2009 SKODA FABIA ignition

Communication 122Establishing the Bluetooth connection
After switching on the ignition, the Bluetooth connection is automatically estab-
lished for the already adapted mobile phone
6). You can hear an increasing tone
sequence from the loudspeakers of the vehicle.
Disconnecting the Bluetooth connection
After withdrawing the ignition key, the Bluetooth connection is disonnected. You
can hear an increasing tone sequence from the loudspeakers of the vehicle.
WARNING
•
Pay attention primarily to the traffic situation! As the driver you are fully
responsible for road safety. Use the telephone system only to such an extent,
so that you are in full control of your vehicle at any time - risk of accident!
•
In the event of air transport, the Bluetooth function of the handsfree-
system must be switched off by a specialist garage.Caution
Taking the mobile phone out of the adapter during the call can lead to interruption
of the connection. When taking out the mobile phone, the connection to the
factory-fitted antenna is interrupted, this reduces the quality of the transmitting
and receiving signal. The charging of the mobile phone battery is also interrupted.
Note
•
Not valid for all mobile phones which enable a communication via Bluetooth.
•
Please operate your mobile phone exclusively with a suitable adapter in order
to keep a low radiation in the vehicle.
•
Inserting the mobile phone into the adapter ensures an optimal sending and
receiving power and offers at the same time the advantage of the battery charging.
•
If you insert the mobile telephone into the adapter, the connection is estab-
lished via the interface in the adapter set and the Bluetooth connection is discon-
nected. You can hear an increasing tone sequence from the loudspeakers of the
vehicle.
•
Note that the range of the Bluetooth connection to the handsfree-system is
limited to the vehicle interior. The range is dependent on local factors, e.g. obstacles
between the devices and interferences with other devices. If your mobile phone is
e.g. in a jacket pocket, this can lead to difficulties when establishing the Bluetooth
connection with the handsfree-system or the data transfer.
•
If you have set the Portuguese language in the information display, it is used
automatically for the mobile phone operation, as this is the language, which was
entered during coding of the handsfree-system.
•
On certain mobile phones with operating system, it is necessary to install on the
mobile phone an application of the mobile phone manufacturer, which enables the
take-over of the phone phonebook via Bluetooth.
Mobile phones and two-way radio systemThe installation of a mobile phone and two-way radio system in a vehicle should
only be carried out by a Škoda Dealer.
Škoda Auto permits the operation of mobile phones and two-way radio systems
with a professionally installed external aerial and a maximum transmission power
of up to 10 watts.
It is essential that you inform a specialist garage about the possibilites to assemble
and operate mobile phones and two-way radio sets which have a power output of
more than 10 W. They will inform you which technical possibilities exist for retrofit-
ting mobile telephones and radio transmitters.
Operation of mobile phones or two-way radio systems may interfere with func-
tioning of the electronic systems of your vehicle. The reasons for this may be:•
no external aerial;
•
external aerial incorrectly installed;
•
transmission power greater than 10 watts.
You should therefore not operate a mobile phone or two-way radio system
inside the vehicle without the use of an external aerial, or with an external aerial
which has been incorrectly installed.
You should also be aware of the fact that only an external aerial makes it possible
to achieve the optimal range of such equipment.
s3f4.1.book Page 122 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

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 system139
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
When are the airbags deployed?The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and the front passenger
airbag* are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major severity.
In the case of a violent side crash, the side airbag* in the front seat and the head
airbag* on the side on which the collision occurs are deployed.
It is also possible under certain special accident situations that the front as well as
the side airbags and head airbags* are deployed at the same time.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, in the
case of rear-end collisions and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to state globally which deployment conditions apply to the airbag
system in every situation as the circumstances which exist in the case of accidents
vary greatly. An important role in this case, for example, is played by factors such as
the type of object against which the vehicle impacts (hard, soft), the angle of impact,
the vehicle speed etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which occurs
during a collision. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates
the relevant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is meas-
ured during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified
in the control unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well
suffer severe damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The airbags are not deployed if:•
ignition is switched off;
•
a minor frontal collision;
•
a minor side collision;
•
a rear-end collision;
•
Rollover of the vehicle.Note
•
A grey white or red, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is
perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
•
In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
−the interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
−the hazard warning light is switched on;
−All the doors are unlocked.
Front airbagsDescription of the front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belt!
Fig. 149 Driver airbag in the
steering wheelFig. 150 Front passenger
airbag in the dash panel
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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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Airbag system 146Switch for the front passenger airbag(s)*The front passenger front as well as side airbag (if the vehicle is fitted with
side airbags) are switched off using the switch.
Deactivating an airbag
– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the ignition key in the direction
of the arrow to the position OFF ⇒fig. 157.
– Check whether the airbag indicator light

 in the middle of the
dash panel lights up ⇒fig. 158 when the ignition is turned on.Switching on an airbag
– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the ignition key in the direction
of the arrow to the position ON ⇒fig. 157.
– Check whether the airbag indicator light

