2008 SKODA FABIA coolant

Heating and air conditioning system85
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your attention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an acci-dent increases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows begin misting up.
Air outlet vents
Fig. 106 Air outlet vents
Open air outlet vents
– Turn the rotary knob into the upper position.
Close air outlet vents
– Turn the rotary knob into the lower position.
Redirecting air flow
– The horizontal as well as the vertical direction of the air flow is set with
the handle in the middle of the air outlet vents.
You can set the air supply to the individual vents with the air distribution control ⇒page 83, fig. 105. Air outlet vents 3 and 4 can also be opened or closed individ-ually.
Unwarmed or cooled air will flow out of the opened air outlet vents according to the setting of the control dial ⇒page 83, fig. 105 and according to atmospheric conditions.
Climatic (semi-automatic air conditioning system)*
Description
Climatic is a combined cooling and heating system with electronic
control of the convenience temperature in the vehicle interior. It
makes it possible to optimally control the air temperature at any
season of the year.
Description of the Climatic
It is important for your safety and for your driving comfort that the Climatic is oper-ating properly.
The air conditioning system operates when switch ⇒page 86, fig. 107 is pressed and the following conditions are met:
•engine running,
•outside temperature above +2°C and
•blower switch switched on (positions 1 to 4).
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in the vehicle. The wellbeing of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of this particularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode in order to enhance the cooling effect ⇒.
AC
AA
ACAE
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Heating and air conditioning system89
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Close air outlet vents
– Turn the rotary knob into the lower position.
Redirecting air flow
– The horizontal as well as the vertical direction of the air flow is set with
the handle in the middle of the air outlet vents.
You can set the air supply to the individual vents with the air distribution control ⇒page 86, fig. 107. Air outlet vents 3 and 4 can also be opened or closed individ-ually:
Unwarmed or cooled air will flow out of the air outlet vents according to the setting of control dial ⇒page 86, fig. 107 and the atmospheric conditions.
Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the Climatic uses power from the engine when in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the inte-rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to allow the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window is open.
The desired interior temperature can also be achieved without switching in the cooling system just by switching to fresh air mode.
For the sake of the environment
When you economize on fuel, you also reduce pollutant emissions.
Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +2 °C, there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be:
•The fuse of the Climatic is defective. Check the fuse, replace it if necessary ⇒page 213.
•The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the coolant temperature of the engine is too hot ⇒page 10.
If you are not able to rectify the operational problem yourself, or if the cooling capacity decreases, switch the cooling system off. Contact a specialist garage.
If there is a fault at the Climatronic, all symbols on the display flash after switching on the ignition for 15 seconds. Contact a specialist garage.
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning)*
Description
The Climatronic system is a combination of an automatic heating,
fresh air and cooling system which provides optimal comfort for the
occupants of the car.
The Climatronic maintains a constant temperature fully automatically, once it has been set. This is achieved by automatically varying the temperature of the outflowing air, the blower stages and the air distribution. The system also takes into account sunlight which eliminates the need to alter the settings manually. The automatic mode ⇒page 91 ensures maximum wellbeing of the occupants at all times of the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling operates only if the following conditions are met:
•engine running,
•outside temperature above +2°C,
•the button is not pressed.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in the vehicle. The wellbeing of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of this particularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
AC
AA
ECON
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Heating and air conditioning system90
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode in order to enhance the cooling effect ⇒.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in order to ensure that the heating and cooling systems operate properly.
The AC compressor is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to provide cooling at a high load of the engine.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal and not an indication of a leak!
Recommended setting for all periods of the year:
•Set the temperature to 22 °C.
•Press the button ⇒fig. 109.
•Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4 so that the air flow is directed slightly upwards ⇒page 93, fig. 110.
Switching over between degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit
Press and hold the buttons and ⇒fig. 109. The information in the desired temperature measuring unit appears in the display.
WARNING
•For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the windows are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about how to correctly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to demist and defrost the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
•You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your attention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows begin misting up.
Note
•If the cooling system has not been switched on for a lengthy period, odours may be produced at the evaporator because of deposits. Switch the cooling system on at least once a month for approximately 5 minutes at the highest blower stage - also during the cold season of the year - in order to remove such odours. Also open a window for a short time.
