2014 SKODA OCTAVIA check engine light

While the operational faults remain unrectified, the messages are always indi-
cated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols  or 
continue to be displayed without any extra messages for the driver.
Some warning icons can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in
the instrument cluster display.
After switching on the ignition, some warning icons illuminate briefly as a
function test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine.
The status of some features and systems is shown by the warning
lights » page 34 .
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
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system » page 77. The warning triangle must be set up at
the prescribed 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 192 , Engine compartment .
  Rear seat belt warning
Read and observe
on page 41 first.
A rear seat belt is not fastened
A rear seat belt is fastened
The warning icons  or

light up 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.
 Alternator
Read and observe
on page 41 first.
The warning icon 
lights up if the vehicle battery is not charged when the
engine is running.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
CAUTION
If symbol  lights up in addition to symbol  while driving,  stop driving -
there is a risk of engine damage! Switch off the engine and seek assistance
from a specialist garage.
 Coolant
Read and observe
on page 41 first.
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 lev-
el » page 198 .
› If the coolant level is too low, add coolant to the reservoir
» page 198.
If the indicator light 
does not illuminate after adding coolant and switching
on the engine, you may continue your journey.
If the coolant is within the specified range and the warning symbol  is still
lit
after switching on the ignition, then there may be a malfunction of the cooling
fan.
› Switch off the ignition.
› Check the fuse for the radiator fan, replace if necessary
» page 230, Fuses in
the engine compartment .
If the coolant level and fan fuse are OK and the warning symbol 
lights up
again after switching on the ignition, 
do not continue driving!
Seek help from a specialist garage. 
41Instruments and warning lights

Coolant temperature too high
If the coolant temperature is too high, the warning icon  lights up and the
following message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Engine overheat. Stop! Owner's manual!
ENGINE OVERHEAT STOP
› Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
› Switch on the ignition and wait until the coolant temperature pointer returns
to the operating range » page 32.
› Continue your journey only after the warning icon

has disappeared.WARNING■
Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cool-
ing 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 - risk of injury!
CAUTION
■ 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.
 Engine oil pressure
Read and observe
on page 41 first.
When the warning light 
is flashing , 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 196 , Checking the oil level .
›
If the oil pressure is too low, top up the engine oil » page 197.
If the oil level is within the specified range and the warning symbol 
starts
to flash again after the engine is started, 
do not continue driving! Switch off
the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTIONIf 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.
 Engine oil level
Read and observe
on page 41 first.
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: add oil!
ADD OIL
› Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el » page 196 .
The warning icon will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 sec-
onds. 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 engine oil lev-
el » page 196 .
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.
CAUTION
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.42Using the system

 Lamp failureRead and observe
on page 41 first.
The warning icon 
comes on if a bulb is faulty.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display, for exam-
ple.
Check right dipped headlight beam!
DIPPED HEADLIGHT CHECK RIGHT
 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
Read and observe
on page 41 first.
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
regular basis.
If the warning icon 
illuminates , soot has accumulated in the diesel particu-
late filter.
To clean the filter, and where traffic conditions permit »
, drive for at least
15 minutes or until the warning icon  goes out as follows.
Gear 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, illumination of the warning icon

does
not take place and the warning light
 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 particulate filter reaches very high temperatures - there is a
fire hazard and serious injury could be caused. Therefore, never stop the
vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come into contact
with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth, leaves, spilled
fuel or such like.■
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
combustion 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
Read and observe
on page 41 first.
If the warning icon 
comes on , the windscreen washer fluid level is too low.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Top up washer fluid!
WASHER FLUID PLEASE TOP UP
Top up with liquid » page 195, Windscreen washer system .
 Fuel reserve
Read and observe
on page 41 first.
If the indicator symbol 
comes on, the fuel level in the fuel tank has reached
the reserve area. 
43Instruments and warning lights

