2005 SKODA FABIA service

Inspecting and Replenishing193
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection points
Fig. 141 Diesel engine 1.9 litre/74 kW
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol
and diesel engines is practically identical.
Engine oil
Engine oil specifications
The grade of engine oil should be selected in accordance
with precise specifications.
The engine of your vehicle has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil
which you can use throughout the year - except in extreme climatic
regions.
You can mix various oils together with each other when refilling with oil.
This does not, however, apply for models with flexible service intervals
(QG1).
Engine oils are, of course, undergoing continuous further development.
Thus the information stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the
time of publication.
Škoda dealers are informed by Škoda Auto about current changes. We
recommend having this oil change undertaken by a Škoda dealer.
Engine oil specifications for vehicles with fixed service intervals
(QG0, QG2)
A1197
A2206
A3195
A4194
A5199
A6201
Engine oil specifications
Petrol enginesVW 501 01
VW 502 00
VW 504 00
Diesel engines
VW 505 01
VW 505 00 a)
VW 507 00 a)
a)This does not apply for PDi engines (a unit injection engine). Further information
- see Technical Data.
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Inspecting and Replenishing
194
Engine oil specifications for models with flexible service intervals
(QG1)
Caution
Only the above-mentioned oils may be used on vehicles with flexible
service intervals (QG1). We recommend always refilling with oil of the
same specification since this will maintain the properties of the oil. In
exceptional cases, you must top up only once engine oil complying with
Specification VW 502 00 (only for petrol engines) or Specification VW 505
01 (only for diesel engines) to maximum 0.5 litres. You must not use other
engine oils - risk of engine damage!
Note
•Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with
you engine oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle.
Consequently, you will always have the correct engine oil for refilling.
•We recommend using a preservative from the Škoda original accesso-
ries offered by your Škoda dealer.
•For further information - see Service shedule.
Inspecting the engine oil level
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.
Checking the oil level
– Park the vehicle on a horizontal surface.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compart-
ment” on page 191.
– Wait a few minutes and pull out the oil dipstick ⇒.
– Wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again fully.
– Then withdraw the dipstick again and read off the oil level.
Oil level within range
–You must not top up the oil.
Engine oil specifications
Petrol enginesVW 503 00
VW 504 00
Diesel enginesVW 506 01
VW 507 00
Fig. 142 Dipstick
AA
Aa
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Inspecting and Replenishing
196
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account be above the range ⇒page 194. Oil
will otherwise be drawn in through the crankcase ventilation and may pass
through the exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil may combust in the
catalytic converter and damage it.
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service
schedule or according to the service interval indicator ⇒page 16.
WARNING
•Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required
professional knowledge!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 191, “Working in
the engine compartment” before working in the engine compart-
ment.
•Let the engine cool down - risk of burning from hot oil.
•Wear an eye protection - risk of caustic burns due to oil
splashes.
•Oil is toxic! Store old oil in a safe place out of the reach of chil-
dren and unauthorized persons until you dispose of it properly.
Caution
You must not pour any additives into the engine oil - risk of engine
damage! Damage, which results from such product, are excluded from the
warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage
system.
•In view of the problems involved in properly disposing of old oil, the
material, equipment and the knowledge required for such work, we recom-
mend that you have the oil and oil filter change carried out by your Škoda
dealer.
Note
After your skin has come in contact with the oil, you must thoroughly wash
your skin.
Cooling system
Coolant
The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.
The cooling system does not require any maintenance under normal oper-
ating conditions. The coolant consists of water with a concentration of
coolant additive of 40 %. This mixture not only provides antifreeze protec-
tion down to -25°C but also protects the cooling and heating system from
corrosion. It also prevents the formation of scale and significantly
increases the boiling point of the coolant.
You must therefore not reduce the concentration of antifreeze agent in the
coolant by adding water, also not during the summer months or in coun-
tries with a warm climate. The concentration of coolant additive in the
coolant must be at least 40%.
Aa
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Inspecting and Replenishing
200
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-
tear and automatic adjustment of the brake pads, and is perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the
fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the
“MIN” marking. A situation where the brake fluid level is too low is indi-
cated by the warning light
 lighting up in the instrument cluster
⇒ page 36. In this case stop the car immediately and do not drive any
further! Contact a Škoda Dealer to obtain professional assistance.
WARNING
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 191, “Working in
the engine compartment” before working in the engine compart-
ment.
•If the fluid level has dropped below the “MIN” marking, do not
drive any further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain
professional assistance.
Replacing brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. This causes the fluid to absorb moisture
from the surrounding air over a period of time. Excessive water in the
brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake system. The water
content also lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. This is why brake
fluid must be replaced every two years.
One may only use new genuine brake fluid from Škoda Auto. The specifi-
cation for the brake fluid is “FMVSS 116 DOT 4”.
We recommend that you have the brake fluid replaced by a Škoda dealer
as part of an Inspection Service.
WARNING
•Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes
because of the formation of vapour bubbles in the brake system.
This greatly impairs the braking efficiency and thus also the safety
of your vehicle.
•Brake fluid is toxic! It must therefore be kept safely in closed
original containers and well away from children and unauthorized
persons.
Caution
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
In view of the problems involved with proper disposal of brake fluid, the
special tools and the professional knowledge required, we recommend
you have the brake fluid replaced by a Škoda dealer.