•We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the inte-rior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning system. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is operating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (replace-ment of compressor).
•The used air streams out through the air removal openings in the luggage compartment.
•Using the cooling economically ⇒page 89.
•Operational problems ⇒page 89.
Overview of the control elements
Fig. 109 Climatronic: Control elements
AUTO
ECONAUTO
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Starting-off and Driving96
•Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage to the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒page 208.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 211.
WARNING
•Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-sciousness and death.
•Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Caution
•The starter may only be operated (ignition key position ), if the engine is not running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching off the engine, the starter or the engine can be damaged.
•Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature - risk of damaging the engine!
•Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter should not be tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away. When driving the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower.
Petrol engines
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel/air mixture for every external air temperature.
•Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the electrical fuel pump is defect if the engine still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 213.
•If the engine does not start, contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator after the engine has started.
Diesel engines
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside temper-ature.
The preglow indicator light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light  has gone out.
•The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the engine is at a normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature is above +5°C. This means that you can start the engine right away.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the engine still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 213.
A3
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Starting-off and Driving97
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel tank has run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel system must first of all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine
– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from posi-
tion into ⇒page 95, fig. 113.
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-dent!
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey after the engine has been operated for a lengthy period at high loads but should be allowed it to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This prevents any accumulation of heat when the engine is switched off.
Note
•The radiator fan may continue running for a further 10 minutes or so after the engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, also switch on again after some time if the coolant temperature rises because of an accumulation of heat in the engine or if the engine is warm and the engine compartment is additionally heated by strong sunlight.
•This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine compartment ⇒page 181, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)
Shift into reverse only when the car is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before engaging reverse gear in order to avoid any shift noises.
The reversing light will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the ignition is on.
WARNING
Never engage the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident!
Note
•One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle. The pressure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This can, over a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift forks.
•Depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gears, in order to avoid unneces-sary wear and damage.
A1
Fig. 114 Shift pattern on models fitted with 5-speed manual gearbox
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Towing a trailer167
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
should be attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that they provide you with an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights. Alter the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam adjuster ⇒page 47.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles with towing device and suppliable from Škoda original accessories. It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decoupling the trailer.
•Keep the mechanism of the ball head of the towing device clean and take proper care of it with a suitable preservative.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the
trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in
particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temper-
ature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for coun-tries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed should not be used when there are unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions, particularly near accident black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediately as soon as you detect even just the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a down-hill 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 10.
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 186, “Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 24, “Coolant temperature/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
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Inspecting and Replenishing181
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Grip the bonnet and lift it up.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the opening
designed for it ⇒page 180, fig. 169.
Closing the bonnet
– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the
bonnet support into the holder designed to hold it.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 30 cm into the lock -
bonnet do not press down on it!
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact engaged prop-erly after closing the bonnet.
•Stop your vehicle immediately while driving if you notice that the lock is not properly engaged and close the bonnet properly - risk of an accident!
Caution
•Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are correctly in place against the windscreen. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the paintwork.
Working in the engine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine
compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For
this reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and with the general applicable rules of safety. The engine compart-ment of your car is a hazardous area ⇒.
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
•Apply the handbrake firmly.
•If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox, move the selector lever into position P.
•Allow the engine to cool down.
•Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
•Do not touch any hot engine parts - risk of burns!
•Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze contained in the wash liquid) may ignite!
•Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the battery.
•Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the engine is still warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
•Never open the cap of the coolant expansion bottle as long as the engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
•Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a large cloth when opening it as protection for your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
•Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the engine compartment.
•If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not sufficient for this - risk of injury!
•In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work when the engine is running there is an additional risk from rotating parts (e.g. the V-
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Inspecting and Replenishing182
ribbed belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the high-voltage ignition system. Please observe in addition the following:
−Never touch the electrical cables of the ignition system.
−Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or long hair from getting into the rotating parts of the engine - Hazard! Therefore remove any jewellery beforehand, tie up your hair and wear tight fitting clothing.
•Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below when carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the electrical system:
−Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
−Do not smoke.
−Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
−Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand.
Caution
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are on no account mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and also vehicle damage!
Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection points.
Fig. 170 Diesel engine 1.9 litre/77 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.
WARNING (continued)
B5J-0061H
A1186
A2193
A3185
A4184
A5188
A6189
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