2013 SKODA OCTAVIA ignition

Engine compartment overviewFig. 182
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 215.
Coolant expansion reservoir
222
Engine oil dipstick
220
Engine oil filler opening
221
Brake fluid reservoir
223
Battery (below a cover)
224
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
218
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 215.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.
123456WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan can intermittently continue to operate
for approx. 10 minutes.

Windscreen washer system
Fig. 183
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 215.
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-
lights.
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. 
218General Maintenance

WARNING■When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive gas
mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is on.■
Creating a bridge between the poles on the battery (e.g. with a metal object
or cable) creates a short circuit - risk of melting the lead bars, and risk of ex-
plosion, battery fire and acid splashes.
■
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the engine,
the ignition and all electrical components and disconnect the negative termi-
nal (-) on the battery.
CAUTION
Improper handling of the battery can lead to damage occurring. We recommend
having all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The vehicle battery must only be disconnected if the ignition is switched off,
otherwise the vehicle's electrical system (electronic components) can be dam-
aged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system, first of all dis-
connect the negative terminal (-) of the battery, followed by the positive terminal
(+).■
When connecting the battery to the electrical system, first of all connect the
positive terminal (+) of the battery, followed by the negative terminal (-). Under no
circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly – risk of a cable fire.
■
Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk of
damage to the paintwork.
■
Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle battery
housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
■
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge. This is because certain electrical components consume electricity (e. g.
control units) also in idle state. Prevent the battery from discharging by discon-
necting the battery's negative terminal (-) or continuously charging the battery
with a very low charging current.
■
If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery will
not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge.
For the sake of the environmentA vehicle battery that has been removed is a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations.
Note
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
Opening the cover
Fig. 187
Engine compartment: Polyester
cover of vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 224.
The battery is located in the engine compartment - in some models, underneath apolyester cover » Fig. 187.
›
Fold out the cover on the battery in the direction of the arrow.
The battery cover is installed in reverse order.
The edge of the polyester battery cover is inserted between the battery and the
side wall of the battery cover when working on the battery.

225Inspecting and replenishing

Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 188
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 224.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 188, 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.
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 that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist ga-
rage, 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 specialist garage before the start of the winter.
CAUTIONFor technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte lev- el cannot be checked.
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Charging
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 224.
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 the
device.
›
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. 
226General Maintenance

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 244, Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP
system .
Note
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be rapid charged by a specialist
garage.
Replacing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 224.
When replacing a battery, the new vehicle battery must have the same capacity,
voltage, amperage and be the same size. Suitable vehicle battery types can be
purchased from a specialist garage.
We recommend having the battery replaced by a specialist garage, where the
new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be dis-
posed of in accordance with national regulations.

Disconnecting and reconnecting
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 224.
On disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery, the following functions
are initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free:
OperationOperating measureElectrical power window (operational faults)» page 49Enter the radio/navigation system code num-
ber» Operating instructions for Info-
tainment Radio or » Operating
instructions for Infotainment
NavigationSetting the clock» page 14Data in the multifunction display are deleted» page 29
Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a specialist garage in order to en-
sure full functionality of all electrical systems.
Automatic load deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 224.
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.
227Inspecting and replenishing

690 kg
730 kg
775 kg
Speed symbol
This indicates the maximum permissible vehicle speed with mounted tyres for the respective category.
130 km/h
160 km/h
170 km/h
180 km/h
190 km/h
200 km/h
210 km/h
240 km/h
270 km/h
300 km/h
CAUTION
The information about the load index and the speed symbol for your vehicle are
listed in your vehicle documents.
Unidirectional tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 228.
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre.
The indicated direction of rotation must be adhered to in order to obtain the best
benefits from the characteristics of these tyres.
These characteristics are mainly. › Increased driving stability.
› Reduced risk of aquaplaning.
› Reduced tyre noise and reduced tyre wear.
959799MQRSTUHVWYTyre control displayFig. 191
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 228.
Calibration
After changing the tyre inflation pressure » page 229, in section Introduction ,
after changing one or several wheels, the position of a wheel on the vehicle or
when the warning light lights up while driving, a calibration of the system must
be carried out as follows:
›
Inflate all of the tyres to the specified inflation pressure » page 229.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Start the system calibration.
On vehicles with Infotainment » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chap-
ter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
On vehicles with the radio preinstallation .
›
Press the symbol button 
» Fig. 191 for longer than 2 seconds.
While pressing the button, 
the warning light comes 
on. At the same time,
the system memory is cleared and the new calibration process is started. This is
confirmed by an acoustic signal followed by the warning light 
going off.
If the warning light 
does not go out after the calibration, this indicates a sys-
tem fault. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Tyre pressure indicator
The warning light 
lights up when any of the following conditions are true.
› The tyre inflation pressure is low.
› The structure of the tyre is damaged.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side.

231Wheels

›Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum speed
of 80 km/h (50 mph).

