2012 SKODA FABIA deactivate airbag

Using the system
Cockpit
Overview
Electrical power windows 34
Electric exterior mirror adjustment 48
Air outlet vents 71
Lever for the multifunction switch:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher 42
› Speed regulating system 86
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag 112
› With pushbuttons for radio, navigation system and mobile
phone 95
Instrument cluster: Instruments and warning lights 8
Lever for the multifunction switch:
› Multifunction display 12
› Windscreen wiper and wash system 45
Switch for rear window heater 44
TCS switch 84
Air outlet vents 71
Switch for hazard warning lights 42
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag 115
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating 71
› Operating controls for the air conditioning system 73
› Operating controls for Climatronic 76
Storage compartments on the front passenger side 66
Front passenger airbag 112
Key-operated switch for the front seat passenger airbag 115
Switch depending on equipment fitted:
› Boot lid remote release 33
› Interior monitor 311
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17 Fuse box in the dashboard 169
Light switch and headlamp beam adjustment 38, 41
Bonnet release lever 140
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel 80
Ignition lock 81
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Radio
› Navigation system
Rocker switch for front left seat heating 50
Central locking system 29
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) 85
› Selector lever (automatic gearbox) 91
Rocker switch for front right seat heating 50
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Ashtrays 64
› Storage compartment 67
MDI 102
Note
The arrangement of the controls and switches and the location of some items on
right-hand drive models may differ from that shown in »
Fig. 1. The symbols on
the controls and switches are the same as for left-hand drive models. Ð 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
7
Cockpit

Airbag system 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the airbag system.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Airbag
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using the
vehicle system tester:
› The warning light
 lights up for 4 seconds after switching on the ignition and
then flashes again for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The following is displayed in the information display: Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated!
If the airbag was switched off using the key-operated switch on the side of the
dash panel on the passenger side:
› The warning light
 comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been switch-
ed on.
› switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the light-
ing up of the yellow indicator light in display

     » page 115. WARNING
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident. ÐTyre control display 
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the system.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information »

page 155, Tyre control display . Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  illuminates after the ig-
nition is switched on. The warning light should go out after driving a short dis-
tance. Ð Windscreen washer fluid level 
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light  comes on. Top
up with liquid » page 145.
The following is displayed in the information display: Top up wash fluid! Ð Switching off traction control system (TCS) 
The ASR is switched off by pressing the button » page 84 and the warning light
 illuminates.
The following is displayed in the information display: Traction control (ASR) deactivated. Ð Turn signal system 

Either the left  or right  warning light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
If a turn signal light fails, the warning light flashes at twice its normal rate.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Further information » page 42, Turn signal and main beam lever .Ð Low beam 
The warning light  comes on when low beam is selected » page 38.Ð
23
Instruments and Indicator Lights

Note
■ Lock the opened rear doors and front passenger door by closing them and
pressing the securing knob. ■ It is not possible to lock the opened driver's door using the securing knob. This
prevents against inadvertently locking the key in the vehicle. ÐCentral locking system
Introductory information
When using central locking or unlocking, all doors are locked or unlocked simulta-
neously. The boot lid is unlocked when opening. It can be opened by pressing the
handle above the licence plate » page 33, Opening/closing .
Warning light in the driver's door
After locking the vehicle, the warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick
succession, afterwards it begins to flash evenly at longer intervals.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system » page 27 is not operating,
the warning light in the driver door flashes for about 2
seconds fast, goes out and
starts to flash evenly at longer intervals after about 30 seconds.
If the indicator light first flashes fast for about 2 seconds, then lights up for about
30 seconds continuously and then flashes slowly, there is a fault in the central
locking system or in the interior monitor and in the towing protection » page 31.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Convenience operation of windows
The windows can be opened and closed when unlocking and locking the vehi-
cle » page 35. ÐIndividual settings
Opening a single door
This selection function makes it possible to only unlock the driver's door. The oth-
er doors remain locked and are only unlocked when the command is repeated.
Automatic locking and unlocking
All the doors and the boot lid are locked automatically once the car reaches a
speed of about 15 km/h. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the car is then automatically unlocked again. In
addition, it is possible for the driver or front passenger to unlock the car by press-
ing the central locking button  » page 29.
The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by a single pull on the
opening lever of the respective door. WARNING
Locked doors prevent unwanted entry into the vehicle from outside, for exam-
ple at road crossings. Locked doors do, however, make it more difficult for res-
cuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - danger to life! Note
■ Upon request you can have custom settings activated by a
ŠKODA Service Part-
ner. ■ In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked in order to enable rescuers to gain access to the vehi-
cle. ■ Only the driver's door can be unlocked or locked using the key if the central
locking system fails » page 28. The other doors and the boot lid can be manually
locked or unlocked. ■ Emergency locking of the door »

page 32.
■ Emergency unlocking of the boot lid » page 33. Ð Safe securing system
The central locking system is equipped with a safe securing system. The door
locks are blocked automatically if the vehicle is locked from the outside. The
warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick succession, afterwards it be-
gins to flash evenly at longer intervals. It is not possible to open the doors with
the door handle either from the inside or from the outside. This acts as an effec-
tive deterrent for attempts to break into your vehicle.
The safe securing system can be deactivated within 2

seconds by double locking
the vehicle.
If the safe securing system is not operating, the warning light in the driver door
flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and starts to flash evenly at longer in-
tervals after about 30 seconds. £
27
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

