2013 SKODA FABIA ABS

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stabilisation control (ESC)
111
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
112
Traction Control System (ASR)
112
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
112WARNING■ 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 – there is the
risk of an accident.■
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 – there is the risk of
an accident.
■
Visit a specialist garage immediately in the event of an ABS fault. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know
how great the damage is and the limitation it is placing on the braking effi-
ciency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 147, Services, modifications and
technical alterations .
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, TCS and EDL will also fail to work.
An ABS fault is indicated with by the  warning light » page 24.

Stabilisation control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 111.
The ESC system helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is
being operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of
travel. Depending on the road surface conditions, the risk of skidding is reduced,
thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability .
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
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. If differences exist, such as the car beginning to skid,
the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light 
flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC) :
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS);
› Hydraulic brake assist (HBA);
› Hill hold control (HHC).
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The 
» Fig. 96 on page 112 button can
only be used to deactivate the TCS. The 
warning light comes on in the instru-
ment cluster when the TCS is deactivated.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster 
» page 23 .
Hydraulic brake assist (HBA)
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.
The HBA is activated by very rapid depression of the brake pedal. To achieve the
shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly until
the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
HBA is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released. ABS is activated sooner and more effectively with the intervention of HBA. 
111Assist systems

Hill hold control (HHC)
HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal
without having to use the handbrake when pulling away on a gradient.
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 brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator pedal. Ifthe vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
HHC is active on slopes of >5 % when the driver door is closed. HHC is always only
active on slopes pulling away forwards or in reverse. When driving downhill, it is inactive.
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 111.
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.
When the ABS system is active, do not pump the brakes or lift off the brake pedal.

Traction Control System (ASR)
Fig. 96
TCS buttonFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 111.
If the wheels are slipping, the ASR system adapts the engine speed to the condi-
tions 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 ASR function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. Only in certain exceptional circum-
stances can it be sensible to switch the system off, for instance:
› 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 activated again afterwards.
You can switch TCS off and on again as needed by pressing the 
button » Fig. 96 .
The 
warning light comes on in the instrument cluster when the TCS is deactiva-
ted.
The TCS warning light 
» page 26 lights up in the instrument cluster when there
is a fault on the TCS.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 111.
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.
EDL switches off automatically to avoid excessive heat generation on the brake of the wheel 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. 

112Driving

Seat belts
Wearing seat belts
Introduction
Fig. 107
Driver wearing seat belt
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
The physical principle of a frontal collision
129
Fastening and unfastening seat belts
130
Seat belt height adjuster on the front seats
131
Seat belts that are fastened correctly offer good protection in the event of an ac-
cident. They reduce the risk of an injury and increase the chance of survival in the
event of a major accident.
Correctly fastened seat belts hold occupants of the car in the correct seated posi-
tion » Fig. 107 .
The seat belts reduce the kinetic energy (energy of motion) to a considerable ex-
tent. They also prevent uncontrolled movements which, in turn, may well result in
severe injuries.
The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their seat belt benefit greatly from the fact that the kinetic energy is absorbed by the belts
as much as possible.
The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other passive safety measures,
such as the airbag system, also contribute to reducing the kinetic energy in the
best possible way. The energy produced is thus absorbed and there is less risk of injury.
Particular safety aspects must be observed when transporting children in the ve-
hicle » page 140 , Transporting children safely .WARNING■
Fasten your seat belt before each journey - even when driving in town! This
also applies to the people seated at the rear – there is a risk of injury.■
Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of
ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child » page 130, Fastening and
unfastening seat belts .
■
The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if you
are correctly seated » page 125, Correct seated position .
■
The seat backrests of the front seats must not be tilted too far to the rear
otherwise the seatbelts can lose their effectiveness.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions to ensure that the seat belt is properly
routed.■
Always ensure that the webbing of the seat belts is properly routed. Seat
belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in minor accidents.
■
Adjust the height of the belt in such a way that the shoulder part of the belt
is roughly positioned across the middle of your shoulder - on no account across your neck.
■
A seat belt which is hanging too loose can result in injuries as your body is
moved forward by the kinetic energy produced in an accident and is then sud-
denly held firm by the belt.
■
The belt must not run across solid or fragile objects (e.g. spectacles, ball-
point pens, keys, etc.). Such objects can cause injury.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for handling the seat belts.■The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or twisted,
or chafe against any sharp edges.■
Make sure you do not catch the seat belt in the door when closing it. 
128Safety

