warning light SKODA OCTAVIA 2013 3.G / (5E) Owner's Manual

The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications:› VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.
Vehicle battery

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening the cover
225
Checking the battery electrolyte level
226
Charging
226
Replacing
227
Disconnecting and reconnecting
227
Automatic load deactivation
227
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection!Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye protec- tion!Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the ve-
hicle battery!When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture is produced!Keep children away from the vehicle battery!WARNINGThere is a risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire when
carrying out any work on the battery and on the electrical system. The general
applicable safety rules and the following warnings must be observed without
exception.■
Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the bat-
tery vent openings. Protect your eyes by safety glasses or a face shield – risk
of blindness!
■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling the
vehicle battery.
■
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
the greatest of care.
■
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivitis
and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
■
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and creates deep wounds after contact
with the skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact with diluted
acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, skin cracks).
■
If any battery electrolyte comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the rele-
vant eye immediately with clear water for several minutes - consult a doctor
immediately!
■
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. If you swallow
battery acid, seek immediate medical assistance!
WARNING■ It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light.■Smoking or to carrying out any activities which produce sparks are prohibi-
ted.■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery – risk of explosion!
■
Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – risk of explosion and
caustic burns!
■
Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low –
risk of explosion and caustic burns. 
224General Maintenance

WARNING■When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive gas
mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is on.■
Creating a bridge between the poles on the battery (e.g. with a metal object
or cable) creates a short circuit - risk of melting the lead bars, and risk of ex-
plosion, battery fire and acid splashes.
■
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the engine,
the ignition and all electrical components and disconnect the negative termi-
nal (-) on the battery.
CAUTION
Improper handling of the battery can lead to damage occurring. We recommend
having all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The vehicle battery must only be disconnected if the ignition is switched off,
otherwise the vehicle's electrical system (electronic components) can be dam-
aged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system, first of all dis-
connect the negative terminal (-) of the battery, followed by the positive terminal
(+).■
When connecting the battery to the electrical system, first of all connect the
positive terminal (+) of the battery, followed by the negative terminal (-). Under no
circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly – risk of a cable fire.
■
Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk of
damage to the paintwork.
■
Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle battery
housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
■
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge. This is because certain electrical components consume electricity (e. g.
control units) also in idle state. Prevent the battery from discharging by discon-
necting the battery's negative terminal (-) or continuously charging the battery
with a very low charging current.
■
If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery will
not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge.
For the sake of the environmentA vehicle battery that has been removed is a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations.
Note
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
Opening the cover
Fig. 187
Engine compartment: Polyester
cover of vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 224.
The battery is located in the engine compartment - in some models, underneath apolyester cover » Fig. 187.
›
Fold out the cover on the battery in the direction of the arrow.
The battery cover is installed in reverse order.
The edge of the polyester battery cover is inserted between the battery and the
side wall of the battery cover when working on the battery.

225Inspecting and replenishing

WARNING“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth » page 244, Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP
system .
Note
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be rapid charged by a specialist
garage.
Replacing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 224.
When replacing a battery, the new vehicle battery must have the same capacity,
voltage, amperage and be the same size. Suitable vehicle battery types can be
purchased from a specialist garage.
We recommend having the battery replaced by a specialist garage, where the
new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be dis-
posed of in accordance with national regulations.