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Inspecting and Replenishing
204
Battery with a charge level indicator, the so-called
magic eye*
There is a so-called magic eye ⇒fig. 148 located on the top of the battery.
The “magic eye” changes its colour in line with the charge state of and
electrolyte level in the battery.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the “magic eye”. For this reason
carefully knock on the “magic eye” before carrying out the check.
•Green colour - the battery is adequately charged.
•Dark colour - the battery has to be charged
•Colourless or yellow colour - we recommend you have the battery
checked by a Škoda dealer.
Batteries, which are more than 5 years old, must be replaced. We recom-
mend you have the electrolyte level inspected and adjusted to the correct
level or the battery replaced if necessary by a Škoda dealer.
Caution
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery
will discharge because certain electrical components consume electricity
(e.g. control units) also in idle state. You can prevent the discharging of
the battery by disconnecting the negative terminal or charging the battery
constantly with a very low charging current. Please also refer to the notes
when working on the battery ⇒page 201, “Working on the battery”.
Inspecting the electrolyte level
The battery is practically maintenance-free under normal operating
conditions. We do, however, recommend that you have the electrolyte
level inspected from time to time by a Škoda dealer when outside temper-
atures are high or when driving on long trips. You should also check the
electrolyte level ⇒page 205 each time the battery is charged.
The battery acid level will also be checked as part of the Inspection
Service.
Operation in winter
The battery has to provide greater amounts of electricity during the winter.
It also has only part of the initial power output at low temperatures that it
has at normal temperatures.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below
0°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked by a Škoda
dealer before the start of the winter, and recharged if necessary.
Fig. 148 Battery with a
charge level indicator
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Breakdown assistance
220
Spare wheel*
The spare wheel is stowed in the spare wheel well in the
luggage compartment below the floor covering.
The spare wheel lies in a well under the luggage compartment floor and is
fixed in place along with the vehicle tool kit box using special screws
⇒ fig. 156 .
One should check the inflation pressure in the spare wheel (at best when
generally checking the tyre air pressures - see sign on the fuel filler flap
⇒ page 188) to ensure that the spare wheel is always ready to use.
Unidirectional tyres*
If you have such tyres on your vehicle, please refer to the notes below:
•The spare wheel provided with a car fitted with unidirectional tyres has
different dimensions. The wheel is provided with a warning sticker.
•After fitting on the wheel, the warning sticker must not be concealed
(e.g. by the wheel trim).
•Do not drive with this spare wheel at more than 80 km/h - risk of acci-
dent. Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
•The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is identical to the inflation
pressure of the standard tyres.
•Use this spare wheel only to reach the nearest service station as it is
not intended for continuous use.
Note
Some vehicles are only fitted with spray to make tyre repairs
⇒ page 219.
Changing a wheel
Preliminary work
The following steps should be carried out before actually
changing the wheel.
– If it is necessary to change a wheel, park the vehicle as far
away as possible from the traffic flow. The place you choose
should be level.
– Have all the occupants get out. While changing a wheel, the
occupants of the vehicle should not stand on the road (it is
better behind a crash barrier).
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage 1st gear or if your vehicle is fitted with an automatic
gearbox, position the selector lever into position P .
Fig. 156 Luggage
compartment: Spare
wheel
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Breakdown assistance
230
Installing the towing eye
– Grasp the protective grille at the point ⇒page 229, fig. 164
marked with the arrow.
– Remove the protective grille (arrow ).
– Screw in the towing eye by hand to the left up to the stop ⇒page 229, fig. 165 .
– Tighten up the towing eye using the wheel wrench (push the wheel wrench through eye).
Removal of the towing eye
– Unscrew the towing eye.
– Put the protective grille in place on the side opposite the marking.
– Press into place the protective grille onto the side facing the marking.
– The protective grille must engage firmly.
Rear towing eye
The rear towing eye is located below the rear bumper on the right
⇒ fig. 166 .
Tow-starting a vehicle
If the engine does not start, we generally do not recommend to
tow-start your vehicle. One should attempt to start the engine
using jump start cables ⇒page 226 or call on the services of the
SERVICE mobile.
If your vehicle has to be towed:
– Engage 2nd or 3rd gear with the vehicle stationary.
– Depress the clutch pedal fully and keep it depressed.
AA
Fig. 166 Rear towing
eye
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General247
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Technical Data
General
Identification data
Vehicle data sticker
The vehicle data sticker ⇒fig. 187 is located on the floor of the luggage
compartment and is also stated in the Service schedule.
The vehicle data sticker contains the following data:
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Vehicle type
Gearbox code, paint number, interior equipment number, engine
output, engine code
partial description of the vehicle Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number - VIN (vehicle body number) is stamped
into the engine compartment on the right hand shock absorber dome. This
number is also located on a sign on the lower left hand edge below the
windscreen (together with a VIN bar code).
Engine number
The engine number is stamped into the engine block.
Type plate (production plate)
The type plate is located in the engine compartment at the front on the left
hand shock absorber dome.
Homologation sign
The homologation sign is located on the lock carrier. Vehicles for certain
countries do not have an homologation sign.
Sticker on inside of fuel filler flap
The sticker is affixed to the inside of the fuel filler flap. The sticker contains
the following data:
•The prescribed types of fuel,
•Tyre size,
•Tyre pressure.
Note
•You will find the technical data of your vehicle in the separate brochure
"Technical Data".
Fig. 187 Vehicle data
sticker
A1
A2
A3
A4
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