2013 SKODA FABIA fuel

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

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

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

General Maintenance
Car care
Service intervals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview of service intervals
145
Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
146
Variable service interval QI6
146
Information about the ŠKODA service
146
The Service Interval Display in the instrument cluster will remind you to have ev- ery service specified by the manufacturer at the right time so that you never for- get a service.
A timely and adequate performance of servicing works is one of the requirements for the settlement of possible warranty claims.
The completion of services can be verified through the confirmed service certifi-
cation and the corresponding receipts.
The service intervals are appropriate for normal operating conditions.
In case of difficult operating conditions, it is necessary to have some servicing
work performed before the date of the next service or between the service inter- vals stated. This applies mainly to the cleaning or the replacement of the air filter
insert in regions with heavy dust pollution as well as checking and replacing the
toothed belt, but also vehicles with diesel particle filter which can use the engine
oil more intensely.
These severe conditions are:
› fuel containing sulphur;
› frequent short trips;
› longer idling mode of the engine (e.g. taxi vehicles);
› operation in areas with heavy dust pollution;
› frequent trailer towing;
›
predominantly stop-and-go traffic as tends to occur in city driving, for example;
› operation predominantly during winter.
A service adviser at the specialist garage will tell you whether your vehicle's oper- ating conditions make it necessary for such work to be carried out between the
normal service intervals.
Different service charges may apply, depending on the scope of necessary works
as well as the model, features and condition of your vehicle.
Note
■ The customer is responsible for covering the cost of all services including
changing or replenishing the operating fluid, even during the warranty period, un-
less the ŠKODA AUTO a.s. warranty terms or other agreements state otherwise.■
You will be informed about the scope of the service with regard to a particular
service event by the specialist garage.

Overview of service intervals
Fig. 121
Vehicle data sticker: Service in-
terval
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 145.
The service interval specified by the manufacturer is indicated on the data stick-
er » Fig. 121 which is under the luggage compartment floor covering.
One of the following service intervals applies for your vehicle: › Fixed service interval QI1;
› Fixed service interval QI2;
› Fixed service interval QI3;
› Fixed service interval QI4;
› Variable service interval QI6.

145Car care

A vehicle must only be filled and topped up with the specified engine oil if it is
to be operated with a variable service interval.
If this engine oil is not available, the oil change is subject to a fixed service inter-
val. In this case, the vehicle must be changed to the fixed service interval.
Note
■
The corresponding motor oil specifications » page 164.■A specialist workshop is able to change the vehicle over from the variable serv-
ice interval to the fixed service interval, or from the fixed service interval to the variable service interval.

Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 145.
InspectionQI1 - QI4
First after 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every
30,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Every 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
(Applies to Rus-
sia).
Oil change service
QI1Every 5000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI2Every 7500 km or every 1 year a)
.QI3Every 10,000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI4After 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Brake fluid
change First change after 3 years, then every 2 years.a)
(Whichever comes first).
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then every
2 years. When the brake fluid becomes too old, vapour bubbles may form in
the brake system under heavy braking. The efficiency of the brakes could be
seriously affected – there is a risk of an accident.NoteThe engine oil change interval for operation using diesel fuels with a high sulphur
content will be every 7500 km. Please ask your specialist garage for information
on the countries where diesel fuel has a high sulphur content.
Variable service interval QI6
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 145.
The service intervals depend on how the vehicle is driven and the local conditions
in which the vehicle is used. For example, your vehicle is subjected to different
loads when driven over short distances than long distances. The service intervals
are also variable.
InspectionFirst after 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every 30,000 km or
every 1 year a)
.Oil change serviceAccording to the service interval display (at the latest after
30,000 km or every 2 years a)
).Brake fluid
changeFirst change after 3 years, then every 2 years.a)
(Whichever comes first).
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then every
2 years. When the brake fluid becomes too old, vapour bubbles may form in
the brake system under heavy braking. The efficiency of the brakes could be
seriously affected – there is a risk of an accident.

Information about the ŠKODA service
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 145.
There is an extensive servicing network of ŠKODA Service Partners at your dis-
posal to look after your vehicle. 
146General Maintenance

Inspecting and replenishing
Fuel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Refuelling
158
Unleaded petrol
159
Diesel fuel
160
The correct grades of fuel for your vehicle are stated on a sticker affixed to the
inside of the fuel filler flap » Fig. 122 on page 158 - 
.
WARNINGThe national legal requirements must be observed if carrying a spare canister
in the vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehi-
cle for safety reasons. In the event of an accident this could be damaged and
fuel could escape – there is a risk of fire.
CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and exhaust system.■
Immediately remove any fuel that has spilled onto the vehicle's paintwork –
there is a risk of paint damage.
■
If the vehicle was not purchased in the country in which it was intended to be
operated, you should check whether the fuel specified by the manufacturer is of-
fered in the country where the vehicle will be operated. You should also perhaps
check whether the manufacturer has recommended a different fuel for operation
of the vehicle in the country concerned. Is this not the case, then you must check
whether the manufacturer permits operation of the vehicle with another fuel
type.

