2012 SKODA OCTAVIA check engine light

Heating and air conditioning system
Heating and air conditioning system
Introductory information
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The well-being of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of
this particularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling ef-fect.
Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode for the air-condi- tioning system » page 85 or for Climatronic » page 87.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of e.g. ice, snow or leaves to ensure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is not a leak!
WARNINGFor your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the windows
are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about how to cor-
rectly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to demist and defrost
the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
Note
■ The used air streams out through the vents in the luggage compartment.■We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the in-
terior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning sys- tem. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is oper-ating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (re-
placement of compressor).

Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the engine when in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the inte- rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to al-low the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window is open.
For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also reduced when fuel is saved » page 101, Economical
and environmentally friendly driving .
Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry » page 200 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 10.
If you are not able to resolve the operational fault yourself, or if the cooler output has reduced, switch off the cooling system and get assistance from a ŠKODA Spe- cialist garage.

81Heating and air conditioning system

Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position
93
Power steering
93
Electronic immobiliser
93
Ignition lock
94
Starting engine
94
Switching the engine off
94
Starting and stopping the engine on vehicles with the KESSY system » page 95.
WARNING■
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!■
Maintain a distance of 25 cm
1
to the steering wheel » Fig. 89 on page 93
–  . Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system
will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■
The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the journey – risk of accident!
■
If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.
■
When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of the steering wheel). In such cases, you could injure the arms, hands and head
when the driver airbag is deployed.
WARNING (Continued)■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2 » Fig. 90 on
page 94 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result
in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – risk of accident!■
Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – risk of accident or injury!
■
Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas – hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death.
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3 » Fig. 90 on
page 94), if the engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if
the starter is activated when the engine is running.■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■
Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage the catalytic converter. The battery from an- other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 195.
■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation of heat when the engine is switched off.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. 92Using the system

Driving with a trailerFig. 104
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket
›
Before hitching the trailer to the vehicle, hold on to the 13-pin power socket in the area
A
» Fig. 104 and swivel it out in the direction of the arrow.
›
Remove the protective cap
5
» Fig. 99 on page 106 upwards before hitching
the trailer to the vehicle.
Safety eye
The purpose of the safety eye
2
» Fig. 99 on page 106 is to attach the break-
away cable of the trailer.
When attaching the breakaway cable to the safety eye, it must sag freely in all
trailer positions (sharp bends, in reverse, etc.).
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The headlight settings must be checked before starting a journey with a coupled
trailer. If necessary, adjust the settings with the headlight beam adjust-
ment » page 44 .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when hitching a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail- er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as a
brake.
Trailer stabilisation
The trailer stabilisation is an extension of the stabilisation control that works in
conjunction with the counter-steering assistance to reduce the amount the trail-
er "sways".
After turning on the ignition, the ESC warning light  in the instrument cluster
lights up for about 2 seconds longer than the ABS warning light.
Prerequisites: › The towing device is assembled or retrofitted ex works;
› The ESC system is active. The warning light
 or  in the instrument cluster is
not illuminated;
› The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the trailer
socket;
› The speed is higher than approx. 60 km/h;
› The trailer has a fixed drawbar;
› The ESC system works for both braked and unbraked trailers.
A trailer is connected to the anti-theft alarm system, when: › the vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing de-
vice;
› the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the trailer
socket;
› the electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is fully functional;
› the vehicle is locked with the car key and the anti-theft alarm system is activa-
ted.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated as soon as the electrical con-
nection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is connected/dis- connected » page 35, Anti-theft alarm system .
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light 
in the instrument cluster
lights up. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 174.
The following guidelines must be observed » page 15, Coolant temperature/cool-
ant level 
.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. 110Using the system