 in the middle of the
dash panel lights up ⇒fig. 158 when the ignition is turned on.
The airbag should only be switched off under exceptional circumstances
⇒page 145.
Indicator light
  (airbag switched off)
The airbag indicator light is located in the middle of the dash panel ⇒fig. 158.
If the airbag is switched on, the airbag warning light comes on for a few seconds
after switching on the ignition.
In cases where the front passenger front airbag or the side airbag is switched off,
the airbag indicator light comes on for a few seconds after switching on the ignition,
goes out for about a second and then comes on again.
There is a system fault present in the airbag switch off ⇒ if the indicator light
flashes.
WARNING
•
The driver is responsible for whether the airbags are switched on or
switched off.
•
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for the airbag deactivation.
•
If the warning light
  (airbag switched off) flashes:
−Front passenger airbag is not deployed in the event of an accident!
−It is also important to have the system inspected without delay by a
specialist garage.
Fig. 157 Switch for the front
passenger airbag(s)Fig. 158 Indicator light for a
switched off front seat
passenger airbag
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Intelligent Technology161
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
•
the structure of the tyre is damaged,
•
the vehicle is loaded to one side or with a load on the roof,
•
the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when
driving uphill or downhill),
•
the vehicle is operated in unfavourable winter conditions or on an unfirm
ground,
•
Snow chains or emergency wheel* are mounted,
•
the driver has a sporty style of driving (with sharp acceleration and high speed
when cornering).
Basic setting of tyre inflation pressure-control system
After changing the tyre inflation pressures or after changing one or several wheels,
a basic setting of the system must be carried out as follows.
•
Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure ⇒page 198.
•
Switch on the ignition.
•
Press button
 
⇒page 160, fig. 172 for more than 2 seconds. While
pressing the button, the warning light
 lights up. At the same time the basic
values are stored, which is confirmed with an acoustic sound and then the warning
light
 goes out.
•
If the warning light
 does not go out after the basic setting, there is a fault in
the system. Have the vehicle inspected by your nearest specialist garage.
Function description
After the basic setting of the system the “adaptation” of the tyre inflation pressures
and then the tyre pressure control in the individual tyres are performed.
Warning light
 lights up
If the tyre inflation pressure of at least one wheel is insufficiently inflated in compar-
ison to the stored basic value, the warning light
 ⇒ lights up. Inflate all tyres
to the specified inflation pressure ⇒page 198, “Tyre life” and then perform a basic
setting of the system.
Warning light
 flashes
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Have the vehicle inspected by
your nearest specialist garage.
WARNING
•
When the warning light
 lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please stop the vehicle
without delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their
inflation pressures.
•
The driver is responsible for the correct tyre inflation pressures. For this
reason, the tyre inflation pressures must be checked regularly.
•
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or
unpaved roads) the warning light
 can be delayed or does not light up at
all.
•
The tyre inflation pressure-control system does not take away the
responsability from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pressure.Note
The tyre inflation pressure-control system:•
does not replace the regular tyre inflation pressure control, because the system
cannot detect an even pressure loss;
•
cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g. in case of
sudden tyre damage. In this case carefully bring the vehicle to a standstill without
sudden steering movements and without sharp braking.
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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

Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle 174Automatic vehicle wash systemsThe paintwork of the vehicle is sufficiently resistant that the vehicle can be washed
normally in automatic vehicle wash plants without any problem. The actual stress
to which the paintwork is subjected, however, depends primarily on the design of
the vehicle wash system, the filtering of the water and the type of washing and care
products used. If the paintwork of your vehicle appears mat after being washed or
even has scratches, point this out to the operator of the vehicle wash plant. Use a
different vehicle wash plant, if necessary.
There are no particular points to note before washing your vehicle in such a plant
other than the usual precautionary measures (closing windows, moving any
factory-fitted aerials down flat against the bodywork, etc.).
If you have any particular attach e d p a r t s f i t te d t o y o u r c a r - s u ch a s s p o i l e r, ro o f ra ck
system, two-way radio aerial - it is best to first of all consult the operator of the car
wash plant.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers after passing
through the automatic vehicle wash system.
Caution
Do not screw the swivelling down roof aerial tight before washing the vehicle in an
automatic vehicle wash system - risk of damage!Washing vehicle by handIt is important to first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off as thor-
oughly as possible before washing your vehicle by hand.
One should then clean the vehicle using a soft washing sponge, washing glove or
a washing brush and only slight pressure. Work from the top to the bottom -
beginning with the roof. Only place slight pressure on the vehicle paintwork during
cleaning Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such areas.Rinse off the vehicle well after giving it a wash and dry it off using a chamois leather.
WARNING
•
The ignition should always be switched off when you wash your vehicle -
risk of accident!
•
Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when you
are cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel
trims - risk of cuts.Caution
•
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
•
Ensure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or at the
door and panel joints if you spray your vehicle in winter down with a hose - risk of
freezing.
•
Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts - risk of damage to the surface of paintwork.For the sake of the environment
Only wash your vehicle at washing bays specifically reserved for this purpose. This
ensures that no water which may be contaminated by oil flows into the sewage
system. It is not even permitted to wash your vehicle in certain areas except at such
specific washing bays.Washing with a high-pressure cleanerWhen you wash your vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, it is essential to comply
with the instructions for use of the cleaning equipment. This applies in particular to
the pressure used and to the spraying distance. Maintain a sufficiently large
distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
On no account use circular spray nozzles or so-called dirt cutters.
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