SKODA OCTAVIA 2010 2.G / (1Z) Owner's Guide

Instruments and warning lights
30
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 ignition is
switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Error: Airbag
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one airbag
has been switched off.
The following situation applies if the fr ont, side and head airbags or belt
tensioner 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 in intervals of 2 seconds.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated
The following situation applies if the ai rbag has been switched off using the
switch for the airbag* in the storage compartment:

the warning light
 comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been switched
on,

switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the lighting
up of the indicator light

 (airbag switched off)  page 157.
WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediat ely by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the 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 starti
ng the engine or it lights up when driving,
a fault exists in an exhaust relevant co mponent. The engine management system
selects an emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist
garage by adopting a ge ntle 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 continu-
ously, 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 steering 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 (significantly higher steering forces).
Further information page 172.
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 di sconnected and reconnected, the yellow warning light

comes on after switching on the ignition. Th e 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.
4)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after switch-
ing the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
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Instruments and warning lights31
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Stop the vehicle and switch 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 199, “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 condi-
tions prevailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain profes-
sional 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 there-
fore check the oil level at regular inte rvals, preferably after every refueling
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!
Glow plug system

(diesel engine)
The warning light
 lights up for a cold engine when switching on the ignition (pre-
heat position) page 107. Start the engine after the indicator light goes out.
The glow plug indicator 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 syst em 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!
Coolant temperature/coolant level

The warning light  comes on for a few seconds
5) when the ignition is switched on.
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 condi-
tions 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.
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.
A2
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Instruments and warning lights
32
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be caused
by an operating problem at th e coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant fan, replace
it if necessary page 227, “Fuse assignment in engine compartment”.
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 fan is in proper order. Contact a specialist garage
to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions page 200, “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 56.

Take care when opening the coolant expa nsion 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 automatically
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 flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.
The warning light lights up permanentl y 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 switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the TCS
system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS page 169, “Traction control system (TCS)”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short
distance.
Switch off traction control system (TCS)

The TCS system is switched off by pressing the button page 169, fig. 150 and the
warning light
 lights up.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
When the ESP helps to stabilise the vehicle, the warning light
 flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The warning light lights up permanently if there is a fault in the ESP 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 igni tion on and off. If the warning light goes out, the ESP
system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP page 167, “Electronic stab ility programme (ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the ED L is indicated by the lighting up of the ESP
warning light in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected without delay by an
authorised Škoda Service Partner. Further information on the EDL page 168, “Elec-
tronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short
distance.
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Instruments and warning lights33
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 116.
Tyre inflation pressure*

The warning light
 lights up, if there is a substantia l 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 208.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage and
have the fault rectified.
Further information about the tyre pressure monitoring system page 172.
WARNING

When the warning light
 lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvr es. Please stop the vehicle without
delay at the nearest possible stop and in spect the tyres and their inflation pres-
sures.

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 disconnected, 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 warning light goes out after an automatic check
sequence has been completed. A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the ABS warning light
 does not go out
within a few seconds after switching on the igni tion, does not light up at all or lights up
while driving. The vehicle will only be br aked by the normal brake system. Visit a
specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriately as you will
not know how great the damage is.
Further information about ABS page 171, “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 immediately an d check the brake fluid level in
the reservoir page 202, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the
MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Obtain professional
assistance.

Pay attention to the following instructions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet page 197, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.

If the brake fluid is at the correct leve l, the ABS control function has failed.
The rear wheels may then block very rapi dly when braking. In certain circum-
stances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk of skid-
ding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the fault
rectified.
Bonnet

The warning light
 comes on if the bonnet is unlocked. If the bonnet unlocks while
driving, the warning light lights up
 and as a warning an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ig nition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
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Instruments and warning lights
34
On vehicles with information display* this wa rning light is replaced by a vehicle symbol
 page 24.Seat belt warning light

The warning light
 comes on after the ignition is sw itched on as a reminder for the
driver to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes out if the driver has fastened
his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver, 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 during the next 90 seconds, the warning
signal is deactivated and the warning light
 lights up permanently.
Further information on the seat belts page 145, “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!
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.
The warning light comes on even when the ig nition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
On vehicles with information display* this wa rning light is replaced by a vehicle symbol
 page 24.
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 whil e 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 wa rning light is replaced by a vehicle symbol
 page 24.
Windshield washer fluid level*

The warning light
 comes on when the ignition is swit ched on if there is insufficient
fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with liquid page 207.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: To p u p w a s h f l u i d !
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 so unds 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 infl uences 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.
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.s43s.1.book Page 34 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Instruments and warning lights35
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
For further information on the brake system
page 170, “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 instruct ions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet page 197, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.

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 202. If the fluid level has dropped
below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! 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 immedi-
ately 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 199, “Replenishing engine oil”
with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional 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 indicated additionally by an audible signal and
the warning light coming on several times 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 ou t only after refuelling and driving a short
distance.
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Instruments and warning lights
36
Temperature of the clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG*

In the event that the temperature of the clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG is too
high, the symbol
 and the warning are shown in the information display*.
Gearbox overheated: Stop! Owner's man.!
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
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.
Caution
In the event that the clutches of the automatic gearbox have overheated, bring the
vehicle to a stop and switch off the engine. You must wait until the symbol
 and the
warning go out - risk of gearbox damage! Yo u can continue the trip as soon as the
symbol and the warning go out.
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Unlocking and locking37
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Unlocking and lockingKeyFig. 22 Set of keys without remote control / set of keys with remote control keyTwo keys are provided with the vehicle. Depending on the equipment, your vehicle can
be equipped with keys without radio remote control fig. 22 - left, or with radio
remote control* fig. 22 - right.
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 start the en gine 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 steerin g lock might otherwise enga ge unintentionally - risk
of accident!Caution

Each key contains electronic components; therefore protect them against moisture
and severe shocks.

Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean as impurities (textile fibres, dust etc.)
have a negative effect on the proper operation of the locking cylinder and the ignition
lock.
Note
Please approach an authorised Škoda Servic e Partner if you lose a key since he can
obtain a new one for you.Changing the battery of the radio remote controlFig. 23 Remote control key - remove cover / remove batteryEach remote control key contains a batt ery which is housed under the cover
 fig. 23 . If the battery is discharged, the red in dicator light does not light up after
pressing a button on the remote control fig. 22 . Change the battery as follows:
– Fold open the key.
– Carefully press off the battery cover at the points of the arrows fig. 23 .
– Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery downwards at the point of the arrow fig. 23 .
– Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing upwards.
The correct polarity is shown on the battery cover.
– Position the battery cover on the key and press on it until it is heard to lock in place.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of a used battery in accord ance with environmental regulations.
AB
AA
A1
A2
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Unlocking and locking
38Note

Pay attention to the correct pola rity when changing the battery.

The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original battery.

If it is still not be possible to unlock or lock the vehicle with the remote control even
after replacing the battery this means that the system has to be synchronised
 page 44.
Electronic immobiliserThe electronic immobiliser prevents the vehicle being operated by an
unauthorised person.An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deactivated
with the aid of this chip when the key is in serted in the ignition lock. The electronic
immobiliser is automatically activated when you withdraw the ignition key from the
lock.
Note
It is only possible to start the engine of your car with a Genuine Škoda key with the
matching code.Child safety lockThe child safety lock prevents the re ar door from being opened from the
inside.
The rear doors are equipped with a child safe ty lock. You can switch the child safety
lock on and off using the vehicle key.Switching child safety lock on– Use the vehicle key to turn the slit in the rear door to the left in the direction of the arrow fig. 24 .Switching child safety lock off– Use the vehicle key to turn the slit to the right against the direction of the arrow.
So long as the child safety lock is switched on it is not possible to open the door from
the inside with the door opening lever. In this case the door can be opened only from
the outside.Central locking systemDescriptionUnlocking or locking causes all the doors and the fuel filler flap* to be unlocked or
locked at the same time by the central locking system (as long as it is not set differently
in the menu Setup - Convenience information display*). The boot lid is unlocked
when opening. It can be opened by pressi ng the hand grip above the licence plate
 page 42.
Operation of the central locking system is possible:
from the outside using the vehicle key page 40,

using the button for the central locking system page 41,

by using the remote control page 43.
Indicator light in the driver's door on vehicles without anti-theft alarm system
After the car is locked, the indica tor light flashes after 2 seconds.
After the car is locked with the deactivate d safe securing system, the indicator light
flashes only after 30 seconds.
Fig. 24 Child safety locks on the rear
doors
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Unlocking and locking39
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Indicator light in the driver's door on vehicles with anti-theft alarm system
After locking the vehicle the indicator light fl
ashes for 2 seconds fast, then more slowly.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system page 39 is not operating, the
indicator light in the driver door flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and starts to
flash slowly after about 30 seconds.
If the indicator light first of all flashes fast for about 2 seconds, afterwards lights up for
about 30 seconds and then flashes slowly, there is a fault in the system of the central
locking or the interior monitor* page 45. Visit a specialist garage to obtain assist-
ance.
Convenience operatio n of the windows
One can open and close the electrically powered windows when unlocking and
locking the vehicle page 48.
Opening a single door*
This function makes it possible to only unlock the driver's door. The other doors and
the fuel filler flap* remain locked and ar e only unlocked after repetitive unlocking.
If you wish, you can have your authorised Škoda Service Partner activate the function
of the single door opening mode.
On vehicles with information display*, this function can be switched on in the menu
Setup - Convenience - Door open.
Automatic locking and unlocking*
All the doors and the boot lid are locked au tomatically once the car reaches a speed of
about 15 km/h.
If the ignition key is withdrawn, the car is then automatically unlocked again. In addi-
tion, it is possible for the driver to unlock the car by pressing the central locking button
 or by pulling the door opening lever.
If you wish, you can have a sp ecialist garage activate the automatic locking function.
WARNING
Locking the doors prevents involuntary opening in an exceptional situation (an
accident). Locked doors prevent unwanted entry into the vehicle from outside, for example at road crossings. Locked do
ors do, however, make it more difficult
for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - danger to life!
Note

In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors are
automatically unlocked in order to enable rescuers to gain access to the vehicle.

Only the front doors can be unlocked and locked using the key if the central locking
system fails. You can lock or unlock ma nually the other doors and the boot lid.
 Emergency locking of the door page 41.
 Emergency unlocking of the boot lid page 42.
Safe securingThe central locking system is equipped with a safe securing
7) system. Locking the
vehicle from the outside causes the door locks to be automatically blocked. It is not
possible to open the doors with the door ha ndle either from the inside or from the
outside. This acts as an effective deterrent for attemp ts to break into your vehicle.
You can deactivate the safe securing sy stem by locking twice within 2 seconds.
If the safe securing system is not operating, the warning light in the driver door flashes
for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and starts to flash slowly again after about
30°seconds.
The safe securing system is again activate d the next time the vehicle is unlocked and
locked again.
The doors can be opened from the inside if the vehicle is locked and the safe securing
system is deactivated:

The door is unlocked by actuating the door-opening lever.

The door opens upon actuating the door-opening lever again.
7)Only valid for some countries.WARNING (continued)
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