2013 SKODA OCTAVIA warning

  Automatic TransmissionFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 15.
The warning lights   indicate a fault or the state of the automatic gearbox.

Warning lightMessageMeaning and Action
Error: gearbox. Reverse gear not available.
GEARBOX ERROR REV_ GEAR NOT AVAILFault in the automatic gearbox, the reverse cannot be appealed. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Error: gearbox
GEARBOX ERRORFault in the automatic gearbox.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

Gearbox overheated.
GEARBOX OVERHEATED
The temperature of the automatic gearbox clutches is too high.
 do not continue to drive!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the indicator  goes out – risk of
gearbox damage! You can continue your journey as soon as the light goes out.
If the warning indicator does not go out, do not continue driving. Seek help from a special- ist garage.

Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's manual!
STOP VEHICLE GEARBOX OVERHEAT
The temperature of the automatic gearbox clutches is too high.
 do not continue to drive!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the indicator  goes out – risk of
gearbox damage!
If the warning indicator does not go out, do not continue driving. Seek help from a special- ist garage.
Gearbox faulty. Workshop!
GEARBOX FAULTY WORKSHOPFault in the automatic gearbox.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

 Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
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!
RELEASE HANDBRAKE

 Brake system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If the warning light  lights up, the brake fluid level in the brake system is too
low.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Brake fluid: owner's manual!
BRAKE FLUID PLEASE CHECK 
16Using the system

Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 223 » .
If the warning light  lights up together with the warning light , there is a
problem with the 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 switch on the hazard warning lights » page 61 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 18 ,  Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a specialist garage.
■
A fault to the braking system can increase the vehicle's braking distance -
risk of accident!

 Seat belt warning light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
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.
If the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and the vehicle
speed is more than 30 km/h, the warning light 
flashes and you will hear an
acoustic signal.
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 180, Seat belts .

  Power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If the warning light  lights up, this indicates a partial failure of the power steer-
ing and the steering forces can be greater. Seek assistance from a specialist ga-
rage immediately.
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 assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Further information » page 119, Power steering .
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, after starting the engine again and a short drive, the
yellow warning light  does not go out, there is a fault in the system. Seek assis-
tance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Traction Control System (ASR)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If your vehicle is equipped with the ESC system, the TCS is part of the
ESC » page 137 .
The warning light flashes
to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light 
illuminates , there is a fault in the ASR.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Error: traction control
ASR ERROR
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. If the warning light 
comes on after starting the engine, the TCS may be switch-
ed off for technical reasons.
› Switch the ignition off and on again.

17Instruments and warning lights

If the warning light  does not illuminates after you switch the engine back on,
the ASR is fully functional again.
Further information » page 137, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and » page 138 ,
Traction Control System (TCS) .
Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, the indicator
light  comes on after switching on the ignition. If the indicator light does not go
out after moving a short distance, this means that there is an error in the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Traction control system (TCS) off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
If the warning light 
is lit, the TCS is off.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Traction control (ASR) deactivated.
ASR OFF
Further information » page 138, Traction Control System (TCS) .

 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
The warning light 
flashes to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light 
illuminates , there is a fault in the ESC.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Error: stabilisation control (ESC)
ESC ERROR
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. If the warning light 
comes on after starting the engine, the ESC system may be
switched off for technical reasons.
› Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the indicator light  does not illuminate after you switch the engine back on,
the ESR is fully functional again.
Further information » page 137, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .
Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, the indicator
light  comes on after switching on the ignition. If the indicator light does not go
out after moving a short distance, this means that there is an error in the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
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
ABS ERROR
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. Further information » page 138, Antilock Braking 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 switch on the hazard warning lights » page 61 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light , 
do not continue your journey! Seek help from a specialist garage.
■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – risk of accident!

18Using the system

 Rear fog lightFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog light is switched on.
Further information » page 60, Rear fog light .

 Exhaust inspection system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the exhaust inspection system.
The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
The warning light 
comes on after the ignition has been switched on. Once the
light has gone out, the engine can be started immediately.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light 
does not come on
at all or lights up continuously .
If the warning light 
begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

 Engine performance check (petrol engine)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the engine control. The system
allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Security Systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
Fault with airbag system
When the warning light  lights up and the following message appears in the in-
strument cluster display, there is a fault with the airbag system.
Error: airbag
AIRBAG ERROR
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored automatically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
One of the airbags or a belt tensioner has been disabled by the diagnostic tool
› 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.
AIRBAG/ BELT TENSIONER OFF
The front passenger airbag has been disabled with the key switch › The warning light

comes on for about 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 191.
ProActive passenger protection When the warning light 
lights up and the following message appears in the in-
strument cluster display, there is a fault with the airbag system. Seek assistance
from a specialist garage immediately.
Proactive passenger protection not available.PROACTIVE PASSENGER PROTECT NOT AVAIL
or Proactive passenger protection: funct. restricted.
LIMITED PROACTIVE PASSENGER PROTECT 
19Instruments and warning lights

WARNINGIf there is a fault in the safety system, have it checked immediately by a spe-
cialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the systems not being activated in the event of an accident.

 Tyre inflation pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
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 228.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
If the warning light 
flashes , there is a fault in the system.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Further information » page 231, 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 as-
sistance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Brake linings
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If the indicator light 
is lit, the brake pads are worn.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Check brake wear!
BRAKE PADS PLEASE CHECK
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

  Lane following system (Lane Assist)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
The warning lights   indicates the state of the Lane Assist system.
Further information » page 164, Lane Assist .

