check engine SKODA OCTAVIA 2016 3.G / (5E) Owner's Manual

Structure of the Owner's Manual and further
information
Structure of the manual
The Owner's Manual is hierarchically divided into the following areas.
■ Section (e.g. Operating instructions) - the title of the section is shown down
in the left-hand corner
■ Main chapter (e.g. Checking and refilling) - the title of the main chapter is
shown down in the right-hand corner ■ Chapter (e.g. Engine oil)
■  Introductory information
- Module overview within the chapter, in-
troductory information about the chapter content and, where appropri-
ate, information relevant to the whole chapter
■ Module (e.g. Checking and refilling)
Information search
When searching for information in the Owner's Manual, we recommend using
the Index at the end of the manual.
Direction indications
All direction indications such as “left”, “right”, “front” and “rear” relate to the
forward direction of travel of the vehicle.
Units of measurement
The volume, weight, speed and length data is given in metric units, unless oth-
erwise indicated.
Display
In this Owner's Manual, the screen on the MAXI DOT display is used as the dis- play illustration, unless specified otherwise.
Emergency assistance
In case of breakdown, the breakdown service contact information required can
be found in the following places.
▶ Contact details for the ŠKODA Partner (e.g. window sticker)
▶ Infotainment (Telephone - breakdown service / information service menu)
▶ ŠKODA mobile application
▶ ŠKODA web pages10Structure of the Owner's Manual and further information

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
12
Driving safety
12
In this section of the instructions you will find important information on the
subject of passive safety. We have combined everything here which you
should be familiar with, for example, regarding seat belts, airbags, safety of children and anything similar.
Other important safety information can also be found in the subsequent sec-
tions of this Owner's Manual. Therefore, the Owner's Manual should always be
kept in the vehicle.
Before setting off
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
▶ Check the lights and turn signal lights are functioning correctly.
▶ Check the wiper function and the wiper blades for wear. Check the wind-
screen washer fluid level.
▶ Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
▶ Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed. Ensure
that the mirrors are not covered.
▶ Check the tyre inflation pressure.
▶ Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
▶ Secure all items of luggage.
▶ Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of the
vehicle.
▶ Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
▶ Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
▶
Protect children using a suitable child seat » page 22, Transporting children
safely .
▶ Adopt the correct seated position. Tell your passengers to assume the cor-
rect seated position » page 12, Correct and safe seated position .
Driving safety
For safety in traffic, the following precautions must be observed. ▶ Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, (e.g. by
your passengers or mobile phone calls).
▶ Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, (e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol, drugs or similar).
▶ Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
▶ Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather conditions.
▶ Take regular breaks on long journeys (at least every two hours).
Correct and safe seated position
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driver’s correct seated position
13
Adjusting the steering wheel position
13
Passenger’s correct seating position
14
Passengers’ correct seating position on the rear seats
14
Always assume the correct seated position before setting off and do not
change this position while driving. Also advise your passengers to adopt the
correct seated position and not to change this position while the car is moving.
The following list contains instructions for the Passenger which, if not ob-
served, may cause serious injuries or death. ▶ Do not lean against the dash panel.
▶ Do not put your feet on the dash panel.
The following list contains instructions for all Passengers which, if not ob-
served, may cause serious injuries or death.
▶ Do not sit only on the front area of the seat.
▶ Do not sit facing to one side.
▶ Do not lean out of the window.
▶ Do not put your limbs out of the window.
▶ Do not put your feet on the seat upholstery. 
12Safety

