warning light SKODA OCTAVIA 2008 2.G / (1Z) Owner's Guide

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights33
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body
injuries or major vehicle damage.
•The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk
of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine
compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenis hing oil and other fluids. It is also
essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine
compartment”.
Note
•The arrangement of the indicator light is dependent on the model version. The
symbols shown in the following functional description are to be found as indicator
lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority
1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system 
Either the left  or right  indicator light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails. This does
not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
 Electromechanica l power steering⇒page 35
Engine oil pressure⇒page 36
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒page 36
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 36
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 37
Tra c t i o n c o n t r o l s y s t e m ( TC S )⇒page 37
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 38
Selector lever lock*⇒page 38
Tyre pressure*⇒page 38
Antilock brake system (ABS)⇒page 38
Bonnet⇒page 39
Seat belt warning light⇒page 39
Brake pad wear*⇒page 39
Boot lid⇒page 40
Open door⇒page 40
Fluid level in windshield washer system*⇒page 40
Brake system⇒page 40
Dynamo⇒page 41
Engine oil level⇒page 41
Fuel reserve⇒page 41
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
34
Further information about the turn signal system ⇒page 65.
Fog lights 
The warning light  comes on when the fog lights are operating ⇒page 62.
Main beam 
The indicator light  comes on when the main beam is selected or also when the
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information about the main beam ⇒page 65.
Low beam 
The warning light  comes on when low beam is selected ⇒page 59.
Rear fog light 
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog lights are operating ⇒page 63.
Cruise control system* 
The warning light  lights up, when operating the speed regulating system.
Failure of the light bulbs 
The warning light  comes on if a light bulb is damaged:
•up to 2 seconds after the ignition is switched on;
•when switching on the defective light bulb. The following text e.g will be displayed in the information display*:
Check front right dipped beam!
The rear side lights and the licence plate lighting require several light bulbs. The
indicator light
 only lights up if all light bulbs of the licence plate lighting or the
parking light (in one rear light unit) are defe ctive. Check regularly the function of the
light bulbs.
Diesel particle filter*  (diesel engine)
If the warning light  comes on, this means that soot has accumulated in the
diesel particle filter because of the frequent short distances.
In order to clean the diesel particle filter, the vehicle should be driven at an even
speed of at least 60 km/h at engine speeds of 1 800 - 2 500 rpm for at least 15
minutes or until the warning light goes ou t with the 4th or 5th gear engaged (auto-
matic gearbox: position S) when the traffi c situation permits it. This increases the
exhaust temperature and the soot deposited in the diesel particle filter is burnt.
Always pay attention to the valid speed limits ⇒.
The warning light
 goes out after the successful cleaning of the diesel particle
filter.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light
 does not go out and the
warning light  begins to flash. In the information display* appears Diesel-
particle Owner's manual . Afterwards the engine contro l unit shifts the engine into
the emergency mode, which only has a re duced power output. After switching the
ignition off and on again the warning light
 comes on.
Have the vehicle inspected without delay by your specialist garage.
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning light coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in injuries or
major vehicle damage.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights35
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The route indicated by the warning light must not tempt you to disre-
gard the national regulations for road traffic.
Caution
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an increased
fuel consumption and in certain circumst ances a power reduction of the engine.
Note
Further information about diesel particle filter ⇒page 200.
Airbag system 
Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warning light does not go out or flashes while
driving ⇒. This also applies if the warning light does not come on when the igni-
tion is switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag fault!
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically, when one
airbag has been switched off
Front, side and head airbags or belt tensioner which have been switched off
using the vehicle system tester:
•The warning light  lights up for 4 seconds after switching on the ignition and
then flashes again for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated! Front passenger airbags switched off
using the switch for front passenger
airbags* in stowage compartmen t on the front passenger side:
•The warning light  comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
•Switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the lighting
up of the indicator light   (airbag switched off) ⇒ page 182.
WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediat ely by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of th e airbag not being activated in the event
of an accident.
Control system for exhaust 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the engine or it lights up when
driving, a fault exists in an exhaust rele vant component. The engine management
system selects an emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest
specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving.