Jump-starting
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
243
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
244WARNING■ A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just below
0 °C. If the battery is frozen, do not carry out a jump start with the battery of
another vehicle – risk of explosion!■
Pay attention to the warning instructions relating to working in the engine
compartment » page 215.
■
The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never touch each other
– risk of short circuit!
■
The jump-start cable connected to the positive terminal of the battery must
not come into contact with electrically conducting parts of the vehicle – risk of
short circuit!
■
Do not clamp the jump-start cable to the negative terminal of the dis-
charged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out the battery being ignited by the strong spark which results from the engine being started.
■
Route the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotating
parts in the engine compartment.
■
Do not bend over the battery – risk of caustic burns!
■
The vent screws of the battery cells must be tightened firmly.
■
Keep any sources of ignition (naked flame, smouldering cigarettes, etc.)
away from the battery – risk of explosion!
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low –
risk of explosion and caustic burns.
CAUTION■ There must not be any contact between the two vehicles otherwise current
may flow as soon as the negative terminals are connected.■
The discharged battery must be properly connected to the system of the vehi-
cle.
■
We recommend you buy jump-start cables from a car battery specialist.

Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
Fig. 203
Jump-starting: A – flat battery, B
– battery providing current
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 243.
The battery of another vehicle can be used to jump-start your vehicle if the en-
gine will not start because the battery is flat. Jump-start cables are required for
this purpose.
The jump-start cables must be attached in the following sequence.
›
Attach clamp
1
to the positive terminal of the discharged battery
A
» Fig. 203 .
›
Attach clamp
2
to the positive terminal of the battery supplying power
B
.
›
Attach clamp
3
to the negative terminal of the battery supplying power
B
.
›
Attach the clamp
4
to a solid metal part which is connected firmly to the en-
gine block or to the engine block itself.
Starting engine
›
Start the engine on the vehicle providing the power and allow it to idle.
›
Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
›
If the engine does not start, terminate the attempt to start the engine after 10 seconds and wait for 30 seconds before repeating the process.
›
Disconnect the cables in exactly the reverse order to the one described above. 
243Emergency equipment, and self-help

Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the battery
supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of the dis-
charged battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and in-
sulated terminal clamps. Observe the instructions of the jumper lead manufactur-
er.
Positive cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is red.
Negative cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is black.
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 204
Engine earth: START-STOP sys-
tem
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 243.
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, the jump-start cable of the charger
must never be connected directly to the negative pole of the vehicle battery, but
only to the engine earth » Fig. 204.

Towing the vehicle

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye
245
Rear towing eye
245
Vehicles with a tow hitch
246Vehicles with manual transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow rope
or with the front or rear wheels raised.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at rear, the automatic
gearbox is damaged!
A tow bar is the safest way of towing a vehicle and also minimises any shocks.
Only use a tow rope if a suitable tow bar is not available.
When towing, the following guidelines must be observed.
Driver of the tow vehicle›
Release the clutch particularly gently when starting off or depress the accelera-
tor particularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
›
On vehicles with a manual transmission, only push down on the accelerator
pedal once the rope is taught.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
›
Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not blocked and so that the
turn signal lights, horn, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer system can be used.
›
Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if the ve-
hicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the en-
gine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force is re- quired to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught.
CAUTION
■ Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start
aid » page 243 , Jump-starting .■
If the gearbox no longer contains any oil because of a defect, your vehicle must
only be towed with the driven wheels raised clear of the ground or on a special
breakdown vehicle or trailer.
■
The vehicle must be transported on a special breakdown vehicle or trailer if it is
not possible to tow in the vehicle in the way described or if the towing distance is
greater than 50 km.
■
To protect both vehicles when tow-starting or towing, the tow rope should be
elastic. Thus one should only use plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a simi-
larly elastic material. 
244Do-it-yourself

Replacing the windscreen wiper bladesFig. 213
Windscreen wiper blade
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 249.
Before replacing the windscreen wiper blade, put the windscreen wiper arms into
the service position.
Service position for changing wiper blades
›
Closing the bonnet.
›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
›
Within 10 seconds, press the lever in position
4
and hold it for around 2 sec-
onds » Fig. 42 on page 66.
The windscreen wiper arms move into the service position.
Removing the wiper blade
›
Raise the wiper arm away from the window » Fig. 213.
›
Tilt the wiper blade as far as it can go in the direction of the windscreen wiper
arm - arrow
1
.
›
Hold the upper part of the wiper arm and unlock the securing mechanism
A
.
›
Remove the wiper blade in the direction of the arrow
2
.
Attaching the windscreen wiper blade
›
Push the windscreen wiper blade to the stop until it locks into place.
›
Check that the windscreen wiper blade is correctly attached.
›
Fold the windscreen wiper arm back to the windscreen.
›
Turn on the ignition and press the lever into position
4
» Fig. 42 on page 66.
The windscreen wiper arms move into the home position.

Replacing the rear window wiper bladeFig. 214
Rear window wiper blade
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 249.
Removing the wiper blade
›
Raise the wiper arm away from the window » Fig. 214.
›
Tilt the wiper blade as far as it can go in the direction of the windscreen wiper
arm - arrow
1
.
›
Hold the upper part of the wiper arm and unlock the securing mechanism
A
.
›
Remove the wiper blade in the direction of the arrow
2
.
Attaching the windscreen wiper blade
›
Push the windscreen wiper blade to the stop until it locks into place.
›
Check that the windscreen wiper blade is correctly attached.
›
Fold the windscreen wiper arm back to the windscreen.

250Do-it-yourself