Airbag deploymentFig. 8
Inflated airbags
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
When triggered, the airbag fills with gas and unfolds. The inflation of the air- bag is carried out in a fraction of a second.
When the airbag inflates, smoke is released. This is not a sign of a fire in the
vehicle.
Triggering conditions
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. The important factors here are the hard-
ness of the object with which the vehicle collides, the angle of impact, vehicle
speed etc.
A decisive factor in the deployment of the airbags is the degree of deceleration
at the time. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured during
the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the
control unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer
severe damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal
collision.
▶ Driver’s front airbag.
▶ Front passenger airbag.
▶ Driver’s knee airbag.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision.
▶ Front side airbag.
▶ Rear side airbag.
▶ Head airbag.
When an airbag is deployed, the following occurs.
▶ The hazard warning lights are switched on.
▶ All the doors are unlocked.
▶ The fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
▶ The interior light comes on (if the automatic operation of the interior light is
switched on - switch 
).
When there is no air bag deployment?
With minor frontal and side collisions, rear collision, overturning of the vehicle
or vehicle roll-over there is no airbag deployment.
Safety instructions
Fig. 9
Safe distance from the steering
wheel and dash panel
WARNINGGeneral information■The seat belts and the airbag system can only offer optimum protection
if the driver and passengers are seated properly » page 12 .■
The airbag unleashes enormous force when triggered, which can lead to
serious injuries or fatalities if the driver and passengers are not seated
properly. This applies in particular to children who are transported without
using a suitable child safety seat » page 24.
■
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a spe-
cialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident. 
19Airbag system

 Emission control systemRead and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – there is a fault in the emission control system. The system
makes it possible to drive on in emergency mode - there may be a noticeable
reduction in engine performance.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
Preheating unit (diesel)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 flashes – there is a fault in the engine management system. The system
makes possible operation emergency mode - there may be a noticeable reduc-
tion in engine performance.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light  does not come
on or illuminates continuously.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
 EPC warning light (petrol)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – there is a fault in the engine management system. The system
makes it possible to drive on in emergency mode - there may be a noticeable
reduction in engine performance.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
Safety systems
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
System fault
 lights up - there is a fault in the airbag system.
Error: AirbagAIRBAG ERROR▶
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The front passenger airbag has been disabled with the key switch
 illuminates for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been switched on.
One of the airbags or a belt tensioner has been disabled by the diagnostic
tool
 illuminates for around 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on and then
flashes for approximately 12 seconds.Airbag/ belt tensioner deactivated.AIRBAG/ BELT TENSIONER OFF
ProActive passenger protection
 illuminates and the following message is shown in the information cluster
display.
Proactive passenger protection not available.PROACTIVE PASSENGER PROTECT NOT AVAIL
or
Proactive passenger protection: function restricted.LIMITED PROACTIVE PASSENGER PROTECT
The seat belt for the driver and front passenger needs to be replaced.
▶ Seek help from a specialist garage.
WARNINGWhen a fault in the airbag system occurs, there is a risk of the system not
being triggered in the event of an accident. Therefore, this must be
checked immediately by a specialized garage.
Tyre pressure
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
Change of tyre pressure values
 lights up - there was a pressure change in one of the tyres.
An audible signal sounds as a warning. ▶ Immediately reduce speed and avoid sudden steering and braking manoeu-
vres.
▶ Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and check the tyres and their inflation
pressure » page 261 . 
35Instruments and warning lights

▶Check the trailer bulbs.
 Fog lights
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates – the fog lights are switched on.
 Cruise control
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates - the vehicle speed is limited by the speed regulator system
and/or the automatic distance control.
 Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – apply the brake.
Natural gas operation
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 illuminates - the vehicle is running on natural gas.
 Main beam
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – the main beam or the headlight flasher is switched on.
 Automatic gearbox
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
Gearbox overheated
The warning light  is only shown in the MAXI DOTdisplay.

 Illumi-
nates
Gearbox overheated. You can drive on.GEARBOX OVERHEATED
Transmission overheated. You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution.
  Illumi-
nates
Gearbox overheated. Stop! Log book!STOP VEHICLE GEARBOX OVERHEAT
▶  Stop driving! Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
You can continue your journey as soon as the warning light disappears.
▶ If the warning light does not go off, 
stop driving! Seek help from a special-
ist garage.
Transmission problem
The warning light 
is only shown in the MAXI DOTdisplay.
  Illumi-
nates
Gearbox faulty. Stop the vehicle safely!GEARBOX FAULTY WORKSHOP
▶ Park the vehicle, 
stop driving! Seek help from a specialist garage.
  Illumi-
nates
Gearbox in emergency mode. No reverse gear.GEARBOX ERROR REV_ GEAR NOT AVAIL  Illumi-
nates
Error: gearbox. Speed is limited.GEARBOX ERROR
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
 Rear seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – a rear seat belt is not fastened.
 lights up – a rear seat belt is fastened.
When the seat belt is fastened/unfastened, the particular light lights up briefly
and indicates the current belt status!
 Generator
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
 lights up – the battery is not being charged whilst the engine is running.
▶ As the vehicle battery during your journey, are all non-essential electrical
loads (e.g. Infotainment) must be switched off.
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately. 
37Instruments and warning lights

