2011 SKODA FABIA warning

Seats and Stowage
Front seats
Basic information The front seats have a wide range of different settings and can thus be matched
to the physical characteristics of the driver and front passenger.
Correct adjustment of the seats is particularly important for:
●
safely and quickly reaching the controls;
● a relaxed, fatigue-free body position;
● achieving the maximum protection offered by the seat belts and the airbag
system.
The chapters which follow describe the procedure which you should adopt for ad-
justing the seats. WARNING
● Never transport more occupants than the maximum seating in the vehicle.
● Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat.
Children must be fastened ⇒ 
page 121, Transporting children safely with a
suitable restraint system.
● The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be
correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your
occupants.
● Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven - never
place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the surfaces
of the seats. This is particularly important for the front seat passenger. You
will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it becomes necessary to apply the
brake or in the event of an accident. If an airbag is deployed, you may suffer
fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect seated position! WARNING (Continued)
● It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a distance of
at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel. Not maintaining this
minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to proper-
ly protect you - hazard! The front seats and the head restraints must always
also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
● Ensure that there are no objects in the footwell as any objects may get be-
hind the pedals during a driving or braking manoeuvre. You would then no
longer be able to operate the clutch, to brake or accelerate.
● Do not transport any objects on the front passenger seat except objects
(e.g. child safety seat) provided for this purpose - risk of accident! 
Adjusting the front seats - Variant 1 Fig. 37 Controls at seat
Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction
– Pull the lever 1 ⇒
 fig. 37
up and push the seat into the desired position.
– Release the lever 1 and push the seat further until the lock is heard to en-
gage.
Adjusting height of seat
– Lift the seat if required by pulling or pumping lever 2 upwards.
– Lower the seat if required by pushing or pumping lever 2 downwards.
£52
Seats and Stowage

Adjust the angle of the seat backrest
–
Relieve any pressure on the seat backrest (do not lean on it) and turn the
handwheel 3 to adjust the angle of the backrest.
The driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the pedals can be fully
pressed to the floor with slightly bent legs.
The seat backrest on the driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the
upper point of the steering wheel can be easily reached with slightly bent arms. WARNING
● Only adjust the driver seat when the vehicle is stationary - risk of injury!
● Take care when adjusting the seat! Adjusting the seat without care can
lead to bruises or injuries.
● The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving other-
wise this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag sys-
tem - risk of injury! 
Adjusting the front seats - Variant 2 Fig. 38 Controls at seat
This front seat variant is only available in some countries.
Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction
– Pull the lever (in the middle section) 1 ⇒ fig. 38
up and push the seat into the
desired position.
– Release the lever 1 and push the seat further until the lock is heard to en-
gage. Adjusting height of seat
–
Lift the seat if required by pulling or pumping lever 2 upwards.
– Lower the seat if required by pushing or pumping lever 2 downwards.
Adjust the angle of the seat backrest
– Remove the pressure of the backrest (do not lean on it), pull the lever 3 to-
wards the rear and set the desired angle of the seat backrest with the back
– After releasing the lever 3 , the seat backrest will remain in the set position.
The driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the pedals can be fully
pressed to the floor with slightly bent legs.
The seat backrest on the driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the
upper point of the steering wheel can be easily reached with slightly bent arms. WARNING
● Only adjust the driver seat when the vehicle is stationary - risk of injury!
● Take care when adjusting the seat! Adjusting the seat without care can
lead to bruises or injuries.
● The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving other-
wise this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag sys-
tem - risk of injury! 
Head restraints Fig. 39 Head restraint: Adjusting/pulling out
Best protection is achieved if the top edge of the head restraint is at the same
level as the upper part of your head.
£ 53
Seats and Stowage Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Adjusting the height of a head restraint
–
Grasp the side of the head restraint with both hands and push it in upward di-
rection as desired ⇒ fig. 39 - left.
