2016 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner's Manual

Coolant temperature gaugeFig. 18
Coolant temperature gauge
The display » Fig. 18 only works if the ignition is switched on.
Cold range - The pointer is in the range
A
, the engine has not yet reached its
operating temperature. Avoid high speeds and high engine loads.
Operating range - The pointer is in the range
B
.
High temperature range The pointer is in the range
C
. The coolant tempera-
ture is too high. The warning light 
» page 38 illuminates in the instrument
cluster.
Fuel gauge - natural gas
Fig. 19
Gas gauge
The display » Fig. 19 only works if the ignition is switched on.
The capacity of the natural gas fuel tank is approximately 15 kg.
If this fuel level reaches the reserve area, in the display the icon  and a re-
quest for natural gas refuelling is displayed.
NoteThe arrow next to the symbol within the fuel gauge displays the installation
location of the fuel filler on the right side of the vehicle.
Fuel gauge - Petrol/ Diesel
Fig. 20
Petrol/ diesel reserve display
The display » Fig. 20 only works if the ignition is switched on.
The contents of the fuel tank for petrol / diesel is approximately 50 litres.
If the fuel level reaches the reserve level
A
» Fig. 20 , the warning light 
illu-
minates in the instrument cluster » page 36.
WARNINGFor the vehicle systems to function correctly, and thus for safe driving,
there must be sufficient fuel in the tank. Never drain the fuel tank com-
pletely – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! Irregular supply of fuel can
cause misfiring, which can result in damage to parts of the engine and the ex-
haust system.
Note
■ After filling up, it’s possible that during dynamic driving (e.g. numerous
curves, braking, driving downhill and climbing a steep hill) the fuel gauge indi-
cates a fraction less.■
The arrow 
next to the symbol 
within the fuel gauge displays the installa-
tion location of the fuel filler on the right side of the vehicle.
31Instruments and warning lights

Warning lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
33
 Braking system
33
 Front seat belt warning light
33
 Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
33
 
Power steering / steering lock (KESSY system)
33
 Stability control (ESC) / Traction control (TCS)
34
Traction control (TCS) disabled
34
 Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
34
Rear fog light
34
 Emission control system
35
 Preheating unit (diesel)
35
 EPC warning light (petrol)
35
Safety systems
35
Tyre pressure
35
 Brake linings
36
 Low fuel - petrol / diesel
36

Lane assist (Lane Assist)
36


Turn signal system
36
 Trailer turn signal lights
36
 Fog lights
37
 Cruise control
37
 Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
37
Natural gas operation
37
 Main beam
37
 Automatic gearbox
37
 Rear seat belt warning light
37
 Generator
37
 Coolant
38
 Engine oil pressure
38
 Engine oil level
38
 Lamp failure
39
 Diesel particle filter (diesel)
39
Windscreen washer fluid level39High beam assistant39

START-STOPsystem
39
Display a low temperature
39
 Water in the fuel filter (diesel)
40

 
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
40

Distance warning (Front Assist)
40
 Front assist
40
 OFF ROAD mode
40
 Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC)
40
 Service
40
The warning lights in the instrument cluster indicate certain functions or
faults.
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.
The warning lights are located at the following positions in the instrument
cluster » Fig. 17 on page 30 .
▶ Tachometer
1
▶Display
2
▶Speedometer
3
▶Bar with warning lights
5
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 can be displayed in col-
our on the display. For example. the coolant warning lamp may be represented
as follows.
▶  - Segment display / monochromatic (“black and white”) MAXI DOT display
▶  - Coloured MAXI DOT display 
32Using the system

