battery SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR 2004 1.G / (1U) Owner's Guide

148GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Used batteries are harmful to
the environment and should
therefore be disposed of by
contacting your Škoda Dea-
ler.

When disconnecting the battery
from the electrical system, first of all
disconnect the negative cable (-) and
then the positive cable (+).
The battery must not be disconnec-
ted when the ignition is switched on
and the engine is running otherwise
the electrical system (electronic
components) will be damaged.

When re-connecting the battery,
first of all connect the positive cable
(+) and then the negative cable (-).
The connection cables must on no
account be mixed up - risk of fire in
the wiring!

Never use a battery which is dam-
aged - risk of explosion! Immediately
replace a damaged battery.

Never charge a frozen or thawed
battery - risk of explosion and caus-
tic burns. Replace a frozen battery.
Do not expose the battery to direct sun-
light to protect the housing from ultra-
violet rays.
Ensure that the battery acid does not
come into contact with the paintwork
otherwise the paintwork might be dam-
aged.
Checking electrolyte levelIn normal operating conditions the battery
requires practically no maintenance. It is
nevertheless recommended to inspect the
electrolyte level from time to time. It should
always be between the „MIN“ and „MAX“
markings on the front and back of the bat-
tery. If the electrolyte level has dropped
below the „MIN“ marking, top up the rel-
evant battery cells to the „MAX“ marking
with distilled water .
It is recommended to have the electrolyte
level and density inspected and corrected
by a Škoda Dealer.
Battery with charge state indicator
(magic eye)*The magic eye is located on the top of the
battery. This „magic eye“ alters its colour
depending on the charge state and elec-
trolyte level of the battery. The colour indi-
cated serves as a diagnostic aid for Škoda
Dealerships.
Knock gently on the magic eye before
checking the battery.

149
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Driving in winterThe battery is exposed to particular stresses
in winter. In addition, at low temperatures, it
is only capable of providing part of the start-
ing power which it has at normal tempera-
tures.A discharged battery may already freeze
at a few degrees below zero.
We therefore recommend having the bat-
tery inspected and, if necessary, charged
before the start of the winter. This is best
done by a Škoda Dealer.Charging batterySwitch off the ignition and all electrical com-
ponents before charging the battery.
It is not normally necessary to disconnect
the cables from the electrical system when
charging with low amperages (e.g. with a
mini charger). Always follow the instructions
of the charger manufacturer in this case.
Recharge the battery by using a charg-
ing current of 1/10 of the battery rated
capacity in A (or less) until the battery is
fully charged.
A battery charger with a constant charg-
ing voltage of 14.4 V can also be used
for recharging; the recharging duration
is max. 30 hours, according to battery
discharge. Both connection cables should be taken
off
, however, for quick-charging (only in
exceptional cases), in other words charg-
ing with high amperages.
Pay attention to the following points:

The vent plugs of the battery should
not be opened for charging.

Never charge a frozen or thawed bat-
tery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns! Replace a frozen battery.

The power cable of the charger should
not be plugged in until after the terminal
clamps of the charger have been properly
connected to the battery terminals:
red terminal
= positive (+)
black terminal
= negative (-).

After charging, install battery and re-con-
nect correctly - first of all positive (+), then
negative cable (-).
If the indication in the window is green, the
battery is properly charged. If, on the other
hand, the indication is dark, the battery re-
quires to be charged.
If the magic eye is colourless or yellow, this
indicates insufficient electrolyte level.
Please have the battery checked by a
Škoda dealer.
The battery must be topped up with distilled
water. If the battery is 5 years or older, we
recommend replacing it. Have the electro-
lyte level inspected and adjusted to the
correct level by a Škoda dealer.

150GENERAL MAINTENANCEAfter connecting the battery- restore operation of the convenience sys-tem - see page 16
- set the time - see page 50
- if the radio is protected by a code, set the code - see operating instructions of
car radio
The data of the multifunction display are
erased - see page 50.Replacing batteryIf the battery has to be replaced, the new
battery should have the same capacity, volt-
age (12 volts), amperage, design and have
a plug seal. Škoda Dealers have available
a range of suitable batteries.
Because of the disposal problem in- volved with old batteries, it is best
to have the battery replaced by a Škoda Dealer. Batteries contain substancessuch as sulphuric acid and lead andmust on no account be disposed of in
domestic refuse.
Spark plugsThe spark plugs are replaced as part of the
Škoda Inspection Service.

Should it be necessary to replace the
spark plugs between the Inspection Service
intervals, proceed as follows:Spark plugs and ignition system are matched
to the engine and thus contribute to an ex-
haust with low emission levels.Only the spark plugs selected for the par-
ticular engine should be used in order to
avoid operational problems, engine dam-
age and any infringement of legal require-
ments in respect of emission levels or ra-
dio interference from the spark plugs. Par-
ticularly important aspects are the number
of electrodes, the thermal value and radio
interference suppression.

