2013 SKODA FABIA engine coolant

We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 3 » Fig. 77 on page 77 in the
open position in all operating modes.
Note
If the air distribution is directed only towards the windows, the total amount of
air is used to defrost the windows and thus no air will be fed to the footwell. This
can limit the heating comfort.
Recirculated air mode
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 78.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air from outside the vehicle getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
Switching on/off
›
Press the 
button.
The indicator light in the button lights up.
›
Press the 
button again.
The indicator light in the button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution control
C
» Fig. 78 on page 79 is turned to the 
position. Recirculated air mode can be
switched on again from this setting by pressing the 
button again.
WARNINGNever leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period, as “stale air” can
cause fatigue in the driver and the passengers, reduce attention levels and al-
so cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up.

Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects: Operation
81
Setting the air conditioning system
82
Recirculated air mode
82
The cooling system operates only if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on » page 81.
The engine is running.
The outside temperature is above approximately +2 °C.
The blower switch is switched on (positions 1-4).
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected.
If the coolant temperature is too high, the cooling system is switched off to en-
sure that the engine cools down.
CAUTION
■ Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow out of
the vents when the cooling system is switched on.■
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when getting
out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold.
Note
We recommend that you have the air conditioning system cleaned by a specialist
garage once every year.80Using the system

WARNINGNever leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period, as “stale air” can
cause fatigue in the driver and the passengers, reduce attention levels and al- so cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up.

Climatronic (automatic air conditioning system)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Control elements
83
Automatic mode
84
Setting the temperature
84
Recirculated air mode
84
Controlling the blower
85
Defrosting windscreen
85
Climatronic in automatic mode ensures the best-possible setting of the tempera-
ture of the outflowing air, the blower stage and air distribution.
The system also takes sunlight into account, which eliminates the need to alterthe settings manually.
The cooling system operates only if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on » page 83.
The engine is running.
The outside temperature is above approximately +2 °C.
If the coolant temperature is too high, the cooling system is switched off to en- sure that the engine cools down.
Note
We recommend that you have Climatronic cleaned by a specialist garage once ev-
ery year.Control elementsFig. 80
Climatronic: Control elements
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 83.
The buttons/control dial Setting the interior temperature » page 84
Display
Display of selected interior temperature
Degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, change the displayed temperature units » page 84
Automatic operation of the air conditioning system Ventilation or defrosting of the windscreen activated
Direction of air flow
Recirculated air mode activated
Cooling system activated
Blower speed set
The buttons/control dial Adjust the blower speed » page 85
Interior temperature sensor Automatic mode » page 84
De-mist or de-ice the windscreen » page 85 
123456789101183Heating and air conditioning

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

WARNINGPlease read the following advice before beginning work in the engine com-
partment.■
Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – there is a risk of scalding. Wait until the steam or cool- ant has stopped escaping.
WARNINGPlease read the following advice for work in the engine compartment.■Keep children clear of the engine compartment.■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – there is a risk of burns.
■
The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always safely store the coolant additive in its original container out of the
reach of children – there is a risk of poisoning.
■
Consult a doctor immediately if coolant is swallowed.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cleaning cloths or tools) in the engine compart-
ment.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed at all times when work-
ing in the engine compartment while the engine is running.■
Pay particular attention to moving engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, alterna-
tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition unit – there is a risk of death.
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – there is a risk of death. Always remove any jewellery, tie back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing
any work.
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be carried
out on the fuel or electrical systems.■
Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read the information and warning instructions on the fluid containers.■Keep fluids in their original containers and keep out of reach of children!■
If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle against
rolling away and support it with suitable axle stands: the car jack is not suffi-
cient for this – there is a risk of injury.
■
Never cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a blan-
ket) – there is a risk of fire.
■
The bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. This is why after
closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to ensure it has engaged properly.
■
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet – there is the risk of an accident. 
161Inspecting and replenishing

Engine compartment overviewFig. 125
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 160.
Coolant expansion reservoir
167
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
163
Engine oil filler opening
166
Engine oil dipstick
165
Brake fluid reservoir
168
Vehicle battery
169
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
123456Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 160.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.
WARNINGThe fan can intermittently continue to run for approximately 10 minutes after
the ignition is switched off.