WARNING■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 68. Place the warning triangle at the prescri-
bed distance.
■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warnings
» page 252 .
Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – the handbrake has been applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 5 km/h while the
handbrake is still on.
▶ Release the handbrake.
Braking system
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates – the brake fluid level in the brake system is too low.
▶ Park the vehicle, 
stop driving! Seek help from a specialist garage.
WARNINGA fault to the braking system can increase the vehicle’s braking distance -
There is a risk of an accident!
 Front seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up - the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
At a speed of over 30 km/h the warning light 
flashes and an audible warning
sounds at the same time.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
approx. 2 minutes, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light il-
luminates permanently.
 Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates - the ACC delay is not sufficient.
▶ Apply the brake.
For more information about the ACC system » page 214.
  Power steering / steering lock (KESSY system)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
Fault in the power steering
 lights up – this indicates a complete failure of the power steering and the
steering assist is no longer working (significantly higher steering forces).
 lights up – this indicates a partial failure of the power steering and the
steering forces can be greater.
▶ Switch off the ignition, start the engine again and travel a short distance.
▶ If the warning light does not go off, stop the vehicle,
stop driving
. Seek
help from a specialist garage.
▶ If the warning light does not go off, you can drive on, exercising appropriate
caution. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Steering lock defect (KESSY system)
An audible signal sounds as a warning.
 flashes
Steering column lock faulty. Stop!STOP VEHICLE STEERING FAULTY
▶ Park the vehicle, 
stop driving . After switching off the ignition, it is no lon-
ger possible to lock the steering, to activate the electrical components (e.g.
Infotainment ), to switch on the ignition again and to start the engine. Seek
help from a specialist garage.
 flashes
Steering lock: Workshop!STEERING WORKSHOP
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately. 
33Instruments and warning lights

Steering column lock not unlocked (System KESSY) flashes
Move the steering wheel!MOVE STEERING WHEEL
▶ Move the steering wheel slightly back and forth, thereby facilitating unlock-
ing the steering lock.
▶ If the steering does also not unlock then, the help of a specialist garage is
required.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning
light 
comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after the motor is restarted and a short drive, the indicator light does not go
out, there is a system error.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
 Stability control (ESC) / Traction control (TCS)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
If your vehicle is equipped with the ESC system, the TCS is part of the ESC sys-
tem.
 flashes – the ESC or TCS is currently active.
System fault
 lights up – there is an ESC or TCS fault.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
If the warning light comes on after starting the engine, the TCS may be
switched off for technical reasons. ▶ Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light does not illuminate after you switch the engine back on,
the ASR is fully functional again.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the indicator
light comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after a short drive, the indicator light does not go out, there is a system er-
ror.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
For more information on the ESC system » page 200 or TCS system
» page 201 .
Traction control (TCS) disabled
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates – the TCS system is disabled.
Note
On vehicles without the ESC system, the warning light
 does not illuminate
upon deactivation of the TCS system, but a message is only displayed on the
display of the instrument cluster.
 Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – there is an ABS fault.
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
WARNING■ If warning light  illuminates simultaneously with warning light
 » page 33 ,  Braking system , 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!
Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – the rear fog light is switched on.
34Using the system

 Emission control systemRead and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – there is a fault in the emission control system. The system
makes it possible to drive on in emergency mode - there may be a noticeable
reduction in engine performance.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
Preheating unit (diesel)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 flashes – there is a fault in the engine management system. The system
makes possible operation emergency mode - there may be a noticeable reduc-
tion in engine performance.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light  does not come
on or illuminates continuously.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
 EPC warning light (petrol)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – there is a fault in the engine management system. The system
makes it possible to drive on in emergency mode - there may be a noticeable
reduction in engine performance.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
Safety systems
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
System fault
 lights up - there is a fault in the airbag system.
Error: AirbagAIRBAG ERROR▶
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The front passenger airbag has been disabled with the key switch
 illuminates for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been switched on.
One of the airbags or a belt tensioner has been disabled by the diagnostic
tool
 illuminates for around 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on and then
flashes for approximately 12 seconds.Airbag/ belt tensioner deactivated.AIRBAG/ BELT TENSIONER OFF
ProActive passenger protection
 illuminates and the following message is shown in the information cluster
display.
Proactive passenger protection not available.PROACTIVE PASSENGER PROTECT NOT AVAIL
or
Proactive passenger protection: function restricted.LIMITED PROACTIVE PASSENGER PROTECT
The seat belt for the driver and front passenger needs to be replaced.
▶ Seek help from a specialist garage.
WARNINGWhen a fault in the airbag system occurs, there is a risk of the system not
being triggered in the event of an accident. Therefore, this must be
checked immediately by a specialized garage.
Tyre pressure
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
Change of tyre pressure values
 lights up - there was a pressure change in one of the tyres.
An audible signal sounds as a warning. ▶ Immediately reduce speed and avoid sudden steering and braking manoeu-
vres.
▶ Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and check the tyres and their inflation
pressure » page 261 . 
35Instruments and warning lights