Electromechanical power steering  
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up contin-
uously, a fault exists in the electromechanical power steering.
•If the yellow warning light lights up , this indicates a partial failure of the
power steering and the steeri ng forces can be greater.
•If the red warning light lights up , this indicates a complete failure of the
power steering and the steering assist has failed (significant ly higher steering
forces).
Further information ⇒page 198.
WARNING (continued)
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
36
WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective.
Note
•If the yellow warning light  goes out after starting the engine again and a short
drive, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.
•If the battery has been disconnected an d reconnected, the yellow warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after
driving a short distance.
Engine oil pressure 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 4) when the ignition is switched
on.
Stop the vehicle and sw itch the engine off if the warning light does not go off
after the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil level and top up
with oil as necessary ⇒page 228, “Replenishing engine oil”.
An audible signal sounds three times as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain
professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe
engine damage.
Do not drive any further if the warning light flashes even if the oil is at the correct
level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact the nearest specialist
garage to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Oil Pressure Engine off! Owner's manual
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system.
•The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One should
therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refu-
eling stop.
EPC fault light  (petrol engine)
The  (Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light
 does not go out or lights up after starting the engine, a fault
exists in the engine control. The engine management system selects an emergency
programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting
a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault Workshop! (Engine fault workshop!)
Glow plug system  (diesel engine)
The warning light  lights up for a cold engine when switching on the ignition
(pre-heat position) 2 ⇒ page 125. Start the engine after the indicator light goes out.
The glow plug indicato r light will come on for about 1 second if the engine is at a
normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature is above +5°C. This
means that you can start the engine right away.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light
 does not come on
at all or lights up continuously . Contact a specialist garage as soon as possible to
obtain assistance.
If the warning light
 begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine management system selects an emergency programme which 4)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights37
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of
driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault Workshop! (Engine fault workshop!)
Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 5) w h e n th e i g ni t i o n i s s w i t c h e d o n .
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the warning light
 does not go out or flashes while driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level; top up the
coolant as necessary.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine switched off and
obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to
severe engine damage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant
fan, replace it if necessary ⇒page 258, “Fuse assignment in engine compartment -
version 1” or ⇒ page 260, “Fuse assignment in en gine compartment - version 2”.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the fluid is at
the correct level and also the fuse of the fa n is in proper order. Contact a specialist
garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 228, “Cooling system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check coolant! Owner's manual
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system ⇒page 64.
•Take care when opening the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot,
the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is best to allow the
engine to cool down before removing the cap.
•Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on automati-
cally even if the ignition is off.
Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off or if there
is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS
system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS system can
be switched on again by swit ching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes
out, the TCS system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 195, “Traction control system (TCS)”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes
on after switching on the ignition. The warn ing light must go out after driving a short
distance.
5)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level
is too low.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
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Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System (TCS),
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and the Antilock Brake System ABS (ABS).
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the ESP is switched off or if there
is a fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP
system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESP system can
be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes
out, the ESP system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP ⇒page 193, “Electronic stability programme
(ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ESP warning light
in the instrument cluster. Have the ve hicle inspected without delay by a Škoda
Service Partner. Further information on the EDL ⇒page 194, “Electronic Differen-
tial Lock (EDS)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes
on after switching on the ignition. The warn ing light must go out after driving a short
distance.
Selector lever lock* 
If the green warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in
order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N. Further information about the selector lever lock
⇒page 134.
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the
inflation pressure in the tyres ⇒page 237.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage
and have the fault rectified.
Further information about tyre pressure-control system ⇒page 199.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please stop the vehicle
without delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their
inflation pressures.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or
unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at
all.
Note
If the battery has been disc onnected, the warning light  comes on after switching
on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Antilock brake system (ABS) 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switched
on or when starting the engine. The warnin g light goes out after an automatic check
sequence has been completed.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights39
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning pr
operly if the ABS warning light
 does not go out
within a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not light up at all or lights
up while driving. The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system. Visit
a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving in the
meantime since you will not kn ow how great the damage is.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 197, “Antilock brake system (ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
 comes on together with the brake system warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in the ABS but also in
another part of the brake system ⇒.
