2009 SKODA FABIA instrument cluster

Automatic gearbox109
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data In certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when towing
a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift programme ⇒page 110 for
a short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manually to the driving situations.
S - Position for sporty style of driving
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power
potential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds
as in the position D.
The gearbox does not shift into the 6th gear in the position S, because the
maximum speed is achieved with the 5th gear.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selector
lever out of the position D into the position S.
WARNING
•
Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of
an accident!
•
When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is necessary
to hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever
(except P and N) since the power transmission is never completely inter-
rupted, also not when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps.
•
You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle (e.g. by
hand from the engine compartment) if a drive position is engaged when the
car is stationary. The vehicle would otherwise immediately start off - also
when the handbrake is firmly applied - risk of an accident!
•
You must move the selector lever into position P and firmly apply the
handbrake first before you or any other person opens the bonnet and starts
working on the engine when it is running - risk of accident! It is also essential
to observe all warnings ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine
compartment”.
Selector lever lockAutomatic selector lever lock

With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and N.
You must first of all depress the brake pedal in order to move the selector lever out
of this position. The warning light
 ⇒page 32 lights up in the instrument cluster
as a reminder for the driver when the selector lever is in position P and N.
A time delay element ensures that the selector lever is not blocked when rapidly
switching over the position N (e.g. from R to D). This does, for example, allow one
to seesaw out a stuck vehicle. The selector lever lock will click into place if the lever
is in the N position for more than 2 seconds without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if the vehicle is stationary or moving at speed
of less than 5 km/hour. The lock is switched off automatically into position N when
the car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the handle of selector lever prevents certain selector lever
positions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever lock is cancelled when
you press the Shiftlock button.
Keylock
5)- Ignition key withdrawal lock
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selector
lever is in position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever is blocked in
position P.
Kickdown function
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration
power.Fully depressing the accelerator pedal allows the kickdown function to be activated
in the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving
programme and serves for maximum acceleration of the vehicle when exploiting
the maximum power potential of the engine without taking into account the 5)This function is only valid for some countries.
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Airbag system 138Airbag systemDescription of the airbag systemGeneral information on the airbag systemThe front airbag system is complementary to the three-point seat belts and offers
additional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and passenger in the
event of a frontal collision.
In the event of a side collision, the side airbags reduce the risk of injury to the occu-
pants to the part of their body facing the side of the accident.
The airbag system is only functional after the ignition has been switched on.
The operational readiness of the airbag system is monitored electronically. The
airbag warning light comes on for a few seconds each time the ignition is switched
on.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of:•
an electronic control unit;
•
the front airbags for the driver and front passenger ⇒page 139;
•
the side airbags ⇒page 142;
•
head airbags ⇒page 143;
•
an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster ⇒page 33;
•
a front passenger airbag switch* ⇒page 146;
•
an indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* in the middle
of the dash panel ⇒page 146.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:
•
the airbag indicator light does not light up when the ignition is switched on;
•
the airbag indicator light does not go out after about 3 seconds after the ignition
is switched on;
•
the airbag indicator light goes out and comes on again after the ignition is
switched on;
•
the airbag indicator light comes on or flickers when driving;
•
an airbag indicator light showing a switched-off front passenger airbag* in the
middle of the dash panel flashes.
WARNING
•
To enable the occupants of a vehicle to be protected with the greatest
possible effect when the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be
⇒page 128, “Correct seated position” correctly adjusted to match the body
size of the occupant.
•
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased
risk of injury in the event of an accident.
•
Have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist garage if a
fault exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the
event of an accident.
•
No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.
•
It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
•
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one
accident. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been
deployed.
•
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
•
If you sell your car, please hand over the complete vehicle documenta-
tion to the new owener. Please note that the documents relating to the
possibility of deactivating the front passenger airbag are also part of the
vehicle documents!
•
If the vehicle or individual parts of the airbag system are scrapped, it is
essential to observe the relevant safety precautions. Specialist garages are
familiar with these regulations.
•
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important
to comply with the national legal requirements.
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Airbag system145
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data clothing. In addition, it is not permitted to use clothes hangers for hanging
up items of clothing.
•
There must not be any other persons (e.g. children) or animals between
the car occupant and the deployment area of the head airbag. In addition,
none of the occupants should lean their head out of the window when
driving, or extend their arms and hands out of the window.
•
The sun visors must not be swivelled to the side windows into the
deployment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens
etc. are attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the
head airbag is deployed.
•
Installing impermissible accessories in the area of the head airbags may
considerably impair the protection offered by the head airbag in the event of
it being deployed. When the deployed head airbag is inflated, parts of the
accessories fitted may in certain circumstances be thrown into the interior
of the car and cause injuries to the occupants ⇒page 204.
•
Any work on the head airbag system including installing and removing
system components because of other repair work (e.g. removing headliner)
must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
Deactivating airbagsDeactivating airbags
If any airbags have been deactivated, switch them on again as soon
as possible so that they are able to again provide their proper protec-
tion.There is the technical means installed within your vehicle to switch off the front,
side* or head* airbag (take out of commission).
This is why you should have the deactivation of the airbags carried out by a
specialist garage.On vehicles equipped with the switch for deactivation of the airbags, you can deac-
tivate the front passenger airbag or passenger side airbag by means of this switch
⇒page 146.
