2011 SKODA FABIA length

Lights and Visibility
Lights
Switching lights on and off Fig. 22 Dash panel: Light switch/fuse box: Switch for daylight driving lights
Switching on side lights
– Turn the light switch ⇒ fig. 22 - left into position
.
Switching on the low beam and main beam
– Turn the light switch into position .
– Press the main beam lever forward in order to switch on the main beam
⇒ fig. 26 .
Switching off lights (except daylight driving lights)
– Turn the light switch into position O.
During the engine start, the low beam lights are switched off automatically.
On vehicles fitted with right-hand steering the position of the switches differs to
some extent from the position shown on ⇒ fig. 22. The symbols which mark the
switch positions are identical, however. WARNING
Never drive with side lights on - risk of accident! The side lights are not bright
enough to light up the road sufficiently in front of you or to be seen by other
oncoming traffic. In this case, always switch on the low beam when it is dark
or if visibility is poor. Note
● In vehicles with separate lights for daylight driving lights (in the bumper below
the main headlights) these lights also serve as side lights.
● An audible warning will sound if you withdraw the ignition key and open the
driver's door when the vehicle lights are still on.
● The acoustic warning signal is switched off over the door contact when the
driver's door is closed (ignition off). The vehicle can be parked with the side lights
on.
● If the car is parked for a lengthy period, we recommend switching off all lights,
or leaving only the parking lights switched on.
● The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
● In the event of cool or humid weather conditions, the headlights can be misted
up from inside.
–The temperature difference between interior and external area of the head-
light lenses is decisive.
– When the driving lights are switched on, the light outlet surfaces are free
from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly mist up at the
border areas.
– It also concerns reverse light and turn signal lights.
– This mist has no influence on the life of the lighting system. 
“DAY LIGHT” In some countries, the national legal provisions require that the vehicles are
equipped with the function daylight driving lights.
£ 41
Lights and Visibility Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Activating daylight driving lights
–
Remove the cover of the fuse box on the left side of the dash panel
⇒ page 182.
– Turn the light switch into position O ⇒ fig. 22 - left.
– Switch on the switch for daylight driving lights ⇒ fig. 22 - right.
Deactivating daylight driving lights
– Switch off the switch for daylight driving lights ⇒ fig. 22 - right.
– Turn the light switch to the position side lights  or low beam  ⇒ fig. 22
-
left.
Activating daylight driving lights on vehicles with “START-STOP”
– Switch off the ignition.
– Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel, at the same time
slide it to the top and hold it in this position.
– Switch on the ignition - wait until the right-turn signal light flashes 4x.
– Switch off the ignition - an audible signal sounds, which confirms the activa-
tion of the daylight driving lights.
– Release the turn signal light lever.
Deactivating daylight driving lights on vehicles with “START-STOP”
– Switch off the ignition.
– Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel, at the same time
slide it to the bottom and hold it in this position.
– Switch on the ignition - wait until the left -turn signal light flashes 4x.
– Switch off the ignition - an audible signal sounds, which confirms the deactiva-
tion of the daylight driving lights.
– Release the turn signal light lever.
On vehicles with separate lights for daylight driving lights in the fog lights or in
the front bumper, the parking lights and the licence plate light do not come on
when activating the function daylight driving lights (neither front nor rear).
If the vehicle is not equipped with separate lights for daylight driving lights, the
combination of the low beam, the parking lights (front and rear) including the li-
cence plate light is used as daylight driving lights. In some countries, the national legal provisions require that the rear parking lights
also come on together with the separate lights for daylight driving lights when ac-
tivating the function daylight driving lights.

Halogen projector headlights with cornering light function For a better cornering illumination, the halogen projector headlights with corner-
ing light function are set in the optimal position in line with the vehicle speed and
the steering angle.
If the warning light
 comes on while driving or after the ignition is switched on, a
fault is confirmed. WARNING
If there is a fault in the halogen projector headlights with cornering light func-
tion, the warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster. The halogen pro-
jector headlights with cornering light function are automatically lowered to
the emergency position, which prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming traf-
fic. Thus the illuminated length of the road is shortened. Drive carefully and
have the car inspected immediately by a specialist garage. 
Tourist light Halogen projector headlights with cornering light function
This mode makes it possible to drive in countries with opposing traffic system,
driving on the left/right, without dazzling the oncoming vehicles. When the mode
“tourist light
”

is active, the side to side swivel of the headlights is deactivated.
Activating tourist light
Before activating the tourist light, the following conditions must be met:
Ignition switched off, light switched off (light switch in the position O), control dial
for the headlamp beam adjustment in the position -, no gear engaged or selector
lever in the position N (automatic gearbox), tourist light deactivated.
– Switch on the ignition.
Up to 10 seconds after the ignition is switched on:
– Turn the light switch to the position  ⇒ page 41.
– Engage the reverse gear (manual gearbox) or move the selector lever into the
position R (automatic gearbox). £42
Lights and Visibility