Windscreen washer system
Fig. 126
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 160.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen and rear window and for the head- light cleaning system.
The filling level of the container is about 3.5 litres and about 5.4 litres on vehicles
that have a headlight washing system 1)
.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights. We recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner from
the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze)
which is capable of removing stubborn dirt. 

1)
In some countries, 5.4 ltr. applies for both variants.
163Inspecting and replenishing

The oil level must be checked at regular intervals. We recommend it be checked
after each time you refuel or prior to making a long journey.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range A
, but not above , if
the engine has been operating at high loads, for example, during a lengthy motor-
way trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high moun- tain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil level is too low » page 21 ,   Engine oil . Check the oil level using the dipstick as soon
as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
■ Always check the oil level on vehicles with the 1.2 l/44 kW engine when the en-
gine is cold. Otherwise the measuring result is incorrect und oil could be incor-
rectly replenished - risk of engine damage!■
The oil level must never be above the
A
range » Fig. 127 – there is a risk of
damaging the exhaust system.
Note
Engine oil specifications » page 164.
Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 164.
›
Check the oil level » page 165.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct specifi-
cations » page 164 .
›
Check the oil level » page 165.
›
Carefully screw on the oil filler opening cap and push the dipstick in fully.

Changing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 164.
The engine oil must be changed at specified service intervals » page 145 or ac-
cording to the service interval display » page 16, Service Interval Display .

Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Capacity
167
Checking the coolant level
167
Replenishing
168
The coolant consists of water with a concentration of coolant additive. This mix-
ture guarantees antifreeze protection, protects the cooling/heater system
against corrosion and prevents the formation of scale.
Vehicles exported to countries with a mild climate are already factory-filled with
a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -25 ℃. In these coun-
tries the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 40 %.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate are already factory-filled with a
coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35 °C. In these coun-
tries the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 50 %.
If a higher concentration of antifreeze is required for climatic reasons, the amount
of coolant additive can only be increased up to a maximum of 60 % (antifreeze
protection down to approx. -40 °C).
When refilling, only use the same antifreeze identified on the coolant expansion vessel » Fig. 128 on page 167. 
166General Maintenance

WARNING■The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warn- ings » page 160 .■
 Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to top
up the coolant under the current conditions. Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The amount of coolant additive in the coolant must never be allowed to fall be-
low 40 %.■
Over 60 % coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protection and
coolant effectiveness.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specifications can sig-
nificantly reduce the corrosion protection.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can conse-
quently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 128 on page 167.
■
We recommend that you visit a specialist garage if a fault causes the engine to
overheat, otherwise serious engine damage may occur.

Capacity
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 166.
Coolant capacity (in litres) 1)
Petrol enginesCapacity1.2 litres/44 kW5.51.2 litres/51 kW5.51.2 litres/63 kW TSI7.71.2 litres/77 kW TSI7.71.4 litres/63 kW5.5Petrol enginesCapacity1.4 litres/132 kW TSI6.61.6 litres/77 kW5.5Diesel enginesCapacity1.2 litres/55 kW TDI CR DPF6.61.6 litres/55 kW TDI CR DPF8.41.6 litres/66 kW TDI CR DPF8.41.6 litres/77 kW TDI CR DPF8.4

Checking the coolant level
Fig. 128
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 166.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet » page 162
.
›
Check the level of coolant at the coolant expansion vessel » Fig. 128. The cool-
ant level when the engine is cold must lie between the
B
(MIN) and
A
(MAX)
markings. The level may also rise slightly above the
A
(MAX) marking when the
engine is warm. 

1)
The coolant capacity is approximately 1 l greater on vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heater
(auxiliary heating and ventilation).
167Inspecting and replenishing

If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning light  lighting up in the instrument cluster » page 22,   Coolant .
We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from
time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a specialist
garage.
Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 166.
Only top up with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and carefully unscrew
the cap.
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an emergency. In this case, just use water and have the correct mixing ratio of waterand the coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
(max.) » Fig. 128 on page 167. Excess
coolant heats up and then is forced out of the cooling system through the pres-
sure relief valve in the cap.

Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Level check
168
Changing
169WARNING■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warn- ings » page 160 .■
 Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has fallen below the MIN
marking » Fig. 129 on page 168 - there is a risk of an accident. Seek help from
a specialist garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – there is the risk of an accident.
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is changed as part of a prescribed inspection service.
Level check
Fig. 129
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 168.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 129.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings. 
168General Maintenance