2008 SKODA OCTAVIA engine coolant

Contents3
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Contents
Layout of this Owner's Manual
(explanations)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cockpit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The brief instruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic functions and important information . . . . .
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights. . .
General view of the instrument cluster . . . . . . . . .
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-functional indicato r (onboard computer)*
Information display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Navigation system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto Check Control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key with light* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the battery of the radio remote control
Electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Synchonisation of the remote control . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power windows* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric sliding/tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and Stowage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting front seats electrically* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Middle rear head restraint* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net partition (Estate)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The roof rack* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter*, power sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
Cooling of storage compartment on front
passenger side* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the driver's side . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the dash panel* . . . . . .
Stowage compartment in front centre console* .
Storage net on the front centre console* . . . . . . . Stowage compartment for spectacles* . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment in the front doors . . . . . . .
Stowage compartment below front passenger
seat* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seat armrest with storage compartment* .
Rear seat armrest with storage compartment* . .
Stowage compartment in rear centre console* .
Seat backrest with opening for skis* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through-loading bag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side compartment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage compartment behind the rear seats
(estate car) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clothes hooks* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating and air conditioning system. . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climatic* (semi-automatic air conditioning
system) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climatronic* (automatic air conditioning) . . . . . .
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and
ventilation)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting-off and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting steering wheel position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front and rear parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control system (CCS)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
7
9
9
11
11
17
17
18
18
18
18
19
20
21
21
26
28
28
28
32
42
42
42
43
44
44
45
49 51
51
53
56
59
59
66
67
69
73
76
76
77
80
81
81
85
85
91
93
94
95
95
97
98
98
99
99
100
100
101
101 101
102
102
102
103
104
104
105
106
106
107
108
108
109
111
115
119
124
124
125
126
127
127
128
129
130
131
134
134
20A5Facelift.book Page 3 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights17
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
General view of the instrument cluster
Engine revolutions counter ⇒page 18
Speedometer ⇒page 18
Coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 18
Display
− with counter for distance driven ⇒page 19
− with Service Interval Display ⇒page 20
− with digital clock ⇒page 21
− with Multi-functional indicator* ⇒page 21
− with Information display* ⇒page 26
Button for the selection of the mode (t urn button) / the setting (press button):
− Set hours / minutes
− Activating / deactivating the second speed in mph or km/h* −
Service interval - Display of the rema ining number of days or miles to the
next Inspection Se rvice / Reset* 1)
−Reset trip counter for distance driven
− Resetting Service Interval Display
− Activate / deactivate display mode
Fuel gauge ⇒page 18
Fig. 18 Instrument cluster
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
1)Valid for countries where the values are indicated in British measuring units.
A6
20A5Facelift.book Page 17 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

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
20A5Facelift.book Page 18 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

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
20A5Facelift.book Page 33 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

