2013 SKODA FABIA engine

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

Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Steering
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position
95
Power steering
95WARNING■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure your arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.■
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
■
Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance
1
» Fig. 85 on page 95
between the steering wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm. Not maintaining
this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you - there is a risk that you could be killed.
■
If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.

Adjusting the steering wheel positionFig. 85
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering column/safe
distance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 95.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat » page 54, Front seats .
›
Pull the lever below the steering wheel down » Fig. 85 - 
.
›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
›
Push the lever upwards to the stop.
WARNINGThe lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked while you are driv- ing so that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change duringthe journey – there is the risk of an accident.

Power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 95.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The power steering only works when the engine is running. 
95Starting-off and Driving

It is still fully possible to steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-gine is not running (e.g. when towing). However, greater physical effort is re-
quired to turn the steering wheel.
CAUTION
You will place great stresses on the power steering system if the steering is
turned to full lock when the vehicle is stationary. Turning the steering to full lock
in such a situation will be accompanied by noises. Never leave the steering wheel at full lock for more than 15 seconds when the engine is running - there is a risk of
damaging the power steering.
Starting and stopping the engine
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobilizer
97
Ignition lock
97
Starting the engine
97
Switching off the engine
98
The engine can only be started using a correctly coded original key. The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time afterstarting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ When the vehicle is travelling with the engine off, the ignition key must al-
ways be in position 2 » Fig. 86 on page 97 (ignition switched on). This posi-
tion is indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it
could result in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – there is the risk of
an accident.■
Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could lock – there is the risk of an accident.
WARNING (Continued)■ When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – there is the risk of an accident or injury.■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle has come to a halt – there is
the risk of an accident.
WARNING■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The en-
gine's exhaust gases also contain the odourless and colourless carbon mon-
oxide, a poisonous gas – risk of death. ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine can be damaged if the starter is activa-
ted when the engine is running 3
» Fig. 86 on page 97.
■
If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel
pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace, if necessary » page 192 or
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged.
■
Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start
aid » page 187 , Jump-starting .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and high engine loads until the engine
has yet reached its operating temperature – there is a risk of damaging the en-
gine.■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off. 
96Driving

For the sake of the environmentDo not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower.
Note
The radiator fan can intermittently continue to run for approximately 10 minutes
after the ignition has been switched off.
Electronic immobilizer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 96.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used. The MAXI DOT display shows the following:
Immobilizer active.

Ignition lock
Fig. 86
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lockFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 96.
Petrol engines » Fig. 86
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines » Fig. 86
Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked.
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and the key cannot be turned or can only be turned with
difficulty to position
2
» Fig. 86 , move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock.
Note
We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 96.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light 
lights up after the ignition has been switched on. Start the
engine once the 
warning light has gone out.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe- riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever to position P or
N and firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Switch on the ignition
2
» Fig. 86 on page 97. 

12312397Starting-off and Driving

›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

Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between services.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriately as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 20, 
Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Handbrake
Fig. 87
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 98.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Releasing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 87 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have
a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – there is a risk of an
accident.

Manual gear shifting and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
100
Pedals
100
99Starting-off and Driving

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