2013 SKODA FABIA airbag off

Table of Contents
Materials defect liability and ŠKODA warranty for
new cars5
Mobility warranty and ŠKODA extended
warranty
6
Abbreviations
Using the system
Cockpit
9
Overview
8
Instruments and Indicator Lights
10
Instrument cluster
10
Multifunction display (MFD)
13
Service Interval Display
16
MAXI DOT display
18
Warning lights
20
Unlocking and locking
28
Unlocking and locking
28
Central locking system
31
Remote control
34
Anti-theft alarm system
35
Tailgate
37
Electrical power windows
38
Electric sliding/tilting roof
40
Lights and visibility
43
Lights
43
Interior lights
48
Visibility
49
Windscreen wipers and washers
50
Rear window
53Seats and storage54Front seats54
Rear seats
56
Head restraints
57
Boot
58
Variable loading floor in the luggage
compartment (Fabia Estate)
62
Net partition (Fabia Estate)
64
Bicycle carrier in the luggage compartment
65
Roof rack system
67
Useful equipment
69
Storage compartments
72
Heating and air conditioning
77
Heating, ventilation, cooling
77
Heating
78
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system)
80
Climatronic (automatic air conditioningsystem)
83
Communication and multimedia
86
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II
86
Voice control
91
Multimedia
92
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
95
Steering
95
Starting and stopping the engine
96
Brakes
98
Manual gear shifting and pedals
99
Automatic transmission
100
Running in
103
Economical driving and respect the
environment
104
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
108
Driving abroad
109Assist systems111Brake assist systems111
Parking aid
113
Cruise control system
114
START-STOP
116
Towing a trailer
118
Towing device
118
Trailer
121
Safety
Passive Safety
124
General information
124
Correct seated position
125
Seat belts
128
Wearing seat belts
128
Inertia reel and belt pretensioners
131
Airbag system
133
Description of the airbag system
133
Airbag overview
134
Deactivating airbags
137
Transporting children safely
140
Child seat
140
Fastening systems
143
General Maintenance
Car care
145
Service intervals
145
Services, modifications and technical
alterations
147
Washing the car
150
Vehicle exterior care
151
Care of the interior
1553Table of Contents

Note■Warning messages shown in the MAXI DOT display must be confirmed with but-
ton B » Fig. 7 on page 18 to call up the main menu.■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indi-
cated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver.

Warning lights
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
20
 Brake system
20
 Seat belt warning light
21

Alternator
21
 Door open
21
 
Engine oil
21
 
Coolant
22
 Power steering
23

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
23
 Traction Control System (ASR)
23
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
24
 The rear fog light
24
 Bulb failure
24
 Exhaust inspection system
24
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
24
 ECU fault light (petrol engine)
25
 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
25
 Fuel reserve
25
 Airbag system
26

Tyre pressure
26
 Windscreen washer fluid level
26
 Traction control (TCS) switched off
26
 
Turn signal system
26
 Low beam
27 Fog lights27 Cruise control system27
 Selector lever lock
27
 Main beam
27
The warning lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
WARNING■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, this may result in severe injuries or major vehicle
damage.■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes » page 160, Engine compartment .

 Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light 
comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than
6 km/h.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Release parking brake!

 Brake system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The 
indicator light comes on if the brake fluid level in the braking system is too
low or there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Brake fluid: Read manual. 
20Using the system

 Airbag systemFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the airbag system.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Fault: Airbag
The operational capability of the airbag system is monitored electronically, even if one of the airbags is switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using the vehicle system tester:
› The

warning light comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition is switch-
ed on and then flashes for approximately another 12 seconds at 2 second inter-
vals.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated.
If the front passenger's front airbag was switched off using the key-operated
switch on the side of the dash panel on the passenger side:
› The

warning light comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the light-
ing up of the yellow indicator light in display 




» page 138 .
WARNINGIf there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist
garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the
event of an accident.