Spark plugs may also be subject to tech-
nical modifications at short notice. It is
therefore recommended to purchase them
only from Škoda Dealers as they are always
informed of the up-to-date situation.
Ribbed belt
The ribbed belt is one of the components
of the car which is subjected to the most
stress. It is therefore necessary to place
particularly high quality requirements in res-
pect of the belts.

When replacing a ribbed belt, it is not
sufficient to use any ribbed belt of whatever
size. For safety reasons, use only the
ribbed belts selected for your car.

Ribbed belts may also be subject to
technical modifications at short notice. It is
therefore recommended to purchase them
only from Škoda Dealers and to also have
the belts changed there as they are always
informed of the up-to-date situation.

167
DO-IT-YOURSELF
FusesThe individual electrical circuits are pro-
tected by fuses.
The fuses are located on the left-hand face
end of the instrument cluster below the co-
ver.
Space is provided on the right for spare fu-
ses - see page 168.
Additional fuses are located in the engine
compartment on the battery. We recom-
mend having these fuses replaced by a
Škoda Dealer.Replacing a fuse
Switch off the ignition and the relevant
electrical component.

To remove the cover, place a screwdriver
against the cover (arrow on cover) and ca-
refully lever it off.

Refer to the list of fuses as shown in il-
lustration to find which fuse belongs to the
faulty component - see illustration on page
168.

Remove the blown fuse.

A blown fuse is recognizable from the
melted metal strip - replace with a new fuse
of the same rating.
Notes

If a newly inserted fuse blows again af-
ter a short time, the electrical system should
then be inspected as soon as possible by
a Škoda Dealer.

On no account „repair“ fuses as this may
cause major damage to another point of the
electrical system.

Certain of the electrical components
listed are fitted only to particular model
versions or are optional equipment.

We recommend always carrying with
you a box with replacement fuses, which is
available from Škoda Dealers
1).
1)In certain countries the box with replacement
fuses is part of the basic equipment.
Warning
If the fire extinguisher is not correctly
attached, in case of sudden manoeu-
vres or an accident, it can be thrown
through the interior compartment
and cause injuries.

177
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Interior light (rear)*
Insert a screwdriver between light and
headlining - see arrow. Carefully press out
the light.

Turn the socket in the rear of the light to
the left and take out.

Pull faulty bulb out of the socket.

Insert new bulb.

Insert the socket again into the light and
turn fully to the right.

Insert light first of all at the side oppo-
site the arrow and then press into the head-
lining.
Jump-startingIf the engine does not start because the
battery is discharged, it is possible to use
jump-start cables to start the car with the
battery of another vehicle. Pay attention to
the following points in this case:

Both batteries should have a rated volt-
age of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the bat-
tery supplying the power must not be sig-
nificantly less than the capacity of the dis-
charged battery.

Only jump-start cables with an ad-
equately large cross-section should be
used. Pay attention to the instructions of
the cable manufacturer.

We recommend purchasing the jump-
start cable as a Genuine Škoda Accessory
or in sales outlets of the battery manufac-
turer.

Use only jump-start cables with insulated
clamps. A discharged battery may already freeze
if there is only slight frost. Before con-
necting the jump-start cables, it is es-
sential to thaw out a frozen battery oth-
erwise it might explode.


Run the engine of the vehicle supplying
the current.

It is essential to connect the jump-start
cables in the following sequence:
1. One end of the ( +) cable (usually red) to
the ( +) terminal of the discharged battery.
2. Other end of the red ( +) cable to the ( +)
terminal of the battery supplying the cur-
rent.
3. One end of the ( -) cable (usually black)
to the ( -) terminal of the battery supplying
the current.
4. Other end of the black ( -) cable to a solid
metal part bolted to engine block or to the
engine block itself.

178DO-IT-YOURSELFA - Discharged battery
B - Battery supplying current
Warning
Do not connect the cable to the nega-
tive terminal (-) of the discharged
battery. This can produce sparks
when the engine is started which
might ignite the gas flowing out of
the battery.
Do not affix the cable end 4 to parts
of the fuel and brake system. Warning


The non-insulated parts of the ca-
ble clamps must not touch one an-
other on any account. In addition, the
jump-start cable attached to the posi-
tive terminal of the battery must not
come into contact with electrically
conducting parts of the vehicle - risk
of short circuit!

Route the jump-start cables so
that they cannot come into contact
with rotating parts in the engine com-
partment.

Do not bend over the batteries -
risk of acid burns!

Keep sources of ignition (naked
flames, burning cigarettes etc.) well
away from the battery - risk of explo-
sion!

Start the engine as described in the sec-
tion „Starting engine“.

If the engine does not start right away,
do not crank the starter for more than 10
seconds and then wait about 30 seconds
before making a further attempt.