CAUTIONIf in addition to the light  the light  lights up while driving,  stop driving -
risk of engine damage! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage.
 Coolant
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
Coolant level too low
  Illumi-
nates
ENGINE COOLANT PLEASE CHECK! Log book!ENGINE COOLANT PLEASE CHECK
▶ Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and allow the engine to cool down.
▶ Check the coolant level » page 257.
If the coolant level is within the specified range and the warning light lights
up again, then there may be a malfunction of the cooling fan.
▶ Switch off the ignition.
▶ Check the fuse for the radiator fan, replace if necessary.
If the coolant level and fan fuse are both OK but the warning light lights up
again, 
stop driving!
▶ Seek help from a specialist garage.
Coolant temperature too high
  Illumi-
nates
Engine overheat. Stop! Log book!ENGINE OVERHEAT STOP
▶ Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and allow the engine to cool down.
▶ Continue your journey only after the warning light  has disappeared.
 Engine oil pressure
Read and observe
on page 33 first.

 flashes – the engine oil pressure is too low.
▶ Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level.
▶ Even if the oil level is correct, 
do not drive any further if the warning light
is flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
▶ Seek help from a specialist garage.
CAUTIONIf, under the given conditions, it is not possible to top up with engine oil, 
stop driving - there is a risk of engine damage! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.
 Engine oil level
Read and observe
on page 33 first.
Engine oil level too low
  Illumi-
nates
Oil level: add oil!ADD OIL
▶ Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level, top up
if necessary.
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 sec-
onds. If the engine oil is not refilled, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km.
Engine oil level too high
  Illumi-
nates
Reduce oil level!OIL LEVEL TOO HIGH
▶ Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level.
▶ If the oil level is too high, you can driven on, exercising appropriate caution.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Fault on the engine oil level sensor
  Illumi-
nates
Oil sensor: Workshop!OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP
▶ You can drive on, exercising appropriate caution. Seek assistance from a spe-
cialist garage immediately.
CAUTION
If, under the given conditions, it is not possible to top up with engine oil, 
stop driving - there is a risk of engine damage! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.38Using the system

Setting the clockFig. 22
Button in the instrument cluster
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press and hold the button
A
» Fig. 22 until the
time
is shown in the display.
›
Release the button
A
and the system switches to the hour setting function.
›
Press the button
A
again and set the hours.
›
Wait around 4 seconds, the system switches to the minutes setting.
›
Press the button
A
again and set the minutes.
›
Wait around 4 seconds, the system switches to the initial setting.
The time can also be adjusted in infotainment by tapping 

→

→
Time anddate
.
Gear recommendation
Fig. 23
Information on the selected
gear / Gear recommendation
A suitable engaged gear or, where appropriate, a recommended gear is dis-
played, with the aim of conserving the life of the engine and increasing driving
efficiency.
Display » Fig. 23
Optimal gear engaged
Recommended gear (e.g. 

means that it is advantageous to switch from
3. to 4. gear)
For vehicles with automatic transmission the recommended gear will be
shown provided the mode for manual switching (Tiptronic) is selected.WARNINGThe driver is always responsible for selecting the correct gear in different
driving situations (e.g. when overtaking).
Vehicle condition
Fig. 24
Vehicle condition
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked
continuously when the ignition is switched on. If there is a fault in the system,
the following message will appear in the display of the instrument cluster.
As long as the faults are not rectified the messages are always shown. After
the message is displayed for the first time, the warning lights 
(danger) or 
(warning) continue to be displayed.
The vehicle condition can be displayed in infotainment by tapping 

→ 
→
Veh. status
.
In the screen, information regarding vehicle condition or function of the tyre
pressure monitor is displayed.
›
Using the function surfaces 

, select the menu item Veh. status.
Function surfaces and display » Fig. 24AVehicle representation (the zones of the vehicle are shown in different
colours, corresponding to any warning messages that occur. The warn-
ing messages are displayed once you touch the “vehicle”) 42Using the system