For instance, if    appears in this display, this means it is recommended that
you shift from 3rd into 4th gear.
The gear recommendation is intended only for vehicles with a manual trans-
mission or for vehicles with an automatic transmission in manual shift mode
(Tiptronic).WARNINGThe driver is always responsible for selecting the correct gear in different
driving situations, such as overtaking.
For the sake of the environment
A suitably selected gear has the following advantages.■It helps to reduce fuel consumption.■
It reduces the operating noise.
■
It protects the environment.
■
It benefits the durability and reliability of the engine.
Door, luggage compartment or bonnet warning
Read and observe
on page 45 first.
If at least one door is open, or the boot or bonnet is open, the display indicates
the relevant open door or boot/bonnet.
An acoustic signal will also sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h when a
door is opne.
Auto-check control
Read and observe
on page 45 first.
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked
continuously when the ignition is switched on.
Error messages and other information appears on the display.
Some messages are displayed simultaneously with the warning
lights » page 34 or warning icons in the display » page 40.
While the operational faults remain unrectified, the messages are always indi- cated again. After the message is displayed for the first time, the symbols 
or
 continue to be displayed without any extra messages for the driver.
SymbolMeaningDangerWarning
Driving data (Multifunction display)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Memory
48
Information overview
48
Warning at excessive speeds
50
The driving data display is only possible with the ignition switched on.
After the ignition is switched on, the function that was last selected before
switching off the ignition is displayed.
Individual information can be shown or hidden in the infotainment sys-
tem » Infotainment operating instructions , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR but-
ton) .
WARNINGConcentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver, you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.
Note
In some national versions the displays appear in the Imperial system of meas-
urement.47Information system

Unlocking and opening
Unlocking and locking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Locking/unlocking using the key via the lock cylinder
55
Unlocking/locking with the remote control key
55
Opening/closing a door
56
Unlocking / locking - KESSY
56
Safe securing system
57
Individual settings
57
Locking and unlocking the vehicle with the central locking button
58
Child safety lock
58
Malfunctions
58
Your car is equipped with a central locking system.
The central locking system allows you to lock and unlock all doors, the fuel fill-
er flap and the boot lid at the same time.
Depending on the equipment configuration, the following applies after
unlocking
› The turn signal lights flash twice as confirmation that the vehicle has been
unlocked.
› The doors, the boot lid and the fuel filler flap are unlocked.
› The interior light operated via the door contact illuminates.
› The SafeLock system is switched off.
› The indicator light in the driver door stops flashing.
› The exterior mirrors are folded back into the driving position.
› The anti-theft alarm system is deactivated.
If the vehicle is unlocked and a door or the boot lid not opened within the next
45 seconds, the vehicle will lock again automatically and the safe securing sys-
tem or anti-theft alarm system will be switched back on. This function is inten-
ded to prevent the car being unlocked unintentionally.
The seat and mirror are adjusted after the vehicle is unlocked » page 89.
Depending on the equipment configuration, the following applies after
locking
› The turn signal lights flash once as confirmation that the vehicle has been
locked.
› The doors, the boot lid and the fuel filler flap are locked.
› The interior light operated via the door contact goes out.
› The SafeLock system is switched on.
› The warning light in the driver door begins flashing.
› The exterior mirrors are folded back into the park position.
› The anti-theft alarm system is activated.
If the doors or the luggage compartment lid remain open after the vehicle has
been locked, the turn signal lights do not flash until they have been closed.
The current position of the seat and mirror after the vehicle is
locked » page 89 .WARNING■
Never leave the key in the vehicle when you exit the vehicle. Unauthor-
ized persons, such as children, for example, could lock the car, turn on the
ignition or start the engine - there is a danger of injury and accidents!■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who are not completely in-
dependent, such as children, unattended in the vehicle. The children might,
for example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The ve-
hicle could then start to move – risk of injury and accidents! These individu-
als might also not be able to leave the vehicle on their own or to help
themselves. Can be fatal at very high or very low temperatures!
CAUTION
■ Each key contains electronic components; therefore it must be protected
against moisture and severe shocks.■
Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean. Impurities (textile fibres, dust,
etc.) have a negative effect on the functionality of the locking cylinder and ig-
nition lock.
■
The battery must be replaced if the central locking or anti-theft alarm system
does react to the remote control at less than approx. 3 metres
away » page 224 .
■
When leaving the vehicle, always check if it is locked.
■
If the driver's door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked. 
54Using the system

