coolant level SKODA OCTAVIA 2010 2.G / (1Z) Owner's Manual

Instruments and warning lights
16
Avoid high engine speeds du ring the driving time and before the engine has been
warmed up to operating temperature page 175.
For the sake of the environment
Shifting up early helps you sa ve fuel and reduce the operating noise of your vehicle.SpeedometerWarning against excessive speeds*
An acoustic warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilometres
per hour. The acoustic warning signal will switch off again when the vehicle speed goes
below this speed limit.
Note
This function is only valid for some countries.Coolant temperature gaugeThe coolant temperature gauge page 15, fig. 15 operates only when the ignition
is switched on.
In order to avoid any damage to the engine, please pay attention to the following notes
regarding the temperature ranges.
Cold range
If the pointer is in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the engine has not yet
reached its operating temperatur e. Avoid running at high engine speeds, at full throttle
and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temper ature as soon as the pointer moves into
the mid-range of the scale. The pointer may also move further to the right at high
engine loads and high outside temperatures. This is not critical provided the warning
symbol
 in the instrument cluster does not flash. If the symbol
 in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Observe the guidelines
 page 31, “Coolant temperature/coolant level ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes page 197, “Working in the engine
compartment” before opening the bonn et and inspecting the coolant level.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine over-
heating at high outside temper atures and high engine loads!Fuel gaugeThe fuel gauge page 15, fig. 15 only operates when the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55°litres or 60 litres
2). The warning symbol  in
the instrument cluster lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve marking. There
are now about 9 litres of fuel remaining in the tank. This symbol is a reminder for you,
that you must refuel .
The following will be displayed in the information display*: Please refuel!
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
Caution
Never run the fuel tank completely empty! The irregular supply of the fuel system can
lead to irregular running of the engine. Un burnt fuel may get into the exhaust system
and damage the catalytic converter.
A3
2)Valid for Octavia Combi 4x4 and Octavia Scout.
A6
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Instruments and warning lights
28
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 inju-
ries or major vehicle damage.

The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire wh en working in the engine compartment,
e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is also essential to
observe all warnings page 197, “Working in the engine compartment”.Note

The arrangement of the indicator lights depends 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 symbol s (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.
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.
Further information about the turn signal system page 57.

Glow plug system (diesel engine) page 31

Coolant temperature/coolant level page 31

Traction control system (TCS) page 32

Electronic stability programme (ESP)* page 32

Switch off traction control system (TCS) page 32

Selector lever lock* page 33

Tyre pres su re* page 33

Antilock brake system (ABS) page 33

Bonnet page 33

Seat belt warning light page 34

Brake pad wear* page 34

Boot lid page 34

Open door page 34

Fluid level in windshield washer system* page 34

Brake system page 34

Dynamo page 35

Engine oil level page 35

Fuel reserve page 35
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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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Heating and air conditioning system
104
tion and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident
increases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows begin
misting up.
Note

If the windscreen mists up, press the button page 102, fig. 108 . After
the windscreen has been demisted, press the button .

The automatic air distribution control oper ates only if the outside temperature is
higher than approx. 2°C.
Controlling blower
There are a total of seven blower stages available.The Climatronic system controls the blower stages automatically in line with the inte-
rior temperature. You can also , however, a dapt the bl ower stages ma nua lly to suit y our
particular needs.
– Press again the button on the left side (reduce blower speed) or on the right side (increase blower speed).
If you switch off the blower, th e Climatronic is switched off.
The set blower speed is displayed above the button when the respective number
of warning lights come on.
WARNING

“Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce atten-
tion levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident
increases.

Do not switch the Climatronic system off for longer than necessary.

Switch the Climatronic system on as soon as the windows mist up.
Defrosting windscreenDefrosting windscreen - switching on– Press the button page 102, fig. 108 .Defrosting windscreen - switching off– Once again press the button or the button .
The temperature control is controlled automatically. More air flows out of the air outlet
vents 1.Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)*Description and important information
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary he ating and ventilation) heats or
supplies the interior of the vehicl e with fresh air independent of the
engine.Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating)
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) functions in connection with the Climatic or
Climatronic.
It can be used when stationary, when engi ne is switched off for preheating of the
vehicle as well as while driving (only during the heating phase of the engine).
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) wa rms up the coolant during the combustion
of fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant warms up the air, which (if the blower speed
is not set to zero) flows into the occupant compartment.
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by switching
off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively decreased (e.g. with the
vehicle parked in the sun).
WARNING (continued)

A1AUTO




AUTO
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Heating and air conditioning system105
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING

The auxiliary heating must never be operated in closed rooms - risk of
poisoning!

The auxiliary heating must not be runn ing during refueling - risk of fire.

The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of the
vehicle. Therefore do not place the vehicl e, if you wish to operate the auxiliary
heating, in such a way that the exhaust gases of the auxiliary heating can come
easily into contact with inflammable mate rials (e.g. dry grass) or easily inflam-
mable substances (e.g. fuel run out).Note

If the auxiliary heating runs, the fuel consumption comes from the vehicle tank.
Therefore the auxiliary heating should not be op erated, if there is very little fuel in the
tank.

The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the underside of the
vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.

If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running, the vehicle battery discharges. If
the auxiliary heating and ventilation has be en operated several times over a longer
period, the vehicle must be driven a few ki lometers in order to recharge the vehicle
battery.

The auxiliary heating only switches the blower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.

At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water vapour in the
area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.

After switching off the auxiliary heating, the coolant pump runs for a short period.

The auxiliary heating and ventilation does not switch on or comes on, if the vehicle
battery indicates a low loading state.

The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) does not switch on, if the following was
shown in the information display or before switching off the ignition: Please refuel!
(Please refuel!) .

The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in order
to ensure that the auxiliary heating operates properly.

