2009 SKODA FABIA technical data

Inspecting and replenishing189
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Technical Data
Cooling systemCoolant
The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.The cooling system does not require any maintenance under normal operating
conditions. The coolant consists of water with a concentration of coolant additive
of 40 %. This mixture not only provides antifreeze protection 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 countries with a warm
climate. The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must be at least
40%.
You can increase the amount of antifreeze in the coolant if a higher concentration
of antifreeze is necessary for climatic reasons but only up to 60% (antifreeze
protection down to approx. -40°C). The antifreeze protection tails off above that
concentration.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway, Finland)
are already factory-filled with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to
about -35°C. In these countries the concentration of coolant additive should be at
least 50 %.
Coolant
The cooling system is factory-filled with coolant (purple in colour), which complies
with the specification TL-VW 774 G.
We recommend that you use the antifreeze agent G12 PLUS - PLUS (purple in
colour) for topping up the system.
We recommend that you contact your Škoda Service Partner if you have any ques-
tions regarding the coolant or if you wish to fill up with a different coolant.
A specialist garage can also supply you with the correct coolant additives.
Caution
•
Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in partic-
ular, involves significantly reducing the anticorrosion effect.
•
Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of
coolant and, as a consequence of this, result in major engine damage.
Inspecting the coolant levelThe coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on
the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compartment” on
page 185.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒fig. 184.
The coolant level when the engine is cold must lie between the “MIN”
and “MAX” markings. The level may also rise slightly above the
“MAX” marking when the engine is warm.
Fig. 184 Engine compart-
ment: Coolant expansion
bottle
AB
AA
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For the sake of the environment
Do not re-use coolant if it is necessary to drain the coolant in the system. It should
be collected and disposed of in compliance with environmental protection
regulations.Radiator fan
The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled by a thermostat
according to the coolant temperature.
The radiator fan may continue running for up to 10 minutes after the engine has
been switched off - even if the ignition is also off. It may also switch on suddenly
after a certain time, if•
the coolant temperature has risen because of an accumulation of heat or
•
the warm engine compartment is heated up additionally by strong sunlight.
WARNING
You must therefore be aware when working in the engine compartment that
the fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury!
Brake fluidInspecting the brake fluid levelThe brake fluid reservoir is located on the left of the engine compartment.
The brake fluid reservoir on right-hand steering models is positioned on
the other side of the engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compartment” on
page 185.
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒fig. 185. The level must
be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.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 situ-
ation where the brake fluid level is too low is indicated by the warning light

lighting up in the instrument cluster ⇒page 33. In this case stop immediately and
do not drive any further! Obtain professional assistance.
Fig. 185 Engine compart-
ment: Brake fluid reservoir
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Technical Data
– Unlock the interlock on the positive terminal side of the battery
⇒page 192, fig. 186.
– Pull up the cover in direction of arrow ⇒page 192, fig. 186 (automatic
gearbox) or ⇒page 192, fig. 187 (manual gearbox).
– The installation of the battery cover on the positive terminal side takes
place in the reverse order.Removal and installation of the battery is not recommended since it can, under
certain circumstances, lead to major damage to the battery and fuse boxes. Contact
a specialist garage.
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and burns when carrying out any work
on the battery and on the electrical system. For this reason, it is essential to comply
with the warning instructions ⇒ stated below and with the general applicable
rules of safety.
WARNING
•
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled
with the greatest of care. Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin
protection when handling batteries. Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the
air passages and lead to conjunctivitis and inflammation of the air passages
in the lungs. Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and creates deep wounds
after contact with the skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact
with diluted acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks).
Acids coming into contact with water are diluted accompanied by significant
development of heat.
•
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings. Protect the eyes with safety glasses or a shield! There
is the danger of suffering blindness! If any battery electrolyte gets into your
eye, rinse out your eye immediately with clear water for several minutes.
Contact a doctor without delay.
•
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. Contact a
doctor immediately if you swallow battery electrolyte.
•
Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
•
Hydrogen is released when you charge a battery and a highly explosive
gas mixture is produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over
during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is on.