RefuellingFig. 122
Right rear side of the vehicle: Fuel filler flap/fuel filler flap with cap
unscrewed
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 158.
Open fuel filler flap
›
Open the fuel filler flap with one hand » Fig. 122 - 
.
›
Hold the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube with one hand and unlock it by
moving it to the left with the vehicle key.
›
Unscrew the filler cap by turning it anticlockwise and clip the cap on the top ofthe fuel filler flap » Fig. 122 - 
.
Closing the filler cap
›
Turn the filler cap to the right until it clicks into place.
›
Hold the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube with one hand and lock it by turn- ing the vehicle key to the right and remove the key.
›
Close the filler cap.
CAUTION
■ Before refuelling it is necessary to switch off the auxiliary heating system (aux-
iliary heating and ventilation).■
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue filling the fuel tank otherwise the expansion volume is filled up. 158General Maintenance

NoteThe fuel tank has a capacity of about 45 litres, containing a reserve of approx.
7 litres .
Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 158.
Your vehicle can only be operated with unleaded petrol complying with EN 2281)
.
All petrol engines can be operated using petrol with a maximum of 10% bioetha-
nol (E10) .
Specified fuel - unleaded petrol 95/91 or 92 or 93 RON Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON. Unleaded petrol with the oc-
tane ratings 91, 92 or 93 RON can also be used, but may result in a slight loss in
performance.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol min. 95 RON
Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON or higher.
In an emergency, if unleaded petrol with an octane rating of 95 RON is not availa-
ble, you may refuel with petrol with an octane rating of 91, 92 or 93 RON »
.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol 98/(95) RON
Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 98 RON or higher. Unleaded petrol
95 RON can also be used but results in a slight loss in performance.
In an emergency, if unleaded petrol with an octane rating of 98 RON or 95 RON is
not available, you may refuel with petrol with an octane rating of 91 or 92 or 93
RON »
.
Fuel additives
Unleaded petrol complying with EN 228 1)
meets all the conditions for a smooth-
running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel additives are used. This
can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine or the exhaust system.
CAUTION■ Even filling the tank with leaded petrol that does not meet the standard once
can lead to serious damage to parts of the exhaust system.■
Do not start the engine or switch on the engine if you have refuelled in error
with a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies with the standards referred
to above (e.g. leaded petrol). Engine parts could be significantly damaged. We rec-
ommend that you have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ If, in an emergency, the vehicle has to be refuelled with petrol of a lower octane
number than the one prescribed, the journey must only be continued at medium
engine speeds and a low engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a high engine
load can severely damage the engine! Refuel using petrol of the prescribed oc-
tane number as soon as possible.■
Engine parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the one
prescribed is used.
■
Petrol of an octane rating lower than 91 RON must not be used, even in the
event of an emergency, otherwise the engine could be severely damaged.
CAUTION
■ In no case may fuel additives with metal components be used, especially not
with manganese and iron content. LRP(lead replacement petrol) fuels with metal-
lic constituents may not be used. There is a risk of causing considerable damage
to parts of the engine or exhaust system.■
Fuels with metallic constituents may not be used. There is a risk of causing con-
siderable damage to parts of the engine or exhaust system. 
1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane rating 95 or 91 or DIN 51626-2 or
E5 for unleaded petrol with octane rating 95 or 98.
159Inspecting and replenishing

Note■Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the en-
gine can be used without limitations.■
The use of petrol with an octane rating higher than 95 RON in does not result in
either a noticeable increase in power nor lower fuel consumption in vehicles for
which unleaded petrol 95/91, 92 or 93 RON is specified.
■
On vehicles using prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of petrol
with a higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and reduce
fuel consumption.

Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 158.
Your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel that meets the EN 5901)
stand-
ard.
All diesel engines can be operated using diesel fuel with a maximum of 7% bio-
diesel (B7)2)
.
Operation in winter - Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operate
properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuelsavailable have a different temperature characteristic. ŠKODA Partners and filling
stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with information re-
garding the diesel fuels available.
Diesel fuel additives
Additives, so-called “flow improvers ” (petrol and similar agents) should not be mixed with the diesel fuel. This can cause serious damage to engine or exhaust
system parts.
CAUTION■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!■
If a fuel other than diesel fuel complying with the standards referred to above
(e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the ignition.
Engine parts could be significantly damaged. We recommend that you have the
fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
CAUTION
■ Your vehicle cannot be operated with RME biofuel; you must therefore not fill
your vehicle or attempt to drive it with this fuel. The use of biofuel RME can cause
considerable damage to parts of the engine or fuel system.■
Additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar agents) should not be
mixed with the diesel fuel. This can cause serious damage to engine or exhaust system parts.

Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
162
Engine compartment overview
163
Radiator fan
163
Windscreen washer system
163WARNINGWhen working in the engine compartment, injuries, scalding, accident or fire
hazards may arise. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warning
instructions stated below and with the generally applicable rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. 1)
In Germany also DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590:2004.
2)
In Germany complying with standard DIN 52638, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
160General Maintenance