2011 SKODA FABIA cooling

Setting air conditioning system
Recommended basic settings of the control elements of the air conditioning sys-
tem for the respective operating modes:
Set-up Setting of the control dial Button
Air outlet vents 4
A B C D E
Defrost windscreen and side
windows - free from mist
a) Desired tempera-
ture 3 or 4
 Do not switch on Is activated automati-
callyb) Open and align with the side
windowThe fastest heating To the right up to
the stop 3
 Briefly switched on Switched off Opening
Comfortable heating Desired tempera-
ture 2 or 3

  Do not switch on Switched off Opening
The fastest cooling To the left up to
the stop briefly 4, then
2 or 3  Briefly switched
onc) Activated Opening
Optimal cooling Desired tempera-
ture 1, 2 or 3
 Do not switch on Activated Open and align to the roof
Fresh air mode - ventilation To the left up to
the stop Desired position
 Do not switch on Switched off Opening
a)
In countries with high humidity, we recommend you do not use this setting. This can result in heavy cooling of the window glass and the following fogging from outside.
b) The indicator light in the button E lights up after switching on the system if some of the conditions were not satisfied for operating the air conditioner. As a result, the readiness for cooling is signalled when all
conditions are satisfied ⇒  page 76,
Description of the air conditioning system.
c) Under certain conditions, recirculated air mode ⇒ page 78 may come on automatically; the warning light will then light up in the button  .
Note
● Controls A ,
B ,
C and the buttons
D and
E ⇒
 fig. 79 .
● Air outlet vents 4

⇒  fig. 77
.
● We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 3 ⇒ fig. 77 in the opened
position. Recirculated air mode In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehi-
cle and then fed back into the interior.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a traf-
fic jam.
Switching recirculated air mode on
– Press the button 
D ⇒ fig. 79
, the warning light lights up in the button.
Switching recirculated air mode off
– Press again the button  - the warning light in the button goes out.
£78
Heating and air conditioning system

The recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution con-
trol
C is in position  ⇒
 fig. 79 . You can also switch recirculated air mode on
again from this setting by repeatedly pressing pushbutton  .
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as
“stale ” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your atten-
tion and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident in-
creases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows begin mist-
ing up. 
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning) Description The Climatronic system is an automatic heating, fresh air and cool-
ing system which provides optimal comfort for the occupants of the
car.
The Climatronic maintains a constant temperature fully automatically, once it has
been set. This is achieved by automatically varying the temperature of the out-
flowing air, the blower stages and the air distribution. The system also takes into
account sunlight which eliminates the need to alter the settings manually. The
automatic mode ⇒ page 80 ensures maximum wellbeing of the occupants at all
times of the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling operates only if the following conditions are met:
● engine running,
● outside temperature above approx. +2 °C,
● AC switched on.
The AC compressor is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to en-
sure cooling of the engine at high loads. Recommended setting for all periods of the year:
●
Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22 °C (72 °F).
● Press the button AUTO ⇒ fig. 80
.
● Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4 so that the air flow is directed slightly up-
wards.
Switching over between degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit
Press and hold the buttons AUTO and
AC ⇒ fig. 80
at the same time. The informa-
tion in the desired temperature measuring unit appears in the display. Note
● We recommend that you have Climatronic cleaned by a specialist garage once
every year. 
Overview of the control elements Fig. 80 Climatronic: Control elements
Buttons / control dial
Setting the interior temperature
The displays Display of selected inside temperature, e.g.: +22 °C (72