•
Bridging of the poles will create a short circuit (e.g. through metal
objects, cables). Possible consequences of a short circuit: Melting of lead
struts, explosion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
•
It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or to carry
out any activities which produce sparks. Avoid creating sparks when
working with cables and electrical devices. Strong sparking represents a risk
of injury.
•
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the
engine, the ignition as well as all electrical components and disconnect the
negative cable (-) on the battery. If you wish to replace a bulb it is sufficient
to switch off the appropriate light.
•
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns! Replace a frozen battery.
•
Never use a battery which is damaged - risk of explosion! Immediately
replace a damaged battery.Caution
•
You must only disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched off, otherwise
the electrical system (electronic components) of the vehicle may be damaged.
When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system of the vehicle, first
disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the battery. Then disconnect the positive
terminal (+).
•
When reconnecting the battery, first connect the positive terminal (+) and only
then the negative terminal (-) of the battery. You must on no account connect the
cables wrongly - risk of a cable fire.
•
Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the vehicle body
otherwise damage could occur to the paintwork.WARNING (continued)
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Technical Data Batteries, which are more than 5 years old, must be replaced. We recommend you
have the battery checked or replaced by a specialist garage.
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 discon-
necting 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 ⇒
in “Working on the battery” on page 192.
Note
•
Batteries with three-tone indicator, which are mounted as of factory, are
marked with a code which always begins with 1J0, 7N0 or 3B0. The exact marking
can be e.g. 1J0 915 105 AC.
•
Replacement batteries with three-tone indicator, which were obtained from
Škoda original accessories, are marked with the code 000 915 105 Ax, whereby
“x” stands for a variable. The exact marking can be e.g. 000 915 105 AB.
Inspecting the electrolyte levelThe 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 specialist garage when outside temperatures are high or when
driving on long trips. You should also have the electrolyte level ⇒page 195
checked each time the battery is charged.
The electrolyte level of the battery will also be checked as part of the Inspection
Service.
Operation in winterThe 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 specialist garage
before the start of the winter, and recharged if necessary.Charging the battery
A properly charged battery is essential for reliably starting the
engine.– Read the warning notes ⇒ in “Working on the battery” on
page 192 and ⇒.
– Switch the ignition and all electrical components off.
– Only for “quick-charging”: Disconnect both battery cables (first of all
“negative”, then “positive”).
– Carefully attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery
terminals (red = “positive”, black = “negative”).
– You can now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket
and switch on the charger.
– When charging is completed: switch the charger off and unplug the
mains cable from the power socket.
– Only then should you disconnect the terminal clamps of the charger.
– Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “nega-
tive”).
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Technical Data
Windshield washer systemThe windshield washer reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or
rear window and for the headlamp cleaning system*. The reservoir is located in the
front left of the engine compartment ⇒fig. 189.
The filling level of the container is 2 litres, 5.5 litres on vehicles which also have a
headlight washing system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights. We
therefore recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner
from Škoda genuine accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze) which is
capable of removing stubborn dirt. Follow the instructions for use on the packaging
when using screen cleaning products.
You should always add antifreeze to the cleaning water in winter even if your
vehicle is fitted with heated windscreen washer nozzles*.
It is also possible in exceptional cases to use methylated spirits when no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15 %. Please note, however, that the antifreeze protection at this
concentration is only adequate down to -5°C.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
•
On no account should you add radiator antifreeze or other additives to the
windscreen washer fluid.
•
If the vehicle is fitted with headlight cleaning system, you should only add
cleaning products which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights
to the windscreen washer fluid. Please contact your specialist garage, who will tell
you which cleaning agent you can use.Note
Do not take the filter out of the windscreen wash container when filling it up again
with liquid otherwise dirt can get into the liquid transportation system and can lead
to faults in operation of the windscreen wash system.
Fig. 189 Engine compart-
ment: Windshield washer
fluid reservoir
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Wheels and Tyres199
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Technical Data setting off on a long trip. Please do not forget the spare wheel* when checking the
tyres.
The tyre inflation pressures for summer tyres are indicated on the inside of the fuel
filler flap ⇒page 198, fig. 190. The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20 kPa
(0.2 bar) higher than those for summer tyres ⇒page 202.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all
times.
