2016 SKODA OCTAVIA warning

CAUTIONThe following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of dam-
age to the engine and to the exhaust 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!
■
The biofuel RME must not be used!
CAUTION
Diesel fuel additives■The diesel fuel in accordance with the prescribed standards meets all the
conditions for a smooth running engine. Therefore, we recommend that you do
not add any fuel additives to the diesel - - there is a risk of engine damage or
damage to the exhaust system.
Refuel CNG (compressed natural gas)
Fig. 288
Natural gas filler tubes
Read and observe
and on page 248 first.
Refuel with natural gas under the following conditions. The vehicle is unlocked.
The engine and the ignition are switched off.
The auxiliary heating and ventilation is switched off » page 109.
Natural gas refuelling may vary from station to station. If refuelling with natu-
ral gas at a station is unfamiliar to you, get someone to instruct you or allow
the fuelling operation to be carried out by the station staff.
Refuelling operation
›
Open the fuel filler flap.
› Remove cap A
» Fig. 288 in the direction of the arrow and insert connector
for the refuelling system into filler neck B.
The fuel tank is full when the compressor of the refuelling system automati-
cally switches off.›
Check that sealing ring
C
» Fig. 288 has remained inserted in filler neck
B
. If
the sealing ring has slipped on the connector, reinsert it into the filler neck.
›
Insert cap
A
into the filler neck and close the fuel filler flap until it locks into
place.
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.
If the vehicle is parked directly after a refuelling operation, on restart the
pointer of the gas gauge may not show exactly the same level as immediately
after the filling process. This is not a leak in the system, but a reduction in
pressure due to the cooling of the gas in the gas tank after refuelling.
The maximum lifetime of the gas tank is 20 years.
The capacity of the natural gas fuel tank is approximately 15 kg.
WARNING■
Natural gas is highly explosive and highly flammable.■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. Otherwise, electrostatic discharging may occur -
There is a risk of fire!
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.251Inspecting and replenishing

CNGFig. 289
Position of the CNG label(s).
Read and observe
and on page 248 first.
A G-TEC-vehicle may be operated with CNG and petrol.
Positioning of the CNG sticker in natural gas vehicles » Fig. 289.
Automatic switching from natural gas to petrol operation - Automatic switch-
ing from natural gas to petrol operation takes place in the following situations
(examples). ▶ With an empty gas tank or not enough pressure in the tank.
▶ After refuelling with natural gas.
▶ At very low surrounding temperatures.
To ensure the correct functioning of the fuel system, every 6 months the fuel tank for petrol should be run down until the warning light  comes on.
Gas leak
If a gas leak is suspected (noticeable odour), proceed as follows. ▶ Stop the vehicle.
▶ Switch off the ignition.
▶ Extinguish cigarettes, switch off spark-producing or incendiary items and re-
move them from the vehicle.
▶ Open the doors and the boot lid to ventilate the vehicle sufficiently.
▶ Do not continue to drive if the odour persists.
▶ If it is not possible to leave an enclosed area with a vehicle with a gas leak
(e.g. in a tunnel, underpass, garage, ferry, etc.), call the emergency services
immediately.
Seek help from a specialist garage to correct the gas system fault.
In a traffic accident
If a gas leak is suspected in a traffic accident, proceed as follows.
▶ Switch off the ignition.
▶ Extinguish cigarettes, switch off spark-producing or incendiary items and re-
move them from the vehicle.
▶ Have all the occupants get out.
▶ Keep all persons away from the vehicle. We recommend standing at least 10
metres from the vehicle.
▶ Inform the emergency services that it is a natural gas vehicle.
Regular gas system checks
Regular gas system checks must be carried out in a specialist workshop on
natural gas-powered vehicles. The vehicle owner is responsible for ensuring
tests are conducted properly.
Every 2 years ▶ Check the filler cap.
▶ Check the condition of fuel filler tubes and the sealing ring in the fuel filler
tubes, and clean the sealing ring if necessary.
▶ Check the gas system for leaks and carry out an examination of gas contain-
ers.
Every 20 years ▶ Replace the gas tank.WARNING■ Do not underestimate the smell of gas in the car or when refuelling - risk
of fire, explosion and injury.■
The natural gas tanks in the vehicle must not be exposed to unwanted
heat sources.
Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
253
Engine compartment overview
254
Windscreen washer fluid
254