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. 
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) Description The air conditioning system is a combined cooling and heating sys-
tem. It makes it possible to optimally control the air temperature at
any season of the year.
Description of the air conditioning system
It is important for your safety and for your driving comfort that the air conditioning
system is operating properly.
The air conditioning system operates when switch AC ⇒ fig. 79
E is pressed and
the following conditions are met:
● engine running,
● outside temperature above approx. +2 °C and
● blower switch switched on (positions 1 to 4).
Air at a temperature of about 5°C may flow out of the vents under certain circum-
stances when the cooling system is operating. Lengthy and uneven distribution of
the air flow out of the vents and large differences in temperature, for example
when getting out of the vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons. Note
● We recommend that you have the air conditioning system cleaned by a spe-
cialist garage once every year. Using the system
Fig. 79 The air conditioning system:
Control elements
Setting temperature
– Turn the control dial A ⇒
 fig. 79 to the right in order to increase the tempera-
ture.
– Turn the control dial A to the left in order to increase the temperature.
Controlling blower
– Turn the blower switch B into one of the positions, 1 to 4, in order to switch
the blower on.
– Turn the blower switch B into position 0 in order to switch the blower off.
– If you wish to shut off the fresh air supply, use the button 
D - recirculated
air mode ⇒ page 78.
Control for air distribution
– You can adjust the direction of the inlet air flow using control C .
switching cooling on and off
– Press the button AC
E ⇒
 fig. 79
. The warning light lights up in the button.
– When you again press the switch AC , the cooling system is switched off. The
warning light in the button goes out. £76
Heating and air conditioning system

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

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

Shifting gears and saving energy
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Fig. 121 Fuel consumption in litres/100
km. and speed in km/h.
Manual gearbox
– Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
– Shift into the next higher gear when approximately 2 000-2 500 revolutions
are achieved.
An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early . You will con-
sume more fuel if you drive at unnecessarily high revolutions in any given gear. To
shift in a fuel-efficient manner, follow ⇒ 
page 13
, Shift recommendation for chang-
ing gears.
Automatic gearbox
– Depress the accelerator pedal slowly. Do not depress it beyond the kickdown
position, however.
Only depress the accelerator pedal slowly if your vehicle is fitted with an automat-
ic gearbox in order to automatically select an economic driving programme. You
will achieve good fuel economy by shifting up early and shifting down late.
General
The ⇒ fig. 121 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle in
the relevant gears. Fuel consumption in 1st

gear is the highest, while that in 5th or
the 6th gear is the lowest. Note
Also use the information supplied by the multi-functional indicator ⇒ page 14.Avoiding full throttle Driving more slowly means saving fuel.
Fig. 122 Fuel consumption in litres/100
km. and speed in km/h.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consumption
but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of your vehicle.
You should avoid exploiting the top speed of your vehicle wherever possible. Fuel
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at
high speeds.
The ⇒ fig. 122 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle.
You will cut your fuel consumption by half if you only make use three-quarters of
the possible top speed of your vehicle. 
Reducing idling Idling also costs fuel.
It is worthwhile switching off the engine in a traffic jam or when waiting at a level
crossing or at traffic lights with a lengthy red phase. Even after just 30 - 40 sec-
onds you will have saved more fuel than that is needed when you start the engine
up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating
temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particularly high
in the warming-up phase. This is why you should drive off right after starting the
engine. Do avoid high engine revolutions at this time, however.  137
Driving and the Environment Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

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

CAUTION
● You must on no account treat the leather with solvents (e.g. gasoline, turpen-
tine), floor wax, shoe cream or such like.
● Avoid leaving your vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight in order to
avoid bleaching the leather. If you leave your vehicle parked in the open for
lengthy periods, protect the leather from the direct rays of the sun by covering it
over.
● Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-
edged belts may leave permanent scratches or signs of rubbing on the surface.
● The use of a mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the leather surface
of the steering wheel. Note
● Use a care cream with light blocker and impregnation effect regularly and each
time after cleaning the leather. The cream nourishes the leather, allows it to
breathe and keeps it supple and also provides moisture. It also creates surface
protection.
● Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months, remove fresh soiling each time this oc-
curs.
● Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe
cream, etc., as quickly as possible.
● Care also for the leather dye. Refreshen areas which have lost their colour
with a special coloured leather cream as required.
● The leather is a natural material with specific properties. During the use of the
vehicle, minor optical changes can occur on the leather parts of the covers (e. g
wrinkles or creases as a result of the stress of the covers). 
Seat belts –
Keep the seat belts clean!
– Wash seat belts which have become soiled using a mild soapy solution.
– Inspect the seat belts regularly to ensure they are in good condition.
Belt webbing which has become severely soiled may prevent the inertia reel from
reeling up the belt properly. WARNING
● The seat belts must not be removed for cleaning.
● Never clean the seat belts chemically as dry cleaning may destroy the fab-
ric. The seat belts must also not be allowed to come into contact with corro-
sive liquids (such as acids etc.).
● Seat belts which have damage to the webbing, the connections, the inertia
reel or the lock should be replaced by a specialist garage.
● Inertia reel belts must be completely dried before being reeled up. 149
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data