2013 SKODA FABIA light

START-STOP
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Starting/shutting down the engine
116
Operating conditions for the system
116
Manually activating/deactivating the system
117
Information messages
117
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. The engine restarts automatically
where necessary.
The system can work only if the following basic conditions are met. The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt. The bonnet is closed.The driving speed exceeded 4 km/h after the last stop.
No trailer is coupled.
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
Always deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through wa-
ter » page 109 .Note■
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 will have to be started manually.■
After manually starting the engine, automatic engine shut down is not possible
until the vehicle has travelled the required minimum distance for START-STOP mode.
■
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 Climatronic is running in automatic mode, the engine may not switch off auto-
matically under certain conditions.

Starting/shutting down the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 116.
›
Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
›
Shift the gear lever to Neutral.
›
Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic engine shut down (STOP phase) runs. The 
warning symbol appears
in the instrument cluster display.
›
Depress the clutch pedal.
The automatic start procedure takes place again (START phase). The 
warning
symbol goes out.

Operating conditions for the system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 116.
The START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to check without servicing.
No engine shut down runs
Before each STOP phase, the system checks whether certain conditions have
been met. No engine shut down runs in the following situations. 
116Driving

›The engine has not yet reached the minimum temperature for the START STOP
mode.
› The temperature inside the vehicle has not reached the desired temperature
set in the air-conditioning system/heating.
› The external temperature is very low/high.
› Intensive windscreen deicing (Climatronic) or windscreen deicing/ventilation is
switched on at the maximum air temperature setting (manual air conditioning
system).
› The parking aid is activated.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The stationary vehicle is on a steep hill or a steep slope.
› The idling speed is too high.
› The steering angle is too great (manoeuvring).
The 
warning symbol appears in the instrument cluster display.
The automatic start procedure runs again During the STOP phase, the engine fires up without any active driver intervention,
e.g. in the following situations.
› The vehicle has begun to roll, e.g. on a slope.
› The difference between the temperature setting of the air-conditioning sys-
tem/heating and the temperature of the interior is too great.
› Intensive windscreen deicing (Climatronic) or windscreen deicing/ventilation is
switched on at the maximum air temperature setting (manual air conditioning
system).
› The brake pedal was pressed several times (the pressure in the braking system
is too low).
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The current consumption is too high.

Manually activating/deactivating the system
Fig. 99
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 116.
Activation/deactivation
›
Press the  button » Fig. 99 .
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
Note
If the system is deactivated during the STOP phase, the automatic start proce-
dure runs.
Information messages
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 116.
The messages and information are shown in the instrument cluster display.
Start the engine manually.START MANUALLY
The driver sees this message when the conditions for the automatic start proce- dure are not met during the STOP phase. The engine must be started manually.
Fault: start-stop system
ERROR START-STOP
Fault in the START-STOP system. Seek help from a specialist garage.

117Assist systems

The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 174,
Tyre service life .
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan- ces » page 201 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level.
The engine output falls as altitude increases, as does the ability to climb. There-
fore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum permissible
towed weight must be reduced by 10 %.
The towed weight comprises the actual weights of the (loaded) towing vehicleand the (loaded) trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing equip- ment are merely test data for the towing equipment. The vehicle-specific values
are detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer –
there is the risk of an accident and serious injury.■
Slipping loads can significantly affect the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination – there is the risk of an accident and serious injury.

Towing a trailer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 121.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. National legal re-
quirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle can be lifted when a trailer is being towed and the head-
lights can dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlight setting on the headlight range control » page 44, Headlight
beam adjustment .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail- er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as a
brake.
Engine overheating
The speed must be reduced immediately if the needle for the coolant tempera- ture gauge moves into the right-hand area or the red area of the scale.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light 
in the instrument cluster
starts to flash. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 167,
Checking the coolant level .
The following guidelines must be observed » page 22, 

Coolant .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic sit-
uation.■
Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer and
cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well as acci-
dents and severe injuries.
■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist garages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical con-
nections for the tail lights or other current sources. 
122Driving

Note■After coupling the trailer and connecting up the power socket, check the rear
lights on the trailer to ensure they work.■
If there is an error in the trailer lighting system, check the fuses in the fuse box
in the dashboard » page 193.
■
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your car inspected between
service intervals.
■
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be applied when coupling and un-
coupling the trailer.