Always check the inflation pressure of tyres when cold. Do not reduce the higher
pressure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres accordingly if your
vehicle is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking (squealing tyres) increase wear-and-
tear on your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influences
when driving which may result in an imbalance and which makes themselves felt
through vibration in the steering.
You should have the wheels rebalanced since any imbalance increases wear-and-
tear on the steering, the suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted and each time a tyre is repaired.
Wheel alignment errors
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front and rear will not only increase wear-and-tear
on the tyres but will also has an adverse effect on vehicle safety. Contact your
specialist garage if you notice any unusual tyre wear.
WARNING
•
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a higher rolling
resistance. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can
result in tread separation and even a tyre blowout.
•
Immediately replace the damaged rims or tyres.
•
Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in exceptional
cases and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.Wear indicatorsThe base of the tread of the original tyres has wear indicators 1.6 mm high, installed
at right angles to the direction of travel. These wear indicators are located at 6 - 8
points depending on the make and are evenly spaced around the circumference of
the tyre ⇒fig. 191. Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI”,
triangular symbols or other symbols identify the position of the wear indicators.
A remaining tread of just 1.6 mm, measured in the grooves of the tread next to the
wear indicators, means that your tyres have reached their legally permissible
minimum tread depth.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 191 Tyre tread with wear
indicators
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Wheels and Tyres201
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Technical Data The date of manufacture is also stated on the tyre wall (possibly only on the inside
of wheel).
DOT ... 22 09...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the 22nd week of the year
2009.
If the spare wheel* differs from the tyres fitted to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or
low-profile tyres), the spare wheel* should only be used for a short time in the
event of a puncture and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.
It should be replaced as quickly as possible by a normal wheel.
WARNING
•
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved for your
model of Škoda Auto vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will
adversely affect the road safety of your vehicle - risk of accident! Approval
and licencing of your vehicle on public roads may also become void as a
result.
•
You must on no account drive at a higher speed than is permissible for
your tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and loss of control
over your vehicle.
•
Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in exceptional
cases and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.
•
Never fit tyres which have already been used without having adequate
knowledge of their previous history. Tyres age even if they have not been
used at all or only very little. A spare tyre must only be used in exceptional
cases and only then when adopting an appropriately cautious style of
driving.
•
Do not, where possible, replace individual tyres but at least replace them
on both wheels of a given axle at the same time. Always fit the tyres with the
deeper tread depth to the front wheels.For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of in conformity with the appropriate regulations.
Note
It is not normally possible to fit wheels from other models of cars for technical
reasons. This may also apply in certain circumstances to the wheels of the same
type of vehicle.Wheel boltsWheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels - e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres - you must
therefore also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of
spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and that
the brake system operates properly.
If you retrofit wheel trims (or have this done), please also ensure that an adequate
flow of air remains assured for cooling the brake system.
The specialist garages are informed about the technical possibilities which exist
regarding converting or retrofitting wheels, tyres and wheel trims.
WARNING
•
In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
when the car is moving - risk of accident!
•
The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. However, they must
never be treated with grease or oil.
•
If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim
can lossen when the car is moving - risk of accident! A tightening torque
which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in
permanent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rims.Caution
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy wheels
is 120 Nm.
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Wheels and Tyres203
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Technical Data When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations:
Only use fine-link snow chains. They must not project more than 9 mm -
including the chain lock.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains.
Observe the national legal requirements relating to the use of snow chains and the
maximum vehicle speed with snow chains.
WARNING
Please pay attention to the information in the supplied fitting instructions of
the snow chain manufacturer.
Caution
You must take the chains off as soon as you drive on roads which are free of snow.
They adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the tyres and are rapidly
destroyed.
Note
•
Only fit snow chains from the range of Škoda genuine accessories.
•
When driving with snow chains, switch off the traction control system (TCS).
Wheel size
Depth (D)
Tyre s iz e
5J x 13
35 mm
155/80
5J x 14
35 mm
165/70
6J x 14
37 mm
185/60
6J x 15
43 mm
185/55
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