2008 SKODA OCTAVIA low oil pressure

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
messages are displayed one after the other in an interval of 5 seconds. Check as
soon as possible the displayed error messages.
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indicated
again. After the first display, the symbols are indicated without information for the
driver.
If a fault occurs, a warning signal will also sound in addition to the symbol and text
in the display:
•Priority 1 - three warning signals
•Priority 2 - one warning signal
Red symbols
A red symbol signals danger.
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Investigate the function indicated.
– Obtain professional assistance.
Meaning of the red symbols:
Three
successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.
Yellow symbols
Check the relevant function as soon as possible.
The meaning of the yellow symbols:
One warning signal will sound if a yellow symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 2 exist, the symbols appear one after the
other and are each illumi nated for about 5 seconds.
Fig. 33 Information display:
Oil pressure is low
Engine oil pressure too low ⇒page 36
Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor faulty⇒page 41
Brake pad worn⇒page 39
Fig. 34 Information display:
Brake pad worn
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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 Lights
36
WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective.
Note
•If the yellow warning light  goes out after starting the engine again and a short
drive, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.
•If the battery has been disconnected an d reconnected, the yellow warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after
driving a short distance.
Engine oil pressure 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 4) when the ignition is switched
on.
Stop the vehicle and sw itch the engine off if the warning light does not go off
after the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil level and top up
with oil as necessary ⇒page 228, “Replenishing engine oil”.
An audible signal sounds three times as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain
professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe
engine damage.
Do not drive any further if the warning light flashes even if the oil is at the correct
level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact the nearest specialist
garage to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Oil Pressure Engine off! 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.
•The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One should
therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refu-
eling stop.
EPC fault light  (petrol engine)
The  (Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light
 does not go out or lights up after starting the engine, a fault
exists in the engine control. The engine management system selects an emergency
programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting
a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault Workshop! (Engine fault workshop!)
Glow plug system  (diesel engine)
The warning light  lights up for a cold engine when switching on the ignition
(pre-heat position) 2 ⇒ page 125. Start the engine after the indicator light goes out.
The glow plug indicato r light will come on for about 1 second if the engine is at a
normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature is above +5°C. This
means that you can start the engine right away.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light
 does not come on
at all or lights up continuously . Contact a specialist garage as soon as possible to
obtain assistance.
If the warning light
 begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine management system selects an emergency programme which 4)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
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Starting-off and Driving
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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Intelligent Technology
196
WARNING
Even with this additional function the vehicle cannot be steered automati-
cally! The driver is furthermore fully reponsible for the steering of the
vehicle!
Brakes
What has a negative effect on braking efficiency?
Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pads is greatly dependent on the operating conditions
of the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns
and over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be neces-
sary to have the thickness of the brake pads inspected at a specialist garage
between the service inspections.
Wet roads or road salt
There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect under certain condi-
tions such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after the
vehicle has been washed in an automatic vehicle wash, since the brake discs and
brake pads may be moist or even have a coating of ice on them in winter. You
should dry the brakes as soon as possib le (by applying and releasing the brakes
several times, if the road conditions and the traffic situation allows it).
There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is available when
driving on roads which have been treated wi th road salt if you have not used the
brakes for some considerable time beforeha nd. The layer of salt on the brake discs
and brake pads must first be rubb ed off when you apply the brakes.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on th e bake pads occur if the vehicle has been
parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking system.
We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes at a fairly
high speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corro-
sion is present ⇒. Faults in the brake surface
If you notice that the braking distance
has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake circuit of the dual-
circuit brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist garage
without delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced speed while
on your way to the dealer and adapt your style of driving to the higher brake pedal
pressure required.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically ⇒page 40, “Brake system ”.
WARNING
•Only apply the brakes for the purpos e of drying and cleaning the brake
discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users
in jeopardy.
•When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one
must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced
otherwise the braking system could run too hot.
•Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking
efficiency until approximately 200 kilo metres. New brake pads must be first
“run in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however,
compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pres-
sure on the brake pedal. This guidelin e also applies to any new brake pads
installed at a future date.
Caution
•Never allow the brakes to ru b by applying slight pressure if you do not wish to
brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer
braking distance and excessive wear.
•Before negotiating a steep downhill sect ion, please reduce your speed, shift
down into the next lower gear (manual ge arbox) or select a lower driving stage
(automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use of the braking power of the
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle
212
Automatic vehicle wash systems
The paintwork of the vehicle is sufficiently resistant that the vehicle can be washed
normally in automatic vehicle wash plants without any problem. The actual stress
to which the paintwork is subjected, however, depends greatly on the design of the
vehicle wash system, the filtering of the water and the type of washing and care
products used. If the paintwork of your vehicle appears mat after being washed or
even has scratches, point this out to the operator of the vehicle wash plant. Use a
different vehicle wash plant, if necessary.