WARNINGObserve the following instructions for the proper use of the seat belts.■Never use a seatbelt to secure two persons (not even children). Nor may the
seat belt be placed over a child who is sitting on the lap of another passenger.■
The lock tongue should only be inserted into the lock which is the correct
one for your seat. Wrong use of the safety belt will reduce its capacity to pro-
tect and the risk of injury increases.
■
The slot of the belt tongue must not be blocked otherwise the belt tongue
will not lock in place properly.
■
Many layers of clothing and loose clothing (e. g. a winter coat over a jacket)
do not allow you to be correctly seated and impairs proper operation of the
seat belts.
■
It is prohibited to use clamps or other objects to adjust seat belts (e. g. for
shortening the belts for smaller persons).
■
The seat belts for the rear seats can only fulfil their function reliably when
the seat backrests are correctly locked into position » page 56.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for proper use of the seat belts.■The belt webbing must always be kept clean. Soiled belts may impair proper
operation of the inertia reel » page 157, Seat belts .■
The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not attempt
to repair the seat belts yourself.
■
Check the condition of all the seat belts on a regular basis. If any damage to
the seat belts, seat belt connections, inertia reel or the lock is detected, the
seat belt concerned must be replaced by a specialist garage.
■
Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident and
were therefore stretched, must be replaced - this is best done by a specialist
garage. The anchorage points of the belts must also be inspected. The an-
chorage points for the belts should also be checked.
Note
The national legal requirements must be observed when using seat belts.
The physical principle of a frontal collisionFig. 108
Driver without a fastened seat belt/rear seat passenger without a
fastened seat belt
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 128.
As soon as the vehicle is moving, so-called kinetic energy (the energy of motion)
is produced both in terms of the car as well as in terms of the occupants.
The magnitude of this kinetic energy depends essentially on the speed at which
the vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the vehicle including the occupants.
The greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the amount of energy
which has to be absorbed in the event of an accident.
The speed of the vehicle is the most important factor. Doubling the speed of the
vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour increases the kinetic energy four times.
The notion that it is possible to support your body with your hands in a minor ac-cident is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces acting on thebody are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed of 30 km/h to 50 km/h, the forces that your body is exposed to in the event of an accident can exceed a ton (1000 kg).
For example, a person's weight of 80 kg “increases” at 50 km/h to 4.8 tons
(4800 kg).
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the car not wearing a seat belt are
thrown forward in an uncontrolled way and strike parts of the interior of the car,
such as the steering wheel, dash panel or windscreen » Fig. 108 - 
. In certain
circumstances you could even be thrown out of the vehicle, which could cause life threatening or even fatal injuries. 
129Seat belts

A slight drop in the fluid level results in operation due to normal wear and tear
and the automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light  lighting
up in the instrument cluster » page 20,  Brake system .
Changing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 168.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake sys-
tem.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications: › VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.

Vehicle battery

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Open cover
170
Checking the electrolyte level
171
Operation in winter
171
Charging
171
Disconnecting or reconnecting
172
Replacing
172
Automatic load deactivation
172Warning symbols on the vehicle batterySymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye protec- tion.Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the ve-
hicle battery.When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture is
produced.Keep children away from the vehicle battery.WARNINGThere is a risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire when
carrying out any work on the battery and on the electrical system. It is essen-
tial to comply with the generally applicable rules of safety as well as the warn- ing instructions outlined below.■
Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the bat-
tery vent openings. Protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses or a face
shield – there is a risk of being blinded.
■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling the
vehicle battery.
■
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
the greatest of care.
■
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivitis
and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
■
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and creates deep wounds on contact
with the skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact with diluted
acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks).
■
If any battery electrolyte comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the eyes
immediately with clear water for several minutes - consult a doctor immedi-
ately.
■
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. Seek immedi-
ate medical assistance if you swallow battery acid. 
169Inspecting and replenishing