°F)
Degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit
Automatic air conditioning mode
De-mist or de-ice the windscreen £
1 2
3
4
5 79
Heating and air conditioning system Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Air flow to the windscreen, head, upper body and feet
Recirculated air mode
Air conditioning system switched on
Set blower speed
Buttons / control dial Setting the blower speed
Interior temperature sensor
Automatic mode
De-mist or de-ice the windscreen
Air flow to the windows
Air flow to head
Air flow in the footwell
Recirculated air mode
Air conditioning system switched on Note
The interior temperature sensor 11 is located in the bottom part of the device. Do
not glue or cover over the sensor, otherwise it could have an unfavourable effect
on the Climatronic. 
Automatic mode The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant tem-
perature and to demist the windows in the interior of the car.
Switching automatic mode on
– Set a temperature between +18 °C (17.78 °C) and +29 °C (30.00 °C).
– Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4, so that the air flow is directed slightly up-
wards.
– Press the button AUTO ,
AUTO appears in the display.
The automatic mode is switched off by pressing the button for the air distribution
or increasing or decreasing the blower speed. The temperature is nevertheless
regulated. 
6 7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 Defrosting windscreen
Defrosting windscreen - switching on
–
Press the button  ⇒ fig. 80
.
Defrosting windscreen - switching off
– Once again press the button  or the button
AUTO .
The temperature control is controlled automatically. More air flows out of the air
outlet vents 1 and 2. 
Setting temperature –
You can set the desired interior temperature after switching on the ignition
with the control dial 1 .
You can set the interior temperature between +18 °C (17.78 °C) and +29 °C (30.00
°C). The interior temperature is regulated automatically within this range. If you
select the temperature below +18 °C (17.78 °C), “
LO” appears in the display. If you
select the temperature higher than +29 °C (30.00 °C), “HI” appears in the display.
In both limit positions the Climatronic operates at maximum cooling or heating ca-
pacity, respectively. The temperature is not controlled in this case.
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (in particular at
the leg area) and large differences in temperature, for example when getting out
of the vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons. 
Controlling blower There are a total of seven blower stages available.
The Climatronic system controls the blower stages automatically in line with the
interior temperature. You can also, however, adapt the blower stages manually to
suit your particular needs.
–
Turn the control dial 10 ⇒
 fig. 80 to the left (reduce blower speed) or right (in-
crease blower speed).
If you switch off the blower, the Climatronic is switched off. £80
Heating and air conditioning system

Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer
Technical requirements Your vehicle is designed primarily for transporting persons and luggage. It can,
however, also be used for towing a trailer - provided certain technical equipment
is fitted.
If your vehicle has been
factory-fitted with a towing device or has a towing device
from ŠKODA Original Accessories, the towing device satisfies all technical and le-
gal requirements.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer which you wish to tow has a 7-pin con-
nector , you can use a suitable adapter from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
This work must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's specifica-
tions if a towing device is retrofitted.
Authorised ŠKODA Service Partners can provide detailed information about retro-
fitting a towing device and for any necessary modifications to the cooling system. WARNING
We recommend that you have the towing device from ŠKODA Original Acces-
sories installed by an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner. He is familiar with all
the relevant details relating to retrofitting such equipment. There is a risk of
an accident if the towing device is not properly fitted! 
General Maintenance Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must on no account be exceeded.
You can negotiate appropriately steeper inclines and descents if you do not make
full use of the permissible trailer load.
The trailer loads specified only apply for
altitudes up to 1.000 metres above mean
sea level. The fact that the engine power output drops with increasing height due
to a lowering of air pressure and thus the ability to climb, means that the towed
weight must be reduced by 10% for every further increase of 1 000 metres in height above sea level. The towed weight is the weight of the (laden) vehicle and
the (laden) trailer together. One should take this into account before driving up to
higher altitudes.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device
are merely test data for the towing device The data relating to your vehicle,
which is often less than this test data, can be found in your vehicle registration
documents.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are located as
close as possible to the axle. Secure the items to prevent them slipping.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of
“fully laden

”
⇒ page 164. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in ac-
cordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exterior mirrors
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 44.
Detachable ball head
The ball head is detachable on vehicles with towing device and can be obtained
from ŠKODA Original Accessories. It is stowed together with separate fitting in-
structions in the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle. Note
● We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service in-
tervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
● The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and de-
coupling the trailer. 142
Towing a trailer

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

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

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