2013 SKODA FABIA maintenance

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

Materials defect liability and ŠKODAwarranty for new cars
Materials defect liability
Your ŠKODA partner, as a vendor, is liable to you for defects in your new ŠKODA
car, ŠKODA Genuine Parts or ŠKODA Genuine Accessories in accordance with stat-
utory regulations and the purchase agreement.
ŠKODA warranty for new cars
As well as the materials defect liability, ŠKODA AUTO a.s. grants you the ŠKODA warranty for new cars (hereafter referred to as “ŠKODA warranty),” according to
the terms described below.
As part of the ŠKODA warranty, ŠKODA AUTO a.s. will guarantee the following
services:
› Repair of damage to your vehicle that occurs within two years from the start of
the ŠKODA warranty;
› Repair of paint damage to your vehicle that occurs within three years from the
start of the ŠKODA warranty;
› Repair of rust perforation to the bodywork of your vehicle that occurs within
twelve years from the start of the warranty. Only rust perforation from the in- side to the outside of body panels is considered to be rust perforation of the
bodywork and is covered by the ŠKODA warranty.
The start of the warranty is the date on which the original purchaser acquires the vehicle upon purchasing it from the ŠKODA partner or the date of first registra-
tion. Whichever occurs first and is accordingly recorded by the ŠKODA partner in
the service schedule is the applicable date.
Defects may be remedied by replacement or repair of the defective part. Replacedparts become the property of the ŠKODA service partner.
There are no other entitlements arising from the ŠKODA warranty. In particular,
there are no entitlements to replacement, cancellation, provision of a courtesy
vehicle for the duration of repairs or compensation for loss.
If your ŠKODA vehicle was purchased from a ŠKODA partner in a country withinthe European Economic Area (i.e. the countries of the European Union, Norway,
Iceland and Liechtenstein) or in Switzerland, claims arising from the ŠKODA war-
ranty must also be made through a ŠKODA service partner in one of these coun-
tries.If your ŠKODA vehicle has been purchased from a ŠKODA partner outside the Eu-
ropean Economic Area and Switzerland, claims arising from the ŠKODA warranty
must also be made through a ŠKODA service partner outside the European Eco-
nomic Area and Switzerland.
One of the conditions for the assertion of the ŠKODA warranty is that all service operations have been carried out works in a timely and adequate manner and in
accordance with the manufacturer's provisions. You must prove that service oper-
ations have been carried out properly and in accordance with the manufacturer's
provisions when asserting a claim under the ŠKODA warranty. Where a service
has been missed or not carried out according to the manufacturer's provisions,
you may still be entitled to warranty claims as long as you can prove that the
missed service or the failure to carry out a service according to the manufactur-
er's provisions was not the cause of the defect.
Natural wear and tear of your vehicle is not covered by the ŠKODA warranty. The
ŠKODA warranty also does not cover defects to bodywork, installations and con-
versions provided by third-parties, nor vehicle defects caused by these. The same
is true for accessories which are not factory installed and/or supplied.
In addition, this warranty does not apply if the defect was caused by one of thefollowing:
› unauthorized use, improper handling (e.g. use in motorsport competitions or
overloading), improper care and maintenance, or unapproved modification to
your vehicle;
› non-compliance with provisions in the service schedule and the Owner's manual
or other factory-supplied instructions;
› external causes or influences (e.g. accidents, hail, flooding, etc.);
› parts fitted or installed on the vehicle the use of which is not approved by
ŠKODA AUTO a.s., or modification of the vehicle in a manner not approved by
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. (e.g. tuning);
› damage caused by you which was not immediately seen to by specialist garage
or was not fixed properly.
It is the customer's responsibility to prove that it was not the cause.
This ŠKODA warranty does not affect the purchaser's statutory rights arising from
liability for defects by the vehicle vendor and other potential claims under product liability laws.
5Materials defect liability and ŠKODA warranty for new cars

New engineFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 103.
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.Up to 1 000 kilometres
›
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
The red scale on the rev counter indicates the range in which the system beginsto limit the engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of
running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period. On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the next
gear when the red area is reached. Observe the recommended gear » page 13,
Recommended gear . Very high engine speeds when accelerating (accelerator) are
automatically restricted »
.
In vehicles with manual transmission, do not drive at unnecessarily low engine
speeds. Shift down a gear when the engine is no longer running smoothly. Ob-
serve the recommended gear » page 13, Recommended gear .
CAUTION
■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in a sudden increase in revs beyond the
permissible maximum rpm and hence engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in in-
dividual gears.
For the sake of the environmentDo not drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds. Shifting up sooner helps save
fuel, reduces engine noise and protects the environment.
New tyres
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 103.
New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive
especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.

New brake pads
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 103.
New brake pads initially do not provide optimal braking performance. They firstneed to be “run in”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.