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
•
You must in exceptional cases use a child seat on the front passenger seat
where the child is seated with its back to the direction of travel (in some countries
this must be in the direction of travel due to other legal regulations applying)
⇒page 147, “Important safety information regarding the use of child safety seats”;
•
you are not able to maintain the distance of at least 25 cm between middle of
steering wheel and chest, despite the driver seat being correctly adjusted;
•
special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability;
•
you have installed other seats (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
•
The airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster lights up for about 3 seconds
after switching on the ignition and then flashes after that for about 12 seconds.
If the airbag was switched off using the airbag switch* on the side of the dash
panel:
•
the airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster comes on for about 3
seconds each time the ignition is switched on;
•
if the airbags are switched off, this is indicated in the middle of the dash panel
by the lighting up of the indicator light
  ⇒page 146, fig. 158.
Note
A specialist garage will provide you with information on whether national legisla-
tion in your country allows airbags in your vehicle to be deactivated, and which
ones.
WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent Technology155
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Driving TipsIntelligent TechnologyElectronic stability programme (ESP)*GeneralGeneral
The ESP aids you maintain control of your vehicle in situations in borderline driving
situations such as when negotiating a curve too fast. The risk of skidding is reduced
and your vehicle thus offers greater driving stability depending on the conditions of
the road surface. This occurs at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:•
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL);
•
Traction control system (TCS);
•
Antilock brake system (ABS);
•
Brake Assist.Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also
processes additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive
sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehicle about its vertical axis, the lateral accel-
eration of the vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the vehicle beginning to skid,
the ESP will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel is braked.
Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of
a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break
away) while occurs this is on the inner rear wheel of a vehicle which tends to under-
steer (tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied
by noises.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 159, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)*”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on the
ESP
 ⇒page 32.
Switching off
You can switch the ESP off and on again as you wish, by pressing the button
⇒fig. 170. The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the ESP is
switched off
 ⇒page 32.
The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the
system.
Examples:
Fig. 170 ESP switch
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Intelligent Technology 156•
when driving with snow chains;
•
when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface;
•
when it is necessary to rock a vehicle when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the ESP again.
WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the
vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your
style of driving to the condition of the road surface and the traffic situation.
This particularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The
increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than other-
wise - risk of an accident!
Note
•
All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-
free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an
undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-
nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP ⇒page 204,
“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning
when accelerating.General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the
ABS sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is
automatically adapted by reducing the engine speed. This occurs at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 159, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)*”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on the
TCS
 ⇒page 31.
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button
⇒fig. 171. The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the TCS is
switched off
 ⇒page 31.
Fig. 171 TCS switch
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Intelligent Technology 160brake pedal firmly and hold it in this position in order to achieve the shortest
possible braking distance.
The Brake Assist is able to help you achieve a shorter braking distance in emergency
situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It fully
exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the function of
the Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate in the normal
way.
The Brake Assist is part of the ESP system. If a fault occurs in the ESP, the Brake Assist
function is also not available. Further information on the ESP ⇒page 155.
WARNING
•
The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your
vehicle in terms of the braking distance required.
•
Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.
•
The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to
take a greater safety risk than otherwise.
Electrohydraulic power steeringThe power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The steering characteristics can be changed by a specialist garage.
You will place great stresses on the power steering system if the steering is turned
to full lock when the vehicle is stationary. Turning the steering to full lock in such a
situation will be accompanied by noises.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the engine
is not running (vehicle being towed in). The only difference is that greater physical
effort is required.
It is possible that the hydraulic pump of the power steering will not run due to the
low vehicle network voltage if the battery has gone flat and the engine must started
with the help off jump leads. This condition will be indicated by lighting up of the
warning light.The power steering operates again if the battery is charged to a specific range when
engine is running. It also operates again, if the engine can be started with its own
battery.
If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light lights up in the instrument
cluster
 ⇒page 26.
Caution
Do not leave the steering at full lock for more than 15 seconds when the engine is
running - risk of damaging the power steering!
Note
Have the steering inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage if there is a
leak or fault in the system.Tyre inflation pressure-control system*The tyre inflation pressure-control system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors
the speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the tyre
inflation pressure is significantly changed and thus the rolling circumference of a
wheel, the warning light
 lights up in the instrument cluster ⇒page 32. The tyre
inflation pressure-control system functions late or too sensitively if:
Fig. 172 Button for setting
the tyre inflation pressure
control value
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Towing a trailer171
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical 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 53.
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/h for safety reasons. This also applies for countries
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 16.
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 189, “Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 29, “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 replenishing187
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Engine oilCheck engine oil level
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.Checking the oil level
– Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compartment” on
page 185.
– Wait a few minutes and pull out the oil dipstick ⇒.
– Wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again fully.
– Then withdraw the dipstick again and read off the oil level.
Oil level within range
– You must not top up the oil.Oil level within range
–You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be
within range after doing this.
Oil level within range
–You must top up the oil. It is ideal, once this is done, to keep the oil
level within range .
It is normal for the engine to consume oil. The oil consumption may be as much as
0.5 l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which
you operate your vehicle. The oil consumption may be slightly higher than this
during the first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably every time
after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range if the engine has been
operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy motorway trip during the
summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high mountain pass, but not
above this.
The warning light in the instrument cluster* will indicate ⇒page 30 whether the oil
level is too low. In this case, check the oil level as soon as possible. Top up with an
appropriate quantity of oil.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
•
Always check the oil level on vehicles with engine 1.2 l/44 kW when the engine
is cold. On other vehicles when the engine is warm. Otherwise the measuring result
is incorrect und oil could be incorrectly replenished - risk of engine damage!
•
The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range . Danger of
damaging the catalytic converter.
Fig. 183 Dipstick
Aa
Ab
Aa
AcAb
Aa
Aa
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