check engine light SKODA OCTAVIA 2013 3.G / (5E) Owner's Guide

The engine output falls as the height increases, as does the ability to climb.
Therefore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum permissi- ble towed weight must be reduced by 10%.
The towed weight is made up of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehicleand the loaded trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device are merely test data for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values are de-
tailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer –
risk of accident and serious injury.■
Slipping loads can significantly impair the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination – risk of accident and serious injury.

Driving with a trailer
Fig. 157
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 172.
Before the journey
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swing out in the direction of ar-
row » Fig. 157 .
›
Lift off protective cap
5
» Fig. 152 on page 169 .
After the journey
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swing in the opposite direction to the ar-
row » Fig. 157 .
›Place the protective cover 5
» Fig. 152 on page 169 onto the tow bar.
Safety eye
The purpose of the safety eyelet B
» Fig. 157 is to attach the breakaway cable of
the trailer.
When attaching the breakaway cable to the safety eye, it must sag freely in all
trailer positions (sharp bends, in reverse, etc.).
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer is being towed and the head-
lights may dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlights using the headlight beam control » page 55, Side lights and
low beam .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when hitching a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail- er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as a
brake.
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area
or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light 
in the display » page 22 is
lit. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 222.
The following guidelines must be observed » page 22, 
Coolant .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. 
173Towing a trailer

CAUTIONWhen washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the lock-
ing cylinders.
Cavity protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 205.
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected for
life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
Wax protection does not require to be inspected or re-treated.
If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, these
must be removed with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petroleum
cleaner.
WARNINGSafety regulations should be observed when using petroleum cleaner to re-
move wax – risk of fire!

Wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 205.
Wheel rims
Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular ba-
sis.
Regularly remove salt and brake abrasion, otherwise the rim material will be cor-
roded.
Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be touched up immediately.
Light alloy wheels
After washing thoroughly and treat the wheel rims with a protective product for
light alloy wheels. Products which cause abrasion must not be used to treat the
wheel rims.
CAUTIONSevere layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may
show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the steering
wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of the steering.
This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
Underbody protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 205.
The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and mechani-
cal influences.
It is not possible to guarantee that the protective coating will not suffer any
damage as the vehicle is driven.
We recommend having the protective coating underneath the vehicle and the
chassis checked — preferably before the beginning of winter and at the end of
winter.
WARNINGNever use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters or heat shields. When
the engine reaches its operating temperature, these substances might ignite -
risk of fire!

Taking care of the interior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Natural leather
209
Artificial leather, cloths and Alcantara ®
210
Seat covers
210
Seat belts
211

208General Maintenance

›Place the filler cap onto the fuel filler neck and turn it clockwise until it securely
engages.›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly.
Incorrect refuelling guard on vehicles with diesel enginesThe fuel filler tube on vehicles with diesel engines has been fitted with a incor-rect refuelling guard » Fig. 179. This guard means it is only possible to refuel with
the diesel pump nozzle.
If the diesel pump nozzle does not sit directly in the fuel filler tube, move it to and fro with slight pressure to insert it correctly.
CAUTION
■ The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue filling the fuel tank otherwise the expansion volume is filled up.■
Be careful when filling diesel fuel from the spare canister – danger of contami-
nating the body.
■
The diameter of the diesel pump nozzle can be identical to that of the petrol
pump nozzle in some countries. When driving in these countries, the incorrect fu-
elling protection should be removed by a specialist company.
Note
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 50 litres, containing a reserve of approx.
7 litres .
Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 212.
Your vehicle can only be operated with unleaded petrol in compliance with the
EN 228 1)
standard.
All petrol engines can be operated using petrol that contains at most 10% bioe-
thanol (E10).
Required fuel - unleaded petrol 95/91 or 92 or 93 RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON. Unleaded petrol with the oc-
tane ratings 91, 92 or 93 RON can also be used, but may result in a slight loss in
performance.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol min. 95 RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON or higher.
In case of necessity, you can refuel with petrol with the octane ratings 91, 92 or
93 RON, if petrol with the octane rating 95 RON is not available »
.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol 98/(95) RON Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 98 RON or higher. Unleaded petrol
95 RON can also be used but results in a slight loss in performance.
In case of necessity, you can refuel with petrol with the octane ratings 91, 92 or
93 RON, if unleaded fuel with octane rating 98 RON or 95 RON is not availa-
ble »
.
Fuel additives
Unleaded petrol in accordance with the EN 228 standard 1)
meets all the condi-
tions for a smooth-running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel addi-
tives are used. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine or
the exhaust system.
CAUTION
■ Even filling the tank with leaded petrol that does not meet the standards once
can lead to serious damage to parts of the exhaust system!■
If a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. leaded petrol) is used by mistake, do not start the engine or
switch on the ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recom-
mend that you have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage. 
1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane number 91 or 95 or DIN 51626-2
or E5 for unleaded petrol with octane number 95 and 98.
213Inspecting and replenishing

CAUTION■Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added to
the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning products
which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be added
to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
plenishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be conta-
minated, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction.

