2014 SKODA OCTAVIA bonnet

START-STOP
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operating conditions of the system
158
Operation in vehicles with manual gearbox
158
Operation in vehicles with automatic gearbox
159
System related automatic start-up
159
Manually deactivating/activating the system
159
Information messages
160
The START-STOP system (hereinafter referred to as the system) saves fuel and
reduces polluting emissions and CO 2 emissions by turning the engine off, e.g.
when stopping at traffic lights, and starting the engine again when moving off.
WARNING■ Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off.■The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
Operating conditions of the system
Fig. 156
Engine is automatically switched
off / automatic engine cut off is
not possible
Read and observe on page 158 first.
For system-dependent automatic engine shutdown
to work, the following conditions must be met.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The bonnet is closed.
The driving speed was higher than 4 km.h after the last stop.
No trailer is coupled.
Some additional conditions for the system to function correctly cannot be in-
fluenced or recognised by the driver. Therefore, the system can react differ-
ently in situations which are identical from the driver's perspective.
If, after stopping the vehicle, the check icon 
» Fig. 156 appears on the dis-
play, then the conditions for automatic engine shutdown are not met.
Running the engine is essential for the following reasons, for example.
› The engine temperature for the proper function of the system has not yet
been reached.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The current consumption is too high.
› High air-conditioning or heating capacity (high fan speed, big difference be-
tween the desired and actual interior temperature).
Information about the current status of the system can be displayed in the In-
fotainment display » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle
settings (CAR button) .
Note
■
If the vehicle remains outdoors for a long time in minus temperatures or in
direct sunlight, it can take several hours until the internal temperature of the
vehicle battery reaches a suitable temperature for proper operation of the
START STOP system.■
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than approx. 30 seconds or the
driver's door is opened during stop mode, the engine will have to be started
manually.
■
After the manual engine start and with a manual gearbox the automatic en-
gine shutdown can take place only when a minimum distance required for the
system function has been covered.
Operation in vehicles with manual gearbox
Read and observe
on page 158 first.
In compliance with the operating conditions, automatic engine shutdown / au-
tomatic engine start takes place as described.
Automatic engine shutdown
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Put the gear stick into Neutral. 

158Driving

CAUTION■Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the
standard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and ex-
haust system!■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above men-
tioned standards (e.g. petrol) is used, do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur!
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
CAUTION
■ The vehicle cannot be operated with bio fuel RME, therefore this fuel must
not be filled in the tank and used for driving the vehicle. 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
engine or the exhaust system.
Refuelling with CNG (compressed natural gas)
Fig. 182
Natural gas filler tubes
Read and observe
and on page 188 first.
Natural gas refuelling can be carried out if the following conditions are met. The vehicle is unlocked.
The engine and the ignition are switched off.
The auxiliary heating and ventilation is switched off » page 122.
The gas filler tube for refuelling with natural gas is located behind the fuel fill- er flap next to the petrol filler tube.
The filling couplings of the natural gas refuelling systems may differ in han-
dling. When refuelling with natural gas at unfamiliar refuelling systems, you
should seek help from trained fuel station staff. If unsure, have the refuelling done by trained fuel station staff.
Open fuel filler flap›
Open the fuel filler flap.
›
Remove cap
A
» Fig. 182 from gas filler tube
B
in direction of the arrow.
›
Plug the filling coupling of the refuelling system on the gas filler tube
B
.
The fuel tank is full when the compressor of the refuelling system automati-
cally switches off. To stop the refuelling operation prematurely, press the
“Stop ” button of the refuelling system.
Closing the filler cap
›
Check that sealing ring
C
» Fig. 182 has remained inserted in the gas filler
tube.
If sealing ring
C
has slipped onto the filling coupling, reinsert it into the gas
filler tube.
›
Plug the cap
A
onto the gas filler tube.
›
Close the bonnet.
The natural gas refuelling systems have an overfill protection relating to the
outdoor temperature. At very high outside temperatures, it may happen that
the gas tank may not be fully refuelled.
The natural gas system of your vehicle is suitable both for “slow fuelling” (fuel-
ling from small compressors) and for “quick fuelling” (fuelling from natural gas
stations with large compressors).
If the vehicle is parked for a longer period of time immediately after refuelling,
the situation may arise in which the pointer of the fuel tank gauge does not
indicate exactly the same level as was the case immediately after refuelling
when the engine is restarted. This is not due to any system leakages but a
drop in pressure in the natural gas fuel tank due to technical reasons after a
cooling phase directly after refuelling.
The maximum lifetime of the gas tank is 20 years.
The capacity of the natural gas fuel tank is approximately 15 kg.
The capacity of the gasoline fuel tank is about 50 litres, of which about 6
lighters are in reserve. 
191Inspecting and replenishing

