2012 SKODA FABIA engine

CAUTION
If the warning light  (cooling system fault) comes on in addition to the warning
light  when driving, stop the vehicle immediately and switch the engine off -
risk of engine damage! ÐOpen door 
The warning light  comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid
is opened.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 42. ÐEngine oil 

The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil Pressure: Engine off! Owner's manual!
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on 1)
.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 141.
Even if the oil level is correct,  do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a ŠKODA
specialist garage. The warning light
 lights up yellow (oil quantity too low)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Check oil level!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 141, Checking the engine oil level .
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds.
If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km.
The warning light  flashes yellow (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil sensor: Workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes  several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 42. CAUTION
The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One should therefore
check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refuelling stop. Ð Coolant temperature/coolant level 

The indicator light  lights up until the engine reaches operating temperature 2)
.
Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light  lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is too
high or the coolant level is too low. £1)
The warning light  on vehicles fitted with an information display does not come on after switching
the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
2) Not valid for vehicles with information display.
19
Instruments and Indicator Lights

An audible signal sounds as a warning tone.
The following is displayed in the information display: Check coolant! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant » page 143,
and refill the coolant if necessary » page 143.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the radia-
tor fan, replace if necessary » page 170, Fuses in the engine compartment .
Do not continue driving if the warning light   does not go off even though the
coolant level is correct and the fuse for the fan is in working order!
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 42.
■ Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cooling
system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the engine
to cool down before removing the cap.
■ Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off. ÐElectrohydraulic power steering 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up con-
tinuously, a fault exists in the electrohydraulic power steering. The power steer-
ing operates with reduced steering assist or does not function at all.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 80. Note
■ If the yellow warning light  goes out when you restart the engine and drive
for a short distance, it is not necessary to visit a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warn-
ing light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go
out after driving a short distance. ■ There is no power-assisted steering support when the vehicle is being towed
without the engine running or when the power-assisted steering is defect. The
vehicle is fully steerable however. There is however increased force required to
turn the steering wheel. Ð Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after you start the engine, the ESC
might be switched off due to technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on
again. If the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on,
the ESR is fully functional again.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ESC.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
The ESC cannot be switched off, the button  » page 84
only deactivates the
TCS system and the warning light  in the instrument cluster lights up.
As the ESC operates in conjunction with the ABS, the ESP indicator light will also
come on if the ABS system fails.
Further information » page 83, Stabilisation control (ESC) . Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. Ð
20 Using the system

Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ASR
can be switched off for technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on again. If
the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on, the ASR
is fully functional again.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ASR.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: traction control (ASR)
Seek help from a ŠKODA
specialist garage.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
Further information » page 84, Traction control system (TCS). Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. ÐAntilock brake system (ABS) 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: ABS
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 42.
■ If the warning light  » page 18 is displayed simultaneously with the ABS
warning light ,  do not continue your journey! Seek help from a

ŠKODA
specialist garage. ■ A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance - risk of accident! Ð The rear fog light 
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog lights are operating » page 41.Ð Bulb failure 
The warning light  comes on if a bulb is faulty:
› within 2 seconds of the ignition being switched on;
› when switching on the defective light bulb.
The following is displayed in the information display: Check front-right dipped beam! Note
The rear side lights and the licence plate lighting have several light bulbs. The in-
dicator light  only lights up if all light bulbs of the licence plate lighting or the
parking light (in one rear light) are defective. For this reason, regular check that
these light bulbs are working correctly. Ð Exhaust inspection system 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the exhaust inspection system.
The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð
21
Instruments and Indicator Lights

Glow plug system 
(diesel engine)
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine can be started immediately after the pre-glow warning light goes out.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light  does not come on
at all or lights up continuously .
If the warning light  begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐEPC 
fault light (petrol engine)
If the warning light 

