2012 SKODA FABIA light

Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
» page 18, Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. ÐHandbrake
Fig. 83
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 81.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
› Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 83 .
› Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on. Ð
ä Stabilisation control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 81.
The ESC is automatically activated after starting the engine. The ESC helps to
maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is being operated at its dy-
namic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of travel. The risk of skid-
ding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as if the car starts to
skid, the ESC automatically brakes the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instrument
cluster  » page 20.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC):
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS);
› Brake assist,
› Uphill start assist.
It is not possible to deactivate ESC. You can only use the button  » Fig. 84
on
page 84 to switch off ASR. The TCS warning light  lights up in the instrument
cluster when the TCS is switched off.
Hydraulic brake assist
The brake assist system is activated by the very quick operation of the brake ped-
al (e.g. in the event of danger). It increases the braking effect and helps to short-
en the braking distance. To achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the
brake pedal must be applied firmly and held in this position until the vehicle has
come to a complete standstill.
The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the
brake assist system.
The brake assist function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is
released. £
ä
83
Starting-off and Driving

Uphill start assist
The uphill start assist makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system holds
the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx.
2 seconds after the brake pedal is released. The driver can therefore move his
foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the slope,
without having to actuate the handbrake. The brake pressure drops gradually the
more you operate the accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off within 2
seconds, it starts to roll back.
The uphill start assist is active as of a 5
% slope, if the driver door is closed. It is
always active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving down-
hill, it is inactive. ÐAntilock brake system (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 81.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the
pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal during the intervention of the
ABS. The ABS deactivates if the brake pedal is released. Never interrupt the appli-
cation of the brakes during the intervention of the ABS! ÐTraction control system (TCS)
Fig. 84
TCS button
ä First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 81.
The TCS is automatically activated after starting the engine. If the wheels are
slipping, the TCS adapts the engine speed to the conditions of the road surface.
The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate and climb steep hills even if
the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be advisable to switch off
the system in certain exceptional circumstances, such as:
› when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to

“rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
Ensure the TCS is switched on again afterwards.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS warning light  » page 23 lights up in the instrument cluster when there
is a fault on the TCS.
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button  » Fig. 84
. The TCS warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the
TCS is switched off. Ð Electronic Differential Lock (EDS and XDS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 81.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and
transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to
avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as
a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as
the brake has cooled down. £
ä
ä
84 Using the system

XDL function (Fabia RS and Fabia Estate RS only)
XDL is an extension to the electronic differential lock. XDL does not respond to
traction, but to the relief of the inner front wheel during fast cornering. The active
brake intervention on the brake of the inner wheel prevents it from spinning.
Thus, the traction is improved and the vehicle continues to follow the desired
track.
ÐShifting (manual gearbox)
Fig. 85
Shift pattern of the 5-speed
manual gearbox
Always depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gear, to prevent excessive
wear of the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 11, Recom-
mended gear .
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing light will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on. WARNING
Never engage reverse gear when driving - risk of accident! Note
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mecha-
nism to wear excessively. Ð pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two correspond-
ing attachment points, may be used.
Only use footmats from the range of
ŠKODA Original Accessories, which are fitted
to two attachment points. WARNING
No objects are allowed in the driver's footwell – risk of obstruction or limita-
tion in operating the pedal! Ð Parking aid
Fig. 86
Parking aid: Range of sensors
The parking aid determines the distance between the rear bumper and an obsta-
cle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integrated in the rear
bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle
(area A
» Fig. 86
). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as
the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area B
) - danger
area. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!
On vehicles with a factory-fitted radio or navigation system, the distance to the
obstacle is simultaneously graphically illustrated on the display, refer to the oper-
ating instructions for the radio or navigation system. £
85
Starting-off and Driving

