2011 SKODA OCTAVIA display

Engine oil pressure 
The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds 1)
when the ignition is switched
on.
Stop the vehicle and switch 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 183
, 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 con-
ditions prevailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain pro-
fessional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe en-
gine 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 spe-
cialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Oil Pressure: Engine off! Owner's manual Switch off the engine! Car docu-
mentation! WARNING
● If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance 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 there-
fore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refueling
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 ga-
rage by adopting a gentle style of driving. 
Glow plug system  (diesel engine) The warning light
 lights up for a cold
engine when switching on the ignition
(pre-heat position) 2 ⇒ page 98. Start the engine after the indicator light goes
out.
The glow plug indicator 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
or lights up continuously ; contact a specialist garage as soon as possible to ob-
tain 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
enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of
driving. 
Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity  The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds 2)
when the ignition is switched
on.
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. £1)
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.
2) 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. 25
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Do not continue your journey
if for some reason it is not possible under the con-
ditions 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 212, Fuse assignment in engine compartment.
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 fan is in proper order. Contact a spe-
cialist garage to obtain assistance.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒ page 184, Cooling system.
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Check coolant! Owner's manual! Check coolant! Car documentation! WARNING
● If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system ⇒ page 49.
● 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 en-
gine to cool down before removing the cap.
● Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on automatically
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 lights up permanently if there is a fault in the TCS 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 156, Traction control system (TCS)

. 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. 
Anti-spin regulation (ASR)  The TCS system is switched off by pressing the button
⇒ fig. 139 and the warning
light  lights up. 
Electronic stability programme (ESP)  The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
When the ESP helps to stabilise the vehicle, the warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The warning light lights up permanently if there is a fault in the ESP system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS 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 154, Electronic stability programme (ESP).
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the lighting up of
the ESP warning light in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected imme-
diately by your specialist garage. Further information on the EDL ⇒ page 155,
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL). 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. 26
Instruments and warning lights

Selector lever lock
If the
green warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary,
in order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N.
Further information about the selector lever lock ⇒ page 111.
Tyre inflation pressure The warning light
 lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the
inflation pressure in the tyres ⇒
 page 192.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist ga-
rage and have the fault rectified.
Further information about the tyre pressure monitoring system ⇒ page 159. WARNING
● When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please stop the vehicle without
delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their inflation
pressures.
● Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at all.Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  comes on after switch-
ing on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance. 
Antilock brake system (ABS) The warning light
 shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switch-
ed on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after an automatic
check sequence has been completed. A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly 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 sys-
tem. Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately as you will not know how great the damage is.
Further information about ABS ⇒ page 158

, 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 immediately and check the brake fluid level
in the reservoir ⇒ page 186, 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 181, Working in the en-
gine compartment before checking the brake fluid level and opening the bon-
net.
● If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function has failed.
The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when braking. In certain circum-
stances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk of skid-
ding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the fault recti-
fied. 
Bonnet  The warning light
 comes on if the bonnet is unlocked. If the engine bonnet un-
locks 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.
In vehicles with an information display, this warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol ⇒ page 18  27
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Seat belt warning light
The warning light
 comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes out if the driver has
fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver, 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 driver during the next 90 seconds, the warn-
ing signal is deactivated and the warning light  lights up permanently.
For further information on the seat belts ⇒ page 135, Seat belts. 
Boot lid The warning light
 comes on when the ignition is switched on if the luggage
compartment door is open. If the 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.
In vehicles with an information display, this warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol ⇒
 page 18 
Open door The warning light
 comes on, if one or several doors are opened. If one of the
doors opens 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.
In vehicles with an information display, this warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol ⇒ page 18 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 190

.
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Top up wash fluid! (Top up washer fluid) 
Brake system  The warning light
 lights up when the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
if the warning light flashes  and an audible signal sounds three times, stop and
check the brake fluid level ⇒  .
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Brake fluid: Owner's manual Car documentation!
If there is a fault in the ABS which also influences the function of the brake sys-
tem (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 157,

Brakes. WARNING
● Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒
 page 181, Working in the en-
gine compartment before checking the brake fluid level and opening the bon-
net.
● 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 186. If the fluid level has drop-
ped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact
a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance. 28
Instruments and warning lights

