2011 SKODA FABIA coolant

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 engines These 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 182.
● 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 engines Glow 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.
● 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 182.
● 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 position
⇒ fig. 82 into position 1 .
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 al-
lowed it to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This prevents any accumula-
tion 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, al-
so 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 com-
partment is additionally heated by strong sunlight.
● This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the en-
gine compartment ⇒ page 153
, Working in the engine compartment. 84
Starting-off and Driving

Driving Tips
–
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 temperature 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 acci-
dent 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 downhill 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 11.
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 157, Inspecting the coolant level. Please refer to the following guidelines
⇒ page 23
, Coolant temperature/ Coolant
quantity  .
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 independ-
ent of the engine speed. One should also not drop a gear for this reason when
towing a trailer as long as the engine can manage the slope without any drop in
speed.  143
Towing a trailer Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Inspecting and Replenishing
Engine compartment
Bonnet remote release Fig. 126 Bonnet release lever
Bonnet remote release
– Pull the unlocking lever below the dash panel on the left-hand side ⇒ 
fig. 126 .
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result of the spring force. 
Opening and closing the bonnet. Fig. 127 Radiator grille: Locking lever/securing the bonnet with the bonnet support
Opening the bonnet
–
Unlock the bonnet ⇒ 
fig. 126 . –
Ensure that the arms of the windshield wipers are correctly in place against
the windshield before opening
the bonnet, otherwise damage could occur to
the paintwork.
– Pull on the locking lever ⇒ fig. 127 - left, the bonnet is then unlocked.
– Grip the bonnet and lift it up.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the opening designed
for it ⇒ fig. 127 - right.
Closing the bonnet
– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet sup-
port into the holder designed to hold it.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 20 cm into the lock - bonnet
do not press down on it! WARNING
● Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.
● For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when driv-
ing. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact engaged properly af-
ter closing the bonnet.
● Stop your vehicle immediately while driving if you notice that the lock is
not properly engaged and close the bonnet properly - risk of an accident! 
Working in the engine compartment Particular care is required when carrying out any work in the en-
gine compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the en-
gine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and
with the general applicable rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car
is a hazardous area ⇒   .
£ 153
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

WARNING
● Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.
● Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
● Apply the handbrake firmly.
● If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever in-
to Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox, move the selector lever in-
to position P
.
● Allow the engine to cool down.
● Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
● Do not touch any hot engine parts - risk of burns!
● Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the an-
tifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
● Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the battery.
● Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the engine is still
warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
● Never open the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir so long as the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
● Cover over the cap of the reservoir with a large cloth when opening it as
protection for your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
● Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the engine com-
partment.
● If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from
rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this - risk of injury! WARNING (Continued)
● In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work when the en-
gine is running there is an additional risk from rotating parts (e.g. the V-ribbed
belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the high-voltage ignition system.
Please observe in addition the following:
–Never touch the electrical cables of the ignition system.
– Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or long hair from
getting into the rotating parts of the engine - Hazard! Therefore remove
any jewellery beforehand, tie up your hair and wear tight fitting clothing.
● Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below when car-
rying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the electrical system:
–Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
– Do not smoke.
– Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
– Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand. CAUTION
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are on no ac-
count mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and also vehicle
damage! 
Overview of the engine compartment The main inspection points.
Fig. 128 Diesel engine 1.6 ltr./77 kW
£154
Inspecting and Replenishing

