2014 SKODA OCTAVIA ECU

CAUTIONAfter removing the key, always replace the cap on the lock – risk of lock get-
ting dirty.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 173
Duly fortified ball head
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
Before each use of the ball rod, check that it is attached properly.
Correctly secured ball rod » Fig. 173
The ball rod does not come off the mounting recess even after strong
“shaking”.
Operating lever
A
is as far up as possible.
The release pin
B
is completely exposed (both its red and green parts are
visible).
The key is removed.
The cap
B
is on the hand-wheel.
WARNINGDo not use the towing device unless the ball rod was properly locked!Removing the ball rod - 1st stepFig. 174
Remove the cap from the lock
Fig. 175
Unlock lock: Key Version 1 / version 2 key
Read and observe
and on page 169 first.
Applies to both key variants
›
Remove the cover
A
from the lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 174 .
Applies to key version 1
›
Insert key
B
into the lock in the direction of arrow
2
so that the green
marking is pointing upwards.
›
Turn key
B
in the direction of arrow
3
so that the red marking is pointing
upwards » Fig. 175.
Applies to key version 2
›
Insert key
C
into the lock in the direction of arrow
4
so that the eye of the
key is pointing downwards.
›
Turn key
C
in the direction of arrow
5
so that the eye of the key is pointing
upwards » Fig. 175. 
172Driving

WARNINGNever remove the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
Note
We recommend putting the protective cover onto the ball head before remov-
ing the tow bar.
Removing the ball rod - 2nd step
Fig. 176
Release ball bar
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
Firstly, carry out the 1st step of ball rod removal » page 172.
Release ball head - applies to both key versions
›
Grasp the ball rod from below » Fig. 176 .
›
Push release pin
A
in the direction of arrow
1
to the stop, and simultane-
ously push operating lever
B
in the direction of arrow
2
to the stop .
The ball rod is released in this position and falls freely into the hand. If it does not fall freely into the hand, use your other hand to push it upwards.
At the same time, the ball rod latches into the ready position and is therefore
ready to be re-fitted »
.
›
Place the cap
4
» Fig. 166 on page 169 onto the mounting recess.
WARNINGNever allow the ball rod to remain unsecured in the boot. This could cause
damage to the boot upon sudden braking, and could put the safety of the
occupants at risk.
CAUTION
■ If lever B is held firmly and not pushed downwards to the stop, it will move
back up after the ball rod is removed and will not latch into the ready position.
The ball rod will then need to be brought into this position before the next
time it is fitted » page 170, Adjusting the ready position .■
Store the ball rod in the box in the ready position and with the key facing up-
wards - otherwise there is a risk of damage to the key!
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not
climb on it)!
Note
Remove any dirt from the ball rod before stowing it away in the box with the
vehicle tool kit.
Accessories
Fig. 177
Depiction of the maximum per-
missible protrusion of the ball
head of the towing hitch and of
the permissible total weight of
the accessory including the load,
depending on the load centre of
gravity
Read and observe and on page 169 first.
An accessory (e.g. bicycle carrier) can be mounted on the ball head of the tow- ing hitch.
If this accessory is used, the maximum permissible protrusion of the ball head
of the towing hitch and the permissible total weight of the accessory including
the load must be observed.
The maximum permissible protrusion of the ball head of the towing hitch is
70 cm » Fig. 177 . 

173Hitch and trailer

The total permitted weight of the accessory including load changes with in-
creasing distance of the load centre of gravity from the ball head of the towing
hitch.Distance of the load
centre of gravity from the ball headPermissible total weight of the accessory, including load» Fig. 177Vehicles with front-wheel driveVehicles with four-wheel driveG-TEC vehicles0 cmA75 kg80 kg56 kg30 cmB75 kg75 kg56 kg60 cmC35 kg35 kg28 kg70 cmD0 kg0 kg0 kgWARNING■Never exceed the permissible total weight of the accessory including load
- there is a risk of damaging the ball head of the towing hitch.■
Never exceed the permissible protrusion of the ball head of the towing
hitch - there is a risk of damaging the ball head of the towing hitch.
Note
We recommend that you use accessories from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Trailer
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Attaching and detaching trailers
174
Loading a trailer
175
Trailer operation
176
Anti-theft alarm system
176
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
Note
If there is an error in the trailer lighting system, check the fuses in the fuse box
in the dashboard » page 229.Attaching and detaching trailersFig. 178
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket, safety eyelet
Attaching
›
Fit the ball rod.
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swing out in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 178 .
›
Lift off protective cap
5
» Fig. 166 on page 169 .
›
Place the trailer onto the ball head.
›
Plug the trailer cable into 13-pin socket
A
» Fig. 178 .
If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connector, you can use a suitable
adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
›
Hook the breakaway cable of the trailer to the security eyelet
B
.
When hooked into the safety eyelet, the breakaway cable of the trailer must
sag relative to the vehicle in all trailer positions (sharp curves, reverse driving
etc.). 
174Driving

Detaching›Unhook the breakaway cable of the trailer from the security eyeletB
» Fig. 178.
›
Pull the trailer cable connected out of the 13-pin socket.
›
Remove the trailer from the ball head.
›
Place cap
5
on to the ball head » Fig. 166 on page 169 .
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swivel in the opposite direction to the
arrow » Fig. 178 .
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national
legal requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer is being towed and the head-
lights may dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlights using the headlight beam control » page 71, Operating
the lights 1)
.
Power to the trailer power grid
For the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer, the trailer's pow-
er supply is provided by the vehicle.
The power supply works with ignition on or off.
WARNING■ Incorrectly or improperly connected electrical installations may cause the
entire vehicle electronics to malfunction, and may lead to accidents and se-
rious injury from electric shock.■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist ga-
rages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical
connections for the tail lights or other current sources.
■
After attaching the trailer and connecting the power socket, check that
the rear lights on the trailer are working correctly.
■
The handbrake on the vehicle must be applied when attaching and dis-
connecting the trailer.
■
Never use the safety eye to tow a vehicle!
Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced. whereby the maximum per-
missible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeop-
ardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the trailer axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Drive at a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving
with this combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on the vehicle for a “full load” » page 204.
Towing capacity and trailer weight
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 238 , Technical data .
The details given in the vehicle's technical documentation always take prece-
dence over the details in the Owner's Manual.
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above
mean sea level.
The engine output falls as the height increases, as does the ability to climb.
Therefore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum per-
missible towed weight must be reduced by 10%.
The towed weight is made up of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehi-
cle and the loaded trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing de-
vice are merely test data for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values are
detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ The maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the permissible
weight of the trailer must not be exceeded - risk of accident!■
Sliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safety
- risk of accident!
1)
Applies to vehicles with bi-xenon headlights.
175Hitch and trailer