Anti-theft alarm system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 121.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated as soon as the electrical con- nection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or uncou- pled » page 35 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towingequipment.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional. The vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system isactivated.
Note
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the an-
ti-theft alarm system.
123Towing a trailer

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Safety equipment
124
Before every journey
124
What influences driving safety?
125
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the subject
of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for exam- ple, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants.■
You will find further information on safety, which concerns you and those
travelling with you, in the following chapters of this Owner's Manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This ap-
plies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.

Safety equipment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 124.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiters for the front seats.
› Belt tensioners for the front seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
›
Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Side airbags.
› Head airbags.
› Anchoring points for child seats using the ISOFIX system.
› Anchoring points for child seats using the TOP TETHER system.
› Head restraints adjustable for height.
› Adjustable steering column.
The specified safety equipment works together, in order to optimally protect you
and those travelling with you in accident situations.
The safety equipment does not protect you or the people travelling with you, if
you or your occupants adopt an incorrect seated position or the equipment is not
correctly adjusted or used.
If the seat belt is not fastened properly, this may result in injuries during an acci-
dent caused by the deployed airbag.

Before every journey
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 124.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please pay
attention to the following points before setting off.
› Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning properly.
› Check the tyre inflation pressure.
› Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
› Secure all items of luggage
» page 58.
› Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
› Adjust the mirrors, the front seat and head restraint to your body size.
› Advise your passengers to adjust the head restraints to their body size.
› Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 140 , Transporting children safely .
› Adopt the correct seated position
» page 125. Tell your passengers to assume
the correct seated position.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt. Also instruct your passengers to fasten their seat
belt correctly » page 128, Wearing seat belts .

124Safety

Correct seated position of the driverFig. 106
The correct distance between the driver and the steering wheel/
correctly adjusted head restraint
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 125.
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. 106 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 such that the top edge of the head restraint is at the
same level as the upper part of your head
B
.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 128, Wearing seat belts .
Driver seat adjustment » page 55, Adjusting the front seats - Version 1
or » page 55 , Adjusting the front seats - Variant 2 .

Correct seated position of the front passenger
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 125.
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 such that the top edge of the head restraint is at the
same level as the upper part of your head
B
» Fig. 106 on page 126 » page 126.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 128, Wearing seat belts .
In exceptional cases the front passenger airbag can be deactivated » page 137,
Deactivating airbags .
Passenger seat adjustment » page 55, Adjusting the front seats - Version 1
or » page 55 , Adjusting the front seats - Variant 2 .

Correct seated position of the rear seat passengers
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 125.
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 such that the top edge of the head restraint is at the
same level as the upper part of the head
B
» Fig. 106 on page 126 » page 126.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 128, Wearing seat belts .
› Use a suitable child restraint system if transporting children in the vehi-
cle » page 140 , Transporting children safely .

Examples of incorrect seated positions
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 125.
The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if your seat-
belts are fastened correctly. 
126Safety

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
System description
133
Airbag deployment
133WARNING■ An airbag can only offer you optimal protection in combination with a fas-
tened seat belt.■
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
complete passive vehicle safety concept.
■
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 125, 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.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for the airbag system.■If there is a fault, the airbag system must be checked by a specialist garage
immediately. 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 specialist garage.
■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■
It is prohibited to tamper with 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.

System description
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 133.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the  indicator light in
the instrument cluster » page 26.
When the airbags are deployed they fill with gas and inflate.
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated. This
is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
The airbag system consists – depending on the vehicle equipment – of thefollowing modules.
› Electronic control unit.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger
» page 135.
› Side airbags
» page 136.
› Head airbags
» page 137.
› Airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster
» page 26.
› Key switch for the front passenger airbag
» page 138.
› Warning light for front passenger airbag deactivation in dash panel cen-
tre » page 138 .
Note
■
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 deactivating
the front passenger airbag must be included!■
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to com-
ply with the national legal requirements.

Airbag deployment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 133.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer that additional protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on. 
133Airbag system

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.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors such as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard/soft), the impact angle, vehicle
speed, etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which oc- curs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the rele-
vant restraint system.
If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured during the collision re-
mains below the prescribed reference values specified in the control unit, the air-
bags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe damage to thebodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal collision.
› Driver’s front airbag.
› Front passenger airbag.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision.
› Front side airbag on the side of the accident.
› Head airbags on the side of the accident.
In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
› the interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
› the hazard warning light is switched on;
› all the doors are unlocked;
› the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
Airbag overview

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front airbags
135
Side airbags
136
Head airbags
137
134Safety