2012 SKODA FABIA ABS

Abbreviations
Abbreviation Definition rpm Engine revolutions per minute
ABS Anti-lock brake system AG Automatic gearbox
TCS Traction control
CO 2 in g/km discharged quantity of carbon dioxide in grams per driven kilo-
meter
DPF Diesel particle filter
DSG Automatic double clutch gearbox EDL Electronic differential lockESC Electronic Stability Control kW Kilowatt, measuring unit for the engine outputMG Manual gearbox
MFD Multifunction display N1 Panel van intended exclusively or mainly for the transporta- tion of goods
Nm Newton meter, measuring unit for the engine torque
TDI CR Diesel engine with turbocharging and common rail injection system
TSI Petrol engine with turbocharging and direct injection Ð 5
Abbreviations

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, Switches for the hazard warning light system .Note
■ If warning messages are shown in the information display, you need to confirm
these messages with the button B
» Fig. 7
on page 15 in order to call up the main
menu.
■ As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indi-
cated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver. ÐWarning lights
Overview
The warning lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
 Handbrake
» page 18
 Brake system
» page 18
 Seat belt warning light
» page 18
 Generator
» page 18
 Open door
» page 19

 Engine oil
» page 19
  Coolant temperature/coolant level
» page 19 
Electrohydraulic power steering
» page 20
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
» page 20
 Traction control (TCS)
» page 21
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
» page 21
 Rear fog light
» page 21
 Bulb failure
» page 21
 Exhaust inspection system
» page 21
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
» page 22
 EPC fault light (petrol engine)
» page 22
 Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
» page 22
 Fuel reserve
» page 22
 Airbag system
» page 23
 Tyre control display
» page 23
 Windscreen washer fluid level
» page 23
 Traction control (TCS) switched off
» page 23
 Turn signal (left/right).
» page 23
 Low beam
» page 23
 Fog lights
» page 24£ 17
Instruments and Indicator Lights


Speed regulating system
» page 24
 Selector lever lock
» page 24
 Main beam
» page 24WARNING
■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, this may result in severe injuries or major vehicle
damage.
■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes »
page 138, Engine compartment . ÐHandbrake 
The warning light  comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3
seconds at a speed of more than
6 km/h.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake! ÐBrake system 
The warning light  illuminates if the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 144.
Further information » page 81, Brakes and brake assist systems. 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.
■ The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 138, Engine compartment .
■ If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 21, Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. ■ A fault to the braking system can increase the vehicle's braking distance! Ð Seat belt warning light 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes out if the driver has
fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver, a permanent warning signal
sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20

km/h and simultaneously the warning
light  flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver during the next 90 seconds, the
warning signal is deactivated and the warning light  lights up permanently.
Further information » page 107, Seat belts. Ð Dynamo 
If the warning light lights up  when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek help from a ŠKODA

specialist garage. The electrical system requires check-
ing. 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. £
18 Using the system

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

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

Ignition lock
Fig. 82
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
Petrol engines
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked.
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and the key cannot or can only be turned with difficulty
into the position 2
» Fig. 82, move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock. ÐStarting engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The pre-
glow warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine should be started immediately after the preglow warning light goes out.
ä 1
2
3
1
2
3
ä You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
› Before starting the engine, place the gearshift lever into neutral or place the se-
lector lever in the position P or N and firmly put on the handbrake.
› Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal, switch on the ignition 2
» Fig. 82 on
page 81 and start 3
- do not operate the accelerator. Depress the clutch pedal
until the engine starts.
› Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts. After letting go, the vehicle key
will return to position 2
.
› If the engine does not start within 10
seconds, abort the start-up process and
turn the key to position 1
. Repeat the start-up process after approx. half a mi-
nute.
› Release the handbrake before starting off. Ð Switching off the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position 1
» Fig. 82
on
page 81. Ð Brakes and brake assist systems
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information for braking 82
Handbrake 83
Stabilisation control (ESC) 83
Antilock brake system (ABS) 84
Traction control system (TCS) 84
Electronic Differential Lock (EDS and XDS) 84
£
ä
81
Starting-off and Driving

WARNING
■ The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physi-
cal effort for braking is required when the engine is switched off - risk of acci-
dent!
■ Depress the clutch pedal when stopping or braking a vehicle with a petrol
engine and manual transmission in the low rev range. If you fail to do so, the
functionality of the brake booster can be impaired - risk of accident!
■ If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system could be impaired - risk of acci-
dent! ■ Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating, which can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident!
■ Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!
■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then be without function - risk of acci-
dent! ■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
■ The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving
according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know how great the dam-
age is and the limitation it is placing on the braking efficiency. CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 121.
■ Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear. ■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly. Note
■ If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically. After the speed was reduced below around 10
km/h or the
vehicle was stopped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light
system switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatical-
ly after accelerating or driving off again. ■ Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce the speed, shift down into
the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower drive position (automatic
gearbox). As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermittently,
not continuously. ■ Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the functionality of the brake assist sys-
tems »

page 157, Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .
■ If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL and XDS also do not
work. A warning light  » page 21 comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system. Ð Information for braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 81.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style. The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in
towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If
operated under severe conditions, the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage before the next service appointment.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads
may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. If the brake system is not used much or if there is corrosion on the sur-
face, we recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes from a
fairly high speed. £
ä
82 Using the system