the full wheel trim! Heavy
knocks mainly on the points where the full wheel trim has not been inserted into
the wheel, can result in damage to the guide and centering elements of the full
wheel trim.
•First check for yourself that the th eft-deterrent wheel bolt is located
⇒ page 251 in the hole in the area of the valve before fitting the full wheel trim onto
a steel wheel which is attached with a theft-deterrent wheel bolt.
Wheel bolts with caps*
Pulling off
– Push the plastic clip sufficiently fa r onto the cap until the inner catches
of the clip are positioned at the collar of the cap and detach the cap.
Installing
– Push the caps fully onto the wheel bolts.
The caps are located in the we ll of the luggage compartment.
Fig. 225 Removing the cap.
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Breakdown assistance
252
– Reinstall the full wheel trim/wheel cap after removing the adapter or place the cap onto the safety wheel bolt.
– Have the tightening torque checked w i t h a t o rq u e w re n c h a s s o o n a s
possible. Steel and light alloy wheels must be tightened to a tightening
torque of 120 Nm.
The safety wheel bolts on vehicles fitted with them (one safety wheel bolt per
wheel) can only be loosened or tigh ten up by using the adapter provided.
It is meaningful to note the code numbe r hammered into the rear side of the
adapter or the rear side of the safety wheel bolts. You can obtain a replacement
adapter from a Škoda Service Partner, if necessary, by quoting this number.
We recommend that you always carry the adapter for the wheel bolts with you in
the vehicle. It should be st owed in the vehicle tool kit.
Caution
Damage can occur to the adapter and safety wheel bolt if the safety wheel bolt is
tightened up too much.
Note
The set of safety wheel bolts can be obtained from a Škoda Service Partner.
Jump-starting
Initial steps
You can use the battery of another vehicl e for jump-starting yours if the engine
does not start because the battery on your vehicle is flat. You will require jump-start
cables for this purpose.
Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the battery
supplying the power must not be significa ntly less than the capacity of the
discharged battery in your vehicle. Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an
adequately large cross-section and insu-
lated terminal clamps. Please pay attent ion to the manufacturer's instructions.
Positive cable - colour coding in the majority of cases red.
Negative cable - colour coding in the majority of cases black.
WARNING
•A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C.
In case of frozen battery carry out no jump-starting - risk of explosion!
•Please pay attention to the warning instructions relating to working in
the engine compartment ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.
Note
•There must not be any contact between the two vehicles otherwise current may
flow as soon as the negative terminals are connected.
•The discharged battery must be properly connected to the system of the
vehicle.
•Switch off any mobile phone, pay attent ion to the instructions for use of the
mobile phone in such a situation.
•We recommend purchasing jump-start cabl es from Škoda Service Partners as a
Škoda original accessory or from retailers who sell branded batteries.
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Fuses and light bulbs
262
Electrically adjustable seats are protected by automatic circuit breakers, which
switch on again automatically after a few seconds after the overload has been
eliminated.
Bulbs
Changing bulbs
The relevant lamp must always be switch ed off before a light bulb is replaced.
Defect light bulbs should only be replaced with light bulbs of the same type. The
designation is located on the light socket or the glass bulb.
Changing certain bulbs is not something wh ich you can do yourself, but requires to
be done by a specialist. Other parts of the vehicle must be removed in order to change the light bulbs. This applies, in particular, to bulbs which can only be
reached from the engine compartment.
We therefore recommend that you have any bulbs changed by a Škoda Service
Partner or, in exceptional cases, by ca
lling on other professional assistance.
Please note that the engine compartment is a hazardous area ⇒page 225,
“Working in the engine compartment”.
We recommend that you carry the set of light bulbs with you which was delivered
in your vehicle. Replacement light bulbs
23) are available at specialist garages.
The set of light bulbs can be stowed in the locable box in the spare wheel.
Fitted with a xenon headlight
Change of light bulbs on Xenon lights (low beam lights, parking lights and main
beam lights) should be undertaken by a specialist garage.
Overview of bulbs
36Headlight cleaning system20
37Front seat heating30
38Heated rear seats30
39Not assigned
40Air blower for heating and air conditioning40
41Rear window wiper15
42Not assigned
43To w i n g d e v i c e15
44To w i n g d e v i c e20
45To w i n g d e v i c e15
46Heated windscreen washer nozzles5
47Relay for auxiliary heating5
48Not assigned
49Light switch5
No.Power consumerAmperes
23)Replacement light bulbs are, on the other hand, part of the basic equipping of the vehicle in
some countries.
Front headlightHalogen headlightXenon headlight
Low beam H7D1S
Main beam lightH1
Parking lightsW5W/W5W BL
Daylight driving lights*PY21W SLL/LEDa)
a)Octavia RS
Tu r n s i g n a l sPY21W
Fog lightsH8/HB4a)
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