– Move the head restraint downwards if required by pressing and holding the
safety button with one hand ⇒ fig. 39 - right and by pressing with the other
hand the head restraint downwards.
Removing and installing a head restraint
– Pull the head restraint out of the seat backrest as far as the stop.
– Press the locking button in the direction of arrow ⇒  fig. 39 - right and pull the
head restraint out.
– To re-insert the head restraint, push it down into the seat backrest far enough
until you hear the locking button engage.
The position of the front, rear outer head restraints and the rear middle head re-
straint is adjustable for height.
The head restraints must be adjusted to match the size of the seat occupant. Cor-
rectly adjusted head restraints together with the seat belts offer effective protec-
tion for the occupants ⇒ page 106.WARNING
● The head restraints must be correctly adjusted in order to offer effective
protection for the occupants in the event of an accident.
● Do not drive under any circumstance with removed head restraints - risk of
injury!
● If the rear seats are occupied, the rear head restraint must not be in the
lower position. Heating the front seats Fig. 40 Rocker switch: Front seat heat-
ing
You can electrically heat the seat cushions and the seat backrests of the front
seats.
– By pressing the rocker switch in the position 1 or 2 switch on the front seat
heating to 25 % or 100 % of its power output ⇒ fig. 40.
– To switch off the heating shift the rocker switch into the horizontal position. WARNING
● If, as an occupant, you have a subdued pain and/or temperature sensitivi-
ty, e.g. through medication, paralysis or because of chronic illness (e.g. diabe-
tes), we recommend not to use the seat heating of the driver or front passen-
ger seat. This can lead to burns on the back, the posterior and the legs which
are difficult to heal. If the seat heating is used, we recommend to make regu-
lar breaks in your journey when driving long distances, so that the body can
recuperate from the stress of the journey. Please consult your doctor, who can
evaluate your specific condition. CAUTION
● You should not kneel on the seats or otherwise apply pressure at specific
points in order to avoid damaging the heating elements of the seat heaters.
● Do not use the seat heating if the seats are not occupied by persons or if ob-
jects are fastened or stored on them, for example a child seat, a bag etc. A fault of
the heating elements in the seat heating can occur.
● Do not clean the seats moist ⇒ page 148. £54
Seats and Stowage

Note
The seat heating should only be switched on when the engine is running. This has
a significant effect of saving on the battery capacity. 
Rear seats Folding the rear seats forwards Fig. 41 Fold the seat cushion forwards/unlock the seat backrest
To enlarge the luggage compartment, the rear seats can be folded forwards, if
necessary remove the seat cushions ⇒ page 56. The rear seats can be folded for-
ward individually on vehicles with divided rear seats.
Folding seats forwards
– Before folding the rear seats forwards, you must adapt the position of the
front seats in such a way that they are not damaged when the rear seats are
folded forwards.
– Pull up the seat cushion in direction of arrow 1 ⇒ fig. 41
and fold forwards in
direction of arrow 2 .
– Unlock the seat backrest by pressing the securing knob A and fold it forwards
⇒ fig. 41 on the right.
– Pull the head restraint out of the seat backrest.
– The head restraints can be inserted into the relevant holes of the folded for-
ward seat cushions ⇒ fig. 42.
– Fold the seat backrests fully fowards. Move seats into the initial position
–
Install the head restraint in the slightly lifted seat backrest.
– Then push the seat backrest back into the upright position until the securing
knob clicks into place - check by pulling on the seat backrest.
– Make sure that the red pin B is covered ⇒ fig. 41
on the right.
– Move the seat cushion into its original position. WARNING
● Ensure that the seat belts are not damaged when operating the seat
backrests. Under no circumstances must the rear seat belts be jammed by the
folded back seat backrests.
● The belts and the belt locks must be in their original position after folding
back the seat cushions and the seat backrests - they must be ready to use.
● Pay attention that the seat backrest is correctly interlocked. It is only then
that the three-point seat belt can reliably fulfil its function.
