2010 SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR service

Instruments and warning lights31
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Traction control system (TCS)*

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.
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 switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the TCS
system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS page 125, “Traction control system (TCS)”.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System (TCS), the
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and the Antilock Brake System (ABS).
The warning light flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the ESP is switched off or if there is a
fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS and the EDL means that
the ESP 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 ESP system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESP system can be switched
on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the ESP
system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP page 123, “Electronic stability programme (ESP)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short
distance.
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.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
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 immedi-
ately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage!
Brake system

The warning light
 comes on for several seconds afte r the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light  stays on when the ignition is switched on or comes on while
driving, there is a fault in the brake system. Visit the nearest specialist garage immedi-
ately and have the brake system inspected.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FLUID SERVICE MANUAL
3 peeps sound 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 125, “Brakes”.
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Intelligent Technology125
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning
when accelerating.General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when th e engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS
sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is auto-
matically adapted by reducing the engine speed. The system operates at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS page 126, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)*”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light lights up in the instru ment cluster when there is a fault on the
TCS page 31.
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button fig. 135 .
The TCS warning light lights up in the instru ment cluster when the system is switched
off page 31.
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the system. Examples:

when driving with snow chains

when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface

when it is necessary to rock a vehicle when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the TCS again.
WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road
surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt
you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note

All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free
operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-
sirable reduction in the engine output.

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS page 166, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
BrakesWhat has a negative effect on braking efficiency?Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pa ds 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 necessary to
have the thickness of the brake pads insp ected 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 un der certain conditions
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
Fig. 135 TCS switch
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Driving and the Environment131
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Reducing idling
Idling also costs fuel.It is worthwhile switching off the engine in a traffic jam or when waiting at a level
crossing or at traffic lights with a lengthy red phase. Even after just 30 - 40 seconds you
will have saved more fuel th an that is needed when you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating
temperature. Wear-and-tear an d pollutant emissions, though, are particularly high in
the warming-up phase. This is why you should drive off right after starting the engine.
Do avoid high engine revolu tions at this time, however.Regular servicing
A poorly tuned engine consumes an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.Having your vehicle serviced regularly at a specialist garge enables you to satisfy one
of the requirements for economical motoring even before you set off on your journey.
Keeping your vehicle properly serviced not on ly has a positive effect on the safety of
your vehicle and maintaining its value, but also saves on fuel.
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fu el consumption which is 10% higher than
normal.
The foreseen maintenance work should be undertaken exactly according to the
Service schedule by a specialist garage.
Also check the oil level after refueling. Oil consumption is dependent to a consider-
able extent on the load and speed of the en gine. Oil consumption could be as high as
0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and reaches
its lowest level only after a certain running in time. It is therefore not possible to
correctly assess the oil consum ption of a new vehicle until after you have driven about
5 000 km.
For the sake of the environment

You can achieve additional improvements in your fuel economy by using high-
lubricity oils.

Check the ground below your vehicle at regu lar intervals to detect any leakages in
good time. Please have your vehicle inspected by a specialist garge if you find any
stains caused by oil or other fluids on the floor.
Avoid driving short distances
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption.– Avoid driving a distance of no more than 4 km if the engine is cold.
The engine and catalytic converter mu st first have reached their optimal operating
temperature in order to effectively reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
The cold engine vehicle cons umes approx. 15 - 20 litres/100 km of fuel immediately
after starting. Fuel co nsumption drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The
engine reaches its operating temperat ure (outside temperature and engine
dependent) only after about 4 to 10 kilometres and the fuel consumption then stabi-
lizes. You should therefore avoid driving short distances whenever possible.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The
 fig. 138 shows the different fuel consumptions for the same distance, on the one
hand at +20°C and on the ot her hand at -10°C. Your vehicle has a higher fuel
consumption in winter than in summer.
Fig. 138 Fuel consumption in
litres/100 km at different
temperatures
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Driving and the Environment133
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Manufacture

Solvent-free cavity protection;

Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for
transportation from the production plant
to the customer;

The use of solvent-free adhesives;

No CFCs used in the production process;

Without use of mercury;

Use of water-soluble paints.
Motoring abroadGeneral
Other circumstances may exist abroad.It is also possible, in certain countries, that the Škoda Service Partner network is limited
or has not been established yet. This is the reason why obtaining certain spare parts
may be somewhat complicated and specialist garage personnel may only be able to
make limited repairs. Škoda Auto in the Czech Republic and relevant importers are
happy to provide information about technical aspects of the vehicle, required mainte-
nance work and possibilities for getting repairs done.Unleaded petrolA vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded petrol
 page 129. The automobile as sociations can provide you with information regarding
the locations of filling stations which offer unleaded petrol.HeadlightThe low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side of the
road on which you are driving to a greater ex tent. If you drive abroad on the other side
of the road, you will dazzle oncoming traffic.
In order to prevent the dazzling of oncoming traffic, it is necessary to stick a sticker over
a certain part of the headlights. Headlight stickers can be obtained as a
spare part from the specialist garages.
The adaptation of the headlights with Xe non lamps (applies to vehicles which are
designed for driving on the left and on the ri ght) is performed by switching over a bezel
in the module for low beam by a specialist garage.
Note
You can obtain further information regardin g masking over or converting the head-
lights from your specialist garage.Avoiding damage to your vehicleWhen driving on poor roads and lanes or when driving over kerbstones, steep ramps
etc., you must pay particular attention to ensuring that any low-slung parts of the
vehicle, such as spoiler and exhaust, do not touch the ground and get damaged.
This particularly applies to models with a lowered suspension (sport suspension) and
also when your vehicle is fully laden.
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Towing a trailer135
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights. Alter
the setting as necessary with the ai
d of the headlight beam adjuster page 48.
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 136.
Note

We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service inter-
vals if you tow a trailer frequently.

The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling 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 temperature 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 combina-
tion.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for countries
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 cond
itions, particularly near accident black
spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediat ely 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 downhill
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 engi ne speed when the outside temperature is
very high  page 16.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or even
the red area of the scale, reduce your speed immediately. Stop and switch off the
engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluster begins flashing. Wait a few
minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle page 153,
“Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines  page 28, “Coolant temperature/coolant
level ”.
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 of the
engine speed. One should also not drop a gear for this reason when towing a trailer as
long as the engine can manage th e slope without any drop in speed.
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Inspecting and replenishing149
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data

Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
 Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand.
Caution
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are on no account
mixed up. This may result in major oper ating problems and also vehicle damage!Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection pointsFig. 145 1.6 ltr./75 kW petrol engine1.6 ltr./75 kW petrol engine  fig. 145
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reservoir for hydraulic liquid of power steering Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
The location of the inspection points in th
e engine compartment of petrol and diesel
engines is practically identical.Engine oilEngine oil specificationsThe engine of your vehicle ha s been factory-filled with a high-grade oil which you can
use throughout the year - except in extreme climatic regions.
You can mix various oils together with each ot her when refilling with oil. This does not,
however, apply for models with flexible service intervals (QG1).
Engine oils are, of course, undergoing co ntinuous further development. Thus the
information stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publication.
Authorised Škoda Service Partners are informed by Škoda Auto about current changes.
This why you should always have engine oi l changed by an authorised Škoda Service
Par tner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following must be indicated separately
or together with other specifications on the bottle.
Engine oil specifications for models with flexible service intervals (QG1)
WARNING (continued)
A1
153
A2
Petrol engines
Specification
Content
a)
1.4 ltr./55 kW - EU4
VW 503 00, VW 504 00
3,2
1.6 ltr./75 kW - EU4/EU2 DDK
VW 503 00, VW 504 00
4,5
1.8 ltr./110 kW - EU4/EU3D
VW 504 00
4,5
A3
159
A4
150
A5
151
A6
154
A7
155
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Inspecting and replenishing
150
Engine oil specifications for vehicles with fixed service intervals (QG2)
If the oils specified above are not available, oils according to ACEA A2 or ACEA A3 can
be used once for refilling.
If the oils specified above are not available, oils according to ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 can
be used once for refilling.
Caution
Only the above-mentioned oils may be used on vehicles with flexible service intervals
(QG1). We recommend always refilling with oil of the same specification since this will
maintain the properties of the oil. In exce ptional cases, you must top up only once
engine oil complying with Specification VW 502 00 (only for petrol engines) or Specifi-
cation VW 505 01 (only for diesel engines) to maximum 0.5 litres. You must not use
other engine oils - risk of engine damage!
Note

Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with you engine
oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle. Consequently, you will
always have the correct engine oil for refilling.

We recommend using a preservative from the Škoda original accessories offered
by your Škoda dealer.

For further information - see Service shedule.
Check engine oil level
The dipstick indicates the le vel of oil in the engine.Checking the oil level– Ensure that the vehicle is po sitioned on a level surface.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet  in “Working in the engine compartment” on page 148.
– 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 again and read off the oil level.Oil level within range –You must not top up the oil.
a)Oil capacity with oil filter change. Inspect oil leve l when filling; do not fill up too much. The oil
level must be between the markings page 150, fig. 146 .Diesel engines
Specification
Content
a)
1.9 ltr./74 kW TDI PD - EU4
VW 506 01, VW 508 00
4,3
Petrol engines
Specification
Content
a)
a)Oil capacity with oil filter change. Inspect oil leve l when filling; do not fill up too much. The oil
level must be between the markings fig. 146 .1.4 ltr./55 kW - EU4
VW 501 01, VW 502 00
3,2
1.6 ltr./75 kW - EU4/EU2 DDK
VW 501 01, VW 502 00
4,5
1.8 ltr./110 kW - EU4/EU3D
VW 502 00
4,5
Diesel engines
Specification
Content
a)
1.9 ltr./74 kW TDI PD - EU4
VW 506 01
4,3
Fig. 146 Dipstick
A1
Aa
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Inspecting and replenishing151
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 151. It is sufficient, once this is done, to keep the
oil level within range .
It is normal for the engine to consume oil. The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5
l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which you
operate your vehicle. The oil consumption may be slightly hi gher 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 if the engine has been
operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy motorway trip during the
summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high mountain pass, but not above
this .
The warning light in the instrument cluster wi ll indicate whether the oil level is too low
 page 29. In this case, check the oil level as soon as possible. Top up with an appro-
priate quantity of oil.
Caution

The oil level must on no ac count extend 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 prevailing to top up with oil. Switch the engine off and obtain professional
assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine damage.
Replenishing engine oil– Inspecting the engine oil level page 150.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening page 150, fig. 146 .
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres page 149. – Inspect the oil level
page 150.
– 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 148, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account be above the range page 150. Oil will otherwise
be drawn in through the cr ankcase ventilation and may pass through the exhaust
system to atmosphere. The oil may combust in the catalytic converter and damage it.Changing engine oilThe engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or
according to the service interval indicator page 18.
WARNING

Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required professional
knowledge!

Read and observe the warning notes page 148, “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 unau-
thorized persons until you dispose of it properly.Caution
You must not pour any additives into the engine oil - risk of engine damage! Damage,
which results from such product, are excluded from the warranty.
Ab
Aa
AcAb
AaAa
A2
Aa
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