2008 SKODA OCTAVIA warning lights

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.
20A5Facelift.book Page 39 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
40
Boot lid 
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if the luggage
compartment door is open. If th e boot lid opens while driving , the warning light
lights up and an audible signal sounds.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
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 information display* this warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol ⇒page 27.
Open door 
The warning light  comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid
is opened. If one of the doors opens wh ile 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 information display* this warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol ⇒page 27.
Windshield washer fluid level*
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if there is insuffi-
cient fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with liquid ⇒page 235.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Add wash fluid!
Brake system 
The warning light  flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low, if there
is a fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light
 flashes and an audible signal sounds three times (handbrake
is not applied), stop and check the brake fluid level ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Brake fluid Owner's manual
If there is a fault in the ABS which also in fluences the function of the brake system
(e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS warning light
 comes on and at the
same time the brake system warning light starts flashing . Be aware that not only
the ABS but also another part of th brake system is defective ⇒.
An audible signal sounds three times as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long free play
of the brake pedal when driving to the next specialist garage.
For further information on the brake system ⇒page 196, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied
The warning light
 also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning
is also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 6
km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Release parking brake!
WARNING
•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 system warning light  does not go out a few seconds after
switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and
check the brake fluid in the reservoir ⇒page 231. If the fluid level has
20A5Facelift.book Page 40 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

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)
20A5Facelift.book Page 41 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

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.
20A5Facelift.book Page 45 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Unlocking and locking
46
Safe securing
The central locking system is equipped with a safe securing system. Locking the
vehicle from the outside causes the door lock s to be automatically blocked. It is not
possible to open the doors with the door handle either from the inside or from the
outside. This acts as an effective deterrent for attempts to break into your vehicle.
You can deactivate the safe securing sy stem by locking twice within 2seconds.
If the safe securing system is not operating, the warning light in the driver door
flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and starts to flash slowly again after about
30 seconds.
The safe securing system is again activate d the next time the vehicle is unlocked and
locked again.
The doors can be opened from the inside if the vehicle is locked and the safe
securing system is deactivated:
•The door is unlocked by actuating the door-opening lever.
•The door opens upon actuating the door-opening lever again.
WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is acti-
vated, there must not be any person and animals in the vehicle as it is then
not possible to open either a door or a window from the inside. The locked
doors make it more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emer-
gency - hazard!
Note
The anti-theft alarm system* is also activated with the deactivated safe securing
system when locking the vehicle. The inte rior monitor* is however not activated.
Unlocking the vehicle using the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver's door in the direction of travel
(opening position) ⇒fig. 43 .
– Pull on the door handle and open the door.
•All the doors (only the driver's door on vehicles with anti-theft alarm system)
and the fuel filler flap* are unlocked.
•The boot lid is then unlocked.
•The switched on interior lights come on over the door contact.
•The safe securing system is deactivated.
•The windows are opened provided the key is held in the opening position*. On
vehicles fitted with anti-theft alarm syst em the window operation is only possible
45 seconds after deactivation of the warning system.
•The indicator light in the driver's door stops flashing if the vehicle is not fitted
with an anti-theft alarm system* ⇒page 51.
Note
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system*, you must unlock the
vehicle by inserting the key into the driver door you then have to insert the key into
the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15 seconds after opening the
Fig. 43 Turning the key for
unlocking and locking the
vehicle
AA
20A5Facelift.book Page 46 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