252General Maintenance

WARNINGNever cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a blan-
ket) – risk of fire!WARNINGWhen working in the engine compartment, the following instructions must
be observed - otherwise risk of injury or fire. The engine compartment of
your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Stop the engine and remove the ignition key, on vehicles with the KESSY
system, open the driver's door.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
For vehicles with manual transmission the lever into the neutral position.
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in 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 everyone away from the engine compartment.■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
Never touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may still turn suddenly
about 10 minutes after switching off the ignition!
■
Do not smoke in the vicinity of the engine and avoid the use of open
flames or sparks.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
This presents a fire hazard and the risk of engine damage.
■
Read the information and warning instructions on the fluid containers.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
If it is necessary to work on the engine with the engine running, beware
of rotating engine parts and electrical plants - There is a risk to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system, particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
CAUTION
Only refill using fluids with the proper specification - There is risk of damage to
the vehicle!
Note
■ Fluids with the proper specifications can be purchased from the ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories or from the ŠKODA Genuine Parts ranges.■
We recommend you have the operating fluids replaced by a specialist garage.
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 290
Open the bonnet
Read and observe
and on page 253 first.
Open flap
›
Ensure that the windscreen wipers are not raised away from the windscreen
- There is risk of damage to the bonnet.
›
Open the front door and pull the release lever below the dash panel in the
direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 290 .
›
Press the release lever in the direction of arrow
2
and the bonnet will be
unlocked. 
253Inspecting and replenishing

›Raise the bonnet in the direction of the 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.
›
Drop down the bonnet lid from a height of about 20 cm applying light pres-
sure until it clicks safely into place.
If the bonnet lid is not properly closed, the display of the instrument cluster will show a representation of a vehicle with an open bonnet lid.
WARNING■ Never drive with the bonnet lid not properly closed - risk of accident!■Make sure that when closing the bonnet, no body parts are crushed -
there is danger of injury!
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 291
Arrangement (example) in the engine compartment
Read and observe and on page 253 first.
Coolant expansion reservoir
257
Engine oil dipstick
256
Engine oil filler opening
256
Brake fluid reservoir
257
Vehicle battery
258
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
254
Windscreen washer fluid
Fig. 292
Windscreen washer fluid reser-
voir
Read and observe and on page 253 first.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir
A
is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 292 .
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 4.7 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system 1)
.
Use a suitable windscreen washer fluid for the current or expected weather
conditions. We recommend that you use windscreen washer fluid from ŠKODA
Original Accessories.
CAUTION
■ If the vehicle is equipped with a headlight cleaning system, then only use
windscreen washer fluid types that do not attack the polycarbonate coating of
the headlights - otherwise there is a risk of damage to headlights.■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
plenishing it with liquid - otherwise the liquid transportation system might be
contaminated, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction.
ABCDEF1)
In some countries, 4.7 ltr. applies for both variants.
254General Maintenance

Engine oil
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specification
255
Check and refill
256
The engine has been filled ex-factory with a high-grade oil that can be used
throughout the year (except in extreme climate zones).
We recommend that the oil changes be carried out by a ŠKODA Service Part-
ner.
The engine oil should be changed at specified service intervals » page 242.
The engine uses up some oil, depending on driving style and operating condi-
tions (up to 0.5 l / 1 000 km). Consumption may be slightly higher than this dur-
ing the first 5 000 km.
WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 252.
CAUTION
Do not add any additives to the engine oil - risk of engine damage.
Note
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 255 first.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sep-arately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
Vehicles with variable service intervalsPetrol enginesSpecification1.0 l./85 kW TSI
VW 504 00
1.2 l./63 kW TSI1.4 l./110 kW TSI1.8 l./132 kW TSI2.0 l/162, 169 kW TSIDiesel enginesSpecification1.6 l/66, 81 kW TDIVW 507 002.0 l/105, 110, 135 kW TDI
Vehicles with fixed service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecification1.0 l./85 kW TSI
VW 502 00
1.2 l./63 kW TSI1.4 l/81 kW TSI G-TEC1.4 l./110 kW TSI1.6 l./81 kW MPI1.8 l./132 kW TSI2.0 l/162, 169 kW TSIDiesel enginesSpecification1.6 l/66, 81 kW TDIVW 507 002.0 l/105, 110, 135 kW TDI
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines without a DPF.
CAUTION
■
If no prescribed engine oil is available, then max. 0.5 l oil of the following
specifications can be refilled. ■Petrol engines: ACEA A3/ACEA B4 or API SN, (API SM);
■ Diesel engines: ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.255Inspecting and replenishing