● The seat backrests must be securely interlocked in position so that no ob-
jects in the luggage compartment can slide into the passenger compartment if
there is sudden braking - risk of injury! Note
If the housing of the net partition is installed, first of all fold the left seat backrest
forward and then the right double seat backrest. 
Inserting head restraints in the seat cushions Fig. 42 Rear seats: Inserting head re-
straints in the seat cushions
£ 55
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–
The rear head restraints can be inserted into the relevant holes of the folded
forward seat cushions. 
Removing the seats Fig. 43 Removing the seats
The luggage compartment can be increased in size by removing the rear seat.
Removing
– Fold the seat cushion forwards completely.
– Press the wire clamps in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 43 and remove the
seat cushion from its holder.
Install
– Press the wire clamps in the direction of the arrow and place it in its holder.
– Fold the seat cushion back into its original position. 
Pedals Concerning a secure depressing of the pedal, you should use only footmats from
the
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Operation of the pedals must not be hindered! WARNING
● Greater pedal distances may be needed when there is a fault in the brake
system.
● Do not place any footmats or other additional floor coverings in the area of
the pedals in order to ensure that all the pedals can be fully depressed and are
able to return unobstructed to their initial position - risk of accident!
● There must be no objects on the floor which could roll under the pedals.
You would then no longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or
accelerator - risk of accident! 
luggage compartment
Loading the luggage compartment Please observe the following in the interest of maintaining good handling charac-
teristics of your vehicle:
–
Distribute the items of luggage as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.
– Attach the items of luggage to the lashing eyes or the fixing net
⇒ page 57.
In the event of an accident, there is such a high kinetic energy which is produced
by small and light objects that they can cause severe injuries. The magnitude of
the kinetic energy depends on the speed at which the vehicle is travelling and on
the weight of the object. The speed at which the vehicle is travelling is in this case
the more significant factor.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, an unsecured
object with a weight of 4.5 kg produces an energy, which corresponds to 20 times
its own weight. This means that it results in a weight of approx. 90 kg. You can
imagine the injuries that can occur, if this
“bullet” is flying through the interior
compartment and hits an occupant. £56
Seats and Stowage

WARNING
● Store the objects in the luggage compartment and attach them to the
lashing eyes.
● Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be thrown forward dur-
ing a sudden manoeuvre or in case of an accident and can injure the occupants
or other oncoming traffic. This risk is still increased, if the objects which are
flying around are hit by a deployed airbag. In this case, the objects which are
thrown back can injure the occupants - hazard.
● Please note that the handling properties of your vehicle may be affected
when transporting heavy objects as a result of the displacement of the centre
of gravity. The speed and style of driving must be adjusted accordingly.
● The items carried in the luggage compartment should be stored in such a
way that no objects are able to slip forward if there are any sudden driving or
braking manoeuvres undertaken - risk of injury!
● When transporting fastened objects which are sharp and dangerous in the
luggage compartment enlarged by folding the rear seats forward or removing
the rear seats, ensure the safety of the passengers transported on the other
rear seats ⇒  page 107, Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear
seats.
● If the rear seats next to the folded forward seat are occupied, ensure max-
imum safety, e.g. by placing the goods to be transported in such a way that a
folding back of the seat is prevented in case of a rear collision.
● Never drive with the boot lid fully opened or slightly ajar otherwise ex-
haust gases may get into the interior of the vehicle - risk of poisoning!
● On no account exceed the permissible axle loads and the permissible gross
weight of the vehicle - risk of accident!
● Never transport occupants in the luggage compartment. CAUTION
Please ensure that the heating elements of the rear window heater are not dam-
aged as a result of objects sliding in this area. Note
Tyre pressure must be adjusted to the load ⇒  fig. 135. Vehicles of category N1 On vehicles of the category N1, which are not fitted with a protective grille, a lash-
ing set which complies with the standard EN
12195 (1 - 4) must be used for fasten-
ing the load. 
