2012 SKODA OCTAVIA light

Disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery180
Automatic load deactivation
180
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolDescriptionAlways wear eye protection!Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye protec-tion!Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the ve-
hicle battery!When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture is produced!Keep children away from the vehicle battery!
Improper handling of the battery can lead to damage occurring. We recommend
having all work on the vehicle battery be undertaken by a ŠKODA Partner.
WARNINGThere is a risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire when
carrying out any work on the battery and on the electrical system. It is essen-
tial to comply with the warning instructions stated below and with the gener-
al applicable rules of safety.■
Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
■
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
the greatest of care.
■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling the
vehicle battery.
■
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivitis
and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
■
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and creates deep wounds after contact
with the skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact with diluted
acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, skin cracks).
■
Acids coming into contact with water are diluted accompanied by significant
development of heat.
WARNING (Continued)■ Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the bat-
tery vent openings. Protect the eyes with safety glasses or a shield! There is
the danger of suffering blindness!■
If any battery electrolyte comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the rele-
vant eye immediately with clear water for several minutes - consult a doctor
immediately!
■
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. If you swallow
battery acid, seek immediate medical assistance!
■
When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive gas
mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over
during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is on.
■
Creating a bridge between the poles on the battery (e.g. with a metal object,
cable) creates a short circuit - risk of melting of lead struts, explosion and
burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
■
It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light.
■
Smoking or to carrying out any activities which produce sparks are prohibi-
ted.
■
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the engine,
the ignition and all of the electrical components and disconnect the negative
terminal (-) on the battery.
■
The relevant lamp must always be switched off before a light bulb is re-
placed.
■
Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – risk of explosion and
caustic burns!
■
Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low –
risk of explosion and caustic burns.
■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery – risk of explosion! Replace any vehicle
battery that is damaged. 
177Inspecting and replenishing

CAUTION■The vehicle battery must only be disconnected if the ignition is switched off,
otherwise the vehicle's electrical system (electronic components) can be dam-
aged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system, first of all dis-
connect the negative terminal (-) of the battery, followed by the positive terminal
(+).■
When connecting the battery to the electrical system, first of all connect the
positive terminal (+) of the battery, followed by the negative terminal (-). Under no
circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly – risk of a cable fire.
■
Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk of
damage to the paintwork.
■
Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle battery
housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
■
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge. This is because certain electrical components consume electricity (e. g.
control units) also in idle state. Prevent the battery from discharging by discon-
necting the battery's negative terminal (-) or continuously charging the battery
with a very low charging current.
■
If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery will
not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge.
For the sake of the environment
A vehicle battery that has been removed is a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations.
Note
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
Battery coverFig. 153
Engine compartment: Polyester
cover of vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
The battery is located in the engine compartment - in some models, underneath apolyester cover » Fig. 153.
›
Fold out the cover on the battery in the direction of the arrow .
The battery cover is installed in reverse order.
The edge of the polyester battery cover is inserted between the battery and the
side wall of the battery cover when working on the battery.

178General Maintenance

Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 154
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called magic eye » Fig. 154, the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte lev- el cannot be checked.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage from time to time, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tempera- tures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a ŠKODA Partner before the start of the winter.
NoteThe battery electrolyte level is periodically checked by a ŠKODA Partner as part of
the Inspection Service.
Charging a vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 176.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
›
Only when performing a “quick-charge”, disconnect both battery cables (first of
all “negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = “posi-
tive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on thedevice.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove themains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge the ve- hicle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger). Refer to the
instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower) must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with high
amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
Replacing the vehicle battery
When replacing a battery, the new vehicle battery must have the same capacity,
voltage, amperage and be the same size. Suitable types of vehicle batteries can
be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.
We recommend that the battery is replaced by a ŠKODA Partner, where the new
vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be disposed
of in accordance with national regulations. 
179Inspecting and replenishing

WARNING“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth » page 196, Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP
system .
Note
We recommend having the quick charging of vehicle batteries undertaken by a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
Disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 176.
On disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery the following functionsare initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free:
OperationOperating measureElectrical power window (operational faults)» page 41Enter the radio/navigation system code num-
ber» operating instructions for Info-
tainment radio or » operating in-
structions for Infotainment Navi-
gationSetting the clock» page 11Data in the multifunction display are deleted» page 22
Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a ŠKODA Partner to ensure the full
functionality of all electrical systems.
Automatic load deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 176.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from discharg-
ing when the bettery is subjected to heavy loads. This manifests itself by the fol-
lowing:
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where appropriate large convenience consumers, e.g. seat heaters, rear win-
dow heaters, have their power limited or in case of emergency shut off com-pletely.
CAUTION
■ Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the vehi-
cle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on a long
time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned on during longer parking.■
Consumers which are supplied via a 12 V socket can cause the vehicle battery to
discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not disrupted by any shutting off of consumers. Often the driv-
er is not aware of it having taken place.
180General Maintenance

Full wheel trimFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
Pulling off
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge of the wheel trim.
›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off the
wheel trim.
Install
›
Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the valve opening provided.
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference locks cor- rectly in place.
CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand, do not knock the full wheel trim! Avoid heavy
knocks when the trim is not yet inserted in the wheel rim. This could cause dam-
age to the guide and centring elements of the trim.■
Ensure that the anti-theft wheel bolt has been installed correctly » page 192,
Securing wheels against theft .
■
If wheel trims are retrofitted it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air is
assured to cool the brake system.

Wheel bolts
Fig. 158
Remove the cap
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 181.
Pulling off›Push the plastic clip sufficiently far onto the cap until the inner catches of the
clip are positioned at the collar of the cap » Fig. 158.›
Remove the cap.
Install
›
Push the caps onto the wheel bolts up to the stop.
The wheel bolt caps are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the stor-
age space for the spare wheel.