On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the border of the danger area
starts (continuous tone) 5
cm further away from the vehicle. The length of the ve-
hicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing device.
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated
when towing a trailer.
Activating/deactivating the parking aid
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief audible signal.
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear. WARNING
■ The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the vehicle
or carrying out similar manoeuvres. Pay particular attention to small children
and animals as they are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■ Before reversing or parking, check that there is no small obstacle, such as a
rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front of or behind the vehicle. Such ob-
stacles may not be recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■ Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of cloth-
ing cannot reflect the signals from the parking aid. Thus, these objects or peo-
ple who wear such clothing are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■ External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on the parking aid.
Under unfavourable conditions, objects or people may not be recognised. Note
■ If a warning signal sounds for about 3
seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. Have the fault
rectified by a ŠKODA specialist garage. ■ The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
■ If the parking aid is activated and the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is
in the position P, the warning signal is interrupted (the vehicle cannot move). Ð Cruise control system (CCS)
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Storing a speed 87
Changing a stored speed 87
Switching off the cruise control system temporarily 87
Switching off the cruise control system completely 87
The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h,
once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator pedal. This is
only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output and brak-
ing power of the engine.
The warning light  illuminates in the instrument cluster when the cruise control
system is activated. WARNING
■ For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads,
loose gravel) - risk of accident!
■ The saved speed may only be resumed if it is not too high for the current
traffic conditions.
■ Always switch off the cruise control system after use to prevent uninten-
tional use of the system. CAUTION
■ Always depress the clutch pedal if switching to the neutral position (vehicle
with a manual gearbox) when the cruise control system is switched on! Otherwise
the engine can rev up unintentionally.
■ The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving
in areas with steeper gradients. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at
which it travels. Therefore, shift to a lower gear in good time or slow the vehicle
down by applying the foot brake. £
86 Using the system

START/STOP
Fig. 88
Centre console: Button for the
START-STOP system
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights.
Information regarding the current state of the
START-STOP system is indicated in
the display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
› Take the vehicle out of gear.
› Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic renewed engine restart (start phase).
› Depress the clutch pedal.
Switching the
START-STOP system on and off
The START/STOP system can be switched on/off by pressing the button  » Fig. 88
.
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
If the vehicle is in the stop phase when manually switching off the system, the
engine starts immediately.
The

START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing. The general conditions for the proper functioning of the
START-STOP system are listed in the following overview. Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
› The clutch pedal is not depressed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The driver's door is closed.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The vehicle is at a standstill.
› The factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
› The engine is at operating temperature.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
› The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The engine speed is less than 1

200 rpm.
› The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
› There is sufficient pressure in the braking system.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
› The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
› No cleaning of the diesel particle filter takes place
» page 22.
› The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution).
Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase) › The clutch is depressed.
› The max./min. temperature is set.
› The defrost function for the windscreen is switched on.
› A high blower stage has been selected.
› The START STOP button is pressed.
Conditions for an automatic restart without driver intervention
› The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 3 km/h.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
too great.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is not sufficient.
› There is insufficient pressure in the braking system.
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's door is
opened during stop mode, the engine must be started manually with the key. The
following messages in the instrument cluster display must be observed. £
88 Using the system

Messages in the instrument cluster display (valid for vehicles without
Information display)
ERROR START STOP Error in the START-STOP system
START STOP NOT POSSIBLE Automatic engine shut down is not
possible.
START STOP ACTIVE Automatic engine shut down (stop
phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITION Switch off the ignition.
START MANUALLY Start the engine manually.WARNING
■ The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
■ Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off. CAUTION
Deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through water on the
street » page 126. Note
■ Changes to the outdoor temperature can have an effect on the internal temper-
ature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains out-
doors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take sev-
eral hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suitable
temperature for proper operation of the
START STOP system.
■ If the Climatronic is running in automatic mode, under certain conditions, the
engine may not switch off automatically. Ð 89
Starting-off and Driving

