2008 SKODA OCTAVIA warning light

Heating and air conditioning system
118
the numerical scale. In both limit positions the Climatronic operates at maximum
cooling or heating capacity, respectively. The temperature is not controlled in this
case.
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (in particular at the
leg area) and large differences in temperature, for example when getting out of the
vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons.
Recirculated air mode
In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehicle
and then fed back into the interior.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from
getting into the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or
when standing in a traffic jam.
Switching recirculated air mode on
– Press the button - the warning light lights up in the button.
Switching recirculated air mode off
– Press again the button or the button - the warning light in
the button goes out.
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time,
as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your
attention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an acci-
dent increases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows
begin misting up.
Note
If the windscreen mists up, press the button ⇒page 116, fig. 140 . After
the windscreen has been demisted, press the button .
Automatic air distribution control
When the automatic air distribution control is switched on, an air
quality sensor measures the concentration of pollutants in the drawn
in air.
If a considerable increase in concentr ation of pollutants is recognized by
the air quality sensor, the air distribution control will temporarily be
switched off. If the concentration of pollutants decreases to the normal
level, the air distribution control is au tomatically switched off so that fresh
air can be guided into the vehicle interior.
Switch on automatic air distribution control
– Press the button repeatedly * until the warning light on the right side of the button lights up.
Switch off automatic air distribution control temporarily
– If the air quality sensor does not switch on automatically when there
is a nauseating smell, you can switch it on yourself by pressing the
button *. The warning light lights up in the button on the left side.
Switch on automatic air distribution control again
– Hold the button pressed * for more than 2 seconds and on the right side of the button the warning light lights up.
Switch off automatic air distribution control
– Press again the button * until the warning lights in the button go out.
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time,
as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your
attention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an acci-

AUTO
A1AUTO




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Heating and air conditioning system119
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
dent increases. Switch recirculated
air mode off as soon as the windows
begin misting up.
Note
•If the windscreen mists up, press the button ⇒page 116, fig. 140.
After the windscreen has been demisted, press the button .
•The automatic air distribution control operates only if the outside temperature
is higher than approx. 2°C.
Controlling blower
There are a total of seven blower stages available.
The Climatronic system controls the bl ower stages automatically in line
with the interior temperature. You can also, however, adapt the blower
stages manually to suit your particular needs.
– P re s s a g a i n t h e b u t t o n o n t h e l e f t s i d e ( re d u c e b l o w e r s p e e d ) o r o n the right side (increase blower speed).
If you switch off the blower, the Climatronic is switched off.
The set blower speed is displayed above the button when the respective
number of warning lights come on.
WARNING
•“Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce
attention levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an
accident increases.
•Do not switch the Climatronic system off for longer than necessary.
•Switch the Climatronic system on as soon as the windows mist up.
Defrosting windscreen
Defrosting windscreen - switching on
–Press the button ⇒page 116, fig. 140 .
Defrosting windscreen - switching off
– Once again press the button or the button .
The temperature control is controlled auto matically. More air flows out of the air
outlet vents 1.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)*
Description and important information
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) heats or
supplies the interior of the vehicl e with fresh air independent of the
engine.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating)
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) func tions in connection with the Climatic or
Climatronic.
It can be used when stationary, when engi ne is switched off for preheating of the
vehicle as well as while driving (only during the heating phase of the engine).
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) warms up the coolant during the combus-
tion of fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant warms up the air, which (if the blower
speed is not set to zero) flows into the occupant compartment.
11)
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively decreased
(e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).
WARNING (continued)
A1AUTO


11)However the coolant does not warm up the engine.

