Skoda Octavia Owner's Manual page 172

WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, injuries, scolding, accident or fire
hazards may arise. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warning
instructions stated below and with the general applicable rules of safety. The
engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!
Before beginning work in the engine compartment, please read the follow-
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ing advice.
Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
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Firmly apply the handbrake.
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If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
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Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the se-
lector lever into position P.
Allow the engine to cool.
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Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
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engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
While working in the engine compartment, please read the following advice.
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Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
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Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
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suddenly start running!
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
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The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
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Avoid contact with the coolant.
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Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
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Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
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gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
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with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot
coolant.
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
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with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Always safely store the coolant additive in its original container out of the
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reach of children – risk of poisoning!
If coolant is swallowed - consult a doctor immediately.
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Do not leave any items such as cloths or tools in the engine compartment.
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Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
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tained in the coolant) may ignite!
170
General Maintenance
WARNING (Continued)
Whenever working in the engine compartment while the engine is running,
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you must pay heed to the following warning instructions.
Pay particular attention to moving engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, alterna-
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tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition unit - danger to life!
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
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Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
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battery.
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
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caught in rotating engine parts – hazard! Always remove any jewellery, tie
back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
The following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be car-
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ried out on the fuel or electrical system.
Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
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Do not smoke.
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Never work near open flames.
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Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
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Read the information and warning instructions on the fluid containers.
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Keep fluids in their original containers and keep out of reach of children!
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If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from roll-
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ing away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this – risk of injury!
The bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. This is why after
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closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to ensure it has engaged
properly.
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
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hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of an accident!
CAUTION
Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
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operating problems and also vehicle damage!
Never open the bonnet using the locking lever.
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For the sake of the environment
In view of the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids, the specials tools and
knowledge required for such work, we recommend that fluids are changed by a
Škoda Partner as part of the inspection service.
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