 comes on or begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in
the engine control unit. The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emer-
gency mode.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐDiesel particulate filter 
(diesel engine)
The diesel particulate filter separates the soot particles from the exhaust. The
soot particles collect in the diesel particulate filter where they are burnt on a reg-
ular basis.
If the warning light  lights up, soot has accumulated in the diesel particulate
filter.
To clean the diesel particle filter, the vehicle should be driven at an even speed of
at least 60 km/h » at engine speeds of 1 800 - 2 500 rpm for at least 15 mi-
nutes or until the warning light goes out with the 4th or 5th
gear engaged (auto-
matic gearbox: position S) when the traffic situation permits it.
The warning light  only goes out after the diesel particulate filter has been
successfully cleaned.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light  does not go out and the
warning light  begins to flash.
The following is displayed in the information display: Diesel particulate filter: Owner's manual The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode. After
switching the ignition off and on again the indicator light, the indicator light

also lights up.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ The diesel particle filter achieves very high temperatures. Therefore do not
park in areas where the hot filter can come into direct contact with dry grass
or other combustible materials - risk of fire!
■ Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The recommendations indicated by the warning light must not tempt
you to disregard the national regulations for road traffic. CAUTION
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an in-
creased fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the
engine. Note
■ To assist the combustion process of the soot particles, we recommend that reg-
ularly driving over short distances should be avoided. ■ Using diesel fuel with an increased sulphur content can considerably reduce the
life of the diesel particle filter. A
ŠKODA specialist garage will be able to tell you
which countries use only diesel fuel with high sulphur content. Ð Fuel reserve 
The indicator light  will come on if the fuel level is less than 7 litres.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
The following is displayed in the information display: Please refuel! Range ...

km Note
The text in the information display goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance. Ð
22 Using the system

Unlocking and locking
Vehicle key
Introductory information
Fig. 8
Key without remote control/key with remote control (remote control
key)
Two keys are provided with the vehicle. Depending on the equipment, your vehi-
cle can be equipped with keys without radio remote control » Fig. 8 -  or with
radio remote control»
Fig. 8 -  . WARNING
■ Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle - even if it is only
for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle.
The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical equipment
(e.g. electrical power windows) - risk of injury!
■ Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle has
come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise engage unintentionally -
risk of accident! CAUTION
■ Each key contains electronic components; therefore it must be protected
against moisture and severe shocks.
■ Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean. Impurities (textile fibres, dust,
etc.) have a negative effect on the functionality of the locking cylinder and igni-
tion lock. Note
Please contact a ŠKODA Service Partner if you lose a key as they can obtain a new
one for you. Ð Replacing the battery in the remote control key
Fig. 9
Remote control key: Remove cover/remove battery
Each remote control key contains a battery that is located under the cover A
» Fig. 9. The battery needs replacing if red warning light
» Fig. 8 on page 25 -
 does not go on when you press a button on the remote control key. We recom-
mend that you ask a ŠKODA

Service Partner to replace the key battery. However,
if you would like to replace the discharged battery yourself proceed as follows.
› Flip out the key.
› Press off the battery cover with your thumb or using a flat screwdriver in the
region of arrows 1
» Fig. 9.
› Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery down-
wards in the region of arrow 2
.
› Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing up-
wards. The correct polarity is shown on the battery cover.
› Place the battery cover on the key and press it down until it clicks into place.
£
25
Unlocking and locking

Vehicle locking/unlocking from the inside
Fig. 13
Centre console: Central locking
button
If the vehicle was not locked from the outside, you can also unlock and lock it
with the rocker switch » Fig. 13 without the ignition switched on.
Locking all doors and the boot lid › Press the button in the area
 » Fig. 13. The symbol  in the button comes
on.
Unlocking all doors and the boot lid
› Press the button in the area
 » Fig. 13. The symbol  in the button is no lon-
ger illuminated.
The following applies if your vehicle has been locked using the central locking
button.
› It is not possible to open the doors or the boot lid from the outside (safety fea-
ture, e.g. when stopping at traffic lights etc.).
› The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by a single pull on the
opening lever of the respective door.
› If at least one door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked.
› In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked from the inside in order to enable rescuers to gain
access to the vehicle. WARNING
The central locking system also operates if the ignition is switched off. Chil-
dren should never be left unattended in the vehicle since it is difficult to pro-
vide assistance from the outside when the doors are locked. Locked doors
make it difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - hazard! Note
If the safe securing system is activated » page 27, the door opening lever and the
central locking buttons do not operate. Ð Remote control
Introductory information
You can use the remote control key to:
› unlock and lock the vehicle,
› unlocking boot lid;
› open and close the windows
» page 35, Window convenience operation .
The transmitter with the battery is housed in the handle of the remote control
key. The receiver is located in the interior of the vehicle. The operating range of
the remote control key is approx. 30 m. But this range of the remote control can
be reduced if the batteries are weak.
The key has a fold-open key bit which can be used for unlocking and locking the
car manually and also for starting the engine.
If a lost key is replaced or if the receiver unit has been repaired or replaced, the
system must be initialised by a ŠKODA Service Partner. Only then can the remote
control key be used again. Note
■ The remote control is automatically deactivated when the ignition is switched
on. ■ The operation of the remote control may temporarily be affected by interfer-
ence from transmitters close to the car and which operate in the same frequency
range (e.g. mobile phone, TV transmitter).
■ The battery must be replaced if the central locking or anti-theft alarm system
does react to the remote control at less than 3 metres away » page 25.
■ If the driver door is open, the vehicle cannot be locked using the remote control
key. Ð
29
Unlocking and locking