WARNING■When refuelling, never get into the vehicle. If you have to get into your
vehicle in exceptional cases, touch a metal surface before you touch the
filling coupling again. This will avoid electrostatic discharges, which may
generate sparks. Sparks can cause a fire during refuelling.■
Natural gas is highly explosive and highly flammable.
Note
During the filling process sounds are heard which are harmless. If you are un-
sure which service station staff to use, ask the petrol station staff.
CNG
Fig. 183
Position of the CNG label(s).
Read and observe
and on page 188 first.
A G-TEC-vehicle may be operated with CNG and petrol.
In some countries, national legislation requires that vehicles with CNG opera-
tion be identified by one of the listed labels » Fig. 183.
Position of the CNG label » Fig. 183.
Natural gas quality and consumption
Depending on the natural gas supplier, the natural gas quality (heating value)
may vary. The engine control unit adjusts automatically to the natural gas
quality.
Automatically switching over from natural gas mode to petrol mode
The vehicle automatically switches from natural gas to petrol, for example, if
one of the following cases occurs.
› With an empty gas tank or not enough pressure in the tank.
› After refuelling with natural gas.
› At very low surrounding temperatures.
Gas smell
If you smell gas, proceed as follows.
› Stop the vehicle.
› Put out cigarettes.
› Switch off the ignition.
› Open the doors and the boot lid to ventilate the vehicle sufficiently.
› Remove any spark-producing or incendiary items from the vehicle and switch
off immediately.
› Do not continue to drive if the odour persists.
Seek help from a specialist garage to correct the gas system fault.
Regular gas system checks must be carried out at a specialist workshop on natural gas-powered vehicles.WARNINGWhen operating a CNG-powered vehicle, the national legal requirements
must be observed.WARNINGDo not underestimate the smell of gas in the car or when refuelling - risk of
fire, explosion and injury.
Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
194
Engine compartment overview
194
Radiator fan
195
Windscreen washer system
195

192General Maintenance

WARNINGWhen 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!WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
For vehicles with manual transmission the lever into the neutral position.
■
On vehicles with automatic transmission, shift the selector lever into the
P position.
■
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.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment■Keep all people, especially children, away from 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!
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
Pay particular attention to moving engine parts, e.g. V-ribbed belt, gener-
ator, radiator fan - danger to life!
■
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 jewel-
lery, tie back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any
work.
WARNINGInformation for working on the fuel system or the electrical system■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 the working fluids in sealed original containers and safe from peo-
ple who are not completely independent, e.g. children.■
Never spill fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
■
If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from
rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is
not sufficient for this – risk of injury!
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 environment
In view of the requirements for the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids and the special tools and knowledge required for such work, we recommend
that fluids be changed by a specialist garage.
Note
■ Please consult a specialist garage for any questions relating to fluids.■Fluids with the proper specifications can be purchased from the ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories or from the ŠKODA Genuine Parts ranges.193Inspecting and replenishing

Opening and closing the bonnetFig. 184
Open the bonnet
Read and observe
and on page 193 first.
Open flap
›
Open the front door.
›
Pull the release lever underneath the dash panel in the direction of the ar-
row
1
» Fig. 184 .
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers
are correctly in place against the windscreen, otherwise the paintwork on the
flap could be damaged.
›
Push the release lever in the direction of arrow
2
.
The bonnet is then unlocked.
›
Grasp the bonnet catch and lift in the direction of arrow
3
.
›
Remove the lid prop in the direction of arrow
4
from the holder.
›
Secure the open flap inserting the end of the post into the opening in the di-
rection of arrow
5
.
Close the flap
›
Lift the bonnet.
›
Decouple the bonnet support and press into the holder designed to hold it.
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm – do not push it in!
WARNING■
Check whether the bonnet has been closed properly. Also make sure that
a vehicle with an opened bonnet does not appear in the instrument cluster
display » page 47 .■
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the
vehicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident!
■
Make sure that when closing the boot lid, no body parts are crushed -
there is danger of injury!
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet by the locking lever » Fig. 184.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 185
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 193 first.
Arrangement in the engine compartment » Fig. 185
Coolant expansion reservoir
198
Engine oil dipstick
196
Engine oil filler opening
197
Brake fluid reservoir
199
Battery (below a cover)
200
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
195

