2012 SKODA OCTAVIA cooling

›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

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

WARNING■Do not place anything on the dash panel. These objects might slide or fall
down when driving (when accelerating or cornering) and may distract you
from concentrating on the traffic - risk of accident!■
When driving, ensure that no objects from the centre console or from other
storage compartments can get into the driver's footwell. You would then no
longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or accelerator – risk of accident!

Storage compartment on the front passenger side
Fig. 65
Dash panel: Open storage compartment/control cooling of storage
compartment
A pen and credit card holder is provided in the stowage compartment. Open/close
›
Pull the handle of the flap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 65 – 
and fold
down the flap.
›
Lift the lid upwards until it clicks into place.
Cooling
›
Use the rotary switch » Fig. 65 – 
to open/close the air supply.
Opening the air supply when the air conditioning system is switched on allows
cooled air to flow into the storage compartment.
Opening the air inlet when the air conditioning system is on causes fresh or inte-rior air to flow into the storage compartment.
We recommend closing the air supply if it is operated in heating mode or the cool-ing system for the storage compartment is not being used.WARNINGThe storage compartment must always be closed when driving for safety rea-
sons.
Note
When the stowage compartment is opened, a light lights up.
Storage compartment on the driver's side
Fig. 66
Dash panel: Storage compart-
ment on the driver's side
Open/close
›
Raise the handle
A
» Fig. 66 and open out the compartment in the direction of
the arrow.
›
Swivel the lid against the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place.
WARNINGThe storage compartment must always be closed when driving for safety rea-
sons.

73Seats and Stowage

Heating and air conditioning system
Heating and air conditioning system
Introductory information
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The well-being of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of
this particularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling ef-fect.
Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode for the air-condi- tioning system » page 85 or for Climatronic » page 87.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of e.g. ice, snow or leaves to ensure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is not a leak!
WARNINGFor your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the windows
are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about how to cor-
rectly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to demist and defrost
the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
Note
■ The used air streams out through the vents in the luggage compartment.■We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the in-
terior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning sys- tem. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is oper-ating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (re-
placement of compressor).

Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the engine when in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the inte- rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to al-low the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window is open.
For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also reduced when fuel is saved » page 101, Economical
and environmentally friendly driving .
Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry » page 200 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 10.
If you are not able to resolve the operational fault yourself, or if the cooler output has reduced, switch off the cooling system and get assistance from a ŠKODA Spe- cialist garage.

81Heating and air conditioning system

We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 3 » Fig. 82 on page 82 in the
opened position.
Recirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
Switching on/off
›
Press the button  and the warning light underneath the button illuminates.
›
Press the button  again, the warning light underneath the button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution control
C
» Fig. 84 on page 83 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.

Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system)
Introductory information
The cooling system only operates if the button 

» Fig. 85 on page 84 is press-
ed, and the following conditions are met:
› engine running;
› outside temperature above approx. 2
℃;
› blower switch switched on (positions 1-6).
Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow out of
the vents when the cooling system is switched on. Lengthy and uneven distribu-
tion of the air flow out of the vents and large differences in temperature, for ex-
ample when getting out of the vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons.
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the
cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected.
Note
We recommend that you have the air conditioning system cleaned by a ŠKODA
specialist garage once every year.
Control elements
Fig. 85
Air conditioning: Control elements
Functions of the individual controls » Fig. 85 :
Set the temperature (turn to the left: Turn to the right to reduce the tem-
perature: increase temperature)
Set the blower stage (stage 0: Blower off, stage 6: the highest blower stage)
Set the direction of the air outlet » page 82
Depending on equipment:
Switch the windscreen heater on/off 

» page 52
Switch the auxiliary heating on/off 
» page 89
Switch the cooling system on/off (The indicator light in or underneath the
button lights up/goes out)
Switch the rear window heater on/off » page 52
Open/close the fresh air supply » page 85 
ABC184Using the system