The automatic start procedure takes place again. The warning light goes out.
Further information on automatic transmission Engine shut down takes place when the selector lever is in positions P, D/S , N
and in Tiptronic mode.
When the selector lever is in position P the engine remains shut down after you
release the brake pedal. Start the engine by pressing the gas pedal or by choosing
a different gear and releasing the brake pedal.
If the selector lever is moved into position R during the STOP phase , the engine
will re-start.
To prevent the engine from starting unintentionally when selecting the position
R , switch rapidly from the position D/S to position P.
The system detects a movement of the vehicle due to the large steering angle or
when the selector lever is moved into position R (e.g. when parking) - no auto-
matic engine shutdown takes place.
The type of braking procedure can influence whether the STOP phase takes place
or not. No STOP phase takes place when the vehicle is moving at low speed (e.g.
during a traffic jam or when tuning) and remains stationary after pressing the
brake pedal lightly. Engine shutdown takes place if you press the brake pedal
down with more force.
Operational conditions of the system
Fig. 114
Instrument cluster display: En-
gine shut down is not currently
available
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 121.
The START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing.
No engine shut down is carried out
Before each STOP phase, the system checks whether certain conditions have
been met. No engine shut down takes place in the following situations.
› The engine has not reached the minimum temperature for START STOP mode.
› The temperature inside the vehicle has not reached the desired temperature
set in the air-conditioning system/heating.
› The external temperature is very low/high.
› The windscreen heater is switched on
» page 52.
› The intensive windscreen heater (Climatronic)
» page 86 or windscreen heater/
ventilation is switched on with the maximum air temperature setting (manual
air conditioning system) » page 85.
› The parking aid/Park Assist is switched on.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The stationary vehicle is on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The idling speed is too high.
The following indicator light 
- » Fig. 114 appears in the instrument cluster dis-
play.
The automatic start procedure takes place again
During the STOP phase, the engine fires up without any active driver intervention,
e.g. in the following situations.
› The vehicle begins to roll, e.g. on a slope.
› The difference between the temperature setting of the air-conditioning sys-
tem/heating and the temperature of the interior is too large.
› The windscreen heater is switched on
» page 52.
› The intensive windscreen heater (Climatronic)
» page 86 or windscreen heater/
ventilation is switched on with the maximum air temperature setting (manual
air conditioning system) » page 85.
› The brake pedal was pressed several times (the pressure in the braking system
is too low).
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The current consumption is too high.
123Assist systems

›Hold the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube with one hand and lock it by turn-
ing the vehicle key to the right and remove the key.›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
›
Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly.
Incorrect refuelling guard on vehicles with diesel engines The fuel filler tube on vehicles with diesel engines has been fitted with a incor-
rect refuelling guard » Fig. 145. This guard means it is only possible to refuel with
the diesel pump nozzle.
If the diesel pump nozzle does not sit directly in the fuel filler tube, move it to and fro with slight pressure to insert it correctly.
CAUTION
■ The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue filling the fuel tank otherwise the expansion volume is filled up.■
Before refuelling, switch off the auxiliary heating system (auxiliary heating and
ventilation).
■
Be careful when filling diesel fuel from the spare canister - danger of contami-
nating the body.
Note
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 50 litres, containing a reserve of approx.
7 litres .
Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 167.
Your vehicle can only be operated with unleaded fuel that complies with the
standard EN 228 (in Germany: standard DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded fuel with
an octane rating of 95 RON and 91 RON or DIN 51626-2 or E5 for unleaded fuel
with the octane rating 95 RON and 98 RON).
Prescribed fuel – unleaded fuel 95/91 RON Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON. Unleaded petrol 91 RON can al-
so be used but results in a slight loss in performance.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol min. 95 RONUse unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON.
In case of necessity, you can refuel with petrol with the octane rating 91 RON if
petrol with the octane rating 95 RON is not available.
Even in the event of an emergency, petrol of a lower octane number than 91 RON
must not be used, otherwise the engine can be severely damaged!
Unleaded petrol with higher octane number
Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the en-
gine can be used without limitations.
On vehicles with prescribed unleaded petrol 95/91 RON, the use of petrol with a
higher octane number than 95 RON does not result in a noticeable power in-
crease or a lower fuel consumption.
On vehicles using prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of petrol
with a higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and reduce
fuel consumption.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol 98/(95) RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 98 RON. Unleaded petrol 95 RON can
also be used but results in a slight loss in performance.
In case of necessity, you can refuel with petrol with the octane rating 91 RON of
unleaded fuel with octane rating 98 RON or 95 RON is not available.
Even in the event of an emergency, petrol of a lower octane number than 91 RON
must not be used, otherwise the engine can be severely damaged!
Fuel additives
Only use unleaded petrol, which complies with the standard EN 228 (in Germany:
standard DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON and 91 RON or DIN 51626-2 or E5 for unleaded fuel with an octane rating of
95 RON and 98 RON), as these meet all of the requirements for fault-free engine operation. We therefore recommend that no fuel additives are used.
CAUTION
■ All ŠKODA vehicles with petrol engines must only be operated with unleaded
petrol. Just filling the tank with leaded petrol once will damage the exhaust sys-
tem!■
If, in an emergency, the vehicle has to be refuelled with petrol of a lower octane
number than the one prescribed, the journey must only be continued at medium
engine speeds and a low engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a high engine
load can severely damage the engine! Refuel using petrol of the prescribed oc-
tane number as soon as possible. 
168General Maintenance