Handbrake 
The warning light
 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! (Release parking brake!) 
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 display, 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 183, Replenishing
engine oil with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Check oil level! (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 indicated additionally by an audible signal
and the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has been switch-
ed on.
In this case have the engine inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Oil sensor workshop! (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 (Please refuel! (Range...km) Note
The Text in the information display goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance. 
Temperature of the clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG  In the event that the temperature of the clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG is
too high, the symbol and the warning are shown in the  Information display:
Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's man.! (Transmission overheated. Stop!
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal. 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. CAUTION
In the event that the clutches of the automatic gearbox have overheated, bring
the vehicle to a stop and switch off the engine. You must wait until the symbol 
and the warning go out - risk of gearbox damage! You can continue the trip as
soon as the symbol and the warning go out.  29
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Central locking system
Description When using the central locking and unlocking system,
all the doors and the fuel
filler flap are locked or unlocked at the same time (if it was not set differently in
the menu point Settings - Convenience of the information display). The boot lid is
unlocked when opening. It can be opened by pressing the hand grip above the li-
cence plate ⇒ page 35.
Operation of the central locking system is possible:
● from the outside using the vehicle key ⇒  page 33,
● using the buttons for the central locking system ⇒ page 34,
● with a remote control key ⇒
 page 36,
Indicator light in the driver's door
After locking the vehicle, the warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick
succession, afterwards it begins to flash evenly at longer intervals.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system ⇒ page 32 is not operating,
the indicator light in the driver door flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and
starts to flash evenly at longer intervals after about 30 seconds.
If the indicator light first of all flashes fast for about 2 seconds, afterwards lights
up for about 30 seconds and then flashes slowly, there is a fault in the system of
the central locking or the interior monitor ⇒ page 38. Visit a specialist garage to
obtain assistance.
Convenience operation of windows
One can open and close the electrically powered windows when unlocking and
locking the vehicle ⇒ page 40.
Opening a single door
This function makes it possible to only unlock the driver's door. The other doors
and the fuel filler flap remain locked and are only unlocked after repetitive unlock-
ing.
This function can be activated/deactivated by a specialist garage.
On vehicles with an information display, this function can be switched on in the
menu Settings Convenience - Door open. Automatic locking and unlocking
All the doors and the boot lid are locked automatically once the car reaches a
speed of about 15 km/h.
If the ignition key is withdrawn, the car is then automatically unlocked again. In
addition, it is possible for the driver to unlock the car by pressing the central lock-
ing button  or by pulling the door opening lever.
This function can be activated/deactivated by a specialist garage.
On vehicles with an information display, this function can be switched on in the
menu Settings Convenience - Door open. WARNING
Locking the doors prevents involuntary opening in an exceptional situation
(an accident). Locked doors prevent unwanted entry into the vehicle from out-
side, for example at road crossings. Locked doors do, however, make it more
difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - danger to life! Note
● In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked in order to enable rescuers to gain access to the vehi-
cle.
● Only the front door which is fitted with a locking cylinder can be unlocked and
locked using the key if the central locking system fails. You can lock or unlock
manually the other doors and the boot lid.
–Emergency locking of the door ⇒
 page 34.
– Emergency unlocking of the boot lid ⇒ page 35. 
Safe securing The central locking system is equipped with a
safe securing system. Locking the
vehicle from the outside causes the door locks to be automatically blocked. The
warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick succession, afterwards it be-
gins to flash evenly at longer intervals. It is not possible to open the doors with
the door handle either from the inside or from the outside. This acts as an effec-
tive deterrent for attempts to break into your vehicle.
You can deactivate the safe securing system by locking twice within 2

