2012 SKODA OCTAVIA coolant level

charging TPMS reset brake sensor jump start terminals load capacity oil capacity

Page 11 of 222

SKODA OCTAVIA 2012 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual Instruments and warning lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
9
Engine revolutions counter
10
Speedometer
10
Coolant temperatu

Page 12 of 222

SKODA OCTAVIA 2012 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual ›Reset trip counter for the distance driven
› Charge level indicator
Fuel gauge » page 10
Fault display
If there is a fault in the instrument cluster, the following message will appear in the di

›Reset trip counter for the distance driven
› Charge level indicator
Fuel gauge » page 10
Fault display
If there is a fault in the instrument cluster, the following message will appear in the display:
Error: Instrument cluster. Workshop!
or INSTRUMENTCLUSTER_WORKSHOP
Ensure the fault is rectified as soon as possible by ŠKODA a specialist garage.

Engine revolutions counter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 9.
The red scale of the rev counter
1
» Fig. 2 on page 9 indicates the range in which
the system begins to limit the engine speed. The system automatically restricts
the engine speed to a steady limit.
You should shift into the next higher gear before the red scale of the revolution counter is reached, or select mode D on the automatic gearbox.
Follow the recommended gear to prevent engine speeds that are too high or too low » page 21 .
For the sake of the environment
Shifting to a higher gear in good time helps to lower fuel consumption, minimises
operating noise levels, protects the environment and contributes to a longer lifeand reliability of the engine.
Speedometer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 9.
7Warning against excessive speeds
An audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h 1)
.
The audible warning signal is switched off when the vehicle speed falls below
this speed limit.
Coolant temperature gauge display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 9.
The coolant temperature gauge
4
» Fig. 2 on page 9 operates only when the ig-
nition is switched on.
The following guidelines regarding the temperature ranges must be observed to avoid any damage to the engine:
Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high
engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves
into the mid-range of the scale, for a normal style of driving. The pointer may also
move further to the right at high engine loads and high outside temperatures.
CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air in-
let impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine
overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads » page 15.
Fuel gauge display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 9.
The fuel gauge
7
» Fig. 2 on page 9 only operates when the ignition is switched
on. 

1)
This function only applies to certain countries.
10Using the system

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 17 of 222

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

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

Page 88 of 222

SKODA OCTAVIA 2012 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual ›Press the button
 again, the warning light underneath the button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution controlC
» Fig. 85 on page 84 is turne

›Press the button
 again, the warning light underneath the button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution controlC
» Fig. 85 on page 84 is turned to position . Recirculated air mode can be
switched on again from this setting by repeatedly pressing the button .
WARNINGDo not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels andalso cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up.

Climatronic (automatic air conditioning system)
Introductory information
The Climatronic in automatic mode ensures the best-possible setting of the tem-
perature of the outflowing air, the blower stage and air distribution.
The system also takes sunlight into account, which eliminates the need to alter
the settings manually.
Recommended setting for all periods of the year:
›
Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22 °C.
›
Press the button AUTO
» Fig. 86 on page 86.
›
Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4 » Fig. 82 on page 82 so that the air flow is
directed slightly upwards.
Cooling conditions
The cooling system only operates if the following conditions are met: › engine running;
› outside temperature above approx. +2 °C;
› 

» Fig. 86 on page 86 switched on.
The AC compressor is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to pro-
vide cooling at a high load of the engine.

Control elementsFig. 86
Climatronic: Control elements
Functions of the individual controls » Fig. 86 :
Adjust the temperature for the left side or for both sides » page 87
Adjust the blower speed » page 88
Adjust the temperature for the right side » page 87
Display the temperature setting for the left side
Display the temperature setting for the right side
Depending on equipment:
Switch the auxiliary heating on/off 

» page 89
Switching off Climatronic OFF
Control the seat heater on the front left seat
» page 62
Air flow to the windows
Air flow to the upper body
Air flow in the footwell Switch automatic air distribution control on/off » page 87
Control the seat heater on the front right seat » page 62
Switch the intensive windscreen heater on/off » page 88
Switch the rear window heater on/off » page 52
Switch the windscreen heater on/off » page 52
Adjust Climatronic in the Infotainment
Switch the temperature setting in Dual mode on/off » page 87
ABC123SETUPDUAL86Using the system

Page 91 of 222

SKODA OCTAVIA 2012 3.G / (5E) Owners Manual ›The engine is also preheated when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is
not running;
› It warms up the coolant by burning fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant
warms up the air, which (if

›The engine is also preheated when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is
not running;
› It warms up the coolant by burning fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant
warms up the air, which (if the blower speed is not set to zero) flows into the passenger compartment.
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively de-
creased (e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).WARNING■ The auxiliary heating must never be operated in closed rooms - risk of poi-
soning!■
The auxiliary heating must not be running during refuelling - risk of fire.
■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of the
vehicle. Therefore, if you wish to operate the auxiliary heating, do not park the vehicle in such a way that the exhaust gases can come into contact with high-
ly flammable materials (e.g. dry grass) or easily inflammable substances (e.g.
spilt fuel).
CAUTION
■ The running auxiliary heater consumes fuel from the vehicle tank and automati-
cally controls the filling level. If only a low quantity of fuel is present in the fuel
tank, the function of the auxiliary heating is blocked.■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the underside of
the vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
■
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running, the vehicle battery discharges.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation has been operated several times over a
longer period, the vehicle must be driven a few kilometres in order to recharge
the vehicle battery.
Note
■ The auxiliary heating only switches the blower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.■
At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water vapour in
the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
■
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of e.g. ice, snow or leaves
to ensure that the auxiliary heating and cooling system operates properly.

Switching on/offFig. 87
Button for switching on/off the system directly on the operating
part of the air conditioning/Climatronic
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 88.
Switching on
Manually using the button on the operating part of
the air conditioning/Climatronic. The warning light in the button lights up.» Fig. 87Manually using the radio remote control.» page 90 Automatically through the configured and activated
departure time.» page 90
Switching off
Manually using the button on the operating part of
the air conditioning/Climatronic. The warning light in the button goes out.» Fig. 87Manually using the radio remote control.» page 90 Automatically when the pre-set departure time is
reached or when the pre-set run time has elapsed.» page 90 Automatically when the indicator light lights up .» page 10 Automatically when the charge state of the vehicle
battery dropped too far.» page 176
After switching the system off, the auxiliary heating will continue running a little
while longer in order to burn the remaining fuel in the auxiliary heater. Exhaust
fumes from the system will thus be directed outside. 
89Heating and air conditioning system

Page 112 of 222

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

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

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

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