2008 SKODA OCTAVIA coolant level

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
18
Engine revolutions counter
The red zone of the rev counter scale ⇒page 17, fig. 18 indicates the range in
which the engine control unit begins to li mit the engine speed. The engine control
unit restricts the engine speed to the steady limit value.
Shift into the next higher gear or select the selector lever position D of the auto-
matic gearbox before reaching the red zone of the rev counter scale.
Avoid high engine speeds during the driving time and before the engine has been
warmed up to operating temperature ⇒page 201.
For the sake of the environment
Shifting up early helps you save fuel and reduce the operating noise of your
vehicle.
Speedometer
Warning against excessive speeds*
An acoustic warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilome-
tres per hour. The acoustic warning signal will switch off again when the vehicle
speed goes below this speed limit.
Note
This function is only valid for some countries.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 17, fig. 18 operates only when the igni-
tion is switched on.
In order to avoid any damage to the engine , please pay attention to the following
notes regarding the temperature ranges: Cold range
If the pointer is in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoi
d running at high engine speeds, at full
throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves
into the mid-range of the scale. The pointe r may also move further to the right at
high engine loads and high outside temper atures. This is not critical provided the
warning symbol
 in the instrument cluster does not flash.
If the symbol
 in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Observe the guidelines
⇒ page 37, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine
compartment” before opening the bonnet and inspecting the coolant level.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine over-
heating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads!
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge ⇒page 17, fig. 18 only operates when the ignition is switched
on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55°litres or 60 litres
2). The warning symbol 
in the instrument cluster li ghts up when the pointer reaches the reserve marking.
There are now about 9 litres of fuel remaining in the tank. This symbol is a reminder
for you, that you must refuel .
A1
A3
2)Valid for Octavia Combi 4x4 and Octavia Scout.
A6
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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 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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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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Towing a trailer209
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
should be attached to folding arms. Adjust
the mirrors so that they provide you with
an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights.
Alter the setting as necessary with th e aid of the headlight beam adjuster
⇒ page 64.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing device.
It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare wheel well in the
luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device ⇒page 210.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service
intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and
decoupling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the
trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temper- ature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer
is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for coun-
tries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with
increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed should not be used when
there are unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions, particularly near accident
black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immedi ately as soon as you detect even just
the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from
“swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then brake firmly . This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a down-
hill section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a
lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temperature is
very high ⇒page 18, “Coolant temperature gauge”.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or
even the red area of the scale, reduce yo ur speed immediately. Stop and switch off
the engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluste r begins flashing. Wait a
few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
⇒ page 229, “Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 37, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant
quantity ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear
and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent
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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 replenishing229
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
also protects the cooling and heating system from corrosion. It also prevents the
formation of scale and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant.
You must therefore not reduce the concentr
ation of antifreeze agent in the coolant
by adding water, also not during the summ er months or in countries with a warm
climate. The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must be at least
40%.
You can increase the amount of antifreeze in the coolant if a higher concentration
of antifreeze is necessary for climatic reasons but only up to 60% (antifreeze
protection down to approx. -40°C). The an tifreeze protection tails off above that
concentration.
Vehicles exported to countries with a co ld climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway, Finland)
are already factory-filled with a coolant wh ich offers antifreeze protection down to
about -35°C. In these countries the concentr ation of coolant additive should be at
least 50 %.
Coolant
The cooling system is factory-filled with co olant (purple in colour), which complies
with the specification TL-VW 774 G.
We recommend that you use the same c oolant additive - G12 PLUS-PLUS (purple
in colour) for toppi ng up the system.
Please contact your Škoda Service Partner if you have any questions regarding the
coolant or if you wish to fill up with a different coolant.
Your Škoda Service Partner can also suppl y you with the correct coolant additives.
Caution
•Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in partic-
ular, involves significantly redu cing the anticorrosion effect.
•Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of
coolant and, as a consequence of th is, result in major engine damage.
Inspecting the coolant level
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on
the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒page 224.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒fig. 213.
The coolant level when the engine is cold must lie between the
(MIN) and (MAX) markings. The level may also rise slightly above
the (MAX) marking when the engine is warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too low, this is indicated by the warning light
in the instrument cluster ⇒page 37, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity ”.
We nevertheless recommend in specting the coolant level directly at the reservoir
from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. You
should not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also important to have
the cooling system inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
Fig. 213 Engine compart-
ment: Coolant expansion
bottle
Ab
Aa
Aa
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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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