
Towing a trailer
174
before negotiating a downhill section to allow the engine to also act as a
brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to
negotiate a lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the
outside temperature is very high ⇒page 14.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand
area or even the red area of the scale, reduce your speed immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light
in the instrument
cluster begins flashing. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant
in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒page 197, “Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 31, “Coolant tempera-
ture/coolant level ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down
a gear and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan
speed is independent of the engine speed. One should also not drop a
gear for this reason when towing a trailer as long as the engine can
manage the slope without any drop in speed.
Detachable ball head*
The detachable ball head of the towing device is stowed in the spare
wheel well in the luggage compartment.
An instruction for correct installation and removal of the ball head of the
towing device is supplied with the ball head
Inspect the ball head to ensure that it is properly locked each time before
setting off. The inspection is performed by turning the closed locking lever
downwards. If the locking lever can only be turned around a small angle
(approx. 5°), the locking mechanism is O.K. After the inspection pull the
locking lever back again to its stop. The towing device must not be used,
if it does not wish to close or the locking lever turns slightly in the closed
position.
Fig. 135 Detachable
ball head
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Care and cleaning
180
Chrome parts
First clean the chrome parts with a damp clotch and then polish them with
a soft, dry cloth. If it does not prove to be adequate, use a chrome care
product from Škoda original accessories.
Caution
Do not polish the chrome parts in a dusty environment, otherwise they can
be scratched.
Paint damage
Slight damage to paintwork such as scratches, scuffs or traces of chip
damage must be touched up immediately with paint (Škoda painting pen)
before any corrosion can result. You can of course have this work carried
out by a Škoda dealer.
Škoda dealers have a range of matching touch-up pens or spray cans
available in the colour of your vehicle.
The paint number of the original paintwork of your vehicle is indicated on
the vehicle data sticker ⇒page 247.
Any corrosion which has already have formed must be removed thor-
oughly. Apply a corrosion protection primer and then the paint to the
affected point. You can of course have this work carried out by a Škoda
dealer.
Plastic parts
External plastic parts are cleaned by normal washing. Plastic parts and
synthetic leather can also be treated with special solvent-free plastic
cleaning agents if a damp cloth is not sufficient. Paint care products are
not suitable for plastic parts.
Caution
Solvent-free cleaners attack the material and can damage it.
Windows
Only use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the
windows and mirrors. You should not move the ice scraper forward and
backward but in one direction on the window which you are cleaning in
order to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.
You can best remove residues of rubber, oil, grease, wax or silicone by
using a special window cleaner or a special silicone remover.
You should also clean the windows regularly from the inside.
Do not use window leathers which you have used to polish the vehicle
body to dry off the windows. Residues of preservatives in the window
leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility.
Do not affix any stickers over the inside of the rear window to avoid
damage to the heating elements of the rear window heater .
We recommend using a preservative from Škoda genuine accessories
offered by your Škoda dealer.
sqc.1.book Seite 180 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13

Care and cleaning183
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Caution
•Engine cleaning may be only be undertaken when the ignition is off.
•It is recommended to cover the generator before washing the engine
compartment.
For the sake of the environment
The dirty water produced by washing the engine has washed away petrol,
and residues of grease and oil and should therefore be cleaned by an oil
separator. This is why engine washing should only be undertaken in a
garage or at a fueling station (when these are fitted with the required
equipment).
Care of the interior of vehicle
Plastic parts, artificial leather and cloths
You can clean plastic parts and artificial leather with a moist cloth. You
should only treat such parts with special solvent-free plastic cleaning
and care products it does prove to be adequate.
Upholstery cloth and cloth trim on the doors, luggage compartment cover,
headliner etc. are best treated with special cleaning products, using if
necessary a dry foam and a soft sponge or brush.
We recommend using a cleaning product from Škoda genuine accesso-
ries offered by your Škoda dealer.
Caution
Solvent-free cleaners attack the material and can damage it.
Fabric covers of electrically heated seats
Do not clean the seat covers wet as this may result in damage to the seat
heating system.
Clean such covers using special agents, for example dry foam.
Natural leather
Natural leather requires quite particular care and attention.
Leather should be treated from time to time according the
following guidelines depending on how much it is used.
Normal cleaning
– Clean soiled areas of the leather with slightly moistened cotton or woollen cloth.
Severe soiling
– Clean severely soiled areas with a cloth dipped in a mild soapy solution (2 spoonfuls of natural soap to 1 litre of water).
– Ensure that the leather is not soaked through at any point and that no water gets into the stitching of the seams.
– Dry off the leather with a soft, dry cloth.
Removing stains
– Remove fresh stains which are water-based (e.g. coffee, tea,
juices, blood etc.) with an absorbent cloth or household paper
or use the cleaner from the care set for a stain which has
already dried in.
sqc.1.book Seite 183 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13

