2013 SKODA OCTAVIA check engine

Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in anemergency. In this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of waterand coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
223
Changing
223WARNING■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 215.■
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking » Fig. 186 on page 223,
 do not continue your journey - risk of accident! Seek help from a specialist
garage.
■
Do 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 changed as part of a prescribed inspection services.
Checking the brake fluid levelFig. 186
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 223.
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. 186.
The level must be between 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 indicator light  » page 16 , 
Brake system lighting up in the instrument cluster.

Changing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 223.
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. 
223Inspecting 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

›Have
all of the occupants get out of the vehicle. While changing a tyre, the oc-
cupants of the vehicle should not stand on the road (they should instead remain
behind a crash barrier).›
Switch off the engine.
›
Move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the selector lever for the auto-
matic gearbox into position P.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 236 and the spare wheel » page 232 from
the luggage compartment.

Changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 237.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 233 or caps » page 233 .
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 239 .
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 239 .
›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›
Tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel wrench (alternat-
ing crosswise). Tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt last » page 239.
›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps.
Note
■
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.■Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!■
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 228 .

Follow-up tasks
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 237.
The following steps must also be performed after changing the wheel.
›
Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special bolt » page 232 .
›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the band.
›
Check the tyre pressure on the installed spare wheel as soon as possible.
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible.
›
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair options.
Note
■ If it is determined that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing the wheel, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening
torque.■
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque has
been checked.

238Do-it-yourself

WARNING■A tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a standard
tyre.■
Do not travel faster than 80 km/h.
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
■
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes.
■
The sealant is hazardous to heath. Remove immediately if it comes into con-
tact with the skin.
For the sake of the environment
Used sealant or sealant whose expiry date has passed must be disposed of in ac- cordance with environmental protection regulations.
Note
■ Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the breakdown kit.■A new bottle of sealant can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Parts.■
Immediately replace the tyre that was repaired using the breakdown kit, or con-
sult a specialist garage about repair options.

Breakdown kit
Fig. 202
Components of the breakdown kit
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 240.
The kit is located in a box under the floor covering in the luggage compartment.
Components of the breakdown kit » Fig. 202 .
Valve remover
Sticker with speed designation “max. 80 km/h”/“max. 50 mph” Inflation hose with plug
Air compressor
Tyre inflation hose
Tyre inflation pressure indicator
Air release valve
ON and OFF switch
12 volt cable connector
Tyre inflator bottle with sealing agent
Replacement valve core
The valve remover
1
has a slot at its lower end which fits into the valve core.
This is the only way in which you can remove and re-install the valve core from
the tyre valve. The same also applies to the replacement valve core
11
.

Preparations for using the breakdown kit
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 240.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the breakdown
kit.
›
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as flat and firm a surface as possible.
›
If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and setup the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal require-ments must be observed.
›
Have all of the occupants get out of the vehicle. While changing a tyre, the oc-
cupants of the vehicle should not stand on the road (they should instead remain
behind a crash barrier).
›
Switch off the engine and move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the se-
lector lever on the automatic gearbox into position P.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake. 

1234567891011
241Emergency equipment, and self-help

›Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit
» page 240.›Uncouple any trailers.›
Remove the breakdown kit from the luggage compartment.
›
Stick the sticker
2
» Fig. 202 on page 241 onto the dash panel in the driver's
line of vision.
›
Do not remove the foreign body, e.g. screw or nail, from the tyre.
›
Unscrew the valve cap.
›
Use the valve remover
1
to unscrew the valve core and place it on a clean sur-
face (rag, paper, etc.).

Sealing and inflating the tyre
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 240.
Sealing
›
Forcefully shake the tyre inflater bottle
10
» Fig. 202 on page 241 back and forth
several times.
›
Firmly screw the inflation hose
3
onto the tyre inflator bottle
10
clockwise.
The film on the cap is pierced automatically.
›
Remove the plug from the inflation hose
3
and plug the open end fully onto
the tyre valve.
›
Hold the bottle
10
with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflator bottle into the tyre.
›
Remove the empty tyre inflator bottle from the valve.
›
Screw the valve core back into the tyre valve using the valve remover
1
.
Inflating
›
Screw the air compressor tyre inflation hose
5
» Fig. 202 on page 241 firmly on-
to the tyre valve.
›
Check that the air release valve
7
is closed.
›
Start the engine and run it in idle.
›
Plug the connector
9
into 12 Volt socket » page 84.
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
8
.
›
Allow the air compressor to run until a pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved. Max-
imum run time of 8 minutes » !
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
5
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent to
“distribute” in the tyre.
› Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose 5 back onto the tyre valve and repeat the
inflation process.›
If you cannot reach the required tyre inflation pressure here either, this means
the tyre has sustained too much damage. You cannot seal with tyre with the breakdown kit »
.
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
Remove the tyre inflation hose
5
from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar is achieved, continue the journey at
a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes » page 242.
WARNING■
During inflation, the tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot –
risk of injury!■
Do not place the hot tyre inflation hose or hot air compressor on flammable
materials – risk of fire!
■
If you cannot inflate the tyre to at least 2.0 bar, this means the damage sus-
tained was too serious. The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre. 
Do not drive the vehicle. Seek help from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest – risk of over-
heating! Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before switching it on
again.
Check after 10 minutes' driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 240.
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes!
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
 Do not drive the vehicle! You cannot properly seal with tyre with the break-
down kit.
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or more
›
Adjust the tyre inflation pressure to the correct value (see inside of fuel filler cap). 
242Do-it-yourself

Fuses and light bulbs
Fuses
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Fuses in the dash panel – LHD
252
Fuses in the dash panel – RHD
252
Assignment of the fuses in the dash panel
253
Fuses in the engine compartment
254
Assignment of fuses in the engine compartment
254
Individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses.
Switch off the ignition and the corresponding power consuming device before re-
placing a fuse.
Find out which fuse belongs to the component that is not operating » page 253,
Assignment of the fuses in the dash panel or » page 254 , Assignment of fuses in
the engine compartment .
Electrically adjustable seats are protected by automatic circuit breakers, which
switch on again automatically after a few seconds after the overload has been
eliminated.
Fuse colourMaximum amperagelight brown5dark brown7.5red10blue15yellow/blue20white25green/pink30orange/green40red50WARNINGAlways read and observe the warnings before completing any work in the en-
gine compartment » page 215.
CAUTION
■
“Never repair” fuses, and do not replace them with fuses of a higher amperage –
risk of fire! This may also cause damage at other points in the electrical system.■
If a newly inserted fuse blows again after a short time, have the electrical sys-
tem checked as quickly as possible by a specialist garage.
■
A blown fuses is recognisable by the molten metal strip. Replace the faulty fuse
with a new one of the same amperage.
■
The cover for the fuse box in the engine compartment must always be applied
correctly. Water may get into the fuse box if the cover is not replaced properly -
there is a risk of damage to the vehicle.
Note
■ We recommend always carrying replacement fuses in the vehicle. A box of re-
placement fuses can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Accessories.■
There can be several power consuming devices for one fuse.
■
There can be several consumer devices for one fuse, depending on the vehicle's
equipment.
■
Multiple fuses may exist for a single power consuming device.
■
Multiple power consuming devices can share a single fuse.

251Fuses and light bulbs

No.Power consumer20Alarm21Windscreen heater - left22Engine control unit23Starter24Electrical auxiliary heating system31Not assigned32Not assigned33Not assigned34Windscreen heater - right35Not assigned36Not assigned37Control unit for auxiliary heating38Not assigned

Bulbs
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Bulb arrangement in the headlights
256
Replacing the low beam bulb
256
Replacing bulb for main beam and daytime running lights
256
Replacing bulb for daytime running lights and parking lights
257
Change bulb for additional parking light
257
Replacing the bulb for the fog lights
258
Replacing the bulb for the licence plate light
258
Rear light (Octavia)
259
Replacing bulbs in rear light (Octavia)
260
Rear light (Octavia Estate)
261
Replacing bulbs in rear light (Octavia Estate)
262
Some manual skills are required to change a bulb. For this reason, we recommend
having bulbs replaced by a specialist garage or seeking other expert help in the
event of any uncertainties.
› Switch off the ignition and all of the lights before replacing a bulb.
› Faulty bulbs must only be replaced with the same type of bulbs. The designa-
tion is located on the light socket or the glass bulb.
› A stowage compartment for replacement bulbs is located in a plastic box in the
spare wheel or underneath the floor covering in the luggage compartment.WARNING■ Always read and observe the warnings before completing any work in the
engine compartment » page 215.■
Accidents can be caused if the road in front of the vehicle is not sufficiently
illuminated and the vehicle cannot or can only be seen with difficulty by other
road users.
■
Bulbs H7 H8 and H15 are pressurised and may burst when changing the bulb
- risk of injury! We therefore recommended wearing gloves and safety glasses when changing a bulb.
■
Gas discharge bulbs (xenon bulbs) operate with a high voltage, professional
knowledge is required – risk of death!
■
The relevant lamp must always be switched off before a light bulb is re-
placed.
CAUTION
Do not take hold of the glass bulb with naked fingers (even the smallest amount of dirt reduces the working life of the light bulb). Use a clean cloth, napkin, or sim-
ilar.
Note
■ This Owner's Manual only describes the replacement of bulbs where it is possi-
ble to replace the bulbs on your own without any complications arising. Other bulbs must be replaced by a specialist garage.■
We recommend that a box of replacement bulbs always be carried in the vehi-
cle. Replacement bulbs can be purchased from ŠKODAOriginal Accessories.
■
We recommend having the headlight settings checked by a specialist garage af-
ter replacing a bulb in the main beam, low beam or fog lights.
■
In case of failure of a xenon gas discharge lamp or an LED diode, visit a special-
ist garage.

255Fuses and light bulbs