2013 SKODA OCTAVIA radiator

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

WARNINGIf the entry light is on, do not touch its cover – risk of burns!
Note
If the door is open and the ignition switched off, the light will extinguish auto-
matically after around 10 minutes.
Visibility
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Windscreen and rear window heater
64
Sun visors
65
Sun screen
65
Windscreen and rear window heater
Fig. 39
Buttons for the front and rear window heater/manual air-condition-
ing system, heating
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 64.
Explanation of graphic » Fig. 39 .
Switching the windscreen heater on/off
Switch the rear window heater on/off
When the heater is switched on, a lamp lights up inside or below the button.
The windscreen and rear window heater only operates when the engine is run-
ning.
The windscreen and rear window heater automatically switches off after approxi-
mately 10 minutes.
For the sake of the environment
The heating should be switched off as soon as the window is de-iced or free from
mist. The reduced current consumption will have a favourable effect on fuel econ-
omy » page 134 , Saving electrical energy .
Note
■
If the on-board voltage drops, the windscreen and rear window heater switches
off automatically, to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine con- trol » page 227 , Automatic load deactivation .■
If the light within or below the button flashes, the radiator will not work be-
cause of the low state of the battery.

64Using the system

For the sake of the environmentDo not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower.
Note
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.
Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock.
The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is
withdrawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Immobilizer active.
IMMOBILIZER ACTIVE

Ignition switch
Fig. 115
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lockFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 119.
Petrol engines » Fig. 115
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines » Fig. 115
Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and it is impossible or difficult to turn the key into posi-
tion
2
» Fig. 115 , move the steering wheel back and forth to unlock the steering.
Note
We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light 
illuminates after the ignition has been switched on. Start
the engine after the warning light 
has gone out.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe- riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever into position P
or N.
›
Switch on the ignition
2
» Fig. 115 on page 120. 

123123120Driving

WARNING■Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases from the engine contain substances such as odourless and col-
ourless carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) – risk to life! ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■The system can recognize the valid key, even if it has been forgotten, for exam-
ple, in the front of the vehicle roof D » Fig. 14 on page 38 - There is danger of
loss or damage to the key! It is therefore not always necessary to know where
the key is.■
The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine may be damaged if the starter is activa- ted when the engine is running.
■
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 using the battery from another vehicle .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the en-
gine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower.
Note
■ The vehicle can not be locked if the ignition has not been turned off.■The system is protected against inadvertently switching off the engine while
driving, this means that the engine can only be switched off in an emergen- cy » page 124 .■
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. after switching off the ignition and opening
the driver's door), the steering is enabled only when the ignition is switched on or the engine is started.

Steering lock / unlock
Fig. 116
Starter button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
The steering lock (steering lock) deters attempted theft of your vehicle.
Locking
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Switch off the engine or the ignition by pressing the starter button » Fig. 116.
›
Open the driver door.
The steering is locked automatically.
If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off afterwards, the
steering is only locked after the vehicle is locked.
Unlocking
›
Open the driver's door and get into the vehicle.
›
Close the driver's door.
The steering is unlocked within 2 seconds.
If the system does not unlock the steering at the first time (for example when the
front wheels are in contact with an obstacle), then two more unlocking attempts
are performed automatically. 
122Driving

CAUTION■Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that you
have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
CAUTION
■ Your vehicle cannot be operated with biofuel RME, therefore this fuel must not
be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel RME can cause considerable damage
to parts of the engine or fuel system.■
Do not mix any fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar
agents) into the diesel. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine or the exhaust system.

Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
217
Engine compartment overview
218
Radiator fan
218
Windscreen washer system
218WARNINGWhen working in the engine compartment, injuries, scolding, accident or fire
hazards may arise. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warning
instructions stated below and with the general applicable rules of safety. The
engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGBefore beginning work in the engine compartment, please read the following
advice.■
Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
WARNINGWhile working in the engine compartment, please read the following advice.■Keep children clear of the engine compartment.■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always safely store the coolant additive in its original container out of the
reach of children – risk of poisoning!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite! 
215Inspecting and replenishing

WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be followed at all times when work-
ing in the engine compartment while the engine is running.■
Pay particular attention to moving engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, alterna-
tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition unit – risk of death!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – risk of death! Always remove any jewellery,
tie back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be carried
out on the fuel or electrical systems.■
Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read the information and warning instructions on the fluid containers.■Keep fluids in their original containers and keep out of reach of children!■
If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from roll-
ing away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this – risk of injury!
■
Never cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a blan-
ket) – risk of fire!
■
The bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. This is why after
closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to ensure it has engaged
properly.
■
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!For the sake of the environmentIn view of the requirements for the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids and
the special tools and knowledge required for such work, we recommend that flu-
ids be changed by a specialist garage.
Note
■ Please consult a specialist garage for any questions relating to fluids.■Fluids with the correct specifications can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Ac-
cessories.

216General Maintenance

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