2013 SKODA FABIA gearbox

Ignition switched off, light switched off (light switch in position 0), control dial for
headlamp beam adjustment in the  position, no gear engaged or selector lever
in the N position (automatic gearbox), tourist light deactivated.›
Switch on the ignition.
Within 10 seconds of the ignition being switched on:
›
Turn the light switch to the  position » page 43 , Parking and low beam lights .
›
Engage reverse gear (manual gearbox) or move the selector lever to the R posi-
tion (automatic gearbox),
›
Turn the headlamp beam adjustment dial from  to  » page 44 .
Deactivating tourist light
Before deactivating the tourist light, the following conditions must be met.
Ignition switched off, light switched off (light switch in position 0), control dial for
headlamp beam adjustment in the 
position, no gear engaged or selector lever in
the N position (automatic gearbox), tourist light activated.
›
Switch on the ignition.
Within 10 seconds of the ignition being switched on:
›
Turn the light switch to the 
position » page 43 , Parking and low beam lights .
›
Engage reverse gear (manual gearbox) or move the selector lever to the R posi-
tion (automatic gearbox),
›
Turn the headlamp beam adjustment dial from 
to 
» page 44 .
Further information » page 110, Headlights .
Note
When the “tourist light” mode is active, the warning light  flashes for 10 sec-
onds each time the ignition is switched on.
Hazard warning light systemFig. 27
Dash panel: Hazard warning
light system button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 43.
›
Press the 
» Fig. 27 button.
All the turn signal lights on the vehicle flash at the same time when the hazard
warning light system is switched on. The warning light for the turn signals and
the warning light in the button also flash at the same time. The hazard warning
light system can also be operated if the ignition is switched off.
The hazard warning light system will switch on automatically if one of the airbags
is deployed.
CAUTION
Switch on the hazard warning light system if, for example, the following occurs.■You encounter a traffic jam.■
The vehicle has broken down.

Parking lights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 43.
Switching on the parking light 
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Pull the turn signal stalk
» Fig. 25 on page 45 upwards or downwards - the side
light on the right or left side of the vehicle is switched on. 
47Lights and visibility

›Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.›
Turn the key to position
3
to the stop and release immediately the engine has
started – do not depress the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
›
Release the handbrake.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Repeat
the start-up process after approx. half a minute.

Switching off the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 96.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key to position
1
» Fig. 86 on
page 97.

Brakes
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information for braking
98
Handbrake
99WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switched
off – there is the risk of an accident.■
The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with manual
transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. If you fail to do so, the functionality of the brake servo can be impaired – there is the risk of an
accident.WARNING (Continued)■ 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. The front
brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the functioning of
the braking system – there is a risk of an 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 – there is the risk of an accident.
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 104.■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.

Information for braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 98.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system consid-
ers 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 automatically after accelerating
or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance down a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be comple-
ted intermittently, not continuously.
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. 
98Driving

Manual gear changingFig. 88
Shift pattern of the 5-speed
manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 99.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear on the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 13.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni- tion is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – there is the risk of an accident.
CAUTION
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshiftlever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mecha-
nism to wear excessively.
Pedals
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 99.
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two correspond- ing attachment points, may be used.
Only use factory-supplied footmats or footmats from the range of ŠKODAOriginal Accessories, which are fitted to two attachment points.
WARNINGNo objects are allowed in the driver's footwell – there is a risk of obstructing
or restriction pedal operation.

Automatic transmission
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Modes and use of selector lever
101
Manual gear shifting (Tiptronic)
102
Starting-off and driving
102
Malfunction
103
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
103WARNING■ Do not depress the accelerator if the forward driving mode is changed when
the vehicle is halted and the engine is running – there is a risk of an accident.■
Never shift the selector lever to R or P modes when driving – there is a risk
of an accident.
■
The vehicle must be held on the brake pedal in D, S or R modes if the vehicle
is halted and the engine is running. Even when the engine is idling, power
transmission is never completely interrupted – the vehicle will creep. 
100Driving

CAUTION■If the selector lever is shifted to N while the vehicle is being driven you must lift
off the accelerator pedal and you will need to wait until the engine has reached
its idling speed before shifting the selector lever to a forward driving mode again.■
At temperatures below -10 °C, the engine can only be started in selector lever
position P.
■
Never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator pedal when stopping on a hill
– this may lead to transmission damage.
Note
The ignition key can only be withdrawn once the ignition has been switched off if
the selector lever is in the P position 1)
.
Modes and use of selector lever
Fig. 89
Selector lever /MAXI DOT display: Selector lever positions
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 100.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the gear currently selec-
ted are indicated in the display
1
» Fig. 89 .
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 89.
P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
Parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.R
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is at idling speed.
Depress the brake pedal and simultaneously press the shiftlock in the selector
lever grip before shifting to R from P or N.
N
- Neutral
Power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
D
- Mode for forwards travel (normal programme)
In mode D, the forward gears are automatically changed according to the engine
load, accelerator pedal actuation and driving speed.
S
- Mode for forwards travel (sports programme)
In mode S, the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher en-
gine speeds than in mode D.
The shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selec-
tor lever out of D mode into S mode.
Releasing selector lever from P or N modes (selector lever lock) The selector lever is locked in the P and N modes to prevent the forwards travel
mode from being selected accidentally and setting the vehicle in motion. The 
warning light lights up in the instrument cluster » page 27.
The selector lever is released by depressing the brake pedal while simultaneously
pressing the locking button in the selection lever grip.
The selector lever is not locked when shifted quickly through N (e.g. from R to D).
This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck, e.g. in a bank of snow.
The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in position N for more than ap-
proximately 2 seconds without the brake pedal being depressed.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds up to 5 km/h.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P
to mode D or vice versa, move
the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being selected acci-
dentally.1)
Only valid for some countries.
101Starting-off and Driving