AUTO
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Heating and air conditioning system121
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Return to a higher level by selecting the menu point Back, i. e. in the
menu Aux. Heating (auxiliary heating) .
– In the menu Aux. Heating (auxiliary heating) select the menu point
Running time and set the desired operating period in steps of
1 minute. The operating period can be 5 to 60 minutes.
– By selecting the menu point Back, you will reach in the menu
Aux. Heating (auxiliary heating) .
– In the menu Aux. heating (auxiliary heating) select the menu point
Mode .
– In the menu Mode select the desired mode Heating or Ventilation .
Programming
For the programming of the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) in
the menu Aux. heating (Aux. heating) there are three pre-set times:
•Pre-set time 1
•Pre-set time 2
•Pre-set time 3
In each pre-set time, the day (if necessary each day = daily) and the time (hour and
minute) can be set for the operating period of the auxiliary heating and/or ventila-
tion.
If you leave the pre-set menu by selecting the menu Back or do not operate the
display for longer than 10°seconds, the set values are stored, but the pre-set time is
not active.
Both other pre-set times can be prog rammed and stored in the same way.
If you select the menu Activate after setting the desired values, appears on the
display Pre-set time (weekday, hours, minute) activated! and the set pre-set
time is active.
Only one programmed pre-set time can be active.
The last programmed pre-set time remains active. Changing the active pre-set time is carried out after selecting the menu point
Activate
in the menu Aux. heating (auxiliary heating) by selecting a pre-set time.
The prerequisite for the correct switching on of the auxiliary heating (auxiliary
heating and ventilation) according to th e programmed pre-set time is the correct
setting of the current time and the weekday ⇒ page 120.
If the system is running, a warning light in the button for direct switching on/off of
the auxiliary heating lights up.
The running system deactivates after expiration of the operating period or is deac-
tivated earlier by pres sing the button for direct switching on/off of the auxiliary
heating ⇒page 123.
The random pre-set time can be deactivated by selecting the menu point Deactive
in the menu Activate.
After selecting the menu point Fa c t o r y s e t t i n g in the menu Aux. heating
(auxiliary heating) , it is possible to change to the factory setting.
Radio remote control
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) can be
switched on or off with the remote control.
– For switching on, press the button .
– For switching off, press the button .