Economical driving and respect the environment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving with anticipation
105
Economical gear changing.
105
Avoiding full throttle
106
Reducing idling
106
Avoiding short distances
106
Checking tyre pressure
106
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
107
Regular maintenance
107
Saving electrical energy
107
Environmental compatibility
107

104Driving

Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct. If the pressure is too low, the
tyres will have to overcome a higher rolling resistance. This will not only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold.
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 104.
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. Therefore, we rec-
ommend that you carry no unnecessary weight.
It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the ve-
hicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule of
thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an increase in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
At a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member with-
out a load will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased aero- dynamic drag.

Regular maintenance
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 104.
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
By having your vehicle regularly maintained by a specialist garage, you create theconditions needed for driving economically. The maintenance state of your vehi-
cle has a positive effect on traffic safety and value retention
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher than normal.
Check the oil level at regular intervals, e.g. when refuelling. Oil consumption is
dependent to a considerable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil con-
sumption could be as high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of driv-
ing.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and rea-
ches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. The oil consumption of a
new vehicle can therefore only be correctly assessed after driving about 5 000 km.
For the sake of the environment
■ Additional improvements to the fuel economy can be made by using synthetic
high-lubricity oils.■
Regularly check the ground under the vehicle. Have your vehicle inspected by a
specialist garage if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the ground.
Note
We recommend that your vehicle is serviced on a regular basis by a ŠKODA Serv-
ice Partner.
Saving electrical energy
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 104.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical pow-
er. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on, more
fuel is needed to operate the alternator. We therefore recommend switching off
electrical components if these are no longer required.

Environmental compatibility
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 104.
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection of mate- rials, and manufacture of your new ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been placed
on the following points.
Design measures › Joints designed to be easily detached.
› Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system.
› Improved purity of different classes of materials.
› Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260.
› Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO
2.

107Starting-off and Driving

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

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

Legally required inspectionsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 147.
Many countries have legislation which requires that the reliability and roadworthi-
ness and/or exhaust gas composition of a vehicle must be tested at specific inter- vals. These tests can be carried out by workshops or inspection stations thathave been legally authorized for this purpose.
The ŠKODA Service Partners are familiar with the inspection required by the lawand will prepare the vehicle for the inspections as part of the service operation at
the customer's discretion, or will have the inspection carried out. The specialist
garages can carry out the inspections required directly if requested by the cus-
tomer, if they are accredited for such a procedure. This saves you time and mon-
ey.
Even if you want to take your vehicle to an officially approved inspection centre
for prior checking in preparation of a legally required inspection, we recommend
that you first consult the service adviser at your ŠKODA Service Partner.
The service adviser will tell you which areas you should attend to, in his view, so
that your vehicle will pass the technical inspection without any problems. In this
way, you can avoid additional expense of a possible re-inspection.

ŠKODA Service Partners
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 147.
ŠKODA Service Partners are equipped with modern, specially developed tools and
equipment. Here, well-trained specialists have a comprehensive range of ŠKODA
Original Parts and ŠKODA Original Accessories at their disposal when carrying out
modifications, repairs or technical changes.
All ŠKODA Service Partners work according to the latest guidelines and instruc-
tions issued by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. All service and repairs are therefore completed
on time and to the appropriate quality. Compliance with these guidelines and in-
structions is in the interest of the roadworthiness and technical condition of your
vehicle.
ŠKODA Service Partners are thus properly prepared to service your vehicle and to
provide quality workmanship. We therefore advise you to have all modifications,
repairs and technical alterations to your vehicle carried out by a ŠKODA Service Partner.
ŠKODA Original Parts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 147.
We recommend the use of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for your vehicle, since these parts are approved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. They correspond exactly to ŠKODA AUTO
a.s. specifications in respect of design, dimensional accuracy and material and are
identical to the components used in the batch production.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. can guarantee the safety, suitability, and long life of these prod-
ucts. We therefore recommend that you only use ŠKODA Genuine Parts.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. supplies the market with a complete range of ŠKODA Genuine
Parts not only while the model is still in production but with wear-and-tear parts
for at least 15 years after the end of series production and with all other vehicle parts for at least 10 years.
ŠKODA service partners are liable for any defects in ŠKODA original parts for a pe-
riod of 2 years after sale in accordance with materials defect liability under the
law unless otherwise agreed in the purchase agreement. You should keep the
confirmed warranty certificate and the receipt for these components for this peri- od, so that the commencement of the warranty term may be verified.
Body repairs
ŠKODA vehicles are designed so that if the body suffers damage, it is only neces-
sary to replace those parts which are in fact damaged.
Before you decide to have damaged body parts replaced, however, you should
first contact your specialist garage to determine whether or not such parts can al- so be repaired. Repairs to body parts are usually cheaper.

ŠKODA Original Accessories
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 147.
You should note the following if you wish to fit accessories to your vehicle: 
148General Maintenance