Engine compartment overviewFig. 148
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 169.
Coolant expansion reservoir
174
Engine oil dipstick
172
Engine oil filler opening
173
Brake fluid reservoir
175
Battery (below a cover)
176
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
176
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
123456Checking the engine oil levelFig. 149
Dipstick
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 169.
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine » Fig. 149.
Checking the oil level
›
Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has reached its operating temperature.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil sump and remove
the dipstick.
›
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
›
Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
Oil level within range
A›
No oil must be refilled.
Oil level within range
B›
Oil can be refilled. Afterwards, the oil level can lie in the range
A
.
Oil level within range
C›
Oil must be replenished if the oil level is in the range
B
or lower.
The engine consumes a little 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. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during the
first 5 000 kilometres.
The oil level must be checked at regular intervals. We recommend after each time
you refuel or prior to making a long journey. 
172General Maintenance

We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range A, but not above , if
the engine has been operating at high loads, for example, during a lengthy motor-
way trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high moun- tain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil level is too low » page 15 . Check the oil level using the dipstick as soon as possible. Add
oil accordingly.WARNINGDo not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible  to top up
the engine oil under the prevailing conditions! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
CAUTION
The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range A » Fig. 149 - Risk of
damaging the exhaust system!
Replenishing the engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
›
Check the engine oil level » page 172.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 148 on page 172.
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct specifi-
cations » page 209 .
›
Check the oil level » page 172.
›
Carefully screw on the oil filler opening cap and push the dipstick in fully.

Changing engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or
according to the service interval indicator » page 11.
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil - Risk of serious engine damage!
Damage, which results from such product, are excluded from the warranty.
Note
If your skin has come into contact with oil, it must be washed thoroughly.
Coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 169.
The coolant consists of water with a concentration of coolant additive. This mix-
ture guarantees antifreeze protection, protects the cooling/heater system
against corrosion and prevents the formation of scale.
Vehicles exported to countries with a mild climate are already factory-filled with
a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -25 ℃. In these coun-
tries the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 40 %.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate are already factory-filled with a
coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35 °C. In these coun-
tries the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 50 %.
If a higher concentration of antifreeze is required for climatic reasons, the amount
of coolant additive can only be increased up to a maximum of 60 % (antifreeze
protection down to approx. -40 °C).
When refilling, only use the same antifreeze written on the antifreeze expansion tank » Fig. 150 on page 174. 
173Inspecting and replenishing

Coolant capacity1)Petrol enginesCapacities (in litres)1.2 ltr./63 kW TSI8.91.4 ltr./103 kW TSI10.21.8 ltr./132 kW TSI7.8Diesel enginesCapacities (in litres)1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR8.42.0 l/110 kW TDI CR - MG/DSG11,6 / 11,9
CAUTION
■
The amount of coolant additive in the coolant must never be allowed to be less
than 40 %.■
Over 60 % of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protection
and coolant effectiveness.
■
Other coolant additives that do not comply with the correct specifications can
above all significantly reduce the anticorrosion effect.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can conse-
quently result in major engine damage!

Checking the coolant level
Fig. 150
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Inspecting the coolant level›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle » Fig. 150.
Coolant level within range
A
The level may also rise slightly above the
A
marking when the engine is warm.
›
No coolant must be refilled.
Coolant level within range
A
and
B
When the engine is cold, the coolant level must lie between the
A
and
B
mark-
ings.
›
Coolant can be refilled.
Coolant level within range under
B›
Coolant must be refilled.
When the engine is cold, refill the coolant between the markings
A
and
B
.
If the coolant level in the expansion tank is too low, this will be signalised by the warning light 
illuminating in the instrument cluster » page 15, Coolant temper-
ature/coolant level 
, however we recommend you regularly check the coolant
level in the container directly.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a ŠKODA spe- cialist garage.
WARNING Do not continue your journey, if for some reason it is not possible to top up
the coolant under the prevailing conditions! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a ŠKODA specialist garage. 1)
On vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heater (auxiliary heating and ventilation), the coolant ca-
pacity is approx. 1 l larger.
174General Maintenance