2012 SKODA OCTAVIA warning light

SymbolDescriptionReference
START-STOPSystem» page 20Ice warning» page 20WARNING■
Failing to respect active warning lights, their associated descriptions, and
warning messages can lead to major injuries or damage to the vehicle.■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes » page 169, Engine compartment .

Clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG are too hot 
The warning light 
lights up if the temperature of the clutches of the automatic
gearbox is too high.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's manual!
or STOP VEHICLE GEARBOX OVERHEAT
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the light 
goes out – risk
of gearbox damage! You can continue your journey as soon as the light goes out.

Handbrake 
The warning light 
comes on if the handbrake is applied. An acoustic signal will
sound if you drive the vehicle above 5 km/h while the handbrake is still on.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Release the handbrake!
or RELEASE HANDBRAKE

Brake system 
The warning light  illuminates if the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Brake fluid: owner's manual!
or BRAKE FLUID PLEASE CHECK
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 175 »
.
WARNING■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 49.■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 17 , Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■
A fault to the braking system can increase the vehicle's braking distance -
risk of accident!

Seat belt warning light, front 
The warning light 
comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt.
The warning light goes out if the driver or front passenger has fastened their seat
belt.
The warning light 
flashes and at the same time an acoustic warning signal
sounds when the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and
the speed of the vehicle exceeds 30 km/h.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
approx. 2 seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light 
lights up permanently.
Further information » page 142, Seat belts .

14Using the system

Seat belt warning light, rear  
A rear seat belt is not fastenedA rear seat belt is fastened
The warning lights  or  come on after the ignition has been switched on.
When the seat belt is fastened/unfastened, the particular warning light lights up briefly and indicates the current belt status!
Further information » page 142, Seat belts .

Dynamo 
The warning light 
lights up when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage to have the electrical system checked
out.
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 49.
CAUTION
If the warning light  (cooling system fault) comes on in addition to the warning
light  when driving, stop the vehicle immediately and switch the engine off –
there is a risk of engine damage!
Coolant temperature/coolant level 
If the warning light 
lights up, this means the coolant temperature is too high.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Check coolant! Owner's manual!
or ENGINE COOLANT PLEASE CHECK
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant » page 174,
and refill the coolant if necessary » page 175.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the radia-
tor fan, replace if necessary » page 201, Fuses in the engine compartment .
Do not continue driving if the warning light   does not go off even though the
coolant level is correct and the fuse for the fan is in working order!
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.WARNING■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 49.■
Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cooling
system is pressurized – risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the engine
to cool down before removing the cap.
■
Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off.

Engine oil  
The warning light 
flashes (low oil pressure)
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Oil pressure: Stop! Owner's manual!
or STOP VEHICLE OIL PRESSURE
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 172 , Checking the engine oil level .
Even if the oil level is correct, 
do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing! Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
The indicator light 
lights up (oil quantity too low)
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Check oil level! 
15Instruments and warning lights

orCHECK OIL LEVEL
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 172 .
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.
The indicator light  flashes (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Oil sensor: workshop!
or
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes 
several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.WARNING■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 49.■
Do 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.

Power steering  
If the warning light 
lights up, this indicates a partial failure of the power steer-
ing and the steering forces can be greater. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage.
If the warning light 
lights up, this indicates a complete failure of the power
steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering forces).
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 93.
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 49.
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. If the yellow warning light  does not go out after start-
ing the engine again and a short drive, it is necessary to visit a ŠKODA specialist
garage.
Traction control system (TCS) 
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 112 .
The warning light flashes 
to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the ASR.
If the warning light 
comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ASR
can be switched off for technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on again. If
the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on, the ASR
is fully functional again.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Error: traction control
or
ASR ERROR
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 112 and » page 113 , Traction control system (TCS) .
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance.
16Using the system

Traction control (TCS) switched off
When the warning light  is lit, this means the ASR is switched off.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Traction control (TCS) deactivated.
or ASR OFF
Further information » page 113, Traction control system (TCS) .

