2008 SKODA OCTAVIA technical data

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 Lights35
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The route indicated by the warning light must not tempt you to disre-
gard the national regulations for road traffic.
Caution
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an increased
fuel consumption and in certain circumst ances a power reduction of the engine.
Note
Further information about diesel particle filter ⇒page 200.
Airbag system 
Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warning light does not go out or flashes while
driving ⇒. This also applies if the warning light does not come on when the igni-
tion is switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag fault!
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically, when one
airbag has been switched off
Front, side and head airbags or belt tensioner which have been switched off
using the vehicle system tester:
•The warning light  lights up for 4 seconds after switching on the ignition and
then flashes again for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated! Front passenger airbags switched off
using the switch for front passenger
airbags* in stowage compartmen t on the front passenger side:
•The warning light  comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
•Switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the lighting
up of the indicator light   (airbag switched off) ⇒ page 182.
WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediat ely by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of th e airbag not being activated in the event
of an accident.
Control system for exhaust 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the engine or it lights up when
driving, a fault exists in an exhaust rele vant component. The engine management
system selects an emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest
specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving.
Electromechanical power steering  
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up contin-
uously, a fault exists in the electromechanical power steering.
•If the yellow warning light lights up , this indicates a partial failure of the
power steering and the steeri ng forces can be greater.
•If the red warning light lights up , this indicates a complete failure of the
power steering and the steering assist has failed (significant ly higher steering
forces).
Further information ⇒page 198.
WARNING (continued)
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights37
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of
driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault Workshop! (Engine fault workshop!)
Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 5) w h e n th e i g ni t i o n i s s w i t c h e d o n .
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the warning light
 does not go out or flashes while driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level; top up the
coolant as necessary.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine switched off and
obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to
severe engine damage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant
fan, replace it if necessary ⇒page 258, “Fuse assignment in engine compartment -
version 1” or ⇒ page 260, “Fuse assignment in en gine compartment - version 2”.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the fluid is at
the correct level and also the fuse of the fa n is in proper order. Contact a specialist
garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 228, “Cooling system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check coolant! Owner's manual
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system ⇒page 64.
•Take care when opening the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot,
the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is best to allow the
engine to cool down before removing the cap.
•Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on automati-
cally even if the ignition is off.
Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off or if there
is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS
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 TCS
system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS system can
be switched on again by swit ching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes
out, the TCS system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 195, “Traction control system (TCS)”.
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.
5)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level
is too low.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights39
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning pr
operly if the ABS warning light
 does not go out
within a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not light up at all or lights
up while driving. The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system. Visit
a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving in the
meantime since you will not kn ow how great the damage is.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 197, “Antilock brake system (ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
 comes on together with the brake system warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in the ABS but also in
another part of the brake system ⇒.
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the ABS
warning light  stop the vehicle immediatel y and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 231, “Brake fluid”. 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.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 225, “Working in the
engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level and opening the
bonnet.
•If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function has
failed. The rear wheels may then block ve ry rapidly when braking. In certain
circumstances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk
of skidding! Drive carefully to the ne arest specialist garage and have the
fault rectified.
Bonnet 
The warning light  comes on if the bonnet is unl ocked. If the engine bonnet
unlocks while driving , the warning light lights up and an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes. On vehicles with informatio
n display* this warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol ⇒page 27.
Seat belt warning light 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for the
driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes out if
the driver or front passenger has fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver or front passenger, a permanent
warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and simultaneously
the warning light
 flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the dr iver or front passenger during the next 90
seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light
 lights up perma-
nently.
Further information on the seat belts ⇒page 168, “Seat belts”.
Thickness of the brake pads* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 6) when the ignition is switched
on.
If the warning light
 comes on, contact a specialist garage immediately and have
the brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check brake pads!
6)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights41
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
dropped below the MIN marking, do not
drive any further - risk of accident!
Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
Alternator 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should go
out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes on when
driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be discharged
in this case so switch off all non-essential electrical components.
Caution
If the warning light  comes on when driving and in addition the warning light 
(cooling system fault) also comes on in di splay, you must then stop the car imme-
diately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage!
Engine oil level 
Warning light  lights up
If the warning light
 lights up, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably too low.
Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒page 228, “Replenishing engine
oil” with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an addi tional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check oil level!
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds. If
no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km. Warning light
 flashes
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is in dicated additionally by an audible signal
and the warning light coming on several ti mes after the ignition has been switched
on.
In this case have the engine inspecte d without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Oil sensor Workshop!
Fuel reserve 
The warning light  comes on, if the fuel level is still below 9 litres.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Please refuel! Range...km
Note
The Text in the information display* goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance.
WARNING (continued)
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Unlocking and locking43
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Switching on the light
– Press the button in the middle in the direction of arrow .
Replacing battery or bulb
– Insert a coin into the slot of th e key housing (arrow ) and press off
the upper part through a rotary movement of the coin.
– Replace the battery or bulb.
– Place the upper and lower part above each other and press the parts together.
You can obtain replacement batteries and re placement bulbs at a specialist garage.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of an old battery in accordance with environm ental regulations.
Note
The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original battery.
Changing the battery of the radio remote control
Each radio-operated key contains a battery which is housed in the cover
of the transmitter housing ⇒fig. 40 . We recommend that you have
the batteries of the key replaced by a Škoda Service Partner. You should,
however, proceed as follows if you wi sh to replace the battery yourself:
– Fold open the key.
– Use a thin screwdriver to carefully lever off the front part of the key ⇒fig. 40 from the transmitter housing .
– Take off the cover of the transmitter housing ⇒fig. 41 in direction of
arrow.
– Take the used battery out of the housing cover.
– Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing downwards. The correct polarity is also shown on the cover of
the transmitter housing.
– Insert cover with battery in place at the rear of the transmitter housing
and press both parts together.
– Insert the transmitter housing into the front part of the key so that the two parts lock into each other.
A1
A2
Fig. 40 Disconnect key with
radio remote control
Fig. 41 Cover of the trans-
mitter housing
AB
AA
AB
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Unlocking and locking45
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Central locking system
Description
Unlocking or locking causes all the doors and the fuel filler flap* to be unlocked or
locked at the same time by the central lockin g system (as long as it is not set differ-
ently in the menu Setup (settings) - Convenience information display*). The boot
lid is unlocked when opening. It can be op ened by pressing the hand grip above the
licence plate ⇒page 48.
Operation of the central locking system is possible:
•from the outside using the vehicle key ⇒page 46,
•using the button for the central locking system ⇒page 47,
•by using the remote control ⇒page 50.
Indicator light in the driver's door on vehicles without anti-theft alarm system
After the car is locked, the indicator light flashes after 2 seconds.
After the car is locked with the deactivate d safe securing system, the indicator light
flashes only after 30 seconds.
Indicator light in the driver's door on vehicles with anti-theft alarm system
After locking the vehicle the indicator light flashes for 2 seconds fast, then more
slowly.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system ⇒page 46 is not operating, the
indicator light in the driver door flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and starts
to flash slowly after about 30 seconds.
If the indicator light first of all flashes fast for about 2 seconds, afterwards lights up
for about 30 seconds and then flashes slowly, there is a fault in the system of the
central locking or the interior monitor* ⇒page 52. Contact a specialist garage to
obtain assistance.
Convenience operation of windows
One can open and close the electrically powered windows when unlocking and
locking the vehicle ⇒page 55. Opening a single door*
This function allows one to just unlock
the driver's door. The other doors and the
fuel filler flap* remain locked and are only unlocked after repetitive unlocking.
If you wish, you can have your Škoda Dealer activate the function of the single door
opening mode.
Automatic locking*
All the doors and the boot lid are locked automatically once the car reaches a speed
of about 15 km/h.
If the ignition key is withdrawn, the car is then automatically unlocked again. In
addition, it is possible for the driver to unlock the car by pressing the central locking
button
 or by pulling the door opening lever.
If you wish, your Škoda Deal er can activate the function of the automatic locking
mode.
WARNING
Locking the doors prevents involuntary opening in an exceptional situation
(an accident). Locked doors prevent unwanted entry into the vehicle from
outside, for example at road crossings. Locked doors do, however, make it
more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - danger to
life!
Note
•In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked in order to enable rescuers to gain access to the vehicle.
•Only the front doors can be unlocked and locked using the key if the central
locking system fails. You can lock or unlock manually the other doors and the boot
lid.
−Emergency locking of the door ⇒page 48.
− Emergency unlocking of the boot lid ⇒page 49.
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Unlocking and locking47
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
door. The
alarm will be triggered if you do not switch on the ignition within 15
seconds.
Closing the vehicle with the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver's door in the opposite direction of travel (closing position) ⇒page 46, fig. 43 .
•The doors, the boot lid and the fuel filler flap* are locked.
•The switched on interior lights wi ll switch off over the door contact.
•The windows and the electric sliding/tilting roof* are closed provided the key is
held in the locking position.
•The safe securing system is activated immediately.
•The indicator light in the driver door begins flashing.
Note
The opened driver door cannot be locked. It must be locked separately after closing
it.
Buttons for the central locking system
If the vehicle was not locked from ou tside, you can also unlock and lock
it with the rocker switch on the centre console without the ignition
switched on.
Locking all doors and the boot lid
–Press button ⇒fig. 44 . The symbol
 in the button comes on.
Unlocking all doors and the boot lid
–Press button ⇒fig. 44 . The symbol
 goes out in the button.
The following applies if you have lo cked your vehicle using the button :
•It is not possible to open the doors or the boot lid from the outside (safety
feature, e.g. when stopping at traffic lights etc.).
•You can unlock the doors individually from the inside and open them by pulling
the door opening lever.
•As long as one door is opened7), the vehicle cannot be locked in order to avoid
inadvertently locking the key in the vehicle.
•In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked from the inside in order to enable rescuers to gain
access to the vehicle.
By pressing and holding the button or , you can conveniently close or open
the windows ⇒page 55.
WARNING
The central locking system also operates if the ignition is switched off. All the
doors and the boot lid are locked. Children should never be left unattended
in the vehicle since it is difficult to provide assistance from the outside when
the doors are locked. Locked doors make it difficult for rescuers to get into
the vehicle in an emergency - hazard!
AB
Fig. 44 Centre console:
Buttons for central locking
7)Is not valid for the boot lid.
A1
A2
A1
A1A2
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