
Contents 4Important safety information regarding the use of seat
belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . .
Belt tensioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system*
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrohydraulic power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . .
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . .
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To w i n g a t r a i l e r
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles of the group N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and Warning triangle* . . . . . . . . . . .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption according to the regulations
(99/100/EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 ltr./44 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 ltr./51 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./63 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 ltr./77 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./51 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./59 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.9 ltr./77 kW TDI°PD - EU°4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabia - Vehicles of the group N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabia Combi - Vehicles of the group N1 . . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
134
136
138
138
139
142
143
145
147
147
150
153
154
155
155
155
158
158
159
159
160
160
162
163
163
164
164
167
168
169
170
170173
173
173
173
178
181
181
181
182
184
184
187
189
191
192
197
198
198
204
204
204
204
205
205
205
205
206
206
206
207
211
213216
216
221
227
227
227
227
227
227
227
228
229
230
231
233
235
237
239
241
243
245
246
247
s3f4.1.book Page 4 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights 26Warning lightsOverview
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Fig. 30 Instrument cluster with warning lights
Turn signal lights (to the left)
⇒page 27
Turn signal lights (to the right)
⇒page 27
Main beam light
⇒page 27
Low beam light
⇒page 28
Rear fog light
⇒page 28
Dynamo
⇒page 28
Fog lights*
⇒page 28
Cornering lights*
⇒page 28
Electrohydraulic power steering
⇒page 28
EPC fault light (petrol engine)
⇒page 29
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
⇒page 29
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a
trailer*
⇒page 29
s3f4.1.book Page 26 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
EPC fault light
(petrol engine)
The
(Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the engine control system if the warning light
does not go out
or comes on or flashes while driving. The engine management system selects an
emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage
by adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ENGINE FAULT WORKSHOP!
Glow plug system
(diesel engine)
The warning light
lights up for a cold engine when switching on the ignition
(pre-heat position) 2 ⇒page 100. Start the engine after the indicator light goes out.
The glow plug indicator light will come on for about 1 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.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light
does not come on or
lights up continuously, contact a specialist garage as soon as possible to obtain
assistance.
There is a system fault in the engine control system if the warning light
has
started to flash while driving. The engine management system selects an emer-
gency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by
adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ENGINE FAULT WORKSHOP!
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer*
Only if a trailer is attached to the vehicle, the indicator light
flashes together with
the turn signals.The indicator light
does not flash if a turn signal light on the trailer or on the
vehicle is not operating.
Coolant temperature/coolant level
After the ignition is switched on the warning light lights up blue until the engine
reaches operating temperature
1). Avoid running at high engine speeds, at full
throttle and at severe engine loads. The blue warning light goes out once the oper-
ating temperature has been reached .
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the warning light
lights up red or flashes red while driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level; top up the
coolant as necessary ⇒page 190, “Replenishing the coolant”.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine switched off and
obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to
severe engine damage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant
fan, replace it if necessary ⇒page 221, “Fuse assignment at the battery (automatic
gearbox)”.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the fluid is at
the correct level and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order. Contact a specialist
garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 189, “Cooling system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP CHECK COOLANT OWNER'S MANUAL!1)Not valid for vehicles with information display.
s3f4.1.book Page 29 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Starting-off and Driving 100Ignition lockPetrol engines
- ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked.
- ignition switched on
- start engine
Diesel engines
- interruption of fuel supply, ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can
be locked.
- heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on•
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering, with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until
the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always lock the steering as
a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against possible theft
of your vehicle ⇒.
Position Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot, or
cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At the same time switched on low beam or
main beam or other electrical components with major power consumption are
briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into position when one
releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before starting the
engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock prevents the starter being
engaged when the engine is running and thus getting damaged.
WARNING
•
When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position (igni-
tion switched on) without the engine running. This position is indicated by
the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result in unex-
pected locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident!
•
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the lock until the vehicle has come
to a stop. The steering lock can engage immediately - risk of accident!
•
Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle,
even for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the
vehicle. The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!
Starting the engineGeneral
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.•
Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the position
P or N in the case of an automatic gearbox) and put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
Fig. 124 Ignition lock posi-
tions
A1A2A3A1A2A3
A1A2
A3
A2
A1
A2
s3f4.1.book Page 100 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Starting-off and Driving101
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
•
The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine - the
starter then only has to crank the engine.
•
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 211.
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 214.
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 enginesThese 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 216.
•
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 enginesGlow 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.
A3
s3f4.1.book Page 101 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Driving and the Environment 164Catalytic converterProper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter)
is of major significance for driving your vehicle in an environmen-
tally conscious way.Please refer to the following guidelines:
– For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol
⇒page 181, “Grades of petrol”.
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
– Do not pour too much oil into the engine ⇒page 188, “Replenishing
engine oil”.
– Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres
⇒page 214, “Tow-starting a vehicle”.If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory.
WARNING
•
In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic
converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic
converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below
the vehicle - a risk of fire!
•
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection
agents for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. Such
substances might ignite when driving - risk of fire!