Engine oil
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specifications and capacity
219
Checking the oil level
220
Replenishing
221
Changing
221
The engine has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil that can be use through-
out the year - except in extreme climate zones.
The engine oils are undergoing continuous further development. Thus the infor-
mation stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publication.
ŠKODA Service Partners are informed about the latest changes by the manufac-
turer. We therefore recommend that the oil change be completed by a ŠKODA
Service Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sepa-
rately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
The oil capacities include oil filter change. Check the oil level when filling; do not
over fill. The oil level must be between the markings » page 220.
WARNING■
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 215.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible  to top
up the engine oil! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist
garage.
■
If the oil level is above level
A
» Fig. 184 on page 220,  do not cointinue to
drive! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil – risk of serious damage to the en-
gine parts!
Note
■ Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with you engine
oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle.■
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
■
If your skin has come into contact with oil, it must be washed thoroughly.

Specifications and capacity
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 219.
Specifications and capacity (in l) for vehicles with flexible service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecificationFilling level1.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI
VW 504 00
4.01.4 litres/103 kW TSI1.8 ltr./132 kW TSI5.22.0 ltr./162 kW TSI5.7Diesel enginesSpecificationFilling level1.6 l/66, 77, 81 kW TDIVW 507 00 a)4.62.0 l/110, 135 kW TDI CRa)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines without a
DPF.

219Inspecting and replenishing

Specifications and capacity (in l) for vehicles with fixed service intervalsPetrol enginesSpecificationFilling level1.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI
VW 502 00
4.01.4 litres/103 kW TSI1.8 ltr./132 kW TSI5.22.0 ltr./162 kW TSI5.7Diesel enginesSpecificationFilling level1.6 l/66, 77, 81 kW TDIVW 507 00a)4.62.0 l/105, 110, 135 kW TDIa)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines without a
DPF.
CAUTION
■
If the above engine oils are not available, a different engine oil can be used in
an emergency. To prevent damage to the engine, a max. 0.5 l only of the follow-
ing engine oils may be used until the next oil change: ■ 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. 184
Dipstick
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 219.
The dipstick indicates the engine oil level » Fig. 184.
Checking the oil level
Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has
reached its operating temperature.›
Switch off the engine.
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
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.
Oil level within range
A
No oil must be refilled.
Oil level within range
B
Oil can be refilled. Afterwards, the oil level can lie in the range
A
.
Oil level within range
C
Oil must be replenished if the oil level is in the range
B
or lower.
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 5000 kilometres.
The oil level must be checked at regular intervals. We recommend after each time
you refuel or prior to making a long journey.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range
A
, but not above , if
the engine has been operating at high loads, for example, during a lengthy motor-
way trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high moun-
tain pass.
The warning icon 
is displayed in the instrument cluster if the oil level is too
low » page 23 . Check the oil level using the dipstick as soon as possible. Add oil
accordingly.
CAUTION
The oil level must not exceed level A » Fig. 184 - risk of damaging the exhaust
system!
220General Maintenance

CapacityFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 221.
Coolant capacity (in litres) 1)
Petrol enginesFilling level1.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI8.91.4 litres/103 kW TSI10.21.8 ltr./132 kW TSI7.82.0 ltr./162 kW TSI8.6Diesel enginesFilling level1.6 l/66, 77, 81 kW TDI CR8.42.0 l/105, 110, 135 kW TDI CR - MG / DSG11.6 / 11.9

Checking the coolant level
Fig. 185
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 221.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Inspecting the coolant level
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
› Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank
» Fig. 185.
Coolant level above mark A
No coolant must be refilled.
The level may also rise slightly above the
A
marking when the engine is warm.
Coolant level between markings
A
and
B
Coolant can be refilled.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level must lie between the
A
and
B
mark-
ings.
Coolant level below mark
B
Coolant must be refilled.
When the engine is cold, refill the coolant between the markings
A
and
B
.
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning icon 
lighting up in the instrument cluster » page 22, 
Coolant .
We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from
time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a specialist
garage.

Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 221.
Only refill with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir and unscrew the cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place. 

1)
On vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heater (auxiliary heating and ventilation), the coolant ca-
pacity is approx. 1 l larger.
222General Maintenance

Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in anemergency. In this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of waterand coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
223
Changing
223WARNING■ 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 215.■
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking » Fig. 186 on page 223,
 do not continue your journey - risk of accident! Seek help from a specialist
garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is changed as part of a prescribed inspection services.
Checking the brake fluid levelFig. 186
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 223.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 186.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear and automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the indicator light  » page 16 , 
Brake system lighting up in the instrument cluster.

Changing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 223.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake sys-
tem.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. 
223Inspecting and replenishing

Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 188
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 224.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 188, the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist ga-
rage, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tempera-
tures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
CAUTIONFor technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte lev- el cannot be checked.
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Charging
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 224.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
›
Only when performing a “quick-charge”, disconnect both battery cables (first of
all “negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = “posi- tive”, black = “negative”).
›
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 themains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge the ve- hicle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger). Refer to the
instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower) must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with high
amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging. 
226General Maintenance

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

›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.
›
Move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the selector lever for the auto-
matic gearbox into position P.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 236 and the spare wheel » page 232 from
the luggage compartment.

Changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 237.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 233 or caps » page 233 .
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 239 .
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 239 .
›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›
Tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel wrench (alternat-
ing crosswise). Tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt last » page 239.
›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps.
Note
■
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.■Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!■
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 228 .

Follow-up tasks
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 237.
The following steps must also be performed after changing the wheel.
›
Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special bolt » page 232 .
›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the band.
›
Check the tyre pressure on the installed spare wheel as soon as possible.
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible.
›
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair options.
Note
■ If it is determined that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing the wheel, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening
torque.■
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque has
been checked.

238Do-it-yourself