Disconnecting and reconnecting
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 224.
On disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery, the following functions
are initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free:
OperationOperating measureElectrical power window (operational faults)» page 49Enter the radio/navigation system code num-
ber» Operating instructions for Info-
tainment Radio or » Operating
instructions for Infotainment
NavigationSetting the clock» page 14Data in the multifunction display are deleted» page 29
Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a specialist garage in order to en-
sure full functionality of all electrical systems.
Automatic load deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 224.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from discharg-
ing when the bettery is subjected to heavy loads. This manifests itself by the fol-
lowing.
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where appropriate large convenience consumers, e.g. seat heaters, rear win-
dow heaters, have their power limited or in case of emergency shut off com-
pletely.
CAUTION
■ Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the vehi-
cle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on a long
time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned on during longer parking.■
Consumers which are supplied via a 12 V socket can cause the vehicle battery to
discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not disrupted by any shutting off of consumers. Often the driv-
er is not aware of it having taken place.
227Inspecting and replenishing

WARNING (Continued)■The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.■
If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim can
come loose when the car is moving – risk of accident! A tightening torque
which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in per-
manent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rim.
■
In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
when the car is moving – risk of accident!
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the spare wheel.■Only use the spare wheel while absolutely necessary.■
Never drive with more than one spare wheel mounted.
■
The snow chains cannot be used on the spare wheel.
CAUTION
■ If a spare wheel is used that is not identical to the fitted tyres, the following
must be observed » page 232, Spare wheel .■
Protect the tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
■
Replace lost dust caps.
■
If, in the event of a puncture, it is necessary to fit a spare wheel with a tyre
without a dedicated running direction or the opposite running direction, drive
carefully as the optimum characteristics of the tyre are no longer applicable in
this situation.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres be carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
We recommend that you use wheel rims, tyres, full wheel trims and snow chains
from ŠKODA Original Accessories.

Service life of tyresFig. 189
Principle sketch: Tyre tread with wear indicators/Open fuel filler
flap with a table detailing the tyre size and tyre inflation pressure
Fig. 190
Changing wheels around
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 228.
The life of tyres depends on the inflation pressure, driving style, and other cir-
cumstances. Following the advice below can extend the service life of your tyres.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the spare wheel, at least once a month and also before setting off on a long journey.
The tyre pressures for tyres are shown on the inside of the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 189 -
 .
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all times. 
229Wheels

690 kg
730 kg
775 kg
Speed symbol
This indicates the maximum permissible vehicle speed with mounted tyres for the respective category.
130 km/h
160 km/h
170 km/h
180 km/h
190 km/h
200 km/h
210 km/h
240 km/h
270 km/h
300 km/h
CAUTION
The information about the load index and the speed symbol for your vehicle are
listed in your vehicle documents.
Unidirectional tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 228.
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre.
The indicated direction of rotation must be adhered to in order to obtain the best
benefits from the characteristics of these tyres.
These characteristics are mainly. › Increased driving stability.
› Reduced risk of aquaplaning.
› Reduced tyre noise and reduced tyre wear.
959799MQRSTUHVWYTyre control displayFig. 191
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 228.
Calibration
After changing the tyre inflation pressure » page 229, in section Introduction ,
after changing one or several wheels, the position of a wheel on the vehicle or
when the warning light lights up while driving, a calibration of the system must
be carried out as follows:
›
Inflate all of the tyres to the specified inflation pressure » page 229.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Start the system calibration.
On vehicles with Infotainment » Operating instructions for Infotainment , chap-
ter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
On vehicles with the radio preinstallation .
›
Press the symbol button 
» Fig. 191 for longer than 2 seconds.
While pressing the button, 
the warning light comes 
on. At the same time,
the system memory is cleared and the new calibration process is started. This is
confirmed by an acoustic signal followed by the warning light 
going off.
If the warning light 
does not go out after the calibration, this indicates a sys-
tem fault. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Tyre pressure indicator
The warning light 
lights up when any of the following conditions are true.
› The tyre inflation pressure is low.
› The structure of the tyre is damaged.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side.

231Wheels

›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.
› The spare wheel is mounted.
› One wheel per axle was changed.
For vehicles with Infotainment 1)
it can be determined which tyres should be
checked » Manual Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (key CAR) .WARNING■
When the warning light  illuminates, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and inspect the tyres and their inflation pressure.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the  may light up after a delay, or not at all.
CAUTION
■
The tyre control display does therefore not replace the regular tyre inflation
pressure control, as the system cannot detect an even loss of pressure.■
The system cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g. in
case of sudden tyre damage. In this case carefully bring the vehicle to a standstill
without sudden steering movements or sharp braking.
■
To ensure a proper functioning of the tyre control display, it is necessary to re-
peat the basic setting every 10000 km or once a year.

