2013 SKODA FABIA warning light

›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

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

Driving through water on streetsFig. 95
Driving through water
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 108.
The following instructions must be observed if vehicle damage is to be avoided
when driving through water (e.g. flooded roads).
›
Determine the depth of the water before driving through it.
The water level must not reach above the web of the lower sill » Fig. 95.
›
Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.
At a higher speed, a water wave can form in front of the vehicle, which can cause
water to penetrate into the engine's air intake system or other parts of the vehi- cle.
›
Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.
›
Deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through water » page 116,
START-STOP .
WARNING■
Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power and
extend the braking distance – there is the risk of an accident.■
Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■
After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and dried
as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for the pur-
pose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this.
Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
CAUTION■ When driving through water, some parts of the vehicle such as the engine,
gearbox, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permissible
water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water making it difficult or im-
possible to drive through the body of water.
■
Do not drive through salt water. The salt can lead to corrosion. Any vehicle parts
that have come into contact with salt water must be rinsed immediately with
fresh water.
Note
We recommend that the vehicle is checked by a specialist garage after it has been
driven through water.
Driving abroad
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unleaded petrol
109
Headlights
110
In certain countries, it may be possible that the ŠKODA service partner network is
limited or has not been established. This is the reason why procuring certain
spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garages may only be
able to make limited repairs.

Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 109.
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded pet-
rol » page 159 , Unleaded petrol . Information regarding the locations of filling
stations that offer unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the automobile
associations.

109Starting-off and Driving

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

Hill hold control (HHC)
HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal
without having to use the handbrake when pulling away on a gradient.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake
pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator pedal. Ifthe vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
HHC is active on slopes of >5 % when the driver door is closed. HHC is always only
active on slopes pulling away forwards or in reverse. When driving downhill, it is inactive.
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 111.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not pump the brakes or lift off the brake pedal.

Traction Control System (ASR)
Fig. 96
TCS buttonFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 111.
If the wheels are slipping, the ASR system adapts the engine speed to the condi-
tions of the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate
and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
The ASR function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. Only in certain exceptional circum-
stances can it be sensible to switch the system off, for instance:
› when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to “rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.
You can switch TCS off and on again as needed by pressing the 
button » Fig. 96 .
The 
warning light comes on in the instrument cluster when the TCS is deactiva-
ted.
The TCS warning light 
» page 26 lights up in the instrument cluster when there
is a fault on the TCS.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 111.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and
transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
EDL switches off automatically to avoid excessive heat generation on the brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the
same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again
automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down. 

112Driving