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
A flashing warning light 
shows that the ESC system is currently operating.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the ESC system.
If the warning light 
comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESC
system can be switched off for technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on
again. If the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on,
the ESC system is fully functional again.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Error: stabilisation control (ESC)
or
ESC ERROR
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 112, Stabilisation Control (ESC) .
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on the ignition. If the warning light does not go out
after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in the ESC system.
Antilock brake system (ABS) 
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Error: ABS
or
ABS ERROR
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. Further information » page 113, Antilock brake system (ABS) .WARNING■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 49.■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light , 
do not continue your journey! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – risk of accident!

The rear fog light 
The warning light 
comes on when the rear fog lights are operating » page 48.

Bulb failure 
The warning light 
comes on if a bulb is faulty:
› within 2 seconds of the ignition being switched on;
› when switching on the defective light bulb.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Check right dipped headlight beam!
or DIPPED HEADLIGHT CHECK RIGHT

Exhaust inspection system 
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the exhaust inspection system.
The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode. 
17Instruments and warning lights

Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Glow plug system  (diesel engine)
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. Once the
light has gone out, the engine can be started immediately.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light  does not come on
at all or lights up continuously .
If the warning light  begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.

EPC  fault light (petrol engine)
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the engine control. The engine
control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.

Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
The diesel particulate filter separates the soot particles from the exhaust. The soot particles collect in the diesel particulate filter where they are burnt on a reg-
ular basis.
If the warning light 
lights up, soot has accumulated in the diesel particulate
filter.
In order to clean the diesel particulate filter, and where traffic conditions per-
mit »
, the vehicle should be driven at an even speed of at least 60 km/h at en-
gine speeds of 1 800 - 2 500 rpm for at least 15 minutes or until the warning light
goes out with the 4th or 5th gear engaged (automatic gearbox: position S).
The warning light 
goes out after the diesel particulate filter has been success-
fully cleaned.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light 
does not go out and the
warning light 
begins to flash.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Diesel particulate filter: owner's manual!
orDIESEL PM FILTER OWNER MANUAL
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.WARNING■ The diesel particle filter achieves very high temperatures. Therefore do not
park in areas where the hot filter can come into direct contact with dry grass
or other combustible materials – there is the risk of fire!■
Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The recommendations indicated by the warning light must not tempt
you to disregard the national regulations for road traffic.
CAUTION
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an in-
creased fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the
engine.
Note
■ To assist the combustion process of the soot particles, we recommend that reg-
ularly driving over short distances should be avoided.■
Using diesel fuel with an increased sulphur content can considerably reduce the
life of the diesel particle filter. A ŠKODA specialist garage will be able to tell you
which countries use only diesel fuel with high sulphur content.

Fuel reserve 
When the warning light  is lit, this means there is a fuel reserve of under around
7 litres left.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Please refuel. Range: ... km
or PLEASE REFUEL 
18Using the system

NoteThe text in the information display goes out after refuelling and driving a short
distance.
Safety systems
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the airbag or pedestrian protec-
tion system.
Airbag system
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Error: airbag
or AIRBAG ERROR
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
The following applies if one of the airbags or the belt tensioner was switched
off with the diagnostic equipment:
The warning light 
lights up for approx. 4 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes again for approx. 12 seconds.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated.
or AIRBAG/BELT TENSIONER OFF
The following applies if the front passenger airbag has been switched off using the key switch in the storage compartment:
› The indicator light

comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on;
› The warning light

in the display 



in the middle of the dash
panel lights up after switching on the ignition » page 151.
Passenger protection system The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Error: pedestrian protection
or
PASSENGER PROTECTION SYSTEM ERROR
Further information » page 153.WARNINGIf there is a fault in the safety system, have it checked immediately by a
ŠKODA specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the systems not being
activated in the event of an accident.

Tyre pressure 
The warning light 
lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres » page 181.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the system.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. Further information » page 185, Tyre control display .
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on the ignition. If the warning light does not go out
after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in the system. Seek
help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Windscreen washer fluid level 
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light 
comes on. Top
up with washer fluid.
Top up with liquid » page 176.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Top up washer fluid!
or
WASHER FLUID PLEASE TOP UP

19Instruments and warning lights

Brake pad thickness 
If the indicator light  is lit, the brake pads are worn.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Check brake wear!
or BRAKE PADS PLEASE CHECK
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.