There are no particular points to note be fore washing your vehicle in such a plant
other than the usual precautionary measur es (closing windows and sliding/tilting
roof, moving any factory-fitted aerials down flat against the bodywork, etc.).
If you have any particular atta ch e d p a r t s f i t te d t o y o u r c a r - s u ch a s s p o i l e r, ro o f ra ck
system, two-way radio aerial - it is best to first of all consult the operator of the car
wash plant.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers after passing
through the automatic vehicle wash system.
Caution
Do not screw the swivelling down roof aeri al tight before washing the vehicle in an
automatic vehicle wash sy stem - risk of damage!
Washing vehicle by hand
It is important to first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off as thor-
oughly as possible before wa shing your vehicle by hand.
One should then clean the vehicle using a soft washing sponge, washing glove or
a washing brush and only slight pressure. Work from the top to the bottom -
beginning with the roof. Only place slight pressure on the vehicle paintwork during
cleaning Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such areas. Rinse off the vehicle well after giving it a wash and dry it off using a chamois leather.
WARNING
•The ignition should always be switched off when you wash your vehicle -
risk of accident!
•Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when you
are cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel
trims - risk of cuts.
Caution
•Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
•Ensure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locks or at the door and
panel joints if you spray your vehicle in winter down with a hose - risk of freezing.
•Do not use any insect sponges, rough ki tchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts - risk of damage to the surface of paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash your vehicle at washing bays specifically reserved for this purpose. This
ensures that no water which may be cont aminated by oil flows into the sewage
system. It is not even permitted to wash your vehicle in certain areas except at such
specific washing bays.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
When you wash your vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, it is essential to comply
with the instructions for use of the cleaning equipment. This applies in particular to
the pressure used and to the spraying distance . Maintain a sufficiently large
distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
On no account use circular spray nozzles or so-called dirt cutters!
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Inspecting and replenishing227
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Engine oil
Check engine oil level
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.
Checking the oil level
– Park the vehicle on a horizontal surface.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compartment” on
page 225.
– Wait a few minutes and pull out the oil dipstick.
– Wipe off the dipstick with a clea n cloth and insert it again fully.
– Then withdraw the dipstick ag ain and read off the oil level.
Oil level within range
– You must not top up the oil. Oil level within range
–You
may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be
within range after doing this.
Oil level within range
–You must top up the oil ⇒page 228. It is sufficient, once this is done,
to keep the oil level within range .
It is normal for the engine to consume oi l. The oil consumption may be as much as
0.5 ltr./1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which
you operate your vehicle. The oil consumpt ion may be slightly higher than this
during the first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably every time
after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range - but not above this,
if the engine has been operating at hi gh loads, for example during a lengthy
motorway trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high
mountain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster* will indicate ⇒page 36, “Engine oil
pressure ” whether the oil level is too low. In this case, check the oil level as soon
as possible. Top up with an appropriate quantity of oil.
Caution
•The oil level must on no account ex tend beyond the range . Danger of
damaging the catalytic converter.
•Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prev ailing to top up with oil. Switch of the engine and contact and
obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage.
Note
Engine oil specifications ⇒page 269, “Technical Data”.
Fig. 212 Dipstick
AA
AB
AA
AC
AC
AA
AA
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Inspecting and replenishing
230
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant expan-
sion bottle which is completely free of leak s if the coolant boils as a result of over-
heating and is forced out of the cooling system.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
One should contact a specialist garage as soon as possible if the source of over-
heating itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be grave
damage to the engine.
Replenishing the coolant
– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir ⇒page 229, fig. 213 and unscrew the cap carefully by turning it to the
left ⇒ .
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with one
specific specification ⇒ page 228. Do not use an alternative additive if the coolant
additive G12 PLUS is not available in exceptional cases. Just top up the system with
water and as soon as possible arrange ad justment to correct the mixing ratio of
water and coolant additive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system. Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Excess coolant which is heated up is forced
out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the cap of the coolant
compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a major loss
of coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid engine damage.
WARNING
•The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the coolant
expansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of scalding!
•The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to the
health. It is important, therefore, to always safely store any coolant additive
in its original container out of the reach of children - risk of poisoning!
•If any splashes of coolant get into yo ur eyes, rinse out your eyes immedi-
ately with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
•You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently
swallowed coolant.
Caution
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch of the engine and contact
and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage.
For the sake of the environment
Do not re-use coolant if it is necessary to drain the coolant in the system. It should
be collected and disposed of in comp liance with environmental protection
regulations.
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