Check and refillFig. 293
Dipstick variants
Read and observe
and on page 255 first.
Check and refill oil under the following conditions. The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine operating temperature is reached.
The engine is turned off.
Checking the level
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Pull the dipstick out and wipe with a clean cloth.
›
Push the dipstick back to the stop and then pull it out again.
›
Read the oil level and push the dipstick back in.
The oil level must lie in range
A
» Fig. 293 . If the oil level is below range
A
, oil
must be added.
Refilling
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening
C
» Fig. 291 on page 254 .
›
Add oil of the correct specification in portions of 0.5 litres » page 255.
›
Check the oil level.
›
Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.
CAUTION
■
The oil level must never be below range A » Fig. 293 there is a risk of dam-
age to the engine as well as to the exhaust system.■
If a top up with oil is not possible or the oil level is above range
A
, 
stop
driving! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
NoteAn engine oil level which is too low is shown in the instrument cluster by the
warning light  illuminating and also indicated by the message » page 38.
Nevertheless, we recommend checking the oil level on a regular basis using
the dipstick.
Coolant
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking and refilling
257
The coolant helps to keep the engine temperature down, and consists of wa-
ter and coolant additive (with additives that protect the cooling system against
corrosion and prevent furring).
The proportion of coolant additive in the coolant must be 40 to 60 %.
The correct mix of water and coolant additive should be checked and if neces-
sary corrected by a specialist garage.
WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 252.■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurised - risk of scalding or
injury from splashes of coolant!
■
To protect against the coolant splashing, cover the cap with a cloth when
opening.
■
Coolant and coolant fumes are harmful - avoid contact with the coolant. If
the coolant comes into contact with the eye or skin, wash the affected area
with plenty of water for several minutes, and where appropriate seek medi-
cal help.
CAUTION
Do not cover the radiator and install any parts (e.g auxiliary lights.) in front of
the air intakes - There is a risk of the engine overheating.256General Maintenance

Checking and refillingFig. 294
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 256 first.
Check and refill coolant under the following conditions.The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is not warm (if the engine is warm the result of the check may
be wrong).
The engine is turned off.
Check the coolant level - The coolant level must lie between the marks
A
and
B
» Fig. 294. If the coolant level is below the mark
B
, top up with coolant.
Refilling
The reservoir must always contain a small amount of coolant »
.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir and unscrew
the cap carefully .
›
Always top up using coolant of the correct specification.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
The specification for the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 294 .
If the specified coolant is not available, then refilling only with distilled or puri-
fied water, and get a specialist garage to correct the water-coolant additive
mix as soon as possible.
CAUTION■ If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
aerate - There is a risk of engine damage!  Stop driving! Switch off the en-
gine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 294 . The coolant could, when
heated, be expelled from the cooling system - There is a risk of damage to the
engine parts.
■
If it is not possible to add coolant, 
stop driving! Switch off the engine and
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
A coolant additive which does not correspond to the correct specification can
reduce the anti-corrosion effect of the cooling system - risk of damage to the
cooling system and the engine.
■
If distilled (purified) water has been used to top up, the coolant should be re-
placed by a specialist garage - risk of engine damage.
■
A loss of coolant indicates leaks in the cooling system - risk of engine dam-
age. Top up with coolant and then seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Note
A coolant level which is too low is indicated in the instrument cluster by the
warning light and shown by the relevant message » page 38. We still recom-
mend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.
Brake fluid
Fig. 295
Brake fluid reservoir
Check the brake fluid under the following conditions.
The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
Check brake fluid level - The brake fluid level must lie between the markings
“MIN” and “MAX” » Fig. 295. 
257Inspecting and replenishing

Specification - The brake fluid must comply with the standard VW 501 14 (this
standard meets the requirements of FMVSS 116 DOT4).WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 252.■
If the fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below
the “MIN” » Fig. 295mark, this may be an indication of a leak in the brake
system. 
Stop driving - There is a risk of an accident! Seek help from a
specialist garage.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■A low brake fluid level which is too low is indicated by the warning light
 being shown on the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corre-
sponding message » page 33. We still recommend inspecting the brake fluid
level in the reservoir from time to time.
Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Check condition
259
Charging
259
Disconnect/reconnect and change
260
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Automatic consumer shutdown - Discharge protection of the vehicle battery
The on-board power supply system tries to prevent the vehicle battery from
discharging in the following ways when it is subject to heavy loading. ▶ By increasing the engine idle speed.
▶ Through the power limitation of certain loads.
▶ By switching off some loads(heated seats, heated rear window) for as long
as necessary.
Warning symbols on the vehicle batterySymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection!Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection!Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the
vehicle battery!When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture
is produced!Keep children away from the vehicle battery!WARNINGBattery acid is highly corrosive - it can cause injury, chemical burns or poi-
soning! Corrosive vapours in the air irritate and damage the respiratory
tract and the eyes. The following guidelines must be observed.■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
■
If your eyes or skin come into contact with the electrolytic fluid, immedi-
ately wash the affected area for a few minutes long with a lot of water. Get
medical assistance without delay.
■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent (e.g. children).
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings.
WARNINGWorking on the car battery may cause explosion, fire, injury or chemical
burn! The following guidelines must be observed.■
Do not smoke, use open flames or light or transmitting devices.
■
A discharged vehicle battery may freeze slightly. Never charge up a fro-
zen or thawed vehicle battery. Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery.
■
Do not connect the battery terminals, bridging the two poles will cause a
short circuit. 
258General Maintenance