2008 SKODA OCTAVIA open bonnet

The brief instruction15
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Safety switch
Further information ⇒ page 53, “Power windows*”.
Refuelling
– Press onto the left side of the fuel filler flap ⇒fig. 12 .
– The fuel filler cap on the fuel fille r tube must be unlocked to the left
using the vehicle key (only valid for vehicles which do not have auto-
matic unlocking of the fuel filler flap). – Unscrew the fuel filler cap anti-clo
ckwise and place the fuel filler cap
from above on the fuel filler flap ⇒fig. 13 .
Further information ⇒page 222, “Refuelling”.
Bonnet remote release
– Pull the unlocking lever below the dash panel on the driver's side
⇒ fig. 14 .
Opening the bonnet
AS
Fig. 12 Right rear side of the
vehicle: Fuel filler flap
Fig. 13 Filler flap with cap
unscrewed
Fig. 14 Bonnet release lever
Fig. 15 Radiator grille:
handle
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The brief instruction
16
– Pulling on the handle ⇒page 15, fig. 15 will unlock the bonnet fully.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the opening designed for it ⇒fig. 16 .
Further information ⇒page 224, “Opening and closing the bonnet.”.
Inspecting the engine oil level
Engine oil must not be refilled.
Engine oil can be refilled. Engine oil
must be refilled.
Further information ⇒page 227, “Check engine oil level”.
Fig. 16 Securing the bonnet
with the bonnet support
Fig. 17 Dipstick
AA
AB
AC
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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 Lights
28
The door, luggage compartment door and bonnet ajar warning lights up when at
least one of the three items door, luggage compartment or bonnet are not closed
when the ignition is turned on. The symbol indicates which door is still open or
whether the luggage compartment door or bonnet is not closed ⇒ page 27, fig. 30 .
The symbol goes out as soon as the doors, luggage compartment door and bonnet
are completely closed.
A warning signal sounds if the car is driven at a speed of more than 6km/hour and
if the engine or the luggage compartment door is open.
Audio
These displays indicate the normal information from the display of the radio*.
Operation of the radio* is described in separate operating instructions to be found
in the on-board literature.
Navigation system*
The controls for the navigation system, radi o, CD player are located in the centre
console on both sides of th e monitor screen. Navigation data is also shown in the
information display of the instrument cluster. Information and warning texts are displayed preferentially when the navigation
system is switched on.
Operation of the navigation system is described in separate operating instructions
to be found in the on-board literature.
Auto Check Control*
Car state
The Auto Check Control carries out a chec
k of certain functions and vehicle compo-
nents. The check is performe d constantly when the ignition is switched on, both
when the vehicle is stationary, as well as when driving.
Some operational faults, urgent repairs, service work or other information appear
in the display of the instrument cluster. The displays are shown with a red or yellow
light symbol depending on the priority of the message.
The red symbols indicate danger (priority 1) while the yellow symbols indicate a
warning (priortity 2). Information for the driver may also appear in addition to the
symbols ⇒page 32.
Shown in the menu Vehicle status, if there is at least one error message. After
selecting this menu the first of the error messages is displayed. Several error
messages are shown on the display under the message e.g. 1/3 ⇒ fig. 32 . This indi-
cates that the first of a total of three error messages is displayed. The respective
Fig. 31 Information display:
Radio display
Fig. 32 Information display:
Display of operational fault
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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 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.
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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
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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)
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