2015 SKODA OCTAVIA coolant level

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
8
Driving safety
8
In this section of the instructions you will find important information, tips and
notes on the subject of passive safety.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, safety of children and anything similar.
You will find further information on safety, which concerns you and those trav-
elling with you, in the following chapters of this Owner's Manual.
The complete on-board literature should therefore always be in the vehicle.
This applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
▶ Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning properly.
▶ Ensure that the function of the wipers and the condition of the wiper blades
are free of any defects.
▶ Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
▶ Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
▶ Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
▶ Check the tyre inflation pressure.
▶ Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
▶ Secure all items of luggage.
▶ Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of the
vehicle.
▶ Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
▶ Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
▶
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat belts
» page 20 , Transporting children safely .
▶ Adopt the correct seated position » page 8, Correct and safe seated posi-
tion . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
The driver is fully responsible for himself and passengers, especially children. If
your driving safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at
risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. ▶ Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, (e.g. by
your passengers or mobile phone calls).
▶ Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, (e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs).
▶ Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
▶ Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather conditions.
▶ Take regular breaks on long journeys (at least every two hours).
The following list contains instructions for the Passenger which, if not ob-
served, may cause serious injuries or death. ▶ Do not lean against the dash panel.
▶ Do not put your feet on the dash panel.
The following list contains instructions for all Passengers which, if not ob-
served, may cause serious injuries or death. ▶ Do not sit only on the front area of the seat.
▶ Do not sit facing to the side.
▶ Do not lean out of the window.
▶ Do not put your limbs out of the window.
▶ Do not put your feet on the seat upholstery.
Correct and safe seated position
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Correct seat position of the driver
9
Adjusting the steering wheel position
9
Correct seated position for the front passenger
10
Correct seated position for the passengers in the rear seats
10

8Safety

Reset counter for distance travelled (trip)›Press button A » Fig. 28 on page 31 .
Setting the clock
Fig. 28
Button in the instrument cluster
Read and observe on page 28 first.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press and hold the button
A
» Fig. 28 until the
Time
is shown in the display.
›
Release the button
A
and the system switches to the hour setting function.
›
Press the button
A
again and set the hours.
›
Wait around 4 seconds - the system switches to the minutes setting.
›
Press the button
A
again and set the minutes.
›
Wait around 4 seconds - the system switches to the initial setting.
The time can also be set in the Infotainment » Owner´s Manual Infotainment ,
chapter Device settings .
Warning lights

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
32
 Brake system
32
 Seat belt warning light
32
 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
32

 Power steering/steering lock (KESSY system)
33
 Traction control (TCS)
33
 Traction control system (TCS) off
33
 Stability Control (ESC)
34
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)34 Rear fog light34

Exhaust inspection system
34
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
34
 Engine performance check (petrol engine)
35
 Safety systems
35

Tyre pressure
35
 Brake linings
36
 Fuel reserve
36
 
Lane following system (Lane Assist)
36
  Turn signal system
36
 Trailer turn signal lights
36
 Fog lights
36
 Cruise control system
36
 Brake pedal (automatic transmission)
37
 Natural gas operation
37
 Main beam
37
 Automatic transmission
37

 Rear seat belt warning light
37
 Generator
37
 Coolant
37
 Engine oil pressure too low
38
 Engine oil level
38
 Lamp failure
38
 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
38
 Windscreen washer fluid level
39
 High beam assistant
39

 START-STOP system
39
 Display of a low temperature
39

Water in the fuel filter (diesel engine)
39


 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
40
 Distance warning (Front Assist)
40
 Advance warning/emergency brake (Front Assist)
40
 OFF ROADmode
40
 Service
40
The warning lights in the instrument cluster indicate certain functions or
faults. 
31Instruments and warning lights

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 light up briefly as a func-
tion 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.
Warning lights in the display
Depending on the importance the warning light 
(danger) or 
(warning) illu-
minate along with some of the warning lights in the list with the warning
lights.
Depending on vehicle equipment, some warning lights may be displayed in col-
our on the display. For example, the coolant warning light may be displayed as
follows.
▶  - Segment display/monochromatic (“black and white”) MAXI DOT display
▶  - Coloured MAXI DOT displayWARNING■
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
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system » page 73. Place the warning triangle at the prescri-
bed distance.
■
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 194, Engine compartment .
 Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
 illuminates – the hand brake is applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 5 km/h while the
handbrake is still on.
Release the handbrake!RELEASE HANDBRAKE Brake system
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
 illuminates – the brake fluid level in the braking system is too low.
Brake fluid: owner's manual!BRAKE FLUID PLEASE CHECK›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake fluid
» page 200 .
WARNING■
If warning light  illuminates simultaneously with warning light
 » page 34 ,  Anti-lock braking system (ABS) , do not continue your
journey! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
 Seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
 illuminates - the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
At a speed of more than approximately 30 km/h the warning light  flashes
and an audible warning sounds at a time.
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.
 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
 illuminates - the ACC delay is not sufficient.
Apply the brake!›
Apply the brake.
For more information about the ACC system » page 150.
32Using the system

 Brake pedal (automatic transmission)Read and observe
on page 32 first.
 illuminates – apply the brake.
 Natural gas operation
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
 illuminates - the vehicle is running on natural gas.
 Main beam
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
 illuminates – the main beam or the headlight flasher is switched on.
 Automatic transmission
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
Gearbox overheated
The warning light  is only shown in the MAXI DOTdisplay.