When parking on a level road surface, it suffices to engage selector lever position
P. When parking on a slope, the handbrake should be applied firmly before the
park position is selected. This ensures that there is no excessive pressure on the
lock mechanism and that it is subsequently easier to move the selector lever out
of position P.
If the selector lever position N is accidentally selected while driving, it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for the idling speed
of the engine to be reached before the selector lever can be engaged in the drive
position. ÐStarting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 90.
Starting off
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
› Press the Shiftlock button (button in the selector lever handle), move the selec-
tor lever into the desired position » page 91 and then release the Shiftlock
button.
› Wait a moment until the gearbox has shifted (a slight engagement nudge can
be felt) 1)
.
› Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
› The selector lever position
N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads. It is sufficient to hold the vehicle stationary
using the foot brake. The engine can, however, be allowed just to idle.
Parking
› Depress the brake pedal.
› Firmly apply the handbrake.
› Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to
P
and then release the Shiftlock button. Ð
ä Selector lever positions
Fig. 89
Selector lever/information display: Selector lever positions
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 90.
The current selector lever position is indicated in the information display of the
instrument cluster
1
» Fig. 89
. P
- Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
If you wish to move the selector lever into/out of this position, the Shiftlock but-
ton in the selector lever handle and the brake pedal must be actuated at the
same time.
If the battery is used, the selector lever cannot be moved out of the position P. R
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is idling.
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or N.
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position R, the re-
verse lights will come on. £
ä
1)
Applies to AG.
91
Automatic gearbox

Selector lever lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 90.
Automatic selector lever lock

With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and
N. The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of this posi-
tion. The warning light  » page 24, Selector lever lock  illuminates in the in-
strument cluster as a reminder for the driver when the selector lever is in the po-
sitions P and N.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position
N (e.g.
from R to D). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck. The selec-
tor lever lock will click into place if the lever is in the N position for more than 2
seconds without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if the vehicle is stationary or moving at speed
of less than 5 km/hour. The lock is switched off automatically into position N
when the car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the handle of selector lever prevents certain selector lever
positions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever lock is cancelled when
the Shiftlock button is pressed.
Ignition key withdrawal lock 1)
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the se-
lector lever is in the position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever
is blocked in position P. ÐKickdown function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 90.
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration power.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving pro-
gramme and serves for maximum acceleration of the vehicle when exploiting the
ä
ä
maximum power potential of the engine without taking into account the current
selector lever position (
D, S or Tiptronic ). The gearbox shifts down to one or sev-
eral gears in line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The gearbox
does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has reached its maximum
revolutions for this gear range. Ð Dynamic shift programme
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 90.
The automatic gearbox of your vehicle is controlled electronically. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed automatically on the basis of pre-defined
driving programmes.
Adopting a moderate style of driving
will cause the gearbox to select the most
economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as soon as possible
and shifting down as late as possible will have a favourable effect on your fuel
consumption.
When adopting a sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the accelerator
pedal combined with sharp acceleration, frequent changes in speed and exploit-
ing the top speed of the car, the gearbox will adjust to this style of driving once
the accelerator pedal (kickdown function) is depressed and will shift down earlier,
frequently by several gears in comparison to a moderate style of driving.
Selecting the most appropriate driving programme for the particular style of driv-
ing is a continuous process. Irrespective of this it is, however, possible to switch
or shift down into a dynamic shift programme by depressing the accelerator rap-
idly. The gearbox shifts down into a lower gear in accordance with the speed,
therefore enabling rapid acceleration (e.g. when overtaking) without the accelera-
tor pedal having to be depressed into the kickdown range. The original pro-
gramme will be reactivated to match your particular style of driving once the
gearbox has shifted up again.
When driving in hilly regions, the gears are selected to match uphill and downhill
sections. This avoids the gearbox frequently shifting up and down when negoti-
ating an uphill stretch. When driving downhill, it is possible to shift down into the
Tiptronic position, in order to exploit the engine brake torque. Ð
ä
1)
Only valid for some countries.
93
Automatic gearbox