2012 SKODA OCTAVIA check engine

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 parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the one
prescribed is used.■
In no case may fuel additives with metal components be used, especially not
with manganese and iron content. Do not use any LRP fuels (lead replacement petrol) with metal parts - risk of serious damage to parts of the engine or exhaust
system!
■
Do not use any fuels with metal parts - risk of serious damage to parts of the
engine or exhaust system!
■
The use of unsuitable fuel additives can cause considerable damage to parts of
the engine or the exhaust system.

Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 167.
Your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel, which complies with the
standard EN 590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in
Austria, GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia).
All diesel engines can be operated with diesel fuel with a maximum content of
7 % bio-fuel (B7), which complies with the standard DIN 52638 in Germany (in
Austria C 1590, in France EN 590).
Operation in winter – Winter-grade diesel fuel In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operateproperly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. The ŠKODA Partners and
filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with information
regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures operation of
a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of -25 °C.
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar products) must not
be added to the diesel fuel.
CAUTION■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!■
Damage caused by using diesel fuel which does not comply with the standards
are excluded from the warranty.
■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that the
fuel system is cleaned by a ŠKODA Partner.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
■
Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must not
be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) can cause considerable damage
to parts of the engine or fuel system.
■
Comply with the proscribed oil change intervals.

Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
171
Engine compartment overview
172
Checking the engine oil level
172
Replenishing the engine oil
173
Changing engine oil
173
Coolant
173
Checking the coolant level
174
Replenishing the coolant
175
Radiator fan
175
Checking the brake fluid
175
Brake fluid change
176
Windscreen washer system
176

169Inspecting and replenishing

WARNINGWhen working in the engine compartment, injuries, scolding, accident or fire
hazards may arise. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warning
instructions stated below and with the general applicable rules of safety. The
engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!■
Before beginning work in the engine compartment, please read the follow-
ing advice. ■ Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■ Firmly apply the handbrake.
■ If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the se- lector lever into position P.
■ Allow the engine to cool.
■ Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
■
While working in the engine compartment, please read the following advice.
■ Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
■ Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■ Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■ The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
■ Avoid contact with the coolant.
■ Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■ Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■ When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot coolant. ■ If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■ Always safely store the coolant additive in its original container out of the
reach of children – risk of poisoning!
■ If coolant is swallowed - consult a doctor immediately.
■ Do not leave any items such as cloths or tools in the engine compartment.
■ Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNING (Continued)■ Whenever working in the engine compartment while the engine is running,
you must pay heed to the following warning instructions. ■Pay particular attention to moving engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, alterna-
tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition unit - danger to life! ■ Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■ Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
battery. ■ Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – hazard! Always remove any jewellery, tie back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.■
The following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be car-
ried out on the fuel or electrical system. ■ Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■ Do not smoke.
■ Never work near open flames.
■ Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
■
Read the information and warning instructions on the fluid containers.
■
Keep fluids in their original containers and keep out of reach of children!
■
If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from roll-
ing away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this – risk of injury!
■
The bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. This is why after
closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to ensure it has engaged
properly.
■
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of an accident!
CAUTION
■ Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!■
Never open the bonnet using the locking lever.
For the sake of the environment
In view of the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids, the specials tools and
knowledge required for such work, we recommend that fluids are changed by a
Škoda Partner as part of the inspection service. 170General 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