2014 SKODA FABIA Owner's Manual

Structure and more information about the Operating
Instructions
Structure of the manual
The operating manual is hierarchically divided into the following areas.
■ Paragraph (e.g. safety) - the title of the paragraph is always indicated on the
lower left side
■ Main chapters (e.g. airbag system) - the title of the main chapter is always
indicated on the lower right side
■ Chapter (e.g. airbag overview)
■  Introduction to the topic
- Module overview within the chapter, in-
troductory information about the chapter content, any necessary infor-
mation applicable to the entire chapter
■ Module (e.g. front airbags)
Information Search
When searching for information in the operating instructions, we recommend
using the Index at the end of the manual.
Direction indications
All direction indications such as “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear” relate to the for-
ward direction of travel of the vehicle.
Units of measurement
The volume, weight, speed and length data are given in metric units, unless
otherwise indicated.
Display
In this owner's manual, the display on the MAXI DOT display is used as the dis-
play illustration, provided nothing to the contrary is stated.6Structure and more information about the Operating Instructions

AbbreviationsAbbreviationDefinitionrpmEngine revolutions per minuteABSAnti-lock brake systemAGMVehicle battery typeTCSTraction controlCO2Carbon dioxideDSGAutomatic double clutch gearboxEDLElectronic differential lockECEEconomic Commission for EuropeEPCEPC fault lightESCElectronic Stability ControlDRim depthEUEuropean UnionHBAHydraulic brake assistHHCUphill start assistKESSYKeyless unlocking, starting and lockingkWKilowatt, measuring unit for the engine outputMCBMulti-collision brakeMGManual gearboxMPIGasoline engine with a multi-point fuel injectionN1Panel van intended exclusively or mainly for the transporta-
tion of goodsNmNewton meter, measuring unit for the engine torqueTDI CRDiesel engine with turbocharger and common rail injection
systemTSIPetrol engine with turbocharging and direct injectionVINVehicle identification numberWi-Fiwireless data networkXDSFunctional extension of the electronic differential lock7Abbreviations

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before every journey
8
Driving safety
8
Safety equipment
8
In this section, you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-
ject of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and the safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and their occupants.■
You will find further information on safety, which concerns you and those
travelling with you, in the following chapters of this Owner's Manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
particularly applies, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before every journey
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
For your own safety and the safety of passengers, the following points must
be observed before every ride.
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning proper-
ly.
Make sure that the function of the wiper and the condition of the wiper
blades are free of any defects.
Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
Check the tyre inflation pressure.
Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant levels.
Secure all items of luggage.
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle – risk of accident.
Close all doors and the engine compartment and luggage compartment lid.
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat belts
» page 22 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 9, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The driver is fully responsible for himself/herself and his/her occupants. If your
driving safety is affected, you place yourself and oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must be observed. Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by
your passengers or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication,
alcohol or drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-
tions.
Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.
Safety equipment
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiters for the front seats.
› Belt tensioners for the front seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Front side airbags.
› Head airbags.
› Anchoring points for child seats using the ISOFIX system. 

8Safety

›Anchoring points for child seats using the TOP TETHER system.
› Head restraints adjustable for height 1)
.
› Adjustable steering column.
The specified safety equipment works together, in order to optimally protect
you and those travelling with you in accident situations.
The safety equipment does not protect you or the people travelling with you, if
you or your occupants adopt an incorrect seated position or the equipment is
not correctly adjusted or used.
If the seat belt is not fastened properly, this may result in injuries during an
accident caused by the deployed airbag.
Correct and safe seated position
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Correct seated position of the driver
9
Adjusting the steering wheel position
10
Correct seated position of the front passenger
10
Correct seated position of the rear seat passengers
11
Examples of incorrect seated positions
11WARNING■ The front seats and all head restraints must be adjusted to match body
size at all times and the seat belt must always be fastened properly to pro-
vide the most effective levels of protection to passengers.■
Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat.
Children must be fastened » page 22, Transporting children safely with a
suitable restraint system.
■
If the occupant adopts an incorrect seated position, he is exposed to life-
threatening injuries, in case he is hit by a deployed airbag.
■
If the occupants on the rear seats are not sitting upright, the risk of injury
is increased due to incorrect routing of the seat belt.
■
The seat backrests must not be tilted too far back when driving, as this
will impair the function of the seat belts and of the airbag system – risk of
injury!
Correct seated position of the driverFig. 1
The correct distance of the driver
to the steering wheel / correctly
adjusted head restraint
Read and observe on page 9 first.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident, we recommend the following settings.
Adjust the driver’s seat in the forward/back direction so that the pedals
can be fully depressed with slightly bent legs.
Adjust the seat backrest so that the highest point of the steering wheel
can be reached with your arms at a slight angle.
Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance
A
between the steering
wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm » Fig. 1. Adjusting the steering
wheel » page 10 , Adjusting the steering wheel position .
Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at
the same level as the top of your head 1)