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
20A5Facelift.book Page 47 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Unlocking and locking51
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
button but do not open a door or the boot
lid within the next 30 seconds. This
function is intended to prevent th e car being unlocked unintentionally.
In addition, when the car is unlocked, the power seats and exterior mirrors* move
into the position assigned to this key. The stored setting of driver seat and exterior
mirrors is retrieved.
Display of the locking
The turn signal lights flash once to co nfirm that the vehicle has been correctly
locked.
If the vehicle is locked by pressing the button and some doors or the boot lid are
not closed, the turn signal lights flash only after closing.
WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is acti-
vated, there must not be any person in the vehicle as it is then not possible
to open either a door or a window from the inside. The locked doors make it
more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - hazard!
Note
•Operate the radio remote control only when the doors and boot lid are closed
and you have visual contact with the vehicle.
•Once in the car, you must not press the lock button  of the radio remote
control before inserting the key into the igni tion lock in order to avoid the car being
inadvertently locked and, in addition, the anti-theft alarm system* being switched
on. Should this happen, press the unlock button
 of the radio remote control.
Synchonisation of the remote control
If the vehicle cannot be unlocked by actuatin g the remote control system then it is
possible that the code in the key and the control unit in the vehicle are no longer
synchronised. This can occur when the butt ons on the radio-operated key are actu-
ated a number of times outside of the operative range of the equipment or the
battery on the remote control was replaced. This means it is necessary to synchronise the code as follows:
•Press any button on the remote control.
•pressing of the button means that the door will unlock with the key within 1
minute.
Anti-theft alarm system*
Description
The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against people seeking
to break into the vehicle. The system triggers audible and visual warning signals if
an attempt is made to break into the vehicle.
How is the alarm system activated?
The anti-theft alarm system is activated automatically when the vehicle is locked
with the key on the closed driver's door or by using the radio remote control. It is
activated 30 seconds after closing the door.
How is the alarm system deactivated?
The anti-theft alarm system is deactivated if the vehicle is unlocked by only using
the radio remote control. The vehicle is automatically locked again if the vehicle is
not opened within 30 seconds after reactivating the anti-theft alarm system.
Once you unlock the vehicle by inserting the key into the driver door you then have
to insert the key into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15 seconds
after opening the door in order to deactivate the anti-theft alarm system. The
alarm will be triggered if you do not switch on the ignition within 15 seconds.
When is the alarm triggered?
The following security areas of the locked vehicle are monitored:
•Bonnet,
•Boot lid,
•Doors,
•Ignition lock,
A1
A3
20A5Facelift.book Page 51 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Unlocking and locking53
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Power windows*
Buttons on the driver's door
The power windows operate only when ignition is switched on.
Opening a window
– A window is opened by pres sing lightly on the respective butto n in the
door. The process stops when one releases the button.
– Additionally you can open the window automatically (fully opened) by pressing the button up to the stop. Renewed pressing of the button
causes the window to stop immediately.
Closing a window
– A window is closed through pulling lightly on the respective button in
the door. The closing process stop s when one releases the button.
– Additionally you can close the window automatically (fully closed) by pulling the button up to the stop. Renewed pulling of the button
causes the window to stop immediately.
The button for the individual windows is located in the armrest of the driver's door
⇒fig. 51 , front passenger door and in the rear doors* ⇒page 54. Buttons for the power window in the armrest of the driver's door
Button for the power window in the driver's door
Button for the power window in the front passenger's door
Button for the power window in the rear door on the right*
Button for the power window in the rear door on the left*
Safety pushbutton*
Safety pushbutton*
You can deactivate the switches for power windows at rear doors by pressing the
safety pushbutton ⇒fig. 51 . The buttons for power windows at rear doors are
activated again by pressing th e safety pushbutton again.
If the buttons for the rear doors are deactivated, the indicator light
 in the safety
switch lights up.
WARNING
•If you lock the vehicle from the outside, do not leave any person in the
vehicle since it is no longer possible to open the windows from the inside in
an emergency.
•The system is fitted with a force limiter ⇒page 54. The closing process
will be stop if an obstruction is detected and the window will open again. You
should then take particular care when closing the windows! You may other-
wis e suf fe r se v e re inj uri es a s a re s ult of g e tt ing a n ar m , for e xa m ple , ja m m e d
in the window!
•It is recommended to deactivate the electrically operated power
windows in the rear doors (safety pushbutton) ⇒fig. 51 when children
are being transported on the rear seats.
Note
•After switching the ignition off, it is still possible to open or close the windows
for a further 10 minutes. Duri ng this time the automatic closing and opening func-
tions of the window will operate. The po wer windows are switched off completely
once you open the driver or front passenger door.
Fig. 51 Buttons on the
driver's door
AA
AB
AC
AD
AS
ASAS
AS
AS
20A5Facelift.book Page 53 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM