2011 SKODA OCTAVIA open bonnet

CAUTION
Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects for cleaning the
plastic lenses, this may result in damage to the protective paintwork and conse-
quently in formation of cracks on the headlight lenses, e.g. through effect of
chemical products. 
Door and window seals The rubber seals on the doors, boot lid, bonnet, roof window and windows remain
supple and last longer if you treat them from time to time with a rubber care prod-
uct (e.g. with a spray with silicone-free oil). You also avoid premature wear of the
seals and prevent leakages in this way. It is also easier to open the doors. Rubber
seals which are well cared for also do not stick together in cold winter weather.

Locking cylinder Use specific products for de-icing locking cylinders.
Note
When washing your vehicle, ensure that as little water as possible gets into the
locking cylinders. 
Wheels Steel wheels
You should also thoroughly wash the wheels and wheel trims when giving your
vehicle its regular wash. This prevents any brake dust, dirt and road salt from
sticking to the wheel hubs. You can remove stubborn brake abrasion adhering to
the wheels with an industrial cleaner. Touch up any damage to the paintwork on
the wheels before rust is able to form.
Light alloy wheels
Regular care of light alloy wheels is necessary in order to retain their decorative
appearance over long periods. It is particularly important to remove regularly any
road salt and brake abrasion from light alloy wheels, otherwise the light metal will
suffer. Wash thoroughly and then treat the wheels with a protective product for
light alloy wheels which does not contain any acidic components. We recommend to apply a hard wax layer onto the wheel hubs every three months. You must not
use any products which cause abrasion when treating the wheel hubs. Any dam-
age to the paint layer on the wheel hubs must be touched up immediately. WARNING
One should remember when cleaning the wheels that moisture, ice and road
salt may adversely affect braking efficiency - risk of an accident! Note
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may
show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the steering
wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of the steering.
This means it is necessary to remove the dirt. 
Underbody protection The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and mechanical
influences.
One cannot, however, completely rule out damage to the protective layer
when
driving so we recommend that you inspect the protective layer on the underside
of your vehicle and on the chassis at certain intervals - this is best done at the be-
ginning and end of the winter - and to touch up any damaged areas.
The authorised ŠKODA Service Partners have suitable spray products available as
well as the necessary equipment and are familiar with the instructions for use.
Therefore, we recommend you have such touch-up work or additional corrosion
protection measures carried out by an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner. WARNING
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents for
the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filter or heat shields.
When the engine reaches its operating temperature, these substances might
ignite - risk of fire! 
Protection of hollow spaces All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected for
life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory. £ 173
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Inspecting and Replenishing
Engine compartment
Bonnet remote release Fig. 148 Bonnet release lever
Bonnet remote release
– Pull the unlocking lever below the dash panel on the driver's side ⇒  fig. 148 .
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result of the spring force. A locking lever ap-
pears at the same time in the radiator grille. 
Opening and closing the bonnet. Fig. 149 Radiator grille: Locking lever/securing the bonnet with the bonnet support
Opening the bonnet
–
Unlock the bonnet ⇒
 fig. 148 . –
Ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are correctly in place against
the windscreen before opening the bonnet otherwise damage could occur to
the paintwork.
– Pulling on the locking lever in direction of arrow 1 ⇒
 fig. 149
will unlock the
bonnet.
– Grip with the hand under the radiator grille and lift up the bonnet.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the opening 2 de-
signed for it.
Closing the bonnet
– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet sup-
port into the holder designed to hold it.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 20 cm into the lock - bonnet
do not press down on it!
– Check whether the bonnet is properly closed. WARNING
● Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.
● For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when driv-
ing. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact engaged properly af-
ter closing the bonnet.
● Stop your vehicle immediately while driving if you notice that the lock is
not properly engaged and close the bonnet properly - risk of an accident! CAUTION
Never open the bonnet using the locking lever - danger of causing damage. 180
Inspecting and Replenishing

Working in the engine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in the en-
gine compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the en-
gine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and
with the general applicable rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car
is a hazardous area ⇒
  .
WARNING
● Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.
● Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
● Apply the handbrake firmly.
● If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever in-
to Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox, move the selector lever in-
to position