So that warm air can flow into the vehicl e interior after switching on the auxiliary
heating, you must maintain the temperature normally selected by you (we recom-
mend 22°C). It is recommended to put the air flow in the position
.

On vehicles with DPF (diesel particle filter) the warm coolant heats up the engine.
Direct switching on/offThe auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and vent ilation) can be switched on or off at any
time directly using the button on the operating part of the Climatic fig. 109 or
on the operating part of the Climatronic.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is not switched off earlier, it switches off auto-
matically after the expiration of the set operating period, in the menu Running time.Using the system
So that the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) func-
tions according to your expectations, it is necessary to carry out the
basic setting before its programming.Basic setting– On the information display, select from the Main menu the menu point
Aux. heating .
– In the menu Aux. heating select the menu point Weekday and set the current day.
– Return to a higher level by selecting the menu point Back, i. e. in the menu
Aux. Heating .
Fig. 109 Button for direct switching
on/off of the auxiliary heating (auxiliary
heating and ventilation) on the oper-
ating part of the Climatic

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Towing a trailer183
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights. Alter
the setting as necessary with the ai
d of the headlight beam adjuster page 56.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing device. It is
stowed together with separate fitting instru ctions in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device page 184.
Note

We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service inter-
vals if you tow a trailer frequently.

The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer is
laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this combina-
tion.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for countries
in which higher speeds are allowed. The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with
increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed should not be used when there
are unfavourable road, weather or wind cond
itions, particularly near accident black
spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediat ely as soon as you detect even just the
slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from
“swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from the
trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a downhill
section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a
lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engi ne speed when the outside temperature is
very high  page 16, “Coolant temperature gauge”.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or even
the red area of the scale, reduce your speed immediately. Stop and switch off the
engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluster begins flashing. Wait a few
minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle page 201,
“Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines  page 31, “Coolant temperature/coolant
level ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear and
increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent of the
engine speed. One should also not drop a gear for this reason when towing a trailer as
long as the engine can manage th e slope without any drop in speed.
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Inspecting and replenishing
198
Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection pointsFig. 162 Petrol engine 1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note
The location of the inspection points in th e engine compartment of petrol and diesel
engines is practically identical.
Engine oilCheck engine oil level
The dipstick indicates the le vel of oil in the engine.Checking the oil level– Ensure that the vehicle is po sitioned on a level surface.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet  in “Working in the engine compartment” on page 197.
– Wait a few minutes and pull out the oil dipstick.
– Wipe off the dipstick with a clea n cloth and insert it again fully.
– Then withdraw the dipstick again and read off the oil level.Oil level within range –You must not top up the oil.Oil level within range –You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be within range
after doing this.Oil level within range –You must top up the oil page 199. It is sufficient, once this is done, to keep the
oil level within range .
A1
201
A2
207
A3
199
A4
198
A5
202
A6
203
Fig. 163 Dipstick
AAAB
AA
ACAB
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Inspecting and replenishing201
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Note
On vehicles which are fitted with an indepe ndent auxiliary heating and ventilation, the
volume of the coolant is greater by approx. 1 ltr.Inspecting the coolant levelThe coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet page 196.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle fig. 164 . The coolant
level when the engine is cold must lie between the (MIN) and (MAX) mark-
ings. The level may also rise slightly above the (MAX) marking when the engine
is warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too lo w, this is indicated by the warning light in
the instrument cluster page 31, “Coolant temperature/coolant level ”. We never-
theless recommend inspecting the coolant leve l 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. You should
not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also important to have the cooling
system inspected without delay by a specialist garage. Losses can only occur through the pressure
relief in the cap of the coolant expansion
bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a result of overheating
and is forced out of the cooling system.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes page 197, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
One should contact a specialist garage as s oon as possible if the source of overheating
itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be grave damage to the
engine.Replenishing the coolant– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir fig. 164 and
unscrew the cap carefully by turning it to the left .
–Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing th e system, must comply with one specific
specification page 200. Do not use an alternative additive if the coolant additive
G13 is not available in exceptional cases. Just top up the system with water and as soon
as possible arrange adjustment to correct the mixing ratio of water and coolant addi-
tive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Excess coolant which is heated up is forced out
of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the cap of the coolant
compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a major loss of
coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid engine damage.
Fig. 164 Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion bottle
Ab
Aa
Aa
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Inspecting and replenishing
202WARNING

The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the coolant
expansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of scalding!

The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to the health.
It is important, therefore, to always safely store any coolant additive in its orig-
inal container out of the reach of children - risk of poisoning!

If any splashes of coolant get into yo ur eyes, rinse out your eyes immedi-
ately with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.

You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently
swallowed coolant.Caution
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch the engine off and obtain
professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Do not re-use coolant if it is necessary to drain the coolant in the system. It should be
collected and disposed of in compliance with environmental protection regulations.Radiator fan
The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the coolant
temperature.
The radiator fan may continue running for up to 10 minutes after the engine has been
switched off - even if the ignition is also off. It may also switch on suddenly after a
certain time, if
the coolant temperature has risen beca use of an accumulation of heat or

the warm engine compartment is heated up additionally by strong sunlight.
WARNING
You must therefore be aware when working in the engine compartment that the
fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury!Brake fluidInspecting the brake fluid levelThe brake fluid reservoir is located on the left of the engine compartment. The brake
fluid reservoir on right-hand steering models is positioned on the other side of the
engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet page 196.
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir fig. 165 . 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 brak e pads, and is perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in th e brake system, however, if the fluid level
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 warning light page 34, “Brake
system ” lighting up in the instru ment cluster. In this case stop immediately and do
not drive any further! Obtain professional assistance.
Fig. 165 Engine compartment: Brake
fluid reservoir
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