Fuel189
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Opening the fuel filler cap
– The fuel filler flap opens when you pull on the actuation lever*
next to the driver's seat ⇒page 188, fig. 136 or open at fuel
filler tube.
– The fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube must be unlocked to the left using the vehicle key (only valid for vehicles which do not
have remote unlocking of the fuel filler flap next to the driver's
seat).
– Unscrew the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and place the fuel filler cap from above on the fuel filler flap ⇒page 188,
fig. 137.
Closing fuel filler cap
– Screw on the cap by turning it to the right until it is heard to lock.
– The fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube must be locked to the right using the vehicle key and the key then removed (only
valid for vehicles which do not have remote unlocking of the
fuel filler flap next to the driver's seat).
– Press the fuel tank flap closed.
The correct grades of fuel for your vehicle are stated on a sticker affixed
to the inside of the fuel filler flap. Further information on fuel ⇒page 186.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 45 litres.
WARNING
Pay attention to any legal requirements if you do carry a spare
canister in the vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel
canisters in your vehicle for safety reasons. The canister can be
damaged in the event of an accident and fuel may leak out.
Caution
•Remove any fuel which has spilled onto the paintwork of your vehicle
immediately. This particularly applies to biodiesel - risk of paint damage!
•Vehicles fitted with catalytic converter should never be allowed to let
the fuel tank to run completely empty. An irregular supply of fuel to the
engine can result in misfiring and unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust
system, which may result in overheating and damage to the catalytic
converter.
For the sake of the environment
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the
first time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. You should not
continue refuelling - otherwise the expansion chamber in the fuel tank will
also be filled with fuel. Fuel might flow out of the tank when it heats up.
sqc.1.book Seite 189 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13

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
sqc.1.book Seite 196 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13

Inspecting and Replenishing
198
recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time
to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the
system. You should not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also
important to have the cooling system inspected without delay by a
specialist garage.
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant
expansion bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a
result of overheating and is forced out of the cooling system.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒ page 191, “Working in the
engine compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
One should contact a specialist garage as soon as possible if the source
of overheating itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may
be grave damage to the engine.
Replenishing the coolant
– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir ⇒page 197, fig. 143 and unscrew the cap carefully by
turning it to the left ⇒. – Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with
one specific specification
⇒page 196, “Coolant”. Do not use an alterna-
tive additive if the coolant additive G12 PLUS is not available in excep-
tional cases. Just top up the system with water and as soon as possible
arrange adjustment to correct the mixing ratio of water and coolant addi-
tive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Excess coolant which is heated up
is forced out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the
cap of the coolant compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a
major loss of coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid
engine damage.
WARNING
•The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the
coolant expansion bottle if the engi ne is still hot - risk of scalding!
•The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to
your health. Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are
also harmful to the health. It is important, therefore, to always
safely store any coolant additive in its original container out of the
reach of children - risk of poisoning!
•If any splashes of coolant get into your eyes, rinse out your eyes
immediately with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as
possible.
•You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inad-
vertently swallowed coolant.
sqc.1.book Seite 198 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13

Fuses and light bulbs
234
10S-contact a)5
11Electrically adjustable rear mirror b)5
12Ventilation system, air-conditioning system, Xenon
headlight5
13Reversing light10
14Diesel engine control unit10
15Headlight cleaning system, window wiper10
16Instrument cluster5
17Petrol engine - control unit c)5
18Phone5
19Automatic gearbox10
20Control unit for lamp failure5
21Heated windscreen washer nozzles5
22Not assigned
23Right main beam10
24Engine electronics10
25Control unit for ABS, TCS
control unit for ESP5
10
26Not assigned
27Not assigned
28Cruise control, switch for the brake and clutch pedal5
29Not assigned
30Main beam on the left and indicator light10
31Central locking system - door lock for the boot lid10
No.Power consumerAmperes
32Rear window wiper10
33Parking light on the right5
34Parking light on the left5
35Injector - petrol engine10
36Licence plate light5
37Rear fog light and indicator light5
38Heating of the external mirror5
39Rear window heater20
40Horn20
41Front window wiper20
42Cigarette lighter, power socket15
43Central control unit, selector lever lock for the auto-
matic gearbox20
44Turn signals15
45Radio, navigation system20
46Electrical power window (at the front on the right)25
47Not assigned
48Diesel engine - control unit, injector30
49Central locking system15
50Low beam on the right15
51Power socket in the luggage compartment15
52Ignition15
53Electrical power window (at the rear on the right)25
54Low beam on the left15
No.Power consumerAmperes
sqc.1.book Seite 234 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13

Index253
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
For the first 1 500 kilometres . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 166 Saving energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Fuel reserve Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Full wheel trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Fuse Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
G
Gearbox Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Glass roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Glow plug system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
H
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Hazard warning light system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Hazard warning lights system . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Head restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Headlight cleaning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Headlight flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Headlights Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Headlight cleaning system . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Heated windscreen washer nozzles . . . . . . . 63
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Heating of the external mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Heating the front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
I
Ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Information display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Inspecting the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Interior light Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Interior lighting at the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
at the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Intermittent wipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
ISOFIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
J
Jacking points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226, 227
K
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
L
Lashing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Leather care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Lighting of the interior of the vehicle
at the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Lights Converting/masking over . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Range adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
switching them on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Lights and Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Liquid in reservoir for windscreen washer system Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40, 41 Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
locking Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Locking and unlocking from inside . . . . . . . . . 44
sqc.1.book Seite 253 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13