 Illumi-
nates
Gearbox overheated. Stop! Log book!STOP VEHICLE GEARBOX OVERHEAT  Illumi-
nates
Gearbox overheated.GEARBOX OVERHEATED
▶ 
do not continue to drive! Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
You can continue your journey as soon as the warning light disappears.
If the warning light does not go out, do not continue driving. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Transmission problem
The warning light  is only shown in the MAXI DOTdisplay.

 Illumi-
nates
Gearbox faulty. Workshop!GEARBOX FAULTY WORKSHOP  Illumi-
nates
Error: gearbox. Reverse gear not available.GEARBOX ERROR REV_ GEAR NOT AVAIL  Illumi-
nates
Error: gearboxGEARBOX ERROR
Seek help from a specialist garage.
  Rear seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
 illuminates – a rear seat belt is not fastened.
 illuminates – a rear seat belt is fastened.
When the seat belt is fastened/unfastened, the particular light lights up briefly
and indicates the current belt status!
 Generator
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
 illuminates – the battery is not being charged whilst the engine is running.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
If in addition to the light  the light  lights up while driving,  stop driving -
risk of engine damage! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage.
 Coolant
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
Coolant level too low
  Illumi-
nates
Check coolant! Log book!ENGINE COOLANT PLEASE CHECK
▶ Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the coolant level
» page 199 , Checking the coolant level . 
37Instruments and warning lights

If the coolant level is within the specified range and the warning light  illumi-
nated again after ignition on, then there may be a malfunction of the cooling
fan.
▶ Switch off the ignition.
▶ Check the fuse for the radiator fan, replace if necessary.
If the coolant level and the fan fuse are OK and the warning light 
illuminates
again after ignition on 
do not continue to drive!
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Coolant temperature too high  Illumi-
nates
Engine overheat. Stop! Owner's Manual!ENGINE OVERHEAT STOP
▶ Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
▶ Continue your journey only after the warning light  has disappeared.
 Engine oil pressure too low
Read and observe
on page 32 first.

 flashes – the engine oil pressure is too low.
Oil pressure: stop! Owner's Manual!STOP VEHICLE OIL PRESSURE›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level.
Even if the oil level is correct, 
do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
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.
 Engine oil level
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
Engine oil level too low
  Illumi-
nates
Oil level: add oil!ADD OIL▶ Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level, top up
if necessary.
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 sec-
onds. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on
again after driving about 100 km.
Engine oil level too high  Illumi-
nates
Reduce oil level!OIL LEVEL TOO HIGH
▶ Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level.
In the event of a high oil level, seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Fault on the engine oil level sensor
  Illumi-
nates
Oil sensor: workshop!OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP
Seek help from a specialist garage.
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.
 Lamp failure
Read and observe
on page 32 first.

 illuminates – one of the lamps is defective. A message will appear con-
cerning the affected lamp.
An example message in the display of the instrument cluster
Check right dipped headlight beam!DIPPED HEADLIGHT CHECK RIGHT
 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
Read and observe
on page 32 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.

 illuminates – the filter is clogged with soot. 
38Using the system

WARNING■For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the win-
dows are free of ice, snow and misting. The blower should always be on to
prevent the windows from misting up.■
Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow
out of the vents when the cooling system is switched on.
CAUTION
■ The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of e.g. ice, snow or
leaves to ensure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.■
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air
conditioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is not a
leak!
■
If the coolant temperature is too high, the cooling system is switched off to
ensure that the engine cools down.
Heating and manual air conditioning
Fig. 135
Heating Controls
Fig. 136
Controls of the manual air conditioning
Read and observe
and on page 113 first.
Individual functions can be set or switched on by turning the dial or pressing
the corresponding key. When the function is switched on, the warning light il-
luminates below the button.
Functions of the individual controls » Fig. 135 and » Fig. 136
Setting temperature
▶  Lower the temperature
▶  Increase the temperature
Set the blower speed (Level 0: Fan off, Level 6: highest speed)
Set the direction of the air outlet » page 116
▶  Air flow to the windows
▶  Air flow to the upper body
▶  Air flow into the footwell and to the body (warmer air directed to the
footwell than to the body)
▶  Air flow in the footwell
▶  Air flow to the windows and the footwell
Depending on equipment fitted:
▶  Auxiliary heating and ventilation on / switch off
» page 118
▶  Switching the windscreen heater on/off
» page 76
Control the seat heater on the front left seat » page 85
Switch the cooling system on/off
Switch the rear window heater on/off » page 76
Switch recirculation on/off » page 115
Control the seat heater on the front right seat » page 85
ABCD113Heating and ventilation

CAUTION■In an emergency, another engine oil to be refilled. To prevent damage to the
engine, a maximum of 0.5 litres only of the following engine oils may be used:
■ For petrol engine models: ACEA A3/ACEA B4 or API SN, (API SM);
■ For diesel engine models: ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.
Checking the oil level
Fig. 206
Principle sketch: Dipstick
Read and observe
and on page 197 first.
The dipstick indicates the engine oil level .
Dipstick » Fig. 206
The oil level must be within this range.
The oil can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are satisfied. The vehicle is 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.
A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 instrument cluster display shows a warning light 
as well as the relevant notification » page 38. Check the oil level using the dip-
stick as soon as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
■ The oil level must never be above the range A » Fig. 206 - risk of damage to
the motor as well as 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 197 first.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 204 on page 196 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 197 .
›
Check the oil level » page 198.
›
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
199
Replenishing
200
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. 
198General Maintenance

The coolant additive percentage 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 reservoir
» Fig. 207 on page 199 .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 194.■
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!
■
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. 207 on page 199 .
■
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. 207
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 199 first.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion reservoir » Fig. 207
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 on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The engine is not heated.
The bonnet is open. 
AB199Inspecting and replenishing