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the ABS
warning light  stop the vehicle immediatel y and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 231, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped
below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact
a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 225, “Working in the
engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level and opening the
bonnet.
•If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function has
failed. The rear wheels may then block ve ry rapidly when braking. In certain
circumstances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk
of skidding! Drive carefully to the ne arest specialist garage and have the
fault rectified.
Bonnet 
The warning light  comes on if the bonnet is unl ocked. If the engine bonnet
unlocks while driving , the warning light lights up and an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes. On vehicles with informatio
n display* this warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol ⇒page 27.
Seat belt warning light 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for the
driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes out if
the driver or front passenger has fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver or front passenger, a permanent
warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and simultaneously
the warning light
 flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the dr iver or front passenger during the next 90
seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light
 lights up perma-
nently.
Further information on the seat belts ⇒page 168, “Seat belts”.
Thickness of the brake pads* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 6) when the ignition is switched
on.
If the warning light
 comes on, contact a specialist garage immediately and have
the brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check brake pads!
6)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
40
Boot lid 
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if the luggage
compartment door is open. If th e boot lid opens while driving , the warning light
lights up and an audible signal sounds.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
On vehicles with information display* this warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol ⇒page 27.
Open door 
The warning light  comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid
is opened. If one of the doors opens wh ile driving, the warning light lights  up
and an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
On vehicles with information display* this warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol ⇒page 27.
Windshield washer fluid level*
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if there is insuffi-
cient fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with liquid ⇒page 235.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Add wash fluid!
Brake system 
The warning light  flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low, if there
is a fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light
 flashes and an audible signal sounds three times (handbrake
is not applied), stop and check the brake fluid level ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Brake fluid Owner's manual
If there is a fault in the ABS which also in fluences the function of the brake system
(e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS warning light
 comes on and at the
same time the brake system warning light starts flashing . Be aware that not only
the ABS but also another part of th brake system is defective ⇒.
An audible signal sounds three times as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long free play
of the brake pedal when driving to the next specialist garage.
For further information on the brake system ⇒page 196, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied
The warning light
 also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning
is also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 6
km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Release parking brake!
WARNING
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 225, “Working in the
engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level and opening the
bonnet.
•If the brake system warning light  does not go out a few seconds after
switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and
check the brake fluid in the reservoir ⇒page 231. If the fluid level has
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights41
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
dropped below the MIN marking, do not
drive any further - risk of accident!
Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
Alternator 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should go
out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes on when
driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be discharged
in this case so switch off all non-essential electrical components.
Caution
If the warning light  comes on when driving and in addition the warning light 
(cooling system fault) also comes on in di splay, you must then stop the car imme-
diately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage!
Engine oil level 
Warning light  lights up
If the warning light
 lights up, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably too low.
Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒page 228, “Replenishing engine
oil” with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an addi tional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check oil level!
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds. If
no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km. Warning light
 flashes
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is in dicated additionally by an audible signal
and the warning light coming on several ti mes after the ignition has been switched
on.
In this case have the engine inspecte d without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Oil sensor Workshop!
Fuel reserve 
The warning light  comes on, if the fuel level is still below 9 litres.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Please refuel! Range...km
Note
The Text in the information display* goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance.
WARNING (continued)
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Unlocking and locking
42
Unlocking and locking
Key
The vehicle is supplied with two keys. Depending on the equipment fitted, your
vehicle can be equipped with keys without remote control ⇒fig. 37 , with keys with
light* or with keys with radio remote control* ⇒fig. 38 .
WARNING
•Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle - even if it is
only for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise st
art the engine or operate electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!
•Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle
has come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise engage unintention-
ally - risk of accident!
Caution
•Each key contains electronic components; therefore protect them against mois-
ture and severe shocks.
•Keep the groove of the keys absolutely cl ean as impurities (textile fibres, dust
etc.) have a negative effect on proper op eration of the keys and the ignition lock.
Note
Please approach a Škoda Service Partner if you lose a key since he can obtain a new
one for you.
Key with light*
Fig. 37 Set of keys without
remote control
Fig. 38 Radio-operated key
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 39 Key with light
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