  Turn signal system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
Either the left 
or right 
indicator light flashes depending on the position of
the control lever.
If there is a fault in the turn signal system, the warning light flashes at twice its
normal rate. This does not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of theturn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Further information » page 56, Turn signal and main beam .

 Trailer turn signal lights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
if the warning light 
flashes, the trailer turn signal lights are turned on.
If a trailer is hitched and the warning light 
is not flashing, one of the trailer turn
signal lights has failed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display, for example. Trailer: check left turn signal!
TRAILER TURN SIG_ CHECK LEFT
The trailer must be unhitched properly » page 169, Towing a trailer .

20Using the system

 Fog lightsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
The warning light  comes on when the fog lights are operating.
Further information » page 59, Fog lights .

 Cruise control system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
The warning light 
comes on when the cruise control is active.
Further information » page 146, Cruise Control System .

 Selector lever lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 15.
If the warning light 
lights up, operate the brake pedal.
Further information » page 127, Modes and use of selector lever .

 Main beam
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 15.
The warning light 
comes on when the main beam is selected or when the
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information » page 56, Turn signal and main beam .

Warning icons in the display
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
  Rear seat belt warning
22

Alternator
22
 Coolant
22
 Engine oil pressure
23
 Engine oil level
23

Lamp failure
24
 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
24
 Windscreen washer fluid level
24
 Fuel reserve
25
 Headlight assist
25
 
START-STOP-system
25
 Ice warning
25
 Water in the fuel filter (diesel engine)
25
The warning icons indicate the status of certain functions or faults.
The warning icons are indicated in the display of the instrument cluster » page 12.
After switching on the ignition, some warning icons illuminate briefly as a func- tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning icons go out a few sec-
onds after switching on the ignition.
Depending on the meaning of the warning icon, the icon 
or 
will also illumi-
nate in the bar with the warning lights
5
» Fig. 2 on page 11.
Some warning icons can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in the
instrument cluster display.
The status of some features and systems is shown by the warning
lights » page 15 .
SymbolMeaningWarningDanger 21Instruments and warning lights

While the operational faults remain unrectified, the messages are always indica-
ted again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols  or  continue
to be indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
On vehicles with a colour MAXI DOT display some warning icons in the display are
in colour.WARNING■ Ignoring illuminated warning icons and related messages or instructions in
the display of the instrument cluster may lead to serious personal injury or
damage to the vehicle.■
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 61. The warning triangle must be set up at the prescri-
bed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warn-
ings » page 215 , Engine compartment .

  Rear seat belt warning
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 21.
A rear seat belt is not fastened
A rear seat belt is fastened
The warning icons 
or 
come on after the ignition has been switched on.
When the seat belt is fastened/unfastened, the particular icon lights up briefly and indicates the current belt status!
Further information » page 180, Seat belts .

 Alternator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 21.
The warning icon 
lights up if the vehicle battery is not charged when the en-
gine is running.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
CAUTION
If the icon  (cooling system fault) comes on in addition to the icon  when driv-
ing, stop the vehicle immediately and switch off the engine – risk of engine dam- age!
 Coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 21.
Coolant level too low
If the coolant level is too low, the warning icon 
lights up and the following
message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Check coolant! Owner's manual!
ENGINE COOLANT PLEASE CHECK
› Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the coolant level
» page 222.
› If the coolant level is too low, add coolant to the reservoir
» page 222.
› If, after adding coolant and switching on the ignition, the warning icon

disap-
pears, you can continue your journey.
› If the coolant level is within the specified range, but the warning icon

is still
lit, check the fuse for the radiator fan and replace it if necessary » page 254,
Fuses in the engine compartment .
› If the coolant level and fan fuse are in order, but the warning icon

is still lid,
 do not continue your journey!
› Seek help from a specialist garage.
Coolant temperature too high
If the coolant temperature is too high, the warning icon 
lights up and the fol-
lowing message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Engine overheat. Stop! Owner's manual!
ENGINE OVERHEAT STOP
› Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
› Wait until the coolant temperature gauge pointer returns to the operating
range » page 13 .
› Continue your journey only after the warning icon

has disappeared. 
22Using the system

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 switch on the hazard warning lights » page 61 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.■
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 pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 21.
When the warning icon 
flashes, the engine oil pressure is too low.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Oil pressure: Stop! Owner's manual!
STOP VEHICLE OIL PRESSURE
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 220 , Checking the oil level .
Even if the oil level is correct, do not drive any further if the warning icon 
is
flashing! Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
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 switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 61 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.

 Engine oil level
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 21.
Engine oil level too low
If the warning icons  and  are lit , the engine oil level is too low.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Oil level: top up oil!
TOP UP OIL
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 220 .
The warning icon will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds.
If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning icon will come on again after
driving about 100 km.
Engine oil level too high
If the warning icons 
and 
are lit in conjunction with the following message on
the display, the engine oil level is too high.
Reduce oil level!
OIL LEVEL TOO HIGH
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 220 .
Engine oil level sensor
If the warning icons 
and 
are lit in conjunction with the following message on
the display, the engine oil level sensor is defective.
Oil sensor: workshop!
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. 
23Instruments and warning lights