seconds.£32
Unlocking and locking

If the safe securing system is not operating, the warning light in the driver door
flashes for about 2
seconds fast, goes out and starts to flash evenly at longer in-
tervals after about 30°seconds.
The safe securing system is again activated the next time the vehicle is unlocked
and locked again.
The doors can be opened from the inside if the vehicle is locked and the safe se-
curing system is deactivated:
● The door is unlocked by actuating the door-opening lever.
● The door opens upon actuating the door-opening lever again. WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is acti-
vated, there must not be any person and animals in the vehicle as it is then
not possible to open either a door or a window from the inside. The locked
doors make it more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergen-
cy - hazard! Note
● The anti-theft alarm system is also activated with the deactivated safe secur-
ing system when locking the vehicle. The interior monitor is however not activa-
ted.
● When activating the Safelock function after you lock the vehicle, the message
CHECK DEADLOCK will appear to inform you about this. In vehicles equipped with
an information display, the message Check deadlock! appears Owner's manual!
(CHECK DEADLOCK appears. 
Unlocking the vehicle using the key Fig. 12 Turning the key for unlocking
and locking the vehicle–
Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the direction of trav-
el (unlock position) A ⇒ fig. 12
.
– Pull on the door handle and open the door.
● All the doors (only the driver's door on vehicles with anti-theft alarm system)
and the fuel filler flap are unlocked.
● The boot lid is then unlocked.
● The switched on interior lights come on over the door contact.
● The safe securing system is deactivated.
● The windows open provided the key is held in the unlock position.
● The indicator light in the driver door stops flashing if the car is not fitted with
an anti-theft alarm system ⇒

 page 37. Note
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system, you must insert the key
into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15 seconds after unlocking
the door in order to deactivate the anti-theft alarm system. The alarm will be trig-
gered

if you do not switch on the ignition within 15 seconds. 
Locking the vehicle with the key –
Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the opposite direc-
tion of travel (lock position) B
⇒
 fig. 12.
● The doors, the boot lid and the fuel filler flap are locked.
● The switched on interior lights will switch off over the door contact.
● The windows and the electric sliding/tilting roof close provided the key is held
in the lock position.
● The safe securing system is activated immediately.
● The indicator light in the driver door begins flashing. Note
If the driver's door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked.  33
Unlocking and locking Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Folding out of the key
–
Press button 4 .
Folding up of the key
– Press button 4 and collapse the key bit in the housing.
The turn signal lights flash twice as confirmation that the vehicle has been un-
locked. The vehicle will lock again automatically if you unlock the vehicle using
button 1 but do not open a door or the boot lid within the next 30 seconds. The
safelock and/or anti-theft alarm system will reactivate. This function is intended
to prevent the car being unlocked unintentionally.
In addition, when the car is unlocked, the electrically adjustable seats and exterior
mirrors move into the position assigned to this key. The stored setting of driver
seat and exterior mirrors is retrieved.
Display of the locking
The turn signal lights flash once to confirm that the vehicle has been correctly
locked.
If the vehicle is locked by pressing the button 3 and some doors or the boot lid
are not closed, the turn signal lights flash only after closing. WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is acti-
vated, there must not be any person in the vehicle as it is then not possible to
open either a door or a window from the inside. The locked doors make it
more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - hazard! Note
● Operate the radio remote control only when the doors and boot lid are closed
and you have visual contact with the vehicle.
● Once in the car, you must not press the lock button  of the radio remote con-
trol before inserting the key into the ignition lock in order to avoid the car being
inadvertently locked and the alarm system being switched on. Should this happen,
press the unlock button  of the radio remote control. Synchronisation of the remote control If the vehicle cannot be unlocked by actuating the remote control system then it
is possible that the code in the key and the control unit in the vehicle are no lon-
ger synchronised. This can occur when the buttons on the radio-operated key are
actuated a number of times outside of the operative range of the equipment or
the battery on the remote control was replaced.
This means it is necessary to synchronise the code as follows:
● press any button on the remote control;
● pressing of the button means that the door will unlock with the key within 1
minute. 
Anti-theft alarm system
Description The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against people seek-
ing to break into the vehicle. The system triggers audible and visual warning sig-
nals if an attempt is made to break into the vehicle.
How is the alarm system activated?
The anti-theft alarm system is activated automatically when the vehicle is locked
with the key on the driver's door or by using the radio remote control. It is activa-
ted 30 seconds after locking the door.
How is the alarm system deactivated?
The anti-theft alarm system is deactivated if the vehicle is unlocked by only using
the radio remote control. The anti-theft alarm system is reactivated if the vehicle
is not opened within 30 seconds after transmitting the radio signal.
Once you unlock the vehicle by inserting the key into the driver door you then
have to insert the key into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15
seconds after opening the door in order to deactivate the anti-theft alarm system.
The alarm will be triggered if you do not switch on the ignition within 15 seconds.
When is the alarm triggered?
The following security areas of the locked vehicle are monitored:
● Bonnet,
● Boot lid, £ 37
Unlocking and locking Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data