 Tyre pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light 
lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres.
The  warning light coming on indicates a fault in the system.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Further information » page 176, Tyre pressure monitor .
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  illuminates after the ig-
nition is switched on. The warning light should go out after driving a short dis-
tance.
 Windscreen washer fluid level
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light 
comes on.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Top up wash fluid!
Top up with liquid » page 163.

 Traction control (TCS) switched off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
The ASR is switched off by pressing the button » page 112 and the warning light
 illuminates.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Traction control (ASR) deactivated.

  Turn signal system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
Either the left 
or right 
warning light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever. 
26Using the system

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

Rear window heatingFig. 31
Button for rear window heater
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 49.
›
The rear window heater is switched on or off by pressing the 
button » Fig. 31 ,
the warning light in the switch comes on or goes out.
The rear window heater can only be switched on when the engine is running.
The rear window heater switches off automatically after approximately 7 mi-
nutes.
For the sake of the environment
The heating should be switched off as soon as the window is de-iced or free from
mist. The reduced current consumption will have a favourable effect on fuel econ-
omy » page 107 , Saving electrical energy .
Note
If the on-board voltage drops, the rear window heater switches off automatically,
in order to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine control » page 172,
Automatic load deactivation .
Sun visorsFig. 32
Sun visor: swivelling out
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 49.
The sun visor for the driver or front passenger can be pulled out of the fixture and
swivelled towards the door in the direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 32 .
The vanity mirrors in the sun visors are provided with covers. Push the cover in the direction of the arrow
2
.
The purpose of the strap
A
is to store small, light objects, such as a notepad, etc.
WARNINGThe sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the deploy-
ment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens, etc. are attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head air-
bag is deployed.

Windscreen wipers and washers
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Windscreen wiper and washer
51
Headlight cleaning system
52
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades
52
Replacing the rear window wiper blade
52

50Using the system

›Press the locking button in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 42 -  and pull the
head restraint out.›
To re-insert the head restraint, push it far enough down into the seat backrest until the locking button clicks into place.
Best protection is achieved if the top edge of the head restraint is at the same
level as the upper part of your head.
The head restraints must be adjusted to match the size of the seat occupant. Cor-rectly adjusted head restraints together with the seat belts offer effective protec-
tion for the occupants » page 125.
WARNING■
The head restraints must be correctly adjusted in order to offer effective
protection for the occupants in the event of an accident.■
Never drive with the head restraints removed - there is a risk of injury.
■
If the rear seats are occupied, the rear head restraint must not be in the
lower position.

Storing the head restraints in the seat squabs
Fig. 43
Rear seats: Inserting head re-
straints in the seat cushions
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 57.
The rear head restraints can be inserted into the corresponding holes in the fol-
ded seat squabs » Fig. 43.

Boot
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Class N1 vehicles
59
Fastening elements
59
Folding hooks
60
Fixing nets
60
Boot cover
61
Further positions of the luggage compartment cover
61
Retractable luggage compartment cover (Fabia Estate)
62
Please observe the following for the purpose of maintaining good handling char-
acteristics of your vehicle:
›
Distribute loads as evenly as possible.
›
Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.
›
Attach the items of luggage to the lashing eyes or using the fixing net » page 59 .
In the event of an accident, even small and light objects gain so much kinetic en-
ergy that they can cause severe injuries.
The magnitude of the kinetic energy is dependent on the speed at which the ve-
hicle is travelling and the weight of the object.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, an object
weighing 4.5 kg produces energy corresponding to 20 times its own weight. This
means that it results in a weight of approx. 90 kg “ ”.
WARNING■ Store the objects in the boot and attach them to the lashing eyes.■Loose objects can be thrown forward during a sudden manoeuvre or in case
of an accident and can injure the occupants or other road users.■
Loose objects could hit a deployed airbag and injure occupants – there is a
risk of death. 
58Using the system