ABCDEF194General Maintenance

Dipstick » Fig. 187
The oil level must be within this range.
The oil can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are satisfied. The vehicle stands on a horizontal surface.
The engine operating temperature is reached.
The engine is turned off.
The bonnet is open.
Checking the level›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Pull out the dipstick.
›
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
›
Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
›
Re-insert the dipstick.
The engine consumes a little oil. The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5 l/
1000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which
you operate your vehicle. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during
the first 5 000 km.
The oil level must be checked at regular intervals.
In case of low oil level, the display of the instrument cluster shows a check
mark  and the corresponding message
» page 42. Check the oil level using
the dipstick as soon as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
■ The oil level must never be above the A range » Fig. 187 – there is a risk of
damaging the exhaust system!■
If for some reason it is not possible to top up the engine oil under the current
circumstances, 
do not continue driving! Switch off the engine and seek as-
sistance from a specialist garage.
■
If the oil level is above level
A
, 
do not continue to drive! Switch off the
engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 196 first.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 185 on page 194 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 196 .
›
Check the oil level » page 196.
A›Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.›Pull the dipstick out as far as the stop.
Coolant

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the coolant level
198
Replenishing
198
The coolant provides cooling for the motor.
It consists of water and coolant additive with additives that protect the cooling
system against corrosion and prevents furring.
The coolant additive level in the coolant must be at least 40%.
The coolant additive may be increased to a maximum of 60%.
The correct mixing ratio of water and coolant additive is to be checked if nec- essary by a specialist garage or is to be restored if necessary.
The description of the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reser-
voir » Fig. 188 on page 198 .
WARNINGThe 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 192.■
The coolant is harmful to health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine 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
coolant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container, safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning! 
197Inspecting and replenishing

WARNING (Continued)■If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.■Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
CAUTION
■If for some reason it is not possible to top up the coolant under the current
circumstances,  do not continue driving! Switch off the engine and seek as-
sistance from a specialist garage.■
If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
aerate - risk of engine damage, 
do not continue driving! Switch off the en-
gine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
The amount of coolant additive in the coolant must never be allowed to be
less than 40 %.
■
Over 60 % of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protec-
tion and coolant effectiveness.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specification can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection of the cooling system.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 188 on page 198 .
■
If an error occurs, leading to the engine overheating, the help of a professio-
nal garage is to be sought - there is a risk of serious engine damage occurring.
■
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
Note
On vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heater (auxiliary heating and venti-
lation), the coolant capacity is approx. 1 l larger.
Checking the coolant level
Fig. 188
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 197 first.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion tank » Fig. 188
Mark for the maximum permissible coolant level
Mark for the lowest permissible coolant level
The coolant level should be kept between the marks
A
and
B
.
The coolant can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are sat-
isfied.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The engine is not heated.
The bonnet is open.
Checking the level
›
Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank » Fig. 188.
If the engine is warm, the test result may be inaccurate. The level can also be
above the mark
A
» Fig. 188 .
In the event of an insufficient coolant level, the control symbol  is displayed
in the instrument cluster as well as the relevant notification » page 41. We still
recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the expansion tank from
time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the cooling sys-
tem. Do not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a
specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 197 first.
The coolant expansion tank must always contain a small amount of cool-
ant » page 198, in section Introduction .
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir and unscrew
the cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place. 

AB198General Maintenance

CAUTION■Only refill with new coolant.■Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available. In
this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of water and cool-
ant 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
199
Specification
199
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 189 on
page 199 .
WARNING■
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 192.■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has dropped below the “MIN”
marking » Fig. 189 on page 199 ,  do not continue driving - there is a risk of
an accident! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a prescribed inspection services.■We recommend using brake fluids from the ŠKODA Original Accessories
range.Checking the brake fluid levelFig. 189
Brake fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 199 first.
The fluid can be checked if the following conditions are met.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The bonnet is open.
Checking the level
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 189.
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
level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” mark-
ing.
Too low brake fluid level is indicated by the warning light  being shown on
the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corresponding mes-
sage » page 35 .
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 199 first.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications:› VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.
199Inspecting and replenishing