2013 SKODA FABIA key

›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

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

Lock cap
Release pin
Key
Locking ball
Note
■ The tool for removing the wheel trim is part of the vehicle tool kit » page 181 .■If you lose the key, please get in touch with a specialist garage.

Adjusting the ready position
Fig. 102
Setting the ready position/ready position
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 118.
Always adjust the ball head in the ready position before fitting.
›
Turn the key so that its red mark
1
» Fig. 102 is visible.
›
Grip the ball head below the protective cap
2
.
›
Press the release pin
3
as far as the stop in the direction of the arrow - at the
same time push the lever
4
downwards as far as it will go in the direction of
the arrow.
The lever remains locked in this position.
CAUTION
In the ready position, the key cannot be removed nor turned to a different posi-
tion.891011
Fitting the ball headFig. 103
Insert the ball head/lock the lock, and put the lock cover on
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 118.
›
Remove the cover in the rear bumper
2
» Fig. 100 on page 118 in the direction
of the arrow using the tool for removing the wheel trims.
›
Pull off the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 100 on page 118 in the direc-
tion of the arrow » .
›
Adjust the ball head to the ready position » page 119.
›
Grip the tow bar from underneath » Fig. 103 and insert into the mounting re-
cess until you hear it click into place » .
Lever
1
» Fig. 103 automatically turns upwards and the release pin
2
pops out
(its red and green parts are visible) » .
If the lever
1
does not turn automatically, or if the release pin
2
does not pop
out, remove the ball head from the mounting recess by turning the lever down-
wards as far as it can go. Clean the tapered surfaces on the ball head and the
mounting recess.
›
Lock the lock on the operating lever by turning the key by 180° to the right (see
green marking
3
is visible) and remove the key in the direction of the arrow.
›
Push cap
4
» Fig. 103 onto the lock in the direction of the arrow » .
›
Check the ball head for secure mounting » page 120. 
119Towing a trailer

WARNING■Carefully remove the cap for the mounting recess - there is a risk of hand
injury.■
Keep your hands outside the lever's range of motion when attaching the ball
head – there is a risk of finger injury.
■
Never attempt to pull the operating lever upwards forcibly to turn the key.
Doing so would mean the ball head is not attached correctly.
CAUTION
■ After removing the key, always replace the cap on the lock of the operating lev-
er – there is a risk of dirt getting into the lock.■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing equipment clean at all times. Such dirt
prevents the ball head from being attached securely.
■
After removing the ball head, always place the cap on the mounting recess.
■
Remove the cover from the rear bumper with care - there is a risk of paint dam-
age to the bumper and the cap.
Note
Store cover 2 and cover 4 » Fig. 100 on page 118 in a suitable place in the lug-
gage compartment after removing them.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 104
Check that the ball head is fitted
properly
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 118.
Check that the ball head is fitted properly each time before use.
Check the following points.
Lever 1
is up as far as it goes » Fig. 104.
The release pin
2
is completely exposed (both its red and green parts are
visible).
The key is removed.
The cap
3
is on the lock of the operating lever.
The ball head does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.
WARNINGDo not use the towing equipment unless the ball head was properly locked.

Removing the ball head
Fig. 105
Unlock the operating lever of the ball head/removing the ball head
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 118.
›
Remove the cap
1
» Fig. 105 from the lock on the tow bar in the direction of
the arrow.
›
Unlock the lock on the operating lever by turning the key 180° to the left so that
the red marking
2
becomes visible.
›
Grasp the ball head from underneath.
›
Press the release pin
3
as far as the stop in the direction of the arrow - at the
same time push the lever
4
downwards as far as it will go in the direction of
the arrow. 
120Driving

The ball head is released in this position and falls freely into the hand. If it does
not fall freely into the hand, use your other hand to push it upwards.
At the same time, the ball head latches into the ready position and is thus readyto be re-inserted into the mounting recess »
.
›
Fit the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 100 on page 118 in the opposite
direction to the arrow.
›
Offer up the cap to the rear bumper
2
» Fig. 100 on page 118 aligning it with
“check mark” in the lower bumper area.
›
Push the cap in first on the left and right and then at the top.
WARNINGNever allow the ball head to remain unsecured in the boot. This could cause damage in a sudden braking manoeuvre and put the safety of the occupantsat risk.
CAUTION
■ If the lever is held firm and not pushed downwards as far as it can go, it will go
back up after the ball head is removed and will not latch into the ready position.
The ball head then needs to be brought into this position before the next time it
is fitted.■
Stow the ball head in the ready position with the key inserted in the box. When
doing so, make the side opposite to the inserted key face downwards – there is a
risk of damaging the key.
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not step
on it).
Note
■ We recommend that you put the protective cap on the ball before removing the
ball head.■
Clean any dirt from the ball head before stowing it away in the box with the ve-
hicle tool kit.

Use and care
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 118.
Close the mounting recess with the cap to prevent any ingress of dirt.
Always check the ball head before hitching a trailer. Apply a suitable grease where necessary.
Fit the protective cap when stowing away the ball head to protect the luggage
compartment against dirt.
In the event of dirt, clean the surfaces of the mounting recess and treat with a
suitable preservative.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the upper part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not re-
move any grease.
Trailer
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Loading a trailer
121
Towing a trailer
122
Anti-theft alarm system
123WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.

Loading a trailer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 121.
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum permis-
sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping. 
121Towing a trailer

Note■After coupling the trailer and connecting up the power socket, check the rear
lights on the trailer to ensure they work.■
If there is an error in the trailer lighting system, check the fuses in the fuse box
in the dashboard » page 193.
■
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your car inspected between
service intervals.
■
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be applied when coupling and un-
coupling the trailer.

Anti-theft alarm system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 121.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated as soon as the electrical con- nection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or uncou- pled » page 35 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towingequipment.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional. The vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system isactivated.
Note
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the an-
ti-theft alarm system.
123Towing a trailer

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

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
System description
133
Airbag deployment
133WARNING■ An airbag can only offer you optimal protection in combination with a fas-
tened seat belt.■
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
complete passive vehicle safety concept.
■
To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size » page 125, Correct seated position .
■
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for the airbag system.■If there is a fault, the airbag system must be checked by a specialist garage
immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the
event of an accident.■
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
■
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■
It is prohibited to tamper with individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
■
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.

System description
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 133.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the  indicator light in
the instrument cluster » page 26.
When the airbags are deployed they fill with gas and inflate.
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated. This
is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
The airbag system consists – depending on the vehicle equipment – of thefollowing modules.
› Electronic control unit.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger
» page 135.
› Side airbags
» page 136.
› Head airbags
» page 137.
› Airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster
» page 26.
› Key switch for the front passenger airbag
» page 138.
› Warning light for front passenger airbag deactivation in dash panel cen-
tre » page 138 .
Note
■
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.■If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the new
owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of deactivating
the front passenger airbag must be included!■
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to com-
ply with the national legal requirements.

Airbag deployment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 133.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer that additional protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on. 
133Airbag system