Tyre control display
Fig. 159
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 181.
Calibration
After changing the tyre inflation pressure » page 182, in section Introduction ,
after changing one or several wheels, the position of a wheel on the vehicle or
when the warning light lights up while driving, a calibration of the system must
be carried out as follows:
›
Inflate all of the tyres to the specified inflation pressure » page 182.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Start the system calibration.
On vehicles with Infortainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chap-
ter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .
On vehicles with the radio preinstallation .
›
Press and hold the button 

» Fig. 159 for longer than 2 seconds. 
185Wheels

While pressing the button, the warning light  lights up. At the same time the
system memory is erased and the new calibration is started, which is confirmed
with an audible signal and then the warning light  goes out.
If the warning light  does not go out after the calibration, this indicates a sys-
tem fault. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
The rolling circumference of the tyre can change if: › the tyre inflation pressure is too low;
› the structure of the tyre is damaged;
› the vehicle is loaded on one side;
› the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when
driving uphill or downhill);
› snow chains are mounted;
› the spare wheel is mounted;
› one wheel per axle was changed.WARNING■
When the warning light  illuminates, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and inspect the tyres and their inflation pressure.■
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.

Wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 181.
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels, e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres, you must
also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and that the
brake system operates properly.

Winter tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres on ice, snee and at temperatures be-
low 7 °C have less grip. This is especially true of low-profile tyres or high-speed
tyres .
To achieve the best possible handling properties, winter tyres must be fitted on
all 4 wheels, the minimum tread depth must be 4 mm and tyres must be no older than 4 years.
Winter tyres of a lower speed category can be used provided that the permissible
maximum speed of these tyres is not exceeded even if the possible maximum
speed of the vehicle is higher.
The winter tyres speed limit is set in the menu » operating instructions for Info-
tainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .
For the sake of the environment
Fit the summer tyres on again in good time as they provide better handling prop-
erties, a shorter braking distance, less tyre noise, and reduced tyre wear on roadswhich are free of snow and ice as well as at temperatures above 7 °C. The fuelconsumption is also lower.
Snow chains
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel sizeDepth (D)Tyre size6J x 15 a)43 mm195/65 R156J x 16 b)48 mm205/55 R166J x 17b)48 mm205/50 R17a)
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 13 mm.
b)
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 12 mm.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains. 
186General Maintenance

The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack are housed in a plastic box in the sparewheel or in the storage space for the spare wheel. There is also space here for
the removable ball rod for the trailer towing device. The box is attached with a
strap on the spare wheel.
Tool kit components » Fig. 161:
Screwdriver
Key for removing and installing the tail light
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eye
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Car jack
Crank for the jack
Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps
Replacement bulb set
Screw the jack back into its home position after use to allow you to store it in the
box with the toolkit.WARNING■ The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift heavier vehicles or other loads – risk of
injury!■
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the luggage compart-
ment.
Note
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.
Changing a wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preliminary work
190
Changing a wheel
19012345678910Subsequent steps190Loosening/tightening wheel bolts191
Raising the vehicle
191
Securing wheels against theft
192WARNING■ If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and
set up the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal re-
quirements must be observed.■
If the wheel is damaged or in the event of a puncture, park the vehicle as far
away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as flat and firm a surface as
possible.
■
If the wheel has to be changed on a slope, first of all block the opposite
wheel with a stone or similar object to prevent the vehicle from unexpectedly
rolling away.
■
If the vehicle is subsequently fitted with tyres which are different to those it
was fitted with at the works, follow these guidelines » page 183, New tyres
and wheels .
■
Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■
Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs under the vehicle, while
the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack.
■
Secure the base plate of the lifting jack with suitable means to prevent pos-
sible moving. A soft and slippery ground under the base plate may move the
lifting jack, causing the vehicle to fall down. It is therefore always necessary to
place the lifting jack on a solid surface or use a wide and stable base. Use a
non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat) if the surface is smooth, such as cobbled
stones, tiled floor, etc.
■
Never start the engine with the vehicle sitting on the raised jack – danger of
suffering injury.
■
Only attach the lifting jack to the attachment points provided for this pur-
pose.
CAUTION
■ The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.■
If the anti-theft wheel bolt is fastened too tightly, it can cause damage to the
anti-theft wheel bolt and adapter. 
189Do-it-yourself

Note■The anti-theft wheel bolt set and adapter can be purchased from a ŠKODA Part-
ner.■
The national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel.

Preliminary work
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 189.
The following steps must be carried out before actually changing the wheel:
›
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. The place you choose should be level.
›
Let all of the occupants get out. While changing a tyre, the occupants of the
vehicle should not stand on the road (instead they should remain behind a crash
barrier).
›
Switch off the engine and move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the se-
lector lever on the automatic gearbox into position P.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
If a trailer is connected, remove it.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 188 and the spare wheel » page 184 from
the luggage compartment.

Changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 189.
Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 185 or caps » page 185 .
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 191 .
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 191 .
›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
›
Remove the wheel.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›Alternately tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel
wrench (crosswise) and then tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt » page 191.›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps.
Note
■
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.■Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!■
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 181 .

Subsequent steps
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 189.
The following steps must also be performed after changing the wheel.
›
Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special screw » page 184 .
›
Stow the vehicle tool kit in the space provided.
›
Check the tyre pressure on the installed spare wheel as soon as possible.
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible.
›
Change the damaged wheel or consult a ŠKODA specialist garage about repair
possibilities.
Note
■ If it is determined that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing the wheel, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening
torque.■
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque has
been checked.

190Do-it-yourself