›Remove the pump nozzle from the fuel filler tube and put it back in the
pump.›
Place the filler cap onto the fuel filler neck and turn it in the opposite direc-
tion to arrow
3
until it securely engages.
›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly.
Incorrect refuelling guard on vehicles with diesel engines
The fuel filler tube on vehicles with diesel engines has been fitted with a in-
correct refuelling guard » Fig. 181. This guard means it is only possible to refuel
with the diesel pump nozzle.
If the diesel pump nozzle does not sit directly in the fuel filler tube, move it to
and fro with slight pressure to insert it correctly.
WARNINGInstructions for filling the reserve canister■Never fill the reserve can inside the vehicle.■
Never place the reserve can on the vehicle.
■
Always place the reserve can on the floor.
■
The national legal requirements must be observed if carrying a spare can-
ister in the vehicle.
■
We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehicle for safe-
ty reasons. in the event of an accident this can get damaged and fuel may
escape – risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Not continue refuelling.■
Be careful when filling diesel fuel from the spare canister and then do this
slowly and cautiously – danger of contaminating the body.
■
The diameter of the diesel pump nozzle can be identical to that of the petrol
pump nozzle in some countries. When driving in these countries, the incorrect
fuelling protection should be removed by a specialist company.
Note
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 50 litres, including a reserve of approx.
6 litres .Lead-free petrol
Read and observe
and on page 188 first.
The vehicle can only be operated with unleaded petrol that meets the EN 2281)
standard.
All petrol engines can be operated using petrol that contains at most 10% bio-
ethanol (E10).
Required fuel - unleaded petrol 95/91 or 92 or 93 RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON. Unleaded petrol with the
octane ratings 91, 92 or 93 RON can also be used, but may result in a slight
loss in performance and slightly increased fuel consumption »
.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol min. 95 RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON or higher.
If unleaded gasoline is not available with the octane number 95 RON, in an
emergency petrol with the octane rating of 91, 92 and 93 RON can be used to
fill the tank, but this leads to a slight loss of performance and a slightly in-
creased fuel consumption »
.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol 98/(95) RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 98 RON or higher. Unleaded petrol
95 RON can also be used but this results in a slight loss in performance and
slightly increased fuel consumption.
In case of an emergency, you can refuel with petrol with the octane ratings 91,
92 or 93 RON, if unleaded fuel with octane rating 98 RON or 95 RON is not
available »
.
Fuel additives
Unleaded petrol in accordance with the EN 228 standard 1)
meets all the condi-
tions for a smooth-running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel ad-
ditives are used. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine
or the exhaust system. 
1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane number 91 or 95 or DIN 51626-2 or E5
for unleaded petrol with octane number 95 and 98.
189Inspecting and replenishing

CAUTION■Even filling the tank with petrol that does not meet the standards once can
lead to serious damage to parts of the exhaust system!■
If a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. leaded petrol) is used by mistake, do not start the engine or
switch on the ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur!
CAUTION
■ If, in an emergency, the vehicle has to be refuelled with petrol of a lower oc-
tane number than the one prescribed, the journey must only be continued at
medium engine speeds and a low engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a
high engine load can severely damage the engine! Refuel using petrol of the
prescribed octane number as soon as possible.■
Engine parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the
one prescribed is used.
■
Even in the event of an emergency, petrol of a lower octane number than 91
RON must not be used, otherwise the engine can be severely damaged!
CAUTION
Under no circumstances may fuel additives with metal components be used,
and especially not those with manganese and iron content. Risk of consider-
able damage to parts of the engine or exhaust system!
CAUTION
Do not use fuels with metal components, such as LRP (lead replacement
petrol) . Risk of considerable damage to parts of the engine or exhaust sys-
tem!
Note
■ Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the
engine can be used without limitations.■
On vehicles with prescribed unleaded petrol 95/91, 92 or 93 RON, the use of
petrol with a higher octane number than 95 RON does not result in a noticea-
ble power increase or a lower fuel consumption.
■
On vehicles using prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of pet-
rol with a higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and re-
duce fuel consumption.
Diesel fuel
Read and observe
and on page 188 first.
The vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel that meets the EN 5901)
standard.
All diesel engines can be operated using diesel fuel with at most 7% biodiesel
(B7) 2)
.
On the Indian market, your vehicle will only be able to run on diesel fuel com-
pliant with standard IS 1460/Bharat IV. If diesel fuel which complies with this
standard is not available, you can refuel with diesel fuel according to standard
IS 1460/Bharat III in case of emergency.
Operation in winter – Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operate properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel
fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. The ŠKODA Part-
ners and filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with
information regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures opera-
tion of a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of
-24 °C.
Diesel fuel additives
The diesel fuel in accordance with the prescribed standards meets all the con-
ditions for a smooth running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel ad-
ditives are used. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine
or the exhaust system. 
1)
In Germany also DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590:2004.
2)
In Germany according to the DIN 52638 standard, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
190General 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