2011 SKODA FABIA battery

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

Brake fluid
Inspecting the brake fluid level Fig. 131 Engine compartment: Brake flu-
id reservoir
The brake fluid reservoir is located on the left of the engine compartment. The
brake fluid reservoir on right-hand steering models is positioned on the other side
of the engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒  in Working in the engine compartment on page 154.
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒ fig. 131 . The level must be be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear
and automatic adjustment of the brake pads, and is perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking. If
the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light  lighting up
in the instrument cluster ⇒ page 26. In this case stop immediately and do not
drive any further! Obtain professional assistance. WARNING
● Read and observe the warning notes ⇒ 
page 153, Working in the engine
compartment before working in the engine compartment.
● If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any fur-
ther - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assis-
tance. Replacing brake fluid Brake fluid absorbs moisture. This causes the fluid to absorb moisture from the
surrounding air over a period of time. Excessive water in the brake fluid may be
the cause of corrosion in the brake system. The water content also lowers the
boiling point of the brake fluid.
Only new genuine brake fluid from
ŠKODA may be used. The brake fluid must
comply with one of the following standards or specifications:
● VW 501 14,
● FMVSS 116 DOT4,
● DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4.
We recommend that you have the brake fluid replaced by an authorised ŠKODA
Service Partner as part of an Inspection Service. WARNING
● Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes because of
the formation of vapour bubbles in the brake system. This greatly impairs the
braking efficiency and thus also the safety of your vehicle. CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle. For the sake of the environment
Due to issues with disposal, the special tools and knowledge required, we recom-
mend you have the brake fluid replaced by an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner.
Battery General information Improper handling of the vehicle battery can cause damage. We therefore recom-
mend you have work on the vehicle battery carried out by an authorised
ŠKODA
Service Partner.
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and burns when carrying out any
work on the battery and on the electrical system. For this reason, it is essential to
comply with the warning instructions ⇒  stated below and with the general ap-
plicable rules of safety. £ 159
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

WARNING
● The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
the greatest of care. Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection
when handling batteries. Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages
and lead to conjunctivitis and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and creates deep wounds after contact
with the skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact with diluted
acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks). Acids coming in-
to contact with water are diluted accompanied by significant development of
heat.
● Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings. Protect the eyes with safety glasses or a shield! There
is the danger of suffering blindness! If any battery electrolyte gets into your
eye, rinse out your eye immediately with clear water for several minutes. Con-
tact a doctor without delay.
● Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. If acid was
swallowed, seek immediate medical attention.
● Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
● Hydrogen is released when you charge a battery and a highly explosive gas
mixture is produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over dur-
ing unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is on.
● Bridging of the poles will create a short circuit (e.g. through metal objects,
cables). Possible consequences of a short circuit: Melting of lead struts, explo-
sion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
● It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or to carry
out any activities which produce sparks. Avoid creating sparks when working
with cables and electrical devices. Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
● Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the en-
gine, the ignition as well as all electrical components and disconnect the neg-
ative cable (-) on the battery. If you wish to replace a bulb it is sufficient to
switch off the appropriate light.
● Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns! Replace a frozen battery.
● Never jump-start the batteries which have a too low electrolyte level - risk
of explosion and caustic burns!
● Never use a battery which is damaged - risk of explosion! Immediately re-
place a damaged battery. CAUTION
● You must only disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched off, otherwise
the electrical system (electronic components) of the vehicle may be damaged.
When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system of the vehicle, first dis-
connect the negative terminal (-) of the battery. Then disconnect the positive ter-
minal (+).
● When reconnecting the battery, first connect the positive terminal (+) and only
then the negative terminal (-) of the battery. You must on no account connect the
cables wrongly - risk of a cable fire.
● Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the vehicle body oth-
erwise damage could occur to the paintwork.
● Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the battery hous-
ing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
● If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge This is because certain electrical components consume electricity (e. g.
control units) also in idle state. You can prevent the discharging of the battery by
disconnecting the negative terminal or charging the battery constantly with a very
low charging current. For the sake of the environment
A removed battery is a special type of waste which is harmful to the environment
- contact your specialist garage regarding disposing of the battery. Note
● Please also refer to the guidelines ⇒ page 162, also after connecting the bat-
tery.
● You should replace batteries older than 5
years.160
Inspecting and Replenishing