Spare wheel
Fig. 192
Luggage compartment: Spare
wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 228.
The spare wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the boot and is
fixed in place with a special bolt » Fig. 192.
Take out wheel
›
Open the boot lid.
›
Raise the floor covering in the boot » page 99.
›
Remove the box with the tool kit.
›
Pull out safety lock
1
» Fig. 192 in the direction of the arrow.
›
Unscrew the
2
bolt in a counterclockwise direction.
›
Remove the wheel.
Store wheel away
›
Place the replaced wheel into the spare wheel well with the wheel rim pointing
downward.
›
Screw in bolt
2
» Fig. 192 in a clockwise direction, until the wheel is secure.
›
Insert safety lock
1
» Fig. 192 in the opposite direction to which the arrow is
pointing.
›
Place the box with the tool kit back into the spare wheel and secure it with the
tape.
›
Fold back the floor covering in the boot » page 99.
›
Shut the boot lid.
Install a wheel having the appropriate version and dimensions as soon as possi-
ble.
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted to the
vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used briefly in the
event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of driving is adop-
ted »
.
Temporary spare wheel
A yellow warning label is displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel.
Please note the following if you intend to use the temporary spare wheel. › The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
› Be specially attentive when driving.
› The inflation pressure for the temporary spare wheel is identical to the maxi-
mum inflation pressure of the standard tyres.
› Only use this temporary spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage, as it
is not intended for long-term use. 

1)
Does not apply to vehicles with the Infotainment Blues and Swing system.
232General Maintenance

WARNING■Never use the temporary spare wheel if it is damaged.■If the dimensions or design of the temporary spare wheel differ from the fit-
ted tyres, never drive faster than 80 km/h (or 50 mph).■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
CAUTION
Observe instructions on the warning sign of the emergency wheel.
Full wheel trim
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 228.
Extracting
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge of the wheel trim.
›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off the
wheel trim.
Installing
›
Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the valve opening provided.
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference locks cor- rectly in place.
CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand only, do not strike the full wheel trim. Avoid
heavy knocks when the trim is not yet inserted in the wheel rim. This could cause damage to the guide and centring elements of the trim.■
When using the anti-theft wheel bolt, ensure that it is in the hole in the valve
area » page 240 , Securing wheels against theft .
■
If wheel trims are retrofitted it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air is
assured to cool the brake system.

Wheel boltsFig. 193
Remove the cap
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 228.
Extracting
›
Push the extraction pliers » page 236 sufficiently far onto the cap until the in-
ner catches of the pliers are positioned at the collar of the cap » Fig. 193.
›
Remove the cap.
Installing
›
Push the caps onto the wheel bolts up to the stop.
The wheel bolt caps are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the stor-
age space for the spare wheel.

Wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 228.
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels, e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres, you must
also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of spherical cap. This is a prerequisite for ensuring that wheels are attached correctly.

233Wheels

Fire extinguisherFig. 196
Fire extinguisher
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 235.
The fire extinguisher is attached by two straps in a holder underneath the driver's
seat.
Removing/attaching
›
Loosen the two straps by pulling the buckles in the direction of the ar- row » Fig. 196 .
›
Remove the fire extinguisher.
Follow these steps in the reverse order for attachment.
Please read carefully the instructions which are attached to the fire extinguish-
er.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person once a year. The
national legal requirements must be observed.
WARNINGThe fire extinguisher must always be secured safely so that they do not come loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle collision which could
cause injuries to occupants.
Note
■ The fire extinguisher must comply with national legal requirements.■Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin-
guisher is used after the expiration date, its proper function is not assured.■
The fire extinguisher is part of the scope of delivery in certain countries only.