Wheels
Tyres and rims
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Tyre service life
174
New tyres
175
Unidirectional tyres
176
Tyre pressure monitor
176
Spare wheel
177
Full wheel trim
178
Wheel bolts
178
Hubcaps
178
Wheel bolts
179WARNING■ National legal requirements must be observed for the use of tyres.■Observe the national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains
and the maximum vehicle speed with snow chains.WARNINGThe following instructions for the use of tyres must be observed.■During the first 500 km, new tyres do not offer optimum grip and appropri-
ate care should therefore be taken when driving – there is the risk of an acci-
dent.■
On all four wheels, use only radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling cir-
cumference) and the same tread pattern.
■
For safety reasons, do no replace tyres individually.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity of the tyres
fitted – there is the risk of an accident.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed of the tyres fitted – there is
the risk of an accident.
WARNING (Continued)■ Incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling – there is the
risk of an accident.■
Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately re-
duce your speed and stop! If no external damage is evident, drive slowly and
carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle checked.
■
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved by ŠKODA for
your model of vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely affect
the road safety of your vehicle – there is the risk of an accident.
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding tyre damage and wear.■Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – there is the risk of an accident.
■
Immediately replace damaged wheel rims or tyres.
■
You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down.
■
Worn tyres do not provide the necessary grip particularly at high speeds on
wet roads. “Aquaplaning” (uncontrolled movements of the vehicle – “swim- ming” on a wet road surface) could be the result.
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the tyre pressure.■The tyre control display does not absolve the driver of the responsibility to
ensure the correct tyre inflation pressure. Check the tyre pressure at regular
intervals.■
Pressures that are too low or too high impair handling – there is the risk of
an accident.
■
If the pressure is too low, the tyre must overcome a greater rolling resist-
ance. This will heat the tyre up, especially at higher speeds. This can result in tread separation and a tyre blowout. 
173Wheels

WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the wheel bolts.■The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. Never apply grease or
oil.■
The specified tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.
■
If the wheel bolts are insufficiently tightened, the rim can come loose when
the car is moving – there is the risk of an accident. A tightening torque which
is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in permanent
deformation of the contact surfaces on the rim.
■
The wheel can loosen when the car is moving if the wheel bolts are not han-
dled correctly – there is the risk of an accident.
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the spare wheel.■Only use the spare wheel while absolutely necessary.■
Never drive with more than one spare wheel fitted.
■
The snow chains cannot be used on the spare wheel.
CAUTION
■ If a spare wheel is used that is not identical to the fitted tyres, the following
must be observed » page 177, Spare wheel .■
Protect the tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
■
Replace lost dust caps.
■
If, in the event of a puncture, it is necessary to fit a spare wheel with a tyre
without a dedicated running direction or the opposite running direction, drive carefully as the optimum characteristics of the tyre are no longer applicable in
this situation.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres is carried out by a special-
ist garage.■
We recommend that you use wheel rims, tyres, full wheel trims and snow chains
from ŠKODA Original Accessories.

Tyre service lifeFig. 132
Principle sketch: Tyre tread with wear indicators/Open fuel filler
flap with a table detailing the tyre sizes and tyre pressures
Fig. 133
Swapping wheels around
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 173.
The life of tyres depends on the pressure, driving style, and other circumstances.
Following the advice below can extend the service life of your tyres.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the spare wheel, at least once a month and also before setting off on a long journey.
The tyre pressures for tyres are shown on the inside of the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 132 –
.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at
all times. 
174General Maintenance

Fuses in the dash panelFig. 150
Underside of the dash panel:
Distribution board cover.
Fig. 151
Schematic representation of the fuse box for vehicles with left-
hand steering/right-hand steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 192.
The fuses are located on the left side of the dash panel behind a cover.
› Carefully remove the cover in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 150.
› After the fuse has been replaced, replace the cover in the dash panel in the op-
posite direction of the arrow so that the guide lugs are guided into the open- ings of the dash panel. Close the cover until it clicks into place.
Fuse assignment in the dash panel
No.Power consumer1S-contact2START-STOP, air-conditioning system3Instrument cluster, headlamp beam adjustmentNo.Power consumer4Control unit for ABS, button for START STOP5Petrol engine: Speed regulating system6Reversing light (manual gearbox)7Ignition, engine control unit, automatic gearbox8Brake pedal switch, clutch pedal switch9Operating controls for the heating, control unit for air conditioning sys-
tem, parking aid, control unit for cornering lights, radiator fan, washing nozzles10Windscreen Wiper and Washer System11Mirror adjustment12Control unit for trailer detection13Automatic gearbox control unit14Motor for halogen projector headlights with cornering light function15PDA navigation system16Electrohydraulic power steering17Light switch power supply18Mirror heater19S-contact20Alarm21Reversing light, fog lights with the function CORNER22Operating controls for the heating, control unit for air conditioning sys-
tem, parking aid, mobile phone, instrument cluster, steering angle
sender, ESC, vehicle voltage control unit, multifunction steering wheel23Interior lighting, storage compartment and luggage compartment, side
lights24Central control unit25Seat heaters26Rear window wiper27Telephone preinstallation28Petrol engine: AKF valve, Diesel engine: Control flap29Injection, coolant pump30Fuel pump, ignition, Cruise control system, operation of PTC relay31Lambda probe 193Fuses and light bulbs