Battery cover
Fig. 132 The battery: Pull up the cover (automatic gearbox)/(manual gearbox)
The battery is located in the engine compartment below a plastic box.
– Unlock the interlock on the positive terminal side of the battery ⇒ fig. 132 -
left.
– Pull up the cover in direction of arrow ⇒ fig. 132
- left (automatic gearbox) or
⇒ fig. 132 - right (manual gearbox).
– The installation of the battery cover on the positive terminal side takes place
in the reverse order. 
Battery control Fig. 133 The battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
The battery is practically maintenance-free under normal operating conditions. We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a specialist garage from
time to time, especially in the following cases.
●
High outside temperatures.
● Long daily drives
● After each charge ⇒ 
page 162.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called mag-
ic eye ⇒

 fig. 133 , the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the change
in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
● Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
● Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced. Note
● The battery electrolyte level is periodically checked by an authorised ŠKODA
Service Partner as part of the Inspection Service.
● For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description

“AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked.
● Vehicles with a “START-STOP” system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start. 
Operation in winter The battery has to provide greater amounts of electricity during the winter. It also
has only part of the initial power output at low temperatures that it has at normal
temperatures.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked by a specialist ga-
rage before the start of the winter, and recharged if necessary.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic burns.
Replace a frozen battery. 161
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Charging the battery
A properly charged battery is essential for reliably starting the en-
gine.
– Read the warning notes ⇒  in General information on page 160 and ⇒  .
– Switch the ignition and all electrical components off.
– Only for “quick-charging”: Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “nega-
tive ”, then
“positive”).
– Carefully attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals
(red = “positive”, black = “negative

”).
– You can now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and
switch on the charger.
– When charging is completed: switch the charger off and unplug the mains ca-
ble from the power socket.
– Only then should you disconnect the terminal clamps of the charger.
– Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not normally necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge
the battery using low amperages (as for example from a mini-charger). Please al-
so refer to the instructions from the charger manufacturer.
A charging current of 0.1 of the total battery capacity (or lower) is that which
should be used until full charging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery
with high amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
“Quick-charging

” a battery is dangerous ⇒  in General information on page 160.
It requires a special charger and specialist knowledge. We recommend having the
quick charging of vehicle batteries undertaken by a specialist garage.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C ⇒  . We
recommend that you no longer use a battery which has thawed out because the
casing of the battery may be cracked through the formation of ice and this would
allow battery electrolyte to flow out.
The vent plugs of the battery should not be opened for charging. WARNING
● Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns. Replace a frozen battery.
● Never charge a battery which has a too low electrolyte level - risk of explo-
sion and caustic burns. CAUTION
On vehicles with the “START/STOP” system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth ⇒ fig. 148. 
Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery On disconnecting and reconnecting the battery the following functions are initially
deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free.
Operation Operating measure
Electrical power window (operational faults) ⇒ page 38
Enter the car stereo/radio navigation system
code number see operating instructions for the
car stereo/radio navigation sys-
tem
Setting the clock ⇒ page 13
Data in the multi-functional indicator are de-
leted.
⇒ page 14
We recommend having the vehicle checked by an authorised ŠKODA Service Part-
ner to ensure full functionality of all electrical systems.

Replacing the battery When replacing a battery, the new new battery must have the same capacity,
voltage (12


V), amperage and be the same size. Suitable types of vehicle battery
are available from an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner.
We recommend you have a battery change carried out by an authorised ŠKODA
Service Partner, who will properly install the new battery and dispose of the origi-
nal one. £162
Inspecting and Replenishing

CAUTION
Vehicles with a “START-STOP” system are fitted with a special battery type which
allows the battery control unit to check the energy level for recurring engine start.
This battery must only be replaced by a battery of the same type. For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain poisonous substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. For this
reason, it must be disposed of properly. Under no circumstances must it be dis-
posed of in the communal rubbish. 
Automatic consumer shut-off Under heavy load on the vehicle battery, the vehicle electrical system manage-
ment automatically takes various measures to avoid draining the vehicle battery.
●
The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
● If necessary, some electrical consumers are limited in their performance or are
temporarily switched off completely. Note
Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the vehicle
battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on a long time
with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned on during lon-
ger parking. 
Windshield washer system Fig. 134 Engine compartment: Wind-
shield washer fluid reservoirThe windshield washer fluid reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the wind-
shield or rear window and for the headlamp cleaning system. The reservoir is loca-
ted in the front of the engine compartment on the right side of the vehicle
⇒ fig. 134. On some vehicles, the reservoir is located on the left side of the vehicle
next to the battery.
The filling level
of the container is about 3.5 litres and about 5.4 litres on vehicles
which have a headlight washing system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights.
We therefore recommend using clean washing water together with the screen
cleaner from ŠKODA Original Accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze)
which is capable of removing stubborn dirt. Follow the instructions for use on the
packaging when using screen cleaning products.
You should always add antifreeze to the cleaning water in winter even if your ve-
hicle is fitted with heated windscreen washer nozzles.
It is also possible in exceptional cases to use methylated spirits when no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15 %. Please note, however, that the antifreeze protection at
this concentration is only adequate down to -5°C. WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒ page 153, Working in the engine com-
partment before working in the engine compartment. CAUTION
● On no account should you add radiator antifreeze or other additives to the
windscreen washer fluid.
● If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, you should only add
cleaning products which do not attack the polycarbonate glass of the headlights
to the windshield washer fluid. Please contact an authorised ŠKODA

Service Part-
ner who will help you select a suitable cleaning agent. Note
Do not take the filter out of the windscreen wash container when filling it up
again with liquid otherwise dirt can get into the liquid transportation system and
can lead to faults in operation of the windscreen wash system.  163
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest - danger of
overheating! Allow the air compressor to cool a few moments before switching it
on again. 
Check after driving for 10 minutes Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving 10 minutes.
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or less:
–
Do not drive the vehicle! You cannot properly seal with tyre with the break-
down kit.
– Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or more:
– Adjust the tyre inflation pressure to the correct value (see inside of fuel filler
cap).
– Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum
speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). 
Jump-starting Initial steps You can use the battery of another vehicle for jump-starting yours if the engine
does not start because the battery on your vehicle is flat. You will require jump-
start cables for this purpose.
Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The capacity
(Ah) of the battery
supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of the dis-
charged battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and in-
sulated terminal clamps. Please pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions.
Positive cable - colour coding in the majority of cases red.
Negative cable - colour coding in the majority of cases black. WARNING
● A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C.
In case of frozen battery carry out no jump-starting - risk of explosion! Also af-
ter thawing of the battery there is a risk of caustic burns due to leaking acid.
Replace the frozen battery.
● Please pay attention to the warning instructions relating to working in the
engine compartment ⇒ page 153. Note
● There must not be any contact between the two vehicles otherwise current
may flow as soon as the negative terminals are connected.
● The discharged battery must be properly connected to the system of the vehi-
cle.
● Switch off the car phone. Heed the advice concerning the use of mobile
phones in such a situation.
● We recommend you buy jump-start cables from a car battery specialist. 
Start engine Fig. 147 Jump-starting using the battery
from another vehicle: A - flat vehicle bat-
tery, B - battery providing current
It is important to connect the jump-start cables in the correct order.
Connecting positive terminals
– Attach one end 1 to the positive terminal
⇒ fig. 147 of the discharged battery
A .
– Attach the other end 2 to the positive terminal of the battery supplying the
power B .
£178
Breakdown assistance