Skoda Octavia Power Steering / Steering Lock / Keyless System Not Working

Detailed below are the dashboard fault lights associated with the Skoda Octavia power steering, steering lock and column not unlocking and disconnecting the battery.

Skoda Octavia Power Steering Fault

There are two dashboard fault lights associated with the Skoda Octavia power steering system:

Skoda Octavia power steering failure dashboard warning light symbol
Steady Red

Power Steering Failure Warning Light

The Skoda Octavia power steering light illuminates in steady red indicating a total failure in the power steering system. Steering assistance is no longer available and significantly higher steering forces are required to steer the vehicle. If you are driving, find a safe place to stop and turn off the engine and switch off the ignition. Restart the engine and travel a short distance. If the warning light remains on, do not continue your journey and contact a Skoda garage.


Skoda Octavia power steering fault dashboard warning light symbol
Steady Amber

Power Steering Partial Failure Warning Light

The Skoda Octavia power steering light illuminates in steady amber indicating a partial failure in the power steering system. Some steering assistance may be available and steering forces may be higher than usual. If you are driving, find a safe place to stop and turn off the engine and switch off the ignition. Restart the engine and travel a short distance. If the fault light remains on, you can continue driving, though exercise caution. Seek assistance from authorised Skoda engineer as soon as possible.



Skoda Octavia Steering Lock Fault

Steering lock faults are part of the Skoda Keyless Entry, Start and exit SYstem, otherwise known as KESSY. Two lights are associated with the steering lock fault.

Skoda Octavia power steering failure dashboard warning light symbol
Flashing Red

Steering Lock Failure Warning Light

If the symbol is flashing red, it indicates a steering lock (KESSY system) failure. You may also receive a message stating ‘Steering lock faulty’. Stop! As soon as safe to do so pull over, stop and turn off the engine. Do not continue driving and seek assistance from a Skoda garage. Once you have switched off the ignition, it is no longer possible to activate electrical components, lock the steering, or to switch on the ignition again to start the engine.


Skoda Octavia power steering fault dashboard warning light symbol
Flashing Amber

Steering Lock Fault Warning Light

If the symbol is flashing amber, it indicates a steering lock (KESSY system) fault. You may also receive a message stating ‘Steering lock: workshop!’ You can continue to drive on, being cautious. Have your vehicle checked over by a qualified Skoda technician as soon as possible.



Skoda Octavia Steering Column Not Unlocking

You may also receive a dashboard warning light indicating that the steering column lock is not unlocking.

Skoda Octavia power steering fault dashboard warning light symbol
Flashing Amber

Steering Column Lock Not Unlocking

If the symbol is flashing amber, it can also indicate that the steering column has not unlocked. You will be required to move the steering wheel slightly back and forth in order to unlock the system. On occasions, greater force may be required to unlock the steering column. If you are still unable to unlock the steering column, seek assistance from a specialist garage.


Skoda Octavia Battery Disconnect

Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery can cause a fault light to illuminate temporarily.

Skoda Octavia power steering fault dashboard warning light symbol
Steady Amber

Disconnecting the Vehicle Battery

If you have disconnected and reconnected the battery on your Skoda Octavia, you may receive a steady amber warning light after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after driving a short distance. If the light remains on after a short drive, there is a system fault. You can continue to drive but should seek the assistance of a Skoda technician as soon as possible.

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