The fog lights with the function CORNER are adjusted according to the steering
angle or after switching on the turn signal light
1)
in the following circumstances:
› the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running or it moves with a speed of
maximum 40 km/h;
› the daytime running lights are not switched on;
› the low beam is switched on;
› the fog lights are not switched on;
› no reverse gear is engaged. ÐRear fog light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 38.
Switching on
› First of all, turn the light switch
» Fig. 23 on page 40 to position  or .
› Pull the light switch to position 2
.
If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights » page 40, the rear fog light is switched
on by turning the light switch to the position  or  and is pulled out directly to
the position 2
. This switch does not have two positions, but only one position.
The warning light 

lights up in the instrument cluster when the rear fog light is
switched on » page 17.
Only the rear fog light on the trailer lights up if the vehicle has a factory-fitted
towing device or a towing device from ŠKODA original accessories and it is driven
with a trailer and the rear fog light switched on. Ð
ä Headlight beam adjustment
Fig. 24
Dash panel: Lights and visibility
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 38.
›
Turn the control dial
» Fig. 24 to the desired width of illumination.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following car load. Front seats occupied, boot empty.
All seats occupied, boot empty.
All seats occupied, boot loaded.
Driver seat occupied, boot loaded. CAUTION
Always adjust the headlight range adjustment in such a way that:
■ it does not dazzle other road users, especially oncoming traffic;
■ and the range is sufficient for safe driving. Note
We recommend you adjust the headlight beam when the low beam is switched
on. Ð
ä -
1
2
3
1)
If both switch on versions are conflicting, for example if the steering wheel is turned to the left and
the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
41
Lights and visibility

Boot light
The light comes on automatically when the boot lid is opened. If the lid remains
open for more than about 10
minutes, the boot light switches off automatically. ÐVisibility
Rear window heater
Fig. 29
Switch for rear window heater
› The rear window heater is switched on or off by pressing the switch
 »
Fig. 29
the warning light in the switch comes on or goes out.
The rear window heater only operates when the engine is running.
The rear window heater switches off automatically after 7 minutes. For the sake of the environment
The heating should be switched off as soon as the window is de-iced or free from
mist. The reduced current consumption will have a favourable effect on fuel econ-
omy »

page 124 , Saving electricity .Note
If the on-board voltage drops, the rear window heater switches off automatically,
in order to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine control »

page 149,
Automatic load deactivation . Ð Sun visors
Fig. 30
Sun visor: swivelling out
The sun visor for the driver or front passenger can be pulled out of the fixture and
swivelled towards the door in the direction of the arrow 1
» Fig. 30.
The vanity mirrors in the sun visors are provided with covers. Push the cover in
the direction of the arrow 2
.
The purpose of the strap A
is to store small, light objects, such as a notepad, etc.
WARNING
The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the deploy-
ment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens, etc. are
attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head air-
bag is deployed. Ð Windscreen wipers and washers
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activating the windscreen wipers and washers 45
Headlight cleaning system 46
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades 46
Replacing the rear window wiper blade - Version 1 46
Replacing the rear window wiper blade - Version 2 47
The windshield wipers and the windshield washer system only operate if the igni-
tion is switched on. £
44 Using the system