Fig. 142 Auxiliary heating:
Radio remote control
ON
OFF
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122
The transmitter and the battery are housed in the housing of the remote control.
The receiver is located in the interior of the car.
If the battery is properly charged, the ef fective range is up to 600 m. For switching
on or off the auxiliary heating, hold the remote control vertically with the antenna
⇒ page 121, fig. 142 towards the top. You must not cover over the antenna with
the fingers or the palm of the hand. Obstacles between the remote control and the
vehicle, bad weather conditio ns and a weaker battery can clearly reduce the range.
The auxiliary heating can only be switched on or off with the remote control, if the
distance between the remote control and the vehicle is at least 2 m.
Warning light in the remote control
The warning light in the remote control ⇒page 121, fig. 142 indicates after a
keystroke if the remote control signal was received by the auxiliary heating and if
the battery is adequately charged.Caution
There are electronic components in the remote control, protect the remote control
against water, severe shoc ks and direct sun rays.
Changing the battery of the radio remote control
If the warning light of the remote control indicates a weak or discharged
battery, ⇒page 121, fig. 142 , it must be replaced. The battery is located
under a cover on the back of the remote control.
– Place a coin into the gap of the battry cover and by turning to the left, unlock the cover.
– Change the battery, insert the cover and lock it by turning to the right.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of an old battery in accord ance with environmental regulations.
Note
•Pay attention to the correct polarity when changing the battery.
•The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original
battery.
Display warning lightImportance
Lights up green for 2 seconds.The auxiliary heating was switched on.
Lights up red for 2 seconds.The auxiliary heating was switched off.
Slowly flashes green for 2 seconds.The ignition signal was not received.
Quickly flashes green for 2 seconds.The auxiliary heating is blocked, e. g
because the tank is nearly empty or
there is a fault in the auxiliary heating.
Flashes red for 2 seconds.The switch off signal was not received.
Lights up orange for 2 seconds, then
green or red.The battery is weak, however the
switching on or off signal was received.
Lights up orange for 2 seconds, then
flashes green or red.The battery is weak, however the
switching on or off signal was not
received.
Flashes orange for 5 seconds.The battery is discharged, however the
switching on or off signal was not
received.
AA
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Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Ignition lock
Petrol engines
- ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked.
- ignition switched on
- start engine
Diesel engines - interruption of fuel supply, ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can
be locked.
- heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
•You should not switch on any major elec trical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle batter y will be drained unnecessarily.
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until
the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always lock the steering as
a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against possible theft
of your vehicle ⇒.
Position Move the steering wheel back and forward
a little if the ignition key cannot, or
cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At the same time switched on low beam or
main beam or other electrical compon ents with major power consumption are
briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into position when one
releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before starting the
engine again. The starter repeat lock in th e ignition lock prevents the starter being
engaged when the engine is ru nning and thus getting damaged.
Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selector
lever is in position P .
WARNING
•When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position (igni-
tion switched on) without the engine running. This position is indicated by
the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result in unex-
pected locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident!
•Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has
come to a standstill (put on the handbrake or select the selector lever posi-
tion P). The steering lock can enga ge immediately - risk of accident!
•Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle,
even for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the
vehicle. The children might otherwise star t the engine or switch on electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of accident or injury!
Fig. 146 Ignition lock posi-
tions
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A2
A1
A2
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126
Starting the engine
General
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
•Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the position
P or N in the case of an automatic gearbox) and put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
•The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine which
means that the starter only has to crank the engine.
•Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
to the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve
clearance compensation. This is quite no rmal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒page 252.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-
starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 256.
WARNING
•Never run the engine in non ventilat ed or enclosed areas. The exhaust
gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death.
•Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Caution
•The starter may only be operated (ignition key position ), if the engine is not
running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching off the engine, the
starter or the engine can be damaged.
•Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its normal oper ating temperature - risk of damaging the
engine!
•Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic conver ter should not be
tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away.
Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the
pollutant emissions are lower.
Petrol engines
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel/air
mixture for every external air temperature.
•Do not operate accelerator befo re and when starting engine.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start
right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the electrical fuel pump is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 257.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator
after the engine has started.
Diesel engines
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being
controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside temper-
ature.
The preglow indicator light
 comes on after the igniti on has been switched on.
A3
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You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light 
has gone out.
•The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the engine is
at a normal operating temperature or if th e outside temperature is above +5°C. This
means that you can start the engine right away.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start
right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the engine
still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 257.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel tank has
run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel system must first of
all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine
– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from posi- tion into ⇒page 125, fig. 146 .
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent!
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater
physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because
if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated for a lengthy peri od at high loads but should be allowed
it to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes . This prevents any accumulation of heat
when the engine is switched off.
Note
•The radiator fan may continue running fo r a further 10 minutes or so after the
engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, also
switch on again after some time if the coolant temperature rises because of an
accumulation of heat in the engine or if the engine is warm and the engine
compartment is additionally heated by strong sunlight.
•This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine
compartment ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)
Shift into reverse only when the car is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and hold
it fully depressed. Wait a moment before engaging reverse gear in order to avoid
any shift noises.
A1
Fig. 147 The shift pattern: 5-
speed or 6-speed manual
gearbox
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The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on.
WARNING
Never engage the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident!
Note
•One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle. The
pressure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This
can, over a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift forks.
•Depress the clutch pedal fully when chan ging gears, in order to avoid unneces-
sary wear and damage.
Handbrake
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up fully. Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
at the same time press in the
locking button ⇒fig. 148 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully ⇒ .
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have
inadvertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
Handbrake on
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
•Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake
which is only partially released can re sult in the rear brakes overheating
which will have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk
of accident! In addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake
pads.
•Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for
example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!
Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always firs t of all apply the handbrake firmly before
then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector lever
into position P (automatic gearbox).
Fig. 148 Centre console:
Handbrake
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