B
» Fig. 1 .
Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 12, Wearing seat belts .
WARNING■
Always assume the correct seated position before setting off and do not
change this position while driving. Also advise your passengers to adopt
the correct seated position and not to change this position while the car is
moving.■
Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel. Not keeping
to this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able
to properly protect you – risk of death! 
1)
Not valid for sports seats.
9Passive Safety

WARNING (Continued)■When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the out-
er edge in the “9 o'clock” and “3 o'clock” position. Never hold the steering
wheel in the “12 o'clock” position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or
inner edge of the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure
your arms, hands and head when the driver airbag is deployed.■
Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell, as these may get
caught in the pedal apparatus when driving or braking. You would then no
longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or acceleration pedals.
Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 2
Adjusting the steering wheel position
Read and observe
on page 9 first.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
Swing the safety lever under the steering wheel in the direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 2 .
›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position. The steering wheel can be
adjusted in direction of arrow
2
.
›
Pull the holder until it stops in arrow direction
3
.
WARNING■ The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked while you are
driving so that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidentally
change during the journey – there is the risk of an accident!■
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving, but only
when the vehicle is stationary!
Correct seated position of the front passenger
Read and observe
on page 9 first.
For passenger safety and to reduce the risk of injury in an accident, the follow-ing instructions must be observed.
Position the front passenger seat back as far as possible. The front pas-
senger must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel so
that the airbag offers the greatest possible safety if it is deployed.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at
the same level as the top of your head 1)

B
» Fig. 1 on page 9 .
Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 12, Wearing seat belts .
Setting the seats and head restraints » page 71.
In exceptional cases, the front passenger airbag can be deactivated
» page 20 , Deactivating airbags .
WARNING■
Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel. Not keeping to
this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you – risk of death!■
Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven – nev-
er place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the
surfaces of the seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it be-
comes necessary to apply the brake or in the event of an accident. If an air-
bag is deployed, you may suffer fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect
seated position!
1)
Not valid for sports seats.
10Safety

Correct seated position of the rear seat passengersRead and observe
on page 9 first.
To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or anaccident, the occupants on the rear seats must observe the following.
Adjust the head restraint such that the top edge of the head restraint is at
the same level as the upper part of the head
B
» Fig. 1 on page 9 .
Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 12, Wearing seat belts .
Use a suitable child restraint system if transporting children in the vehicle
» page 22 , Transporting children safely .
Setting the seats and head restraints » page 71.
Examples of incorrect seated positions
Read and observe
on page 9 first.
The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if your
seatbelts are fastened correctly.
Incorrect seated positions considerably reduce the protective functions of the
seat belts and therefore increase the risk of injury due to an incorrect routing
of the seat belt.
The driver is fully responsible for himself/herself and passengers, especially
children. Never allow a passenger to adopt an incorrect seated position when
the car is moving.
The following list contains instructions which, if not observed, may lead to se-
rious injuries or death. This list is not complete, however we would like you to
familiarise yourself with this subject.
Observe the following instructions while driving. Do not stand up.
Do not stand on the seats.
Do not kneel on the seats.
Do not recline the seat backrest too far.
Do not lean against the dash panel.
Do not lie on the rear bench seat.
Do not sit only on the front edge of the seat.
Do not sit facing to the side.
Do not lean out of the window.
Do not put your feet out of the window.
Do not put your feet on the dash panel.
Do not put your feet on the seat upholstery.
Do not transport somebody in the footwell.
Do not drive without wearing a seat belt.
Do not sit in the luggage compartment.11Passive Safety

Seat belts
Wearing seat belts
Introduction
Fig. 3
Driver wearing seat belt
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
The physical principle of a frontal collision
13
Fastening and unfastening seat belts
14
Belt height adjustment on the front seats
15
Seat belts that are fastened correctly offer good protection in the event of an
accident. 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
position » Fig. 3.
The seat belts reduce the kinetic energy (energy of motion) to a considerable
extent. They also prevent uncontrolled movements which, in turn, may well re-
sult in severe injuries.
The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their
seat belts 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 meas-
ures, 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
vehicle » page 22 .
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 14, Fastening
and unfastening seat belts .
■
The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if you
are correctly seated » page 9.
■
The seat backrests of the front seats must not be tilted too far to the
rear, otherwise the seatbelts can lose their effectiveness.
WARