2013 SKODA OCTAVIA check engine

Counter for distance drivenFig. 6
Segment display / MAXI DOT dis-
play
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 11.
Daily trip counter (trip)
The daily trip counter
A
» Fig. 6 shows the distance driven since the time the
counter was last reset - in steps of 100 m.
Reset daily trip counter
›
Briefly press the button
6
» Fig. 2 on page 11.
Odometer
The odometer
B
» Fig. 6 displays the total distance the vehicle has travelled.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 11.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press and hold the button
6
» Fig. 2 on page 11 until the Time is shown in the
display.
›
Release the button
6
, and the system switches to the time setting function.
›
Press the button
6
again and set the hours.
›
Wait around 4 seconds - the system switches to the minutes setting.
›
Press the button
6
again and set the minutes.
The time can also be set in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotain-
ment , chapter Device settings .

Viewing the charge level vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 11.
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Press and hold the button
6
» Fig. 2 on page 11 until the Battery status or BAT-
TERY SOC is shown in the display.
›
Release the button
6
- the current charge level of the vehicle battery is dis-
played in %.

Auto-check control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 11.
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked contin-
uously when the ignition is switched on.
Error messages and/or other information are displayed in the instrument clusterdisplay.
Some messages are displayed simultaneously with the warning lights » page 15
or warning icons in the display » page 21.
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.
SymbolMeaningWarningDangerWARNINGIf 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.

14Using the system

Warning lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
  Automatic Transmission
16

Handbrake
16
 Brake system
16
 Seat belt warning light
17
  Power steering
17

Traction Control System (ASR)
17
 Traction control system (TCS) off
18
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
18
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
18
 Rear fog light
19
 Exhaust inspection system
19
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
19

Engine performance check (petrol engine)
19
 Security Systems
19
 Tyre inflation pressure
20
 Brake linings
20
 
Lane following system (Lane Assist)
20


Turn signal system
20
 Trailer turn signal lights
20
 Fog lights
21
 Cruise control system
21
 Selector lever lock
21
 Main beam
21
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Some warning lights can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in the
display of the instrument cluster.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights illuminate briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few sec-
onds after switching on the ignition.
The condition of some features and systems is shown by the warning icons on
the display » page 21.
The warning lights are at the following locations in the instrument cluster » Fig. 2
on page 11.
› Revolutions counter 1
›Speedometer
3
›Bar with warning lights
5WARNING■
Ignoring illuminated warning lights 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 .

15Instruments and warning lights

  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

 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

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

WARNING■Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to top up
the engine oil ! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist
garage.■
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.

 Lamp failure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 21.
The warning icon 
comes on if a bulb is faulty.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display, for example. Check right dipped headlight beam!
DIPPED HEADLIGHT CHECK RIGHT

 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 21.
The diesel particulate filter separates the soot particles from the exhaust. The
soot particles collect in the diesel particulate filter where they are burnt on a reg-
ular basis.
If the warning icon 
illuminates, soot has accumulated in the diesel particulate
filter.
To clean the diesel particle filter, and where traffic conditions permit »
, drive
for at least 15 minutes or until the warning icon 
goes out as follows.
› 4 or gear 5 engaged (automatic gearbox: Position D/S).
› Vehicle speed at least 70 km/h.
› Engine speed between 1800-2500 rpm.
If the filter is properly cleaned, the warning icon 
goes out.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning icon  does not go out and the
warning icon  begins to flash.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Diesel particulate filter: owner's manual!DIESEL PM FILTER OWNER MANUAL
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.WARNING■ The diesel particle filter achieves very high temperatures. Therefore do not
park in areas where the hot filter can come into direct contact with dry grass
or other combustible materials – there is the risk of fire!■
Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The recommendations indicated by the warning light must not tempt
you to disregard the national regulations for road traffic.
CAUTION
■ As long as the warning icon  lights up, you must take into account an in-
creased fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the
engine.■
Using diesel fuel with an increased sulphur content can considerably reduce the
life of the diesel particle filter. A ŠKODA partner will be able to tell you which
countries use diesel fuel with a high sulphur content.
Note
■ We encourage you to avoid constant short journeys. This will improve the com-
bustion process of the soot particles in the diesel particulate filter.■
If the engine is turned off during the filter cleaning process or shortly after-
wards, the cooling fan may turn on automatically for a few minutes.

 Windscreen washer fluid level
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 21.
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning icon  comes on. 
24Using the system