Driving data (Multifunction display)
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Data overview
44
Display Infotainment
45
Warning at when exceeding the set speed
45
Memory
45
The driving data display is only possible with the ignition switched on. After
the ignition is switched on, the function that was last selected before switch-
ing off the ignition is displayed.
If vehicles with MAXI DOTdisplay do not show the driving data after switching
on the ignition, select the menu item
Driving data
in the main menu and confirm
» page 46 .
The units and the display of some information can be adjusted in Infotainment
by tapping 

→

→
Units
.
Data overview
Overview of driving data (depending on the vehicle equipment).
Range - Drive distance in km which can be covered with the existing tank ca-
pacity and with the same driving style. If you drive more efficiently this value
can increase. With G-TEC vehicles the following details are displayed - total
range / with natural gas / petrol.
Average fuel consumption - Is calculated continuously since the last time that
the memory was erased. After erasing the memory, no data will appear for the
first 100 m driven. With G-TEC vehicles, the average consumption of fuel cur-
rently being used is displayed.
Current fuel consumption - When the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly,
the fuel consumption is displayed in l/h (in models in some countries the fol-
lowing appears --,- km/l). With G-TEC vehicles the current consumption of the
fuel currently being used is displayed ( with regards to a stationary or slow
moving vehicle, the natural gas consumption is displayed in kg/h).
Oil temperature if the temperature is lower than 50 °C or if there is a fault in
the system for checking the oil temperature, the  symbols are displayed.
Warning at when the preset speed is exceeded allows the setting of a speed
limit where, if exceeded, an acoustic warning signal and a warning message
appears on the display of the instrument cluster.
Dynamic Road Sign Display - traffic signs display » page 226, Traffic sign rec-
ognition .
Current Speed - Digital speedometer.
Average speed - Value constantly recalculated, for distance since last clearing
the memory. After erasing the memory, no data will appear for the first 300 m
driven.
Distance driven - Distance driven since the memory was last cleared.
Driving time - Driving time since last clearing the memory.
Conv. consumers - information about the total consumption of the comfort
consumers in l/h and a list of three consumers (e.g. air conditioning etc.), which
have the largest share of fuel consumption.
Refill amount 1)
After the consumption of about 10 litres of fuel from the fully
refuelled tank, an amount of fuel is displayed in l. This amount can now be
safely refilled.
Natural gas quality The details of the quality of natural gas are displayed as a
percentage of between 70% to 100%. The higher the value of natural gas, the lower is the consumption.
Coolant temperature - If the coolant temperature is in the range 70-120 °C,
the engine operating temperature has been reached. If the temperature is be-
low 70 ° C, high engine speeds and straining the engine should be avoided. If the temperature is over 120°C, the warning light » page 38
illuminates in the
instrument cluster .
There is the option to show/hide the representation of the menu items of the
multifunction display in Infotainment in the instrument cluster display by tap-
ping 

→

→
Instrument cluster
and reset the driving data.
1)
Only valid for some countries.
44Using the system