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.
20A5Facelift.book Page 37 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Heating and air conditioning system109
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Heating
Using the system
The heating system delivers air into the interior of the vehicle and
warms it as required.
Fig. 138 Heating: Control elements
Setting temperature
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 138 to the right in order to increase the
temperature.
– Turn the control dial to the left in order to increase the tempera- ture.
Controlling blower
– Turn the blower switch into one of the positions, 1 to 4, in order to switch the blower on.
– Turn the blower switch into position 0 in order to switch the blower off. – Pressing button causes the recirculating air system
⇒ to be
switched on.
Control for air distribution
– You can adjust the direction of the air flow using the air distribution control ⇒page 108.
Rear window heater
– Press button . Further information ⇒page 67, “Rear window
heater”.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating)*
– Press the button in order to directly switch on/off the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ve ntilation). Further information
⇒ page 119, “Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)*”.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in order
to ensure that the heating and ventilation systems operate properly.
The heating effect is dependent upon th e coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
The blower should aways be on to prevent the windows from misting up.
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
•The whole heat output will be needed to unfrost the windscreen and side
windows. No warm air will be fed to the footwell. This can lead to restriction of the
heating comfort.
AA
AA
AB
AB
A1
AC
A2
A3
20A5Facelift.book Page 109 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Heating and air conditioning system111
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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
⇒page 109, fig. 138 .
Switching recirculated air mode off
– Press again the button - the warning light in the button goes out.
The recirculated air mode is switched off au tomatically if the air distribution control
is in position  ⇒ page 109, fig. 138 . You can also switch recirculated air mode
on again from this setting by repeatedly pressing button .
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.
Climatic* (semi-automatic air conditioning system)
Description
The Climatic is a combined cooling and heating system. It makes it
possible to optimally control the air temperature at any season of the
year.
Description of the Climatic
It is important for your safety and for your driving comfort that the Climatic is oper-
ating properly.
The cooling only operates if button ⇒page 112, fig. 139 is pressed, and the
following conditions are met:
•engine running,
•outside temperature above approx. +2°C and
•blower switch switched on (positions 1 to 4).
If the cooling system is switched on, th e temperature and air humidity drops in the
vehicle. The wellbeing of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of this
particularly at high outside temperatur es and a high air humidity. The system
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
The heating effect is dependent upon th e coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirc ulated air mode in order to enhance the
cooling effect ⇒.
Air at a temperature of about 5°C may flow out of the vents under certain circum-
stances when the cooling system is operating. Lengthy and uneven distribution of
the air flow out of the vents and large differences in temperature, for example when
getting out of the vehicle, can resu lt in chills in sensitive persons.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in order
to ensure that the heating and cooling systems operate properly.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal
and not an indication of a leak!


AC
ACA1
20A5Facelift.book Page 111 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM

Heating and air conditioning system115
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
For the sake of the environment
When you economize on fuel, you also reduce pollutant emissions.
Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be:
•The fuse on the air conditioning system has blown. Check the fuse, replace it if
necessary ⇒page 257.
•The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot ⇒page 18.
If you are not able to rectify the operat ional problem yourself, or if the cooling
capacity decreases, switch the cooling sy stem off. Contact a specialist garage.
Climatronic* (automatic air conditioning)
Description
The Climatronic system is a combination of an automatic heating,
fresh air and cooling system which provides optimal comfort for the
occupants of the car.
The Climatronic maintains fully automatically a convenience temperature. This is
achieved by automatically varying the temperature of the outflowing air, the blower
stages and the air distribution. The system also takes into account sunlight which
eliminates the need to alte r the settings manually. The automatic mode
¨ ⇒ page 117 ensures maximum wellbeing of th e occupants at all times of the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling operates only if the following conditions are met:
•engine running,
•outside temperature above approx. +2°C,
• switched on.
If the cooling system is switched on, th e temperature and air humidity drops in the
vehicle. The wellbeing of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of this
particularly at high outside temperatur es and a high air humidity. The system
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
The heating effect is dependent upon th e coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirc ulated air mode in order to enhance the
cooling effect ⇒page 118.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in order
to ensure that the heating and cooling systems operate properly.
The AC compressor is switched off at a hi gh coolant temperature in order to provide
cooling at a high load of the engine.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal
and not an indication of a leak!
Recommended setting for all periods of the year:
•Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22 °C.
•Press the button ⇒page 116, fig. 140 .
•Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4 so that the air flow is directed slightly upwards.
Aeration of the vehicle when ignition is switched off*
On models fitted with power sliding/tilting roof with sollar cells, the fresh air blower
is automatically switched over to “solar mode” if the sun ray's are sufficient after
switching off the ignition. The solar cells on the sliding/tilting roof deliver power for
the fresh air blower. This supplies the interior of the car with fresh air.
For an optimum ventilation, the air outlet vents 3 and 4 must be opened
⇒ page 108, fig. 136.
The ventilation functions only when the sliding/tilting roof is closed.
AC
AUTO
20A5Facelift.book Page 115 Saturday, September 6, 2008 2:13 PM