Caution
•
On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter, never let the fuel tank run
completely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring.
Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
•
Filling the tank even only once with leaded petrol will result in the catalytic
converter being destroyed.
•
If you detect misfiring, a drop in performance or irregular engine running when
driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the
nearest specialist garage. The symptoms described may be caused by a fault in the
ignition system. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the
catalytic converter.For the sake of the environment
Even if the exhaust system is operating properly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may
be produced under certain operating conditions of the engine. This depends on the
sulphur content of the fuel. It is often sufficient to refuel with unleaded premium-
grade petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station.Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious mannerGeneral
Your personal style of driving is a major factor.Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:•
your personal style of driving;
•
the conditions under which your vehicle is operated;
•
technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an
economical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a
s3f4.1.book Page 164 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Driving and the Environment 168•
Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system
•
Improved purity of different classes of materials
•
Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260
•
Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO
2
•
Minimum fuel leakage during accidents
•
Reduced noise
Choice of materials
•
Extensive use of recyclable material
•
Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant
•
No cadmium
•
No asbestos
•
Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics
Manufacture
•
Solvent-free cavity protection
•
Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production
plant to the customer
•
The use of solvent-free adhesives
•
No CFCs used in the production process
•
Without use of mercury
•
Use of water-soluble paints
•
No use of hexavalent chromium
Trade-in and recycling of old cars
Škoda Auto meets the requirements of the brand and its products regarding envi-
ronment and ressource protection. All new Škoda vehicles can be utilized up to
95 % and always
7) be returned. In a lot of countries sufficient trade-in networks
have been created, where you can trade-in your vehicle. After you trade-in your
vehicle, you will receive a confirmation stating the recycling in accordance with
environmental regulations.Vehicles with special built-on types
Technical documents regarding changes carried out on the vehicle must be kept by
the vehicle user, in order to hand over later to the old car user. This ensures the
recycling in accordance with environmental regulations.
Note
Detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old cars is available from
your Škoda Service Partner.Motoring abroadGeneral
Other circumstances may exist abroad.It is also possible, in certain countries, that the Škoda Service Partner network is
limited or has not been established yet. This is the reason why obtaining certain
spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garage personnel may
o n l y b e a b l e t o m a ke l i m i te d re p a i rs . Š ko d a A u to i n t h e C z e c h R e pu b l i c a n d re l e v a n t
importers are happy to provide information about technical aspects of the vehicle,
required maintenance work and possibilities for getting repairs done.Unleaded petrolA vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded petrol
⇒page 164. The automobile associations can provide you with information
regarding the locations of filling stations which offer unleaded petrol.HeadlightsThe low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side of the
road on which you are driving to a greater extent. If you drive abroad on the other
side of the road, you will dazzle oncoming traffic.
7)Subject to fulfilment of the national legal regulations.
s3f4.1.book Page 168 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle177
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WheelsSteel wheels
You should also thoroughly wash the wheels and wheel trims when giving your
vehicle its regular wash. This prevents any brake dust, dirt and road salt from
sticking to the wheel hubs. You can remove stubborn brake abrasion adhering to
t h e w h e e l s w i t h a n i n d u s tr i a l c l e a n e r. To u c h u p a n y d a m a g e to t h e p a i n tw o r k o n th e
wheels before rust is able to form.
Light alloy wheels
Regular care of light alloy wheels is necessary in order to retain their decorative
appearance over long periods. It is particularly important to remove any road salt
and brake abrasion from light alloy wheels every two weeks, otherwise the surface
will suffer. Wash thoroughly and then treat the wheels with a protective product for
light alloy wheels which does not contain any acidic components. You should
provide the wheel hubs with a hard wax layer every three months. You must not use
any products which cause abrasion when treating the wheel hubs. Any damage to
the paint layer on the wheel hubs must be touched up immediately.
We recommend using a preservative from Škoda genuine accessories offered by
your Škoda dealer.
WARNING
One should remember when cleaning the wheels that moisture, ice and road
salt may adversely affect braking efficiency - risk of an accident!
Note
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may
show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the steering
wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of the steering.
This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
Underbody protectionThe underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and mechanical
influences.
One cannot, however, completely rule out damage to the protective layer when
driving so we recommend that you inspect the protective layer on the underside of
your vehicle and on the chassis at certain intervals - this is best done at the begin-
ning and end of the winter - and to touch up any damaged areas.
Specialist garages have suitable spray products available as well as the necessary
equipment and are familiar with the instructions for use. Therefore, we recommend
you have such touch-up work or additional corrosion protection measures carried
out by a specialist garage.
WARNING
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents
for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. These products
might ignite when driving - risk of fire!Protection of hollow spacesAll the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected for life
by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
This wax protection does not require to be inspected or re-treated. Please remove
any small amount of wax which flows out of the cavities at high temperatures with
a plastic scraper and clean the spot using petroleum cleaner.
WARNING
Safety and environmental protection regulations should observed when
using petroleum cleaner to remove wax - a risk of fire!
s3f4.1.book Page 177 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM