2012 SKODA OCTAVIA battery

Seat belts142Seat belts142
Airbag system
146
Description of the airbag system
146
Front airbags
147
Driver’s knee airbag
148
Side airbags
149
Head airbags
150
Deactivating airbags
151
Passenger protection system
153
Introductory information
153
Activating the system
153
Transporting children safely
154
Child seat
154
General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle
159
Taking care of your vehicle
159
Accessories, changes and replacement of
parts
165
Inspecting and replenishing
167
Fuel
167
Engine compartment
169
Vehicle battery
176
Wheels
181
Tyres and wheel rims
181
Do-it-yourself
Do-it-yourself
188
First-aid kit and warning triangle
188
Fire extinguisher
188
Vehicle tool kit
188
Changing a wheel
189
Tyre repair
192Jump-starting195Towing the vehicle196
Fuses and light bulbs
199
Fuses
199
Bulbs
202
Technical data
Technical data
207
Introductory information
207
Vehicle identification data
207
Dimensions
208
Specifications and engine oil capacity
209
Vehicle-specific information depending on engine type
210
Index
4Table of Contents

Instruments and warning lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
9
Engine revolutions counter
10
Speedometer
10
Coolant temperature gauge display
10
Fuel gauge display
10
Counter for distance driven
11
Setting the time
11
Display the charge level of the vehicle battery
11
Service Interval Display
11WARNING■ Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.■
Never operate the button in the instrument cluster while driving, only when
the vehicle is stationary!

OverviewFig. 2
Instrument cluster
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 9.
Revolutions counter with warning lights » page 10
Display:
› With counter for distance driven
» page 11
› With service interval display
» page 11
› With digital clock
» page 11
› With multifunction display
» page 22
› With information display
» page 25
› with warning lights
» page 12
Speedometer 1)
with warning lights » page 10
Coolant temperature gauge » page 10
Bar with warning lights » page 12
Button for: › Set hours/minutes
› Service intervals display – Display of the number of days and kilometres
remaining until the next Service event
› Resetting Service Interval Display

1234561)
During the journey, the speed can be displayed in a different unit (mph or km/h) in addition to the
tachometer display.
9Instruments and warning lights

The fuel tank has a capacity of about 50 litres. The warning light lights up whenthe pointer reaches the reserve marking » page 18 .
CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! An irregular supply of fuel can
lead to irregular engine running. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system
and damage the catalytic converter.
Note
The arrow  next to the icon  within the fuel gauge displays the installation lo-
cation of the fuel filler on the right side of the vehicle.
Counter for distance driven
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 9.
Daily trip counter (trip)
The daily trip counter shows the distance driven since the time the counter was
last reset - in steps of 100 m.
The daily trip counter can be reset by briefly pressing the button
6
» Fig. 2 on
page 9.
Odometer
The odometer indicates the total distance which the vehicle has been driven.

Setting the time
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 9.
›
Press the button
6
» Fig. 2 on page 9 and keep it pressed down until the Time
appears.
›
Release the button
6
- the currently set time is displayed.
›
Press the button
6
again and set the hours.
›
Wait around 4 seconds - the system switches to the minutes setting.
›
Press the button
6
again and set the minutes.
The time can also be set in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotain-
ment , chapter Unit setup .

Display the charge level of the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 9.
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Press the button
6
» Fig. 3 on page 22 and keep it pressed down until Battery
status /BATTERY appears.
›
Release the button
6
- the current charge level of the vehicle battery is dis-
played in %.

Service Interval Display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 9.
Service message
Before reaching the service interval, the icon 
appears in the display after the
ignition is switched on, together with the message:
Service in ... km or ... day(s).
or SERVICE IN... km OR ... DAYS
The kilometre indicator or the days indicator reduces in steps of 100 km or, where
applicable, days until the service due date is reached.
Once the service interval is reached, the icon 
appears in the display after the
ignition is switched on, together with the message:
Service now!
or SERVICE NOW
Displaying the distance and days until the next service interval › Switch on the ignition.
› Press the button
6

» Fig. 2 on page 9 and keep it pressed down until Service
appears.
› Release the button
6
.
The icon 
appears in the display, together with the message:
Service in ... km or ... day(s). 
11Instruments and warning lights

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

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

›Average speed
› Driving time
Since start
The memory collates the driving information from the moment the ignition is
switched on until it is switched off. New data will also flow into the calculation of
the current driving information if the trip is continued within 2 hours after
switching off the ignition. If the trip is interrupted for more than 2 hours, the
memory is automatically erased.
Long-term
The memory gathers driving information from any number of individual journeys
up to a total of 99 hours and 59 minutes driving or 9 999 kilometres driven. The
memory is deleted when either of these limits is reached and the calculation
starts all over again.
Since refuel
The memory gathers driving information since the last refuelling. The memory is erased automatically the next time you fill up.
Note
Disconnecting the vehicle battery will delete all memory data.
Multifunction display details
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 22.
Range
The range indicates the distance you can still drive with your vehicle based on the
level of fuel in the tank and the same style of driving as before.
The display is shown in steps of 10 km. After lighting up of the indicator light 
the display is shown in steps of 5 km.
The fuel consumption over the last 50 km is used to calculate the range. Therange can increase if you drive in a more fuel-efficient manner.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption 1)
is calculated since the last time the memory was
erased » page 22 .
If you wish to determine the average fuel consumption over a certain period of
time, you must set the memory at the start of the new measurement to zero » Fig. 3 on page 22. After erasing the memory, no fuel consumption data will
appear for the first 100 m driven.
The fuel consumption data is updated regularly while you are driving.
Current fuel consumption
You can use this information to adapt your driving style to the desired fuel con-
sumption 1)
.
The display appears in litres/hour if the vehicle is stationary or driving at a low
speed 2)
.
Oil temperature
If the engine oil temperature is in the range 80-110 °C, the engine operating tem-
perature is reached.
If the temperature lies below 80 °C or above 110 °C, avoid high engine revs, full
throttle and high engine loads.
If the oil temperature is lower than 50 °C or if a fault in the system for checking
the oil temperature is present, 
are displayed instead of the oil temperature.
Warning against excessive speeds
Setting the speed limit, e.g. for the intra-urban top speed » page 24.
Traffic sign recognition
In the display, up to three detected traffic signs can be displayed, which provide
information about the following:
› Maximum speed (including additional sign);
› Overtaking prohibited.
Further information » page 25, Traffic sign recognition .
Current driving speed
The current speed is identical to the display on the speedometer 3
» Fig. 2 on
page 9. 
1)
To set the units for the fuel consumption display
» Bedienungsanleitung Infotainment, chapter Unit
setup .
2)
On some models in certain countries, the display appears in --,- kilometres/litres if the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
23Information system