WARNING■Improper use of the 12-volt power socket and the electrical accessories can
cause fires, burns and other serious injuries.■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The 12-volt power socket
and any connected appliances can also be operated when the ignition is switched off or the ignition key is withdrawn.
■
If the connected electric device becomes too hot, switch it off and discon-
nect it from the power supply immediately.
CAUTION
■ The 12-volt power socket can only be used for connecting approved electrical
accessories with a total power uptake of up to 120 watt.■
Never exceed the maximum power consumption, otherwise the vehicle's elec-
trical system can be damaged.
■
Connecting electrical components when the engine is not running will drain the
battery of the vehicle – there is a risk of the battery discharging.
■
Only use matching plugs to avoid damaging the 12-volt power socket.
■
Only use accessories that have been tested for electromagnetic compatibility in
accordance with the applicable directives.
■
Before turning the ignition on or off, and before starting the car, switch off the
device connected to the 12-volt power socket to prevent any damage caused by
voltage fluctuations.
■
Observe the operating instructions for the connected devices!

Clothes hook
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 69.
The clothes hooks are located on the handle of the headliner above each of the
rear doors.
WARNING■ Ensure that any clothes hanging from the hooks do not impair your vision to
the rear.■
Only use the hooks for hanging light items of clothing and ensure that there
are no heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets.
■
Do not use clothes hangers for hanging up items of clothing otherwise this
may reduce the effectiveness of head airbags.
CAUTION
The maximum permissible load of the hooks is 2 kg.
Car park ticket holder
Fig. 65
Windscreen: Parking ticket hold-
er
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
The note holder is designed e.g. for attaching car park tickets.
WARNINGThe attached note has to always be removed before starting off in order not
to restrict the driver's vision.

71Seats and storage

Communication and multimedia
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems
86
Introductory information
86
Phone Phonebook
87
Operating the phone on the multifunction steering wheel
87
Inserting the mobile phone and adapter
88
Managing telephone calls with the help of the adapter
89
Connecting the mobile phone to the hands-free system
89
Symbols in the MAXI DOT display
90
Telephone operation in the MAXI DOT display
90
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 86.
ŠKODA permits the operation of mobile phones and two-way radio systems with
a professionally installed external aerial and a maximum transmission power of
up to 10 watts.
Please consult a ŠKODA Partner for information about the possibility of installing
and operating mobile phones and two-way radio systems with a transmission
power of more than 10 W.
Operating mobile phones or two-way radio systems may interfere with the func-tionality of the electronic systems in your vehicle.
The possible reasons for this are. › no external aerial.
› external aerial incorrectly installed.
› transmission power greater than 10 watts.
WARNING■
Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for road safety. Use the telephone system only to such an extent that you are in full control of your vehicle at any time.■
The national regulations for using a mobile phone in a vehicle must be ob-
served.
■
If a mobile phone or a two-way radio system is operated in a vehicle without
an external aerial or an external aerial which has been installed incorrectly,
this can increase the strength of the electromagnetic field inside the vehicle.
■
Two-way radio systems, mobile phones or mounts must not be installed on
airbag covers or within the immediate deployment range of the airbags.
■
Never leave a mobile phone on a seat, on the dash panel or in another area,
from which it can be thrown during a sudden braking manoeuvre, an accident
or a collision - risk of injury.
■
The Bluetooth ®
function must be switched off by a specialist workshop be-
fore the vehicle is transported by air.
Note
■ We recommend that mobile phones and two-way radio systems be installed in
the a vehicle by a specialist workshop.■
Not all mobile phones that enable Bluetooth ®
communication are compatible
with the universal telephone preinstallation GSM II. You can ask a ŠKODA Partner
whether your telephone is compatible with the GSM II universal telephone fitting.
■
The range of the Bluetooth ®
connection to the hands-free system is restricted
to the vehicle interior. The range is dependent on local factors, e.g. obstacles be-
tween the devices and mutual interferences with other devices. If your mobile
phone is in a jacket pocket, for example, this can lead to difficulties when estab-
lishing a connection with the hands-free-system or transferring data.

Introductory information
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 86.
The universal telephone preinstallation GSM II (hands-free system) includes a
convenience mode for the mobile phone via voice control, the multifunction
steering wheel, the adapter, radio or the navigation system. 
86Using the system