Engine coolant expansion reservoir
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and die-
sel engines is practically identical. 
Engine oil Check engine oil level The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.
Fig. 129 Dipstick
Checking the oil level
– Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has
reached its operating temperature ⇒  .
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒  in Working in the engine compartment on page 154.
– Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil sump. Take out
the 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.
1 2
3
4
5
6 Oil level within range
a –
You must not top up the oil.
Oil level within range b –
You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be within
range a after doing this.
Oil level within range c –
You must top up the oil ⇒ page 156. It is sufficient, once this is done, to keep
the oil level is within range b .
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 a 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 whether the oil level is
too low ⇒ page 23, Engine oil  . In this case, check the oil level as soon as
possible. Top up with an appropriate quantity of oil. CAUTION
● Always check the oil level on vehicles with engine 1.2 l/44 kW when the engine
is cold. Otherwise the measuring result is incorrect und oil could be incorrectly re-
plenished - risk of engine damage!
● The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range A . Danger of dam-
aging the catalytic converter.
● Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Switch the engine off and obtain profes-
sional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe en-
gine damage. Note
Engine oil specifications ⇒  page 195.  155
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Replenishing engine oil
–
Inspecting the engine oil level ⇒ page 155.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres ⇒ 
page 195.
– Inspect the oil level ⇒ 
page 155.
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick in fully. WARNING
● Avoid dripping oil onto hot parts of the engine when topping up will oil - a
risk of fire!
● Read and observe the warning notes ⇒ 
page 153, Working in the engine
compartment before working in the engine compartment. For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account be above the range a ⇒ page 155. Oil will other-
wise be drawn in through the crankcase ventilation and may pass through the ex-
haust system to atmosphere. The oil may combust in the catalytic converter and
damage it. 
Changing engine oil The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or
according to the service interval indicator
⇒ page 12.WARNING
● Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required professional
knowledge!
● Read and observe the warning notes ⇒ 
page 153, Working in the engine
compartment before working in the engine compartment.
● First of all, let the engine cool down, wear an eye protection and gloves -
risk of caustic burns due to hot oil. CAUTION
You must not pour any additives into the engine oil - risk of engine damage! Dam-
age, which results from such product, are excluded from the warranty. For the sake of the environment
● You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage system.
● In view of the problems involved in properly disposing of old oil, the necessary
special tools and the knowledge required for such work, we recommend that you
have the oil and oil filter change carried out by an authorised ŠKODA Service Part-
ner. Note
After your skin has come in contact with the oil, you must thoroughly wash your
skin. 
Cooling system
Coolant 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 cool- ant 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 pro- tection down to approx. -40°C). The antifreeze protection tails off above that con-
centration.
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. £156
Inspecting and Replenishing

When refilling, we only recommend you use the same antifreeze described on the
antifreeze expansion tank.
Please contact an authorised
ŠKODA
Service Partner if you have any questions re-
garding the coolant or if you wish to fill up with a different coolant.
An authorised ŠKODA Service Partner can also supply you with the correct coolant
additives.
Coolant capacity Petrol engines Capacities (in liter)
1.2 ltr./44 kW - EU5 5,5
1.2 l/51 kW - EU5 / EU2 DDK 5,5
1.2 ltr./63 kW TSI - EU5 7,7
1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI - EU5 7,7
1.4 ltr./63 kW - EU5 5,5
1.4 ltr./132 kW TSI - EU5 6,6
1.6 ltr./77 kW - EU4/EU2 DDK 5,5
Diesel engines Capacities (in liter)
1.2 ltr./55 kW TDI CR DPF - EU5 6,6
1.6 ltr./55 kW TDI CR DPF - EU5 8,4
1.6 ltr./66 kW TDI CR DPF - EU5 8,4
1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR DPF - EU5 8,4
CAUTION
● Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in particular,
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 level Fig. 130 Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion bottle
The 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 154.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒ fig. 130. The cool-
ant level when the engine is cold must lie between the “MIN” B and “MAX”
A markings. The level may also rise slightly above the “MAX” marking when the
engine is warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too low, this is indicated by the warning light
in the instrument cluster 
⇒ page 23. We still recommend inspecting the coolant
level directly at the reservoir from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. You
should not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also important to have
the cooling system inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant expan-
sion bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a result of over-
heating and is forced out of the cooling system. WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒ page 153,
Working in the engine com-
partment before working in the engine compartment. £ 157
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

CAUTION
One should contact a specialist garage as soon as possible if the source of over-
heating itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be grave dam-
age to the engine. 
Replenishing the coolant –
Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir ⇒ fig. 130 and un-
screw the cap carefully by turning it to the left ⇒  .
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with one
specific specification ⇒ page 156 ,

Coolant. Do not use an alternative additive if the
specified coolant additive is not available in exceptional cases. Just top up the sys-
tem with water and as soon as possible arrange adjustment to correct the mixing
ratio of water and coolant additive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Excess coolant which is heated up is forced
out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the cap of the cool-
ant compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a major
loss of coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid engine dam-
age. WARNING
● The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the coolant ex-
pansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of scalding!
● The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to the
health. It is important, therefore, to always safely store any coolant additive in
its original container out of the reach of children - risk of poisoning! WARNING (Continued)
● If any splashes of coolant get into your eyes, rinse out your eyes immedi-
ately with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
● You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently
swallowed coolant. CAUTION
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the con-
ditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch the engine off and obtain pro-
fessional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe en-
gine damage. 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 regula-
tions. 
Radiator fan The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled 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! 158
Inspecting and Replenishing