Correct seated position for the driver
Fig. 96
The correct distance of the driver to the steering wheel/The correct
head restraint adjustment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 104.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident,
we recommend the following setting.
› Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance A
» Fig. 96
between the steer-
ing wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm.
› Adjust the driver’s seat in the forward/back direction so that the pedals can be
fully depressed with slightly bent legs.
› Adjust the seat backrest so that the highest point of the steering wheel can be
reached with your arms at a slight angle.
› Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge B
of the head restraint is at the
same level as the upper part of your head.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 107, Seat belts.
Driver seat adjustment » page 50, Adjusting the front seats - Version 1
or » page 50, Adjusting the front seats - Variant 2 .ÐCorrect seated position for the front passenger
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 104.ä
ä For the safety of the front passenger and to reduce the risk of injury in the event
of an accident, we recommend the following setting.
› Position the front passenger seat back as far as possible. The front passenger
must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel so that the airbag
offers the greatest possible safety if it is deployed.
› Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge B
» Fig. 96
on
page 105 » page 105 of the head restraint is at the same level as the upper part
of your head.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 107, Seat belts.
In exceptional cases the front passenger airbag can be deactivated » page 115,
Deactivating airbags .
Front passenger adjustment » page 50, Adjusting the front seats - Version 1 .Ð Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 104.
To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an ac-
cident, the occupants on the rear seats must observe the following.
› Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge B
» Fig. 96

on
page 105 » page 105 of the head restraint is at the same level as the upper part
of your head.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 107, Seat belts.
› Use a suitable child restraint system if transporting children in the vehi-
cle
» page 117, Transporting children safely .Ð Examples of an incorrect seated position
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 104.
Seat belts offer their optimum protection only if the webbing of the seat belts is
properly routed. Incorrect seated positions considerably reduce the protective
functions of the seat belts and therefore increase the risk of injury due to an in-
correct routing of the seat belt. The driver is fully responsible for himself and pas-
sengers, especially children. Never allow a passenger to adopt an incorrect seated
position when the car is moving.
£
ä
ä
105
Passive Safety

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introductory information
The operational readiness of the airbag system is monitored electronically. The
airbag warning light  comes on for a few seconds each time the ignition is
switched on »
page 23.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed to offer additional
protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of: › an electronic control unit;
› Front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger
» page 112;
› side airbags
» page 113;
› head airbags
» page 114;
› an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 23;
› a key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
» page 115;
› an warning light in the middle of the dash panel to indicate the front seat pas-
senger airbag is switched off » page 115.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:
› the warning light
 does not illuminate when the ignition is switched on;
› the warning light
 does not go out 3 seconds after the ignition is switched on;
› the warning light
 goes out and comes on again after the ignition is switched
on;
› the warning light
 comes on or flashes when driving;
› the warning light in the middle of the dash panel for the deactivated front seat
passenger airbag flashes. WARNING
■ The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
complete passive vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only
offer you optimal protection in combination with a seat belt which is fas-
tened.
■ To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size »
page 104, Correct seated position .
■ If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk
of injury in the event of an accident.
■ If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident. ■ No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel)
must only be carried out by a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■ It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
■ The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed. ■ The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
■ If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-
activating the front passenger airbag must be included!
■ When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements. Ð When are the airbags deployed?
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
In certain accident situations, the several airbags may be deployed simultaneous-
ly.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, rear-
end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover. £
111
Airbag system

Deactivating airbags
Deactivating airbags
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
› using a child seat on the front passenger seat, in which the child has its back to
the vehicle's direction of travel (in some countries this must be in the direction
of travel due to different legal regulations applying) » page 117, Child seat;
› not being able to maintain a distance of at least 25
cm between the middle of
the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjusted;
› special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability;
› other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 115.
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA Service Partner to switch off any other air-
bags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
› The airbag indicator light
 lights up for 3 seconds after the ignition is switched
on and then flashes after that for about 12 seconds.
If the airbag was switched off using the key switch on the side of the dash pan-
el:
› The airbag warning light
 comes on for 3 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on;
› Activation of the airbag is indicated by the illumination of the yellow indicator
light in display      in the middle of the dash panel 3
» Fig. 106
on page 115. Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.
■ A ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to inform you which airbags in your vehicle
can/must be deactivated. Ð Key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
Fig. 106
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag/warning light
for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Deactivating an airbag › Switch off the ignition.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key-operated switch into the position 2
» Fig. 106
OFF) .
› Check whether the airbag indicator light 3

 in the display 
   
 in the middle of the dash panel lights up when the ignition is turned on.
Activating an airbag
› Switch off the ignition.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key-operated switch into the position 1
» Fig. 106
ON.
› Check whether the airbag indicator light 3

 in the display 
   
 in the middle of the dash panel does not light up when the ignition is turned
on.
Indicator light in the display      (front passenger airbag
switched off)
In cases where the front passenger airbag is switched off the airbag indicator
light comes on for a few seconds after switching on the ignition, goes out for
about a second and then comes on again.
There is a system fault in the deactivated airbag » if the airbag warning light
flashes. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. £
115
Airbag system