■As soon as the windscreen mists up, press the symbol button . Press the
button  once the windscreen has demisted.■
During operation of the Climatronic, an increase in engine idle speed can oc-
cur under certain circumstances in order to ensure adequate heating comfort.
Efficient handling of the cooling system
Read and observe
and on page 116 first.
The air conditioning system compressor uses power from the engine when in
cooling mode, which will affect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the
interior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order
to allow the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be on if the windows are open.
For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also lower when fuel is being saved » page 136.
malfunctions
Read and observe
and on page 116 first.
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than
+5 °C, there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry » page 229 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because
the coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 32.
If you are not able to resolve the operational problem yourself, or if the cooler
output has reduced, switch off the cooling system and seek assistance from a
specialist garage.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Switching on/off
122
Radio remote control
123Conditions for the functioning of auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and venti-
lation), hereinafter referred to only as auxiliary heating.
The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
The fuel supply is adequate (the warning icon 
is not lit in the display of
the instrument cluster).
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively de-
creased (e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).
Auxiliary heating (parking heating)
The auxiliary heating can be used when both when stationary, when the en-
gine is switched off, to preheat the vehicle and also while driving (e.g. during
the heating phase of the engine).
The auxiliary heater functions in connection with the air-conditioning system
or Climatronic.
The auxiliary heating also warms up the engine.
The auxiliary heating warms up the coolant by combusting fuel from the vehi-
cle tank. This heats the air flowing into the passenger compartment (if the
blower is turned on).
The heater is switched on or off automatically depending on the ambient con-
ditions to give the best possible conditions for the engine running and the in-
terior heating.
The automatic switching on and off of the heater can be turned off by a spe-
cialist garage.WARNING■ The auxiliary heating must never be operated in closed rooms (e.g. garag-
es) – risk of poisoning!■
The auxiliary heating must not be allowed to run during refuelling – risk
of fire.
■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of
the vehicle. If you want to use the heater, do not park the car in places
where the exhaust fumes can come into contact with flammable materials
such as dry grass, undergrowth, leaves, spilled fuel etc. - risk of fire. 
121Heating and air conditioning

The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns
and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
If operated under severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a specialist garage between service appointments as well.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake
pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter.
The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times »
.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several
times »
.
Long or steep slopes
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Emergency brake display
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that
the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system.
The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 35,
 Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.WARNINGOnly apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake
discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users
in jeopardy.
Handbrake
Fig. 132
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 130 first.
The hand brake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the lock
button » Fig. 132 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Release the handbrake!
RELEASE HANDBRAKE 
131Starting-off and Driving

WARNING■The system only serves to support and does not relieve the driver of the
responsibility for the vehicle operation.■
The driver must always be ready to take over steering of the vehicle him-
self (accelerate or brake).
■
Always adapt your speed and safety proximity to the vehicle ahead to the
current visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
WARNING■ The ACC does not react when approaching a stationary obstacle, such as
traffic jams, vehicle breakdowns or vehicles waiting at a traffic light.■
The ACC does not respond to crossing or oncoming objects.
■
If the ACC does not decelerate fast enough, immediately apply the vehi-
cle's foot brake.
WARNINGFor safety reasons, do not use the ACC under the following conditions.■When driving in turning lanes, motorway exits or construction sites, to
avoid an unwanted acceleration to the stored speed.■
When visibility is poor, (e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall).
■
When road conditions are poor (e.g. ice, slippery road, gravel, dirt road).
■
When driving around “sharp” bends.
■
When riding on a steep gradient / high slope.
CAUTION
The control may automatically switch off when some brake assist systems (e.g.
ESC) intervene, when the maximum permissible engine speed is exceeded, etc.
Note
■ The ACC is designed primarily for use on motorways.■The ACC reduces the speed by automatically releasing the accelerator or by
means of a braking procedure as appropriate. If the brakes are used for an au-
tomatic speed reduction at any moments, then the brake light illuminates.■
In case of failure of more than one brake light on the vehicle or on the elec-
trically connected trailer, the ACC becomes unavailable.
Radar sensorFig. 148
Mounting location of the radar
sensor
Read and observe and on page 150 first.
The radar sensor » Fig. 148 (From here on referred to as sensor) is used to as-
sess the traffic situation in front of the vehicle.
The sensor can distinguish objects by radiating and receiving electromagnetic waves.
The sensor function may be impaired in the events of one of the following.
› The sensor is covered by mud, snow or debris, for example.
› The sensor or its immediate surroundings are covered by other objects, for
example, a sticker is attached.
› When visibility is poor, (e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall).
If the sensor is dirty or does not have “visibility” for any other reason, the fol- lowing message appears in the instrument cluster display » page 155.
WARNING■
If you suspect that the sensor is damaged, deactivate the ACC. Have the
sensor checked by a specialist garage.■
The sensor can become misaligned by collisions or by damage to the front
of the vehicle, the wheel arch or the underside of the vehicle. This can lead
to an impairment of the ACC function - risk of accidents! Have the sensor
checked by a specialist garage.
■
The area in front of and around the sensor must not be covered with
stickers, additional lights or similar items. This can lead to impaired function
of the sensor - risk of accidents! 
150Driving