Manual gear shifting (Tiptronic)Fig. 90
Selector lever/multi-function steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 100.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lever or
multifunction steering wheel. This mode can be selected both while halted and
while driving.
The gear currently selected is indicated in the display
1
» Fig. 89 on page 101.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 13.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the gear selector from position D towards the right, or left in a right-hand
drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears
›
Press the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 90 .
›
Pull the right-hand paddle +
» Fig. 90 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Shifting down gears
›
Press the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 90 .
›
Pull the left-hand paddle -
» Fig. 90 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual gear shifting in mode D or S
›
Pull one of the -/+ paddles
» Fig. 90 briefly towards the steering wheel .
Manual gear shifting is deactivated if more than 1 minute passes after either of
the -
/+ paddles was pulled. The temporary switch to manual gear shifting can
also be deactivated by pulling the right-hand + paddle towards the steering
wheel for more than 1 second.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no riskof the engine overrevving.
Note
It may be advantageous to use manual gear shifting when driving downhill, for
example. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and hence brake wear » page 98 , Information for braking .
Starting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 100.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press and hold the shiftlock button on the selector lever grip.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 101 and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Parking
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Press and hold the shiftlock button on the selector lever grip.
›
Move the selector lever to the P position and then release the shiftlock button.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve maximum acceleration by your vehi-
cle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in any forward driving mode. 
102Driving

The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed andengine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has reached
its maximum revolutions for this gear range.WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of control of
the vehicle – there is a risk of an accident.

Malfunction
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 100.
Emergency programme
The transmission switches to the emergency programme if there is a fault in the
automatic gearbox system.
Indications of an activated emergency programme include the following:
› Only certain gears are selected.
› Reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
Gearbox overheating
The gearbox may, for example, become too hot due to frequent repeated starting
or stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning light » page 19, 
Clutches in the automatic gearbox are too hot .
Note
Visit a specialist workshop if the gearbox has switched to the emergency pro-
gramme.
Selector lever-emergency unlockingFig. 91
Selector lever-emergency un-
locking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 100.
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever emergency unlocking procedure is as follows.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Carefully pull up the front left and right cover.
›
Pull up rear cover.
›
Use a finger to press the yellow plastic part in the direction of the ar- row » Fig. 91 .
›
At the same time, press the locking button in the selector lever and move the
selector lever to N.
The selector lever will be locked once more if it is moved again to P.

Running in

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
New engine
104
New tyres
104
New brake pads
104
103Starting-off and Driving

New engineFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 103.
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.Up to 1 000 kilometres
›
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
The red scale on the rev counter indicates the range in which the system beginsto limit the engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of
running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period. On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the next
gear when the red area is reached. Observe the recommended gear » page 13,
Recommended gear . Very high engine speeds when accelerating (accelerator) are
automatically restricted »
.
In vehicles with manual transmission, do not drive at unnecessarily low engine
speeds. Shift down a gear when the engine is no longer running smoothly. Ob-
serve the recommended gear » page 13, Recommended gear .
CAUTION
■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in a sudden increase in revs beyond the
permissible maximum rpm and hence engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in in-
dividual gears.
For the sake of the environmentDo not drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds. Shifting up sooner helps save
fuel, reduces engine noise and protects the environment.
New tyres
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 103.
New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive
especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.

New brake pads
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 103.
New brake pads initially do not provide optimal braking performance. They firstneed to be “run in”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.

Economical driving and respect the environment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving with anticipation
105
Economical gear changing.
105
Avoiding full throttle
106
Reducing idling
106
Avoiding short distances
106
Checking tyre pressure
106
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
107
Regular maintenance
107
Saving electrical energy
107
Environmental compatibility
107

104Driving

The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order tomake best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and the wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depend essentially on the following three factors.
› Your personal driving style
› Operating conditions
› Technical requirements
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 -15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The optimal engine speed should be maintained when accelerating, to avoid a
high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature.
Driving with anticipation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 104.
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving,
less braking and consequently less accelerating are required.
If possible, let your vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set of traffic lights is on red, for example.

Economical gear changing.Fig. 92
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 104.
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approximately 2000 rpm.
An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe the
recommended gear » page 13, Recommended gear .
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 92.
Automatic gearbox › Depress the accelerator pedal
slowly. However, do not depress it as far as the
kickdown position » page 102.
› An economic driving programme is automatically selected if the accelerator ped-
al is only depressed slowly.

105Starting-off and Driving