Vehicle tool kitFig. 197
Vehicle tool kit
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 235.
The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the storage space for the spare wheel. There is also space here for
the removable ball rod for the trailer towing device. The box is attached with a
strap on the spare wheel.
The components of the vehicle tool kit (depending on vehicle equip- ment) » Fig. 197 .
Screwdriver
Key for removing and installing the tail light
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts Towing eye
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Car jack
Crank for the jack
Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps Replacement bulb set
Screw the jack back into its home position after use to allow you to store it in the
box with the toolkit. 
12345678910236Do-it-yourself

WARNING■The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift heavier vehicles or other loads – risk of
injury!■
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the luggage compart-
ment.
■
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.

Changing a wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preparation
237
Changing a wheel
238
Follow-up tasks
238
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
239
Raising the vehicle
239
Securing wheels against theft
240WARNING■ If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and
set up the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal re-
quirements must be observed.■
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as
flat and firm a surface as possible.
■
If the vehicle is subsequently fitted with tyres which are different from
those it was fitted with at the works, follow these guidelines » page 230, New
tyres .
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for lifting the vehicle.■If the wheel has to be changed on a slope, first of all block the opposite
wheel with a stone or similar object to prevent the vehicle from unexpectedly
rolling away.■
Secure the base plate of the lifting jack with suitable means to prevent pos-
sible moving. A soft and slippery ground under the base plate may move the lifting jack, causing the vehicle to fall down. It is therefore always necessary to
place the lifting jack on a solid surface or use a wide and stable base. Use a non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat) if the surface is smooth, such as cobbled
stones, tiled floor, etc.
■
Only attach the lifting jack to the attachment points provided for this pur-
pose.
■
Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■
Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs under the vehicle, while
the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack.
■
Never start the engine with the vehicle sitting on the raised jack – risk of in-
jury.
CAUTION
■ The tightening torque specified for the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.■
If the wheel bolts are fastened too tightly, this can cause damage to the anti-
theft wheel bolt or the adapter.
Note
The national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel.
Preparation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 237.
Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
The following steps must be carried out before actually changing the wheel: 
237Emergency equipment, and self-help

WARNING■A tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a standard
tyre.■
Do not travel faster than 80 km/h.
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
■
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes.
■
The sealant is hazardous to heath. Remove immediately if it comes into con-
tact with the skin.
For the sake of the environment
Used sealant or sealant whose expiry date has passed must be disposed of in ac- cordance with environmental protection regulations.
Note
■ Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the breakdown kit.■A new bottle of sealant can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Parts.■
Immediately replace the tyre that was repaired using the breakdown kit, or con-
sult a specialist garage about repair options.

Breakdown kit
Fig. 202
Components of the breakdown kit
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 240.
The kit is located in a box under the floor covering in the luggage compartment.
Components of the breakdown kit » Fig. 202 .
Valve remover
Sticker with speed designation “max. 80 km/h”/“max. 50 mph” Inflation hose with plug
Air compressor
Tyre inflation hose
Tyre inflation pressure indicator
Air release valve
ON and OFF switch
12 volt cable connector
Tyre inflator bottle with sealing agent
Replacement valve core
The valve remover
1
has a slot at its lower end which fits into the valve core.
This is the only way in which you can remove and re-install the valve core from
the tyre valve. The same also applies to the replacement valve core
11
.

Preparations for using the breakdown kit
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 240.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the breakdown
kit.
›
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as flat and firm a surface as possible.
›
If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and setup the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal require-ments must be observed.
›
Have all of the occupants get out of the vehicle. While changing a tyre, the oc-
cupants of the vehicle should not stand on the road (they should instead remain
behind a crash barrier).
›
Switch off the engine and move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the se-
lector lever on the automatic gearbox into position P.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake. 

1234567891011
241Emergency equipment, and self-help