2016 SKODA OCTAVIA spark

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

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

CAUTIONEnsure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork –
There is a risk of damage to the vehicle.
Note
■ We recommend having all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
Check condition
Fig. 296
Vehicle battery: Open the cover / acid level indicator
Read and observe
and on page 258 first.
The battery condition is checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of the
inspection service.
Check the acid level
For car batteries with acid level indicator, acidity can be checked on the basis
of a colour display. In vehicle batteries with the label “AGM” there is no acid
level examination.
Depending on the equipment, the vehicle battery may be provided with a cov-
er, this can be opened in the direction of arrow » Fig. 296 -
 .
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
tap on the indicator before carrying out the check » Fig. 296 -
 .
Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be replaced.
Battery discharge
If frequent short journeys are made, the vehicle battery does not recharge suf- ficiently.
The battery capacity decreases at low temperatures.
If the vehicle is not used for longer than 3 to 4 weeks, then disconnect the
negative terminal 
of the battery or charge the battery constantly with a very
low charging current.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 258 first.
Only charge the battery when the ignition and all consumers are switched off.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
Charging
›
For vehicles with the START-STOP system or auxiliary heater
, connect the
-terminal of the charger on the battery’s -pole,
 the -terminal of the
charger to the ground point of the engine » page 272.
›
For vehicles without the START-STOPsystem or auxiliary heating, connect
the charger terminals to the corresponding battery poles (  to
,
 to
).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable from the power socket.
›
Disconnect the terminals of the charger from the vehicle battery.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
WARNING■ When charging the vehicle battery, hydrogen is released - risk of explo-
sion. An explosion can be caused through sparking while unclamping or
loosening the cable plug.■
So-called “quick-charging” of the vehicle battery is dangerous and re-
quires a special charger and specialist knowledge. Therefore, have“Quick
loading” carried out by a specialist garage.
259Inspecting and replenishing