Once the engine is running, disconnect
both cables in exactly the reverse order.
Tow-starting/towingThe towing eyes are located at the rear right
below the bumper and at the front - see
arrow.
A tow rope or tow bar should be attached
only to these towing eyes.

Remove a ventilation grille before using
the front towing eye. Ventilation grille is held
in place with plastic spring catches in the
area of the arrow. Ventilation grille can be
removed by hand.

Grasp the top part of the grille, press
grille off in direction of arrow 1 and take out
in direction of arrow 2.

After using the towing eye, insert the
ventilation grille into the guides and press
on.

179
DO-IT-YOURSELF
It is not recommended to tow-start the
vehicle (despite observing the instruc-
tions which are given in the Owner’s
Manual) in view of the fact that severe
engine damage may result in certain cir-
cumstances.
It is best to attempt to start the engine
by using jump-starting cables - refer to
page 177 of the Owner’s Manual - or to
call on the services of SERVICE Mobil.
General information

The tow rope should be elastic so that
there is no strain on either vehicle. It is best
to use only plastic fibre ropes or ropes
made of a similarly elastic material. It is
important to ensure that no impermissible
pulling forces and no sudden shock loads
occur. If attempting to tow a car which is
not on a paved road, there is always a risk
of the parts of the car to which the tow rope
is attached being subjected to excessive
stress and damaged.

Before attempting to start the engine
by tow-starting the car, always use the
battery of another vehicle as a jump-
starting aid if possible - see page 177. It is essential to pay attention to the follo-
wing points when tow-starting and to-
wing the car:


Observe any legal regulations regarding
towing another vehicle.

Both drivers should be acquainted with
the special features of towing a vehicle.
Persons not familiar with towing a vehicle
should not attempt to tow-start or tow a car.

If a tow rope is used, the driver of the
towing vehicle should engage the clutch
particularly softly when moving off and shift-
ing gears.

The driver of the towed car should en-
sure that the tow rope is always taught.

The ignition of the towed car should be
switched on so that the steering wheel is
not blocked and the turn signal lights, the
windscreen wipers, horn, lights and other
electrical components can be switched on.

As the brake servo unit only operates
when the engine is running, note that suffi-
ciently greater force is required to depress
the brake pedal when the engine is not run-
ning and the steering is also much more
difficult to operate.
For technical reasons, it is not possible
to tow-start a car fitted with an automatic
gearbox.
In the event of a defect in the gearbox,
your vehicle no longer contains lubri-
cant, the car must be towed with the
driving wheels lifted or on a special
transporter or trailer.

182ALPHABETICAL INDEX4x4 models, 123AABS, 60, 122
Accessories, 159- Changes and replacement ofparts, 159
Accumulator, 146
Acoustic signals, 46
Adjustable steering wheel, 43
Adjusting, - Seats, 19
- Seat belt height, 100
- Headlamp beam, 66
Air conditioning system, 75
Air outlet vents, 73, 76, 83
Airbag system, 56, 103
Airbag, 103
Alarm, 13
Anti-theft alarm system, 13
Armrest, 36
Ashtrays, 90
Automatic air conditioning, 79
Automatic gearbox, 39
Automatic vehicle wash systems, 130
Automatic wipe/wash, 71BBalancing wheels, 154
Battery - charging, 61 Battery - recharging, 149
Battery, 146
Beverage holder, 87
Beverages, 87
Bonnet, 135
- Opening, 135
- Closing, 135
Brake Assist, 121
Brake booster, 121
Brake fluid level, 144
Brake fluid, 61, 144
Brake fluid, 61, 144
Brake pad, 58
Brake system, 61, 120, 121, 122, 123, 144
Brakes, 61, 120, 121, 122, 123, 144
Breakdown assistance, 161
Bulbs, 60, 161, 170
CCavity protection, 134
CD changer, 31
Central locking, 8 - Opening a single door, 9
Cigarette lighter, 89
Climatronic, 79
Clock, 50
Cockpit, 5
Coming home, 67
Convenience operation, 10, 16, 86
Coolant level, 143 Coolant temperature, 48
Coolant, 48, 58, 142
Coolant, 48, 58, 142
Cooling, 142
Cruise control system, 68
DDefrosting windows, 63, 73, 76
Diesel engines, 46
Diesel, 128
Digital clock, 50
Disc wheels, 133
- Steel wheels, 133
- Light-alloy wheels, 133
Door and window seals, 132
Door, 8
Driving abroad, 158
Driving economically and in an environmentally
Dust, noise and pollen filter, 152EEDL, 61, 122
Electric sliding/tilting roof, 85
Electrical power windows, 15
Electrically adjustable seats , 20
Engine - starting, 44
Engine - switching off, 46
Engine compartment, 135
Engine electronics, 57, 60