2012 SKODA OCTAVIA check engine

CAUTION■Do not fill the coolant above the mark A » Fig. 150 .■If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a ŠKODA Part-
ner, otherwise serious engine damage may occur.

Replenishing the coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 169.
Only refill with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir and unscrew the
cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an emergency. In this case, just use water and have the correct mixing ratio of water
and the coolant additive restored by a ŠKODA specialist garage as soon as possi-
ble.

Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
After switching off the ignition, the fan can intermittently continue to operate for
approx. 10 minutes.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.

Checking the brake fluidFig. 151
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 151. The level must be be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear and automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light 
lighting
up in the instrument cluster » page 14, Brake system 
.
WARNINGIf the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking,  do not continue your
journey - risk of accident! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.

175Inspecting and replenishing

Brake fluid changeFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake sys-
tem.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications: › VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.
WARNINGDo not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired - risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is replaced as part of a proscribed Inspection service carried out by
a ŠKODA Partner.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 152
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoirFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the head-
light cleaning system.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 4.7 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights.
We recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner from
the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze)
which is capable of removing stubborn dirt.
In Winter, the washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze even if the
vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration is sufficient
only to -5 °C.
CAUTION
■ Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added to
the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning products
which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be added
to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
plenishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be conta-
minated, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction.

Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Battery cover
178
Checking the battery electrolyte level
179
Charging a vehicle battery
179


176General 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

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

NoteImmediately replace the wheel that was repaired using the breakdown kit or con-
sult a ŠKODA specialist garage about repair possibilities.
Breakdown kit
Fig. 166
Components of the breakdown kit
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 192.
The kit is located in a box under the floor covering in the luggage compartment.
Explanation of graphic Valve remover
Sticker with speed designation “max. 80 km/h”
Inflation hose with plug
Air compressor
Tyre inflation hose
Tyre inflation pressure indicator
Air release valve
ON and OFF switch
12 volt cable connector
Tyre inflator bottle with sealing agent
Replacement valve core
1234567891011The valve remover 1 has a slot at its lower end which fits into the valve core.
This is the only way in which you can remove and re-install the valve core from
the tyre valve. The same also applies to the replacement valve core 11
.
Note
■ Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the breakdown kit.■A new bottle of sealant can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Parts.

Preparing to use the breakdown kit
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 192.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the breakdown
kit.
›
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as flat and firm a surface as possible.
›
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 require-ments must be observed.
›
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.
›
Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit » page 192.
›
If a trailer is connected, remove it.
›
Remove the breakdown kit from the luggage compartment.
›
Stick the sticker
2
» Fig. 166 on page 193 on the dash panel in view of the driv-
er.
›
Unscrew the valve cap.
›
Use the valve remover
1
to unscrew the valve core and place it on a clean sur-
face (rag, paper, etc.).

193Do-it-yourself

Sealing and inflating tyresFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 192.
Sealing
›
Forcefully shake the tyre inflator bottle
10
» Fig. 166 on page 193 several times.
›
Firmly screw the inflation hose
3
onto the tyre inflator bottle
10
clockwise.
The film on the cap is pierced automatically.
›
Remove the plug from the inflation hose
3
and plug the open end fully onto
the tyre valve.
›
Hold the bottle
10
with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflator bottle into the tyre.
›
Remove the empty tyre inflator bottle from the valve.
›
Screw the valve core back into the tyre valve using the valve remover
1
.
Inflating
›
Screw the tyre inflation hose
5
» Fig. 166 on page 193 of the air compressor
firmly onto the tyre valve.
›
Check that the air release valve
7
is closed.
›
Start the engine and run it in idle.
›
Plug the connector
9
into 12 Volt socket » page 71.
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
8
.
›
Allow the air compressor to run until a pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved. Max-
imum run time of 8 minutes » !
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
5
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent to
“distribute” in the tyre.
›
Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose
5
back onto the tyre valve and repeat the
inflation process.
›
If you cannot reach the required tyre inflation pressure here either, this means
the tyre has sustained too much damage. You cannot seal with tyre with the breakdown kit »
.
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
Remove the tyre inflation hose
5
from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar is achieved, continue the journey at
a maximum speed of 80 km/h.
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes » page 194.
WARNING■
During inflation, the tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot- risk
of injury!■
Do not place the hot tyre inflation hose or hot air compressor on flammable
materials – risk of fire!
■
If you cannot inflate the tyre to at least 2.0 bar, this means the damage sus-
tained was too serious. The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre. 
Do not drive the vehicle. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage!
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest – danger of
overheating! Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before switching it
on again.
Check after driving for 10 minutes
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 192.
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes!
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or less:
›
 Do not drive the vehicle! You cannot properly seal with tyre with the break-
down kit.
›
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or more:
›
Adjust the tyre inflation pressure to the correct value (see inside of fuel filler cap).
›
Continue driving carefully to the nearest ŠKODA specialist garage at a maximum
speed of 80 km/h.

194Do-it-yourself

Fuses and light bulbs
Fuses
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Fuses in the dash panel
200
Fuses in the engine compartment
201
Individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses.
› Switch off the ignition and the appropriate consumer before changing a fuse.
› Find out which fuse belongs to the component that is not operat-
ing » page 200 , Fuses in the dash panel or » page 201 , Fuses in the engine
compartment .
› Take the plastic clip located under the cover of the fuse box in the engine com-
partment, insert into the fuse and remove it » Fig. 173 on page 201.
› A blown fuses is recognisable by the molten metal strip. Replace the faulty fuse
with a new one of the same amperage.
The plastic clip can be found underneath the cover of the fuse box in the engine
compartment » Fig. 173 on page 201.
Electrically adjustable seats are protected by automatic circuit breakers, which
switch on again automatically after a few seconds after the overload has been
eliminated.
Colour coding of fuses
ColourMaximum amperagelight brown5dark brown7.5red10blue15yellow/blue20white25green/pink30orange/green40red50WARNINGAlways read and observe the warnings before completing any work in the en-
gine compartment » page 169.
CAUTION
■
Have the electrical system checked as quickly as possible by a ŠKODA specialist
garage if a newly inserted fuse blows again after a short time.■
The cover for the fuse box in the engine compartment must always be applied
correctly. If the cover is not replaced properly, water may get into the fuse box -
risk of vehicle damage!
■
Never repair fuses and also do not replace them with a fuse of a higher amper-
age - risk of fire! A different electrical system could be damaged.
Note
■ We recommend always carrying replacement fuses in the vehicle. A box of re-
placement fuses can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Accessories.■
Multiple fuses may exist for a single power consuming device.
■
Multiple power consuming devices can share a single fuse.

199Fuses and light bulbs