NoteThe warning light in the button  lights after activation, even if not all of the
conditions for the function of the cooling system have been met » page 84, Intro-
ductory information . By lighting up of the warning light in the button, the opera-
tional readiness of the cooling system is signalled.
Setting the air conditioning system
Recommended basic settings of the control elements of the air conditioning system for the respective operating modes:Set-upSetting of the control dial » Fig. 85 on page 84Button » Fig. 85 on page 84Air outlet vents 4 » Fig. 82
on page 82ABCDefrost/defog windscreen and
side windows a)Desired tempera-
ture4-6Automatically
switched on b)Do not switch onOpen and align with the side
windowRapid heatingTo the right up tothe stop4-6Switched offBriefly switch onOpeningComfortable heatingDesired tempera-
ture1-4

Switched offDo not switch onOpeningRapid coolingTo the left up to
the stopbriefly 6, then 2 - 3ActivatedAutomatically switched
onc)OpeningComfortable coolingDesired tempera-
ture1-3

 d)ActivatedDo not switch onOpeningFresh air mode – ventilationTo the left up to
the stopDesired position

 d)Switched offDo not switch onOpeninga)
We recommend that you do not use this setting in countries with high humidity levels. This can result in heavy cooling of the window glass and the following fogging from outside.
b)
Automatic activation can be switched off by pressing the button

» Fig. 85 on page 84.
c)
Automatic activation can be switched off by pressing the button 
» Fig. 85 on page 84.
d)
Warmer air is directed to the footwell than to the upper part of the body.
We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 3 » Fig. 82 on page 82 in the
opened position.
Recirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
Switching on/off›
Press the button  and the warning light underneath the button illuminates.

85Heating and air conditioning system

›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

Switch automatic mode on/off » page 87
Switch the cooling system on/off » page 87
Note
The interior temperature sensor is located between the buttons  and SETUP.
Do not stick anything on or cover the sensor, otherwise it could have an unfav-
ourable effect on the Climatronic.
Automatic mode
Automatic mode works in three modes - weak, medium, and intensive.
Information on the setting » Bedienungsanleitung Infotainment, chapter Addi-
tional functions (CAR button) .
Switching on
›
Set the temperature between +16 °C and +29 °C using the control dials
A
and
C
» Fig. 86 on page 86.
›
Press the button AUTO and the indicator light in the button illuminates.
Switching off
›
Press any button for the air distribution or increase/reduce the blower speed.
After the Climatronic is switched on, it works in the last selected mode. The currently selected mode is displayed in the Infotainment display.Climatronic is set to the medium setting by default.
Note
We recommend that you adjust the air outlet vents 3 and 4 » Fig. 82 on page 82,
so that the air flow is directed slightly upwards.
Switch cooling system on/off
›
Press the button  and the indicator light in the button illuminates.
›
Pressing the button
 again switches off the cooling system - the indicator
light in the button goes out.
After the cooling system is switched off, only the ventilation function remains ac-
tive whereby the minimum temperature that can be reached is the outside tem-
perature.
AUTOSetting temperature
The interior temperature for the left and right side can be set separately or to-
gether.
For both sides›
Turn the control dial
A
» Fig. 86 on page 86 to the left or right to increase or
decrease the temperature.
The warning light in the button DUAL
goes out.
For the right side
›
Turn the control dial
C
» Fig. 86 on page 86 to the left or right to increase or
decrease the temperature.
The indicator light lights up in the DUAL
button.
If the indicator light in the button DUAL
is illuminated, the temperature for both
sides cannot be set with the control dial
A
. This function can be restored by
pressing the button DUAL. The warning light in the button goes out.
The interior temperature can be set between +16 ℃ and +29 ℃. The interior tem-
perature is regulated automatically within this range.
If a temperature lower than +16 ℃ is selected, a blue symbol lights up on the con-
trol dial.
If a temperature higher than +29 ℃ is selected, a red symbol lights up on the con-
trol dial.
At both end positions, Climatronic runs at maximum cooling/heating output and
the temperature is automatically not regulated.
CAUTION
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when getting
out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold.
Automatic recirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode largely prevents polluted air from outside the vehicle get- ting into the vehicle, for example, when driving through a tunnel or when stand-
ing in a traffic jam. 
87Heating and air conditioning system