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

AbbreviationsAbbreviationDefinitionrpmEngine revolutions per minuteABSAnti-lock brake systemACCAdaptive cruise controlAHLAdaptive headlightsTCSTraction controlCO2 in g/kmdischarged quantity of carbon dioxide in grams per driven kilo-
metreDPFDiesel particle filterDSGAutomatic double clutch gearboxDSRActive driver-steering recommendationEDLElectronic differential lockECEEconomic Commission for EuropeEPCEPC fault lightESCElectronic Stability ControlEUEuropean UnionHBAHydraulic brake assistHHCUphill start assistkWKilowatt, measuring unit for the engine outputMGManual gearboxN1Panel van intended exclusively or mainly for the transporta-
tion of goodsNmNewton meter, measuring unit for the engine torqueTDI CRDiesel engine with turbocharging and common rail injection systemTSATrailer stabilisationTSIPetrol engine with turbocharging and direct injection
7Abbreviations

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

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

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

Avoiding damage to the vehicleDriving through water135
Avoiding damage to your vehicle135
B
Ball head Check fitting
171
Ball rod installing
170
Ready position170
removing171
Battery In the remote control key
247
iReplace the remote control of the auxiliary heat- er (parking heater)
247
Belts180
Belt tensioners183
Bonnet Closing
217
Opening217
Boot Class N1 vehicles
92
See Boot lid44
Boot lid Automatic locking
44
Closing44
Opening44
Brake information messages
16
warning light16
Brake booster125
Brake fluid223
Changing223
Checking223
information messages16
Brake linings warning light
20
Brakes Brake assist systems
137
Brake booster125
Brake fluid223
Handbrake125
Running in131
Braking Information on braking
125
Breakdown kit241
Break recommendation See Fatigue detection
168
Bulbs Replacing
255
Button in the driver's door Electrical power windows
47
C
Car computer see multifunction display
29
Cargo element98
Car park ticket holder80
Carrier103
Cavity protection208
Central locking button39
Change bulb for additional parking light
257
Changing Brake fluid
223
Engine oil221
Wheels237
Changing a wheel Follow-up tasks
238
Preparation237
Removing and refitting a wheel238
Charging a vehicle battery226
Check Fit ball head properly
171
Checking Battery electrolyte level
226
Brake fluid223
Coolant222
Engine oil220
Oil level220
Windscreen washer fluid218
Children and safety193
Child safety Side airbag
195
Child safety lock40
Child safety seat Use of child safety seats
195
Child seat Classification
195
ISOFIX196
on the front passenger seat194
TOP TETHER197
Use of ISOFIX child seats196
Chrome parts refer to Taking care of your vehicle
206
Cigarette lighter83
Cleaning198
Alcantara210
Artificial leather210
cloths210
Covers of electrically heated seats210
Headlight lenses207
Natural leather209
Plastic parts206
Wheels208
Climatronic112
Air recirculation114
automatic mode113
Control elements112
Controlling blower114
Cooling system113
Defrosting windscreen115
Setting temperature113
Clothes hook88
Cockpit 12-volt power outlet
84
Ashtray83
Cigarette lighter83
General view9
Lighting61
273Index

Cleaning the wheels208
Decorative films206
Door lock cylinders207
Headlight lenses207
High-pressure cleaner204
Plastic parts206
Polishing the paintwork205
Rubber seals206
Taking care of the interior208
Taking care of your vehicle exterior205
Washing203
Washing by hand204
Wash system204
Wax treatment205
Taking care of your vehicles Fabric covers
210
TCS Operation
138
Warning light18
Technical data263
Temporary spare wheel232
Tiptronic128
Tools236
TOP TETHER197
Towing244
Towing a trailer169
Towing device Description
169
Drawbar load169
Use and care172
Towing eye front
245
Rear245
Towing protection43
Traction Control System (TCS)138
Traffic sign recognition166
Function166
Information messages167
Traffic Sign Recognition Notifications and settings
167
Traffic signssee Traffic sign recognition166
Trailer169, 172
13-pin power socket173
driving with a trailer173
loading172
Safety eye173
Trailer stabilisation174
Transmission warning messages
16
Transport Luggage compartment
91
Roof rack system103
Transporting children safely193
Turn signal56
Turn signal system Warning light
20
Type plate263
Tyre control display Calibration
231
Tyre inflation pressure Warning light
20
Tyre load-bearing capacity see Wheels
230
Tyre repair Check pressure
242
Preparations241
Sealing and inflating the tyre242
Tyres228
Inflation pressure229
New230
See Wheels230
Sizes229
Tyre wear indicator229
U
Underbody protection
208
Unleaded petrol136
Unlocking Individual settings39
KESSY38
Key36
Remote control37
Vehicle key36
Unlocking and locking35
Useful equipment 12-volt power outlet
84
230-volt power socket89
Ashtray83
Car park ticket holder80
Cigarette lighter83
Clothes hook88
Cup holders82
Glasses storage box86
Holder for reflective vest81
Multimedia holder85
Removable ski bag90
Seat backrest with long-cargo channel90
Storage compartment in the front centre console 82
Storage compartment on the driver's side
80
Storage compartments in the doors81
Storage compartment under the front armrest86
Using the information system26
Using the selector lever127
V
Variable loading floor
99
Dividing the luggage compartment101
Folding up101
Position change100
Vehicle battery Automatic load deactivation
227
Charge level indicator14
charging226
Checking the battery electrolyte level226
Cover225
Operation in winter226
Replacing227
280Index