SmartGate is a system that transmits certain driving data (such as fuel con-
sumption, speed or similar) via Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct.
The ŠKODA applications installed in a supported external device (e.g. tele-
phone, tablet) give the option to further transmit the received data.
Some ŠKODA applications can be displayed on the Infotainment screen using a
SmartLinkconnection » page 165.
Read in the QR code » Fig. 30 or enter the following address in the web brows-
er to open the website with an overview of the available applications, compati-
ble devices and other information about SmartGate.
http://go.skoda.eu/connectivity-smartgate
CAUTION
■ To increase the access security to the transmitted vehicle data, once the
ŠKODA application has been started, you are requested to change the pass-
word/PIN code if the default password/PIN code has not yet been changed
» page 50 . It is not possible to start the ŠKODA application without changing
it.■
ŠKODA accepts no responsibility for any problems caused by incompatibility
or improper functioning of the external devices.
connection to SmartGate using Wi-Fi
This type of connection is intended for external devices running Android and
iOS operating systems.
Connecting to an Android external device
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Switch on Wi-Fi in the external device that is to be connected and search for
available Wi-Fi networks (see Owner's Manual for the external device).
›
In the menu of the detected networks, select the “SmartGate_...” 1)
menu item.
›
Enter the password (vehicle identification number using upper-case let-
ters » page 50 ).
›
In the external device that is to be connected to, start the SmartGate appli-
cation.
›
Then follow the instructions in the manual, which is included in the
SmartGate application.
With SmartGate, a maximum of four external devices can be connected simul-
taneously using Wi-Fi, with as many launched ŠKODA applications as required.
Connecting to an external iOS device›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Switch on Wi-Fi in the external device that is to be connected and search for
available Wi-Fi networks (see Owner's Manual for the external device).
›
In the menu of the detected networks, select the “SmartGate_...” 1)
menu item.
›
Enter the password (vehicle identification number using upper-case let-
ters » page 50 ).
With SmartGate, a maximum of four external devices can be connected simul-
taneously using Wi-Fi. In these external devices, up to four ŠKODA applications
can be started simultaneously.
Disconnection
The connection can be switched off in one of the following ways.
›
Switch off the ignition for longer than 5 seconds (for vehicles with a starter
button, switch off the engine and open the driver's door).
›
End the connection in the SmartGate application.
›
Switch off Wi-Fi in the connected external device.
Automatic connection
If the communication device has already had a connection with SmartGate,
then the connection is automatically restored under the following conditions.
The ignition is switched on.
Wi-Fi is switched on in the external device that is to be connected to.
The external device that is to be connected to stores the password re-
quired for the connection check.
Connection to SmartGate using Wi-Fi direct
This type of connection is intended for external devices running the Android
operating system.
Connection set-up
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
In the external device that is to be connected to, start the SmartGate appli- cation.
›
In the application, change the connection type to Wi-Fi direct. 
1)
The last 6 characters of the VIN vehicle identification number of your vehicle are displayed at position
....
49Information system

Conditions for the system function
The following conditions must be met for the system to function correctly.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The driving speed was higher than 4 km.h after the last stop.
System status
The system status is shown in the display when the vehicle comes to a halt
» Fig. 231 .
The engine is automatically switched off; when the vehicle moves off, the
ignition process will be automatically initiated.
The engine is not automatically switched off.
The engine does not shut down when the vehicle stops, if e.g. the following
applies.
▶ The engine temperature for the proper function of the system has not yet
been reached.
▶ The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
▶ The current consumption is too high.
▶ High air conditioning or heating output (high fan speed, big difference be-
tween the desired and actual interior temperature).
If the engine has shut down automatically but the system detects that the en- gine is required to run (e.g. if the brake pedal is pressed repeatedly) then the
system automatically starts up the engine.
More information about the current system status can be displayed in infotain-
ment screen, in the 

→

→
Veh. status
menu.
If there is a system fault , the following message will appear in the display of
the instrument cluster. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Note
■ If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's
door is opened after the engine has switched off automatically, the engine will
have to be restarted manually.■
No automatic engine shut-down takes place when a vehicle with automatic
transmission is moving at low speed (e.g. during a traffic jam) and remains sta-
tionary after pressing the brake pedal lightly. Automatic engine shut-down
takes place if you press the brake pedal down with more force.
■
For vehicles with automatic transmission there is no automatic engine shut-
down when the system detects a manoeuvring action due to a large steering
angle.
manually activate/deactivate systemFig. 232
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
›
To deactivate/activate the system, press the
 button
» Fig. 232 .
When the system is deactivated, the symbol in the button lights up .
If the system is turned off, it will be automatically reactivated after turning the
ignition off and on.
Note
If the system is deactivated when the engine is turned off automatically, then
the automatic start process takes place.
Brakes and Parking
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handbrake
192
Parking
193
The wear and tear on the brake pads is dependent on the operating condi-
tions and driving style. In difficult conditions (e.g. urban, sporty driving), the
condition of the brakes should be checked between service intervals by a spe-
cialist garage.
Brake response can be slower if the brakes are covered in moisture or, in win-
ter, have a layer of ice or salt on them . The brakes should be cleaned and
dried by applying the brakes many times over »
.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the brake pads can occur if the vehicle
has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the
braking system. The brakes are cleaned by applying the brakes several times
over »
. 
191Starting-off and Driving