2012 SKODA OCTAVIA brake fluid

dead battery open trunk clutch MPG keyless entry turn signal height adjustment

Page 15 of 222

SKODA OCTAVIA 2012 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual SymbolDescriptionReferenceClutches of the automatic gearbox DSG aretoo hot» page 14Handbrake» page 14Brake system» page 14Seat belt warning light, front» page 14
Seat belt warn

Page 16 of 222

SKODA OCTAVIA 2012 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual SymbolDescriptionReference
START-STOPSystem» page 20Ice warning» page 20WARNING■
Failing to respect active warning lights, their associated descriptions, and
warning messages can lead to

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

Page 99 of 222

SKODA OCTAVIA 2012 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual Emergency start-up of the engineFig. 92
Emergency start-up of engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 95.
If the authorisation check for the key fails

Emergency start-up of the engineFig. 92
Emergency start-up of engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 95.
If the authorisation check for the key fails,the following message appears in the
instrument cluster display:
Key not detected.
or
NO KEY
The emergency start-up must be completed.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 92 and then hold the key to the starter button;
or
›
press the starter button directly with the key.
Note
During an emergency start-up of the engine, the key bit must face the starter
button » Fig. 92 .
Switching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 95.
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Switch off the engine by pressing the starter button » Fig. 91 on page 95, doing
so switches off the ignition at the same time.

Brakes
Information for braking
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns and
over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If operated un-
der severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must be checked by a
ŠKODA specialist garage between service appointments as well.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 14, Brake system 
.
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. 
97Starting-off and Driving

Page 171 of 222

SKODA OCTAVIA 2012 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual ■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 i

■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

Page 172 of 222

SKODA OCTAVIA 2012 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual 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 th

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

Page 174 of 222

SKODA OCTAVIA 2012 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual 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
Engin

Page 177 of 222

SKODA OCTAVIA 2012 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual 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.

Re

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

Page 178 of 222

SKODA OCTAVIA 2012 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual 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.
E

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

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