2009 SKODA FABIA Owner's Manual

Heating and air conditioning system 96After 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. 121.
•
Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4, so that the air flow is directed slightly
upwards.
Switching over between degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit
Press and hold the buttons and ⇒fig. 121. 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 95.
•
Operational problems ⇒page 95.
Overview of the control elementsFig. 121 Climatronic: Control elementsButtons / control dial
Setting the blower speed
The displays
Set blower speed
The outside temperature
Climatronic fault, have the vehicle inspected by a specialist garage
Air flow to the windows
Recirculated air mode
Air flow to the head, upper body and feet
AUTO
ECON
AUTO
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Heating and air conditioning system97
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data Display of selected interior temperature, here: +20 °C
Automatic mode
ECON mode
Buttons / control dial
Setting the interior temperature
Air flow to the windows
Automatic mode
Air flow in the footwell
Air flow to the upper body
Air flow to head
Button for switching off cooling system
Recirculated air mode
Note
The interior temperature sensor is located in the bottom part of the device. Do
not glue or cover over the sensor, otherwise it could have an unfavourable effect on
the Climatronic.Automatic mode
The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant temper-
ature and to keep the windows in the interior of the car dry.Switching automatic mode on
– Set a temperature between +18 °C and +29 °C.
– Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4, s o t h a t t h e a i r f l o w i s d i re c t e d s l i g h t l y
upwards.
– Press the button , AUTO appears in the display.The automatic mode is switched off by pressing the button for the air distribution
or increasing or decreasing the blower speed. The temperature is nevertheless
regulated.
ECON mode
The cooling system is switched off in the ECON mode - heating and
ventilation are regulated automatically.Switching ECON mode on
–Press the button , ECON appears in the display.
– Set a temperature between +18 °C and +29 °C.
Recirculated air mode in ECON mode
– First of all press the button , AUTO appears in the display.
– Then press the button , ECON appears in the display.The ECON mode operates only within the control temperature range from +18°C
up to +29°C.
The ECON mode is switched off when pressing button or .
Please note that, in the ECON mode, the interior temperature cannot be lower than
the outside temperature. The interior is not cooled and the air is not dehumidified.
Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode ⇒page 89.Defrosting windscreenDefrosting windscreen - switching on
–Press the button ⇒page 96, fig. 121.
Defrosting windscreen - switching off
– Once again press the button or the button .The temperature control is controlled automatically. More air flows out of the air
outlet vents 1 and2.
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AUTO
ECON

ECON




AUTO
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Heating and air conditioning system 98Setting temperature– You can set the desired interior temperature after switching on the
ignition with the control dial .You can set the interior temperature between +18°C and +29 °C. The interior
temperature is regulated automatically within this range. If you select a tempera-
ture of less than +18 °C, “LO” is shown on the display. If you select a temperature
above +29 °C, “HI” is shown on the display. In both limit positions the Climatronic
operates at maximum cooling or heating capacity, respectively. The temperature is
not controlled in this case.
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (in particular at the
leg area) and large differences in temperature, for example when getting out of the
vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons.Controlling blower
There are a total of seven blower stages available.The Climatronic system controls the blower stages automatically in line
with the interior temperature. You can also, however, adapt the blower
stages manually to suit your particular needs.
– Turn the control dial ⇒page 96, fig. 121 to the left (reduce blower
speed) or right (increase blower speed).If you switch off the blowers, the Climatronic is switched off and OFF is shown in
the display.
The set blower speed is displayed next to the control dial when the respective
number of warning lights come on.
WARNING
•
“Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce
attention levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an
accident increases.
•
Do not switch the Climatronic system off for longer than necessary.
•
Switch the Climatronic system on as soon as the windows mist up.
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WARNING (continued)
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Starting-off and Driving99
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Starting-off and DrivingSetting steering wheel position*You can set the height and the forward/back position of the steering
wheel to the desired position.
– Adjust the driver seat ⇒page 62.
– Pull the lever below the steering column ⇒fig. 122 down ⇒.
– Set the steering wheel to the desired position (concerning height and
forward/back position).– Then push the lever up against the steering column until it locks into
place.
WARNING
•
You must not adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving!
•
The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering
wheel ⇒fig. 123. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the
airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
•
For s a fe t y re a s ons the le v e r m ust a lwa y s b e fi rm l y pus he d up t o a vo id the
steering wheel altering its position unintentionally when driving - risk of
accident!
•
If you adjust the steering wheel further towards the head, you will reduce
the protection offered by the driver airbag in the event of an accident. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.
•
When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the
outer edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering
wheel firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another way (e.g. in the middle
of the steering wheel or at the inner steering wheel edge). In such cases,
injuries to the arms, the hands and the head can occur when the driver
airbag is deployed.
Fig. 122 Adjustable steering
wheel: Lever below steering
columnFig. 123 Safe distance to
steering wheel
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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
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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.
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Starting-off and Driving 102•
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 216.
•
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 100, fig. 124.
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 185, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)Shift into reverse only when the vehicle 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!
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Fig. 125 Shift pattern on
models fitted with 5-speed
manual gearbox
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Starting-off and Driving103
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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.
HandbrakeApplying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the
locking button ⇒fig. 126.
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully
⇒.The handbrake warning light
 lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have
inadvertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
HANDBRAKE ON
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
•
Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake
which is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating
which will have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk
of accident! In addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake
pads.
•
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for
example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always first of all apply the handbrake firmly before
then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector lever
into position P (automatic gearbox).
Fig. 126 Centre console:
Handbrake
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