Fastening elements Fig. 44 Luggage compartment: Lashing eyes and fastening elements (Fabia)/(Combi)
Fastening eyelets and fastening elements are located on the sides of the luggage
compartment for securing the items of luggage
⇒ fig. 44

.
You can also attach fixing nets to these fastening eyelets and fastening elements
for holding small objects. WARNING
● The load to be transported must be fixed in place in such a way that it can-
not move during the journey and when braking.
● If the items of luggage or objects are attached to the lashing eyes with un-
suitable or damaged lashing straps, injuries can occur in the event of braking
manoeuvres or accidents. In order to prevent the items of luggage being
thrown forward, always use suitable lashing straps which are firmly attached
to the lashing eyes. 57
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Fixing nets - Net programme
Fig. 45 Fixing net: double horizontal pocket, floor fixing net/double vertical pockets
Fixing examples of the fixing net as double horizontal pocket, floor fixing net
⇒ fig. 45 - left, and double vertical pockets ⇒ fig. 45 - right.
The fixing nets and the installation instruction are located in the luggage com-
partment. WARNING
● The strength of the net makes it possible to load the pocket with objects
of up to 1.5 kg in weight. Heavy objects are not secured sufficiently - risk of
injury and net damage!
● The load to be transported must be fixed in place in such a way that it can-
not move during the journey and when braking. CAUTION
Do not place any objects with sharp edges in the nets - risk of net damage. Folding hooks Fig. 46 Luggage compartment: folding
hook (Fabia)
Folding hooks for attaching small items of luggage, such as bags etc., are provided
on both sides of the luggage compartment ⇒ fig. 46. WARNING
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒ page 56. CAUTION
An item of luggage weighing up to 7.5 kg can be attached to the hook. 
Luggage compartment cover You can use the luggage compartment cover behind the head re-
straints for storing light and soft items.
Fig. 47 Remove/install the luggage compartment cover
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Seats and Stowage

The luggage compartment cover can be removed as required if one must trans-
port bulky goods.
–
Unhook the support straps 1 ⇒ fig. 47.
– Remove the luggage compartment cover from the holders 2 by knocking
lightly on the bottom side of the cover in the area between the holders.
– To re-install, place the cover on the contact surfaces of the side trim panel and
position the mounts on the cover 3 above the holders
2 at the side trim
panel.
– Interlock the cover by lightly knocking on the top side of the cover in the area
between the holders.
– Attach the support straps 1 on the boot lid.
WARNING
No objects should be placed on the luggage compartment cover, the vehicle
occupants could be endangered if there is sudden braking or the vehicle col-
lides with something. CAUTION
When closing the boot lid, jamming and damage to the luggage compartment cov-
er or the side trim panel can occur if handled in an unprofessional way. Therefore,
check the following before closing:
● The mounts of the cover 3 must be interlocked on the holders of the side
trim panel 2 .
● The items which are transported must not exceed the level of the luggage
compartment cover.
● The cover must not be jammed in the seal of the boot lid when it is in the
opened position.
● There must be no object in the gap between the opened cover and the rear
seat backrest.
● Please ensure that the heating wire of the rear window heater is not damaged
as a result of objects placed in this area. Note
● When opening the boot lid, lift the luggage compartment cover - risk that ob-
jects placed in this area can slip forward! Further positions of the luggage compartment cover You can use the luggage compartment cover behind the head re-
straints for storing light and soft items.
Fig. 48 Luggage compartment cover in the lower position/stowed behind the rear seats
The luggage compartment cover can also be put into the lower position on the
supporting elements
⇒ fig. 48 - left.
The luggage compartment cover can also be stowed behind the rear seats
⇒ fig. 48 - right. CAUTION
In this position, the luggage compartment cover is designed for storing small ob-
jects of up to 2.5 kg. in weight. 
Foldable luggage compartment cover (Combi) Fig. 49 Luggage compartment: foldable luggage compartment cover/removing foldable lug-
gage compartment cover
£ 59
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