Lane Assist  
The warning lights 

indicates the state of the Lane Assist system.
Further information » page 126.

Turn signal system  
Either the left 
or right 
indicator light flashes depending on the position of
the control lever.
If a turn signal light fails, the warning light flashes at twice its normal rate. This
does not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Further information » page 45, Turn signal and main beam light .

Trailer turn signal lights 
If the indicator light 
flashes, the trailer turn signal lights are activated.
If a trailer is hitched and the warning light 
is not flashing, one of the trailer turn
signal lights has failed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Trailer: check left turn signal!
or TRAILER TURN SIG_ CHECK LEFT
The trailer must be unhitched properly » page 106
, Towing a trailer .
Fog lights
The warning light  comes on when the fog lights are operating » page 48.

Speed regulating system 
The warning light  comes on when the cruise control is operating » page 119.

Selector lever lock 
If the warning light 
lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, to be
able to move the selector lever from position P or N » page 131 .

Main beam 
The warning light 
comes on when the main beam or headlight flasher are se-
lected » page 45 .

Headlight assist 
The warning light 
comes on when Headlight assist is operating.
Further information » page 47, Headlight assist .

START STOP system  
The warning lights 

indicates the state of the START STOP system.
Further information » page 121.

Ice warning 
The warning light 
draws your attention to the risk of ice.
Further information » page 21.

20Using the system

Information system
Introductory information
The information system provides the driver with alerts and messages about indi-
vidual vehicle systems. These alerts and messages appear in the display of the in- strument cluster
2
» Fig. 2 on page 9.
The following is displayed in the information system:
› The outside temperature
» page 21;
› Recommended gear
» page 21;
› Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
» page 21;
› Eco tips
» page 21 ;
› Service Interval Display
» page 11;
› Auto Check Control
» page 12
› some warning lights
» page 12;
› Driving data
» page 22;
› Warning against excessive speeds
» page 24
› Data on the information display
» page 25;
› Traffic sign recognition
» page 25;
› Fatigue detection system
» page 27;
› Selector lever positions for an automatic gearbox
» page 130;
› Information and alerts in the Assist systems
» page 112.

Outside temperature
The current outside temperature is indicated in the display of the instrument cluster.
If the outside temperature drops below +4 °C while driving, a snow flake symbol
(warning signal for ice on the road) appears before the temperature indicator and
an audible signal will sound.
If the outside temperature is less than +4 °C when the ignition is turned on, a
snow flake symbol appears in the display and an acoustic signal sounds. After
pressing the rocker switch
A
or the adjustment wheel
D
» Fig. 3 on page 22,
the function shown last is indicated.
WARNINGEven at temperatures around +4 °C, black ice may still be on the road surface!
Do not only rely upon the information given on the outside temperature dis-
play that there is no ice on the road.

Recommended gear
In order to minimise the fuel consumption, a recommendation for shifting into an- other gear is indicated in the display.
Information about the currently-selected gear is shown in the upper part of the
display. When the system determines that a change in gear is required, the arrow
symbol 
and the recommended gear appears next to the current gear indication.
For instance, if 


appears in this display, this means it is recommended that
you shift from 3rd into 4th gear.
WARNINGThe driver is always responsible for selecting the correct gear in different driv-
ing situations, such as overtaking.

Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
If at least one door is open, or the boot or bonnet is open, the instrument cluster
display indicates the relevant open door or boot/bonnet.
An acoustic signal will also sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h.

Eco tips
To minimise fuel consumption, fuel economy tips can appear in the display.
Eco tips are indicated next to the letters ECO-TIP.
For instance, if the air-condition is on and a window is open, the following mes- sage appears ECO TIP Air conditioning switched on: close windows.
Eco tips display must be activated in the Infotainment » operating instructions for
Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings .

21Information system