P.
● Allow the engine to cool down.
● Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
● Do not touch any hot engine parts - risk of burns!
● Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the an-
tifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
● Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the battery.
● Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the engine is still
warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
● Never open the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir so long as the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
● Cover over the cap of the reservoir with a large cloth when opening it as
protection for your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
● Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the engine com-
partment. WARNING (Continued)
● If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from
rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this - risk of injury!
● In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work when the en-
gine is running there is an additional risk from rotating parts (e.g. the V-ribbed
belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the high-voltage ignition system.
Please observe in addition the following:
–Never touch the electrical cables of the ignition system.
– Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or long hair from
getting into the rotating parts of the engine - Hazard! Therefore remove
any jewellery beforehand, tie up your hair and wear tight fitting clothing.
● Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below when car-
rying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the electrical system.
–Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
– Do not smoke.
– 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 ac-
count mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and also vehicle
damage!  181
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection points.
Fig. 150 Petrol engine 1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and die-
sel engines is practically identical. 
1 2
3
4
5
6 Engine oil
Check engine oil level The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.
Fig. 151 Dipstick
Checking the oil level
– Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has
reached its operating temperature.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒  in Working in the engine compartment on page 181.
– Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil sump. Take out
the dipstick.
– Wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again fully.
– Then withdraw the dipstick again and read off the oil level.
Oil level within range A –
You must not top up the oil.
Oil level within range B –
You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be within
range A after doing this.
Oil level within range C –
You must top up the oil ⇒  page 183. It is sufficient, once this is done, to keep
the oil level within range B .
£182
Inspecting and Replenishing

Inspecting the coolant level
Fig. 152 Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion bottle
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ page 180 .
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒ fig. 152 . The cool-
ant level when the engine is cold must lie between the b (MIN) and
a (MAX)
markings. The level may also rise slightly above the a (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 25, Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity 
. We
still recommend inspecting 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.
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant expan-
sion bottle which is completely free of leaks 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 181, Working in the engine com-
partment
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 dam-
age 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 ⇒
 fig. 152 and un-
screw 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 184

. Do not use an alternative additive if the speci-
fied coolant additive is not available in exceptional cases. Just top up the system
with water and as soon as possible arrange adjustment 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 the coolant above the mark a (max.)
⇒ fig. 152 ! Excess coolant heats up
and then is forced out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in
the cap.
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 dam-
age. WARNING
● The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the coolant ex-
pansion 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! £ 185
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

WARNING (Continued)
● If any splashes of coolant get into your 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 condi-
tions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch the engine off and obtain profes-
sional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe en-
gine damage. 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 compliance with environmental protection regula-
tions. 
Radiator fan The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the
coolant temperature.
The radiator fan may continue running for 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 has 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 working in the engine compartment that
the fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury! Brake fluid
Inspecting the brake fluid level Fig. 153 Engine compartment: Brake flu-
id reservoir
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 180 .
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒
 fig. 153 . The level must be be-
tween 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 brake pads, and is perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el 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 lighting up in
the instrument cluster ⇒ page 28, Brake system . In this case stop immediately
and do not drive any further! Obtain professional assistance. WARNING
● Read and observe the warning notes ⇒
 page 181, 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 fur-
ther - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assis-
tance. 186
Inspecting and Replenishing

WARNING
● Bulbs H7 and H1 are pressurised and may burst when changing the bulb -
risk of injury!
● It is recommended to wear gloves and safety glasses when changing a
bulb.
● Gas discharge bulbs (xenon bulbs) operate with a high voltage, professio-
nal knowledge is required - danger to life! CAUTION
Do not take hold of the glass bulb with naked fingers (even the smallest amount
of dirt reduces the working life of the light bulb). Use a clean cloth, serviette or
something similar. Note
This Owner's Manual only describes the replacement of bulbs where it is assumed
that no major complications will arise. Other light bulbs should be changed by your
specialist garage. 
Front headlight Fig. 180 Front headlight: Fitting posi-
tion of the bulbs
Positions of the light bulbs in the front headlight ⇒ fig. 180 .
A - Front turn signal light
B - parking lights and low beam
C - main beam light
Removing the headlight
Fig. 181 Front headlight: Fitting position
of the bulbs
The headlight must be removed in order to change the light bulb of the parking
lights, low beam lights and main beam lights as well as the turn signal lights.
Removing the headlight
– Switch the ignition and all lights off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ page 180 .
– Unscrew the plastic nut A
⇒  fig. 181 .
– Pull the fuse B in upward direction.
– Pull the locking lever of the headlight as far as the stop in the direction of ar-
row 1 .
– Unplug the plug connector and carefully take out the headlight in the direction
of arrow 2 .
Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Note
After installing the headlight, the headlight setting must be checked by a special-
ist garage.  215
Fuses and light bulbs Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data