▶Correct the tyre pressure if necessary or replace the affected wheel
» page 266 or use the repair kit » page 270.
▶ Save the tyre pressure values in the system » page 229.
System fault
 flashes for approximately 1 minute and remains lit – there may be a fault in
the tyre pressure monitoring system.
▶ Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and start the engine again.
If the warning light 
flashes after starting the engine again, there is a system
error.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the indicator
light  comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after a short drive, the indicator light does not go out, there is a system er-
ror.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
Other incidents
The illumination of the warning light  can have the following reasons.
▶ The vehicle is loaded on one side. Distribute the load evenly.
▶ The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
▶ Snow chains are mounted.
▶ A wheel has been changed.
CAUTION
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light  in the instrument cluster can be delayed or does
not light up at all.
 Brake linings
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates - the brake pads are worn.
▶
You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
 Low fuel - petrol / diesel
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates – the fuel level in the fuel tank is at the reserve level (approxi-
mately 6 litres).
An audible signal sounds as a warning. ▶ Please refuel » page 249.
Note
The text in the display goes out after refuelling and driving a short distance.
Lane assist (Lane Assist)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
The warning lights 
 indicates the state of the Lane Assist system.
More information about the Lane Assist System » page 224.
 Turn signal system
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 flashes – the left turn signal is turned on.
 flashes – the right turn signal is turned on.
If there is a fault in the turn signal system, the warning light flashes at twice
its normal rate (does not apply when towing).
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of
the turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
 Trailer turn signal lights
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 flashes – the trailer turn signal lights are switched on.
If a trailer is hitched and the warning light  is not flashing, one of the trailer
turn signal lights has failed. 
36Using the system

▶Check the trailer bulbs.
 Fog lights
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates – the fog lights are switched on.
 Cruise control
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates - the vehicle speed is limited by the speed regulator system
and/or the automatic distance control.
 Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – apply the brake.
Natural gas operation
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates - the vehicle is running on natural gas.
 Main beam
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – the main beam or the headlight flasher is switched on.
 Automatic gearbox
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
Gearbox overheated
The warning light  is only shown in the MAXI DOTdisplay.

 Illumi-
nates
Gearbox overheated. You can drive on.GEARBOX OVERHEATED
Transmission overheated. You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution.
  Illumi-
nates
Gearbox overheated. Stop! Log book!STOP VEHICLE GEARBOX OVERHEAT
▶  Stop driving! 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 off, 
stop driving! Seek help from a special-
ist garage.
Transmission problem
The warning light 
is only shown in the MAXI DOTdisplay.
  Illumi-
nates
Gearbox faulty. Stop the vehicle safely!GEARBOX FAULTY WORKSHOP
▶ Park the vehicle, 
stop driving! Seek help from a specialist garage.
  Illumi-
nates
Gearbox in emergency mode. No reverse gear.GEARBOX ERROR REV_ GEAR NOT AVAIL  Illumi-
nates
Error: gearbox. Speed is limited.GEARBOX ERROR
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
 Rear seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – a rear seat belt is not fastened.
 lights up – 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 33 first.
 lights up – the battery is not being charged whilst the engine is running.
▶ As the vehicle battery during your journey, are all non-essential electrical
loads (e.g. Infotainment) must be switched off.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately. 
37Instruments and warning lights

CAUTIONIf 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 33 first.
Coolant level too low
  Illumi-
nates
ENGINE COOLANT PLEASE CHECK! Log book!ENGINE COOLANT PLEASE CHECK
▶ Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and allow the engine to cool down.
▶ Check the coolant level » page 257.
If the coolant level is within the specified range and the warning light lights
up again, 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 fan fuse are both OK but the warning light lights up
again, 
stop driving!
▶ Seek help from a specialist garage.
Coolant temperature too high
  Illumi-
nates
Engine overheat. Stop! Log book!ENGINE OVERHEAT STOP
▶ Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and allow the engine to cool down.
▶ Continue your journey only after the warning light  has disappeared.
 Engine oil pressure
Read and observe
on page 33 first.

 flashes – the engine oil pressure is too low.
▶ 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.
CAUTIONIf, under the given conditions, it is not possible to top up with engine oil, 
stop driving - there is a risk of engine damage! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.
 Engine oil level
Read and observe
on page 33 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 the engine oil is not refilled, 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.
▶ If the oil level is too high, you can driven on, exercising appropriate caution.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Fault on the engine oil level sensor
  Illumi-
nates
Oil sensor: Workshop!OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
CAUTION
If, under the given conditions, it is not possible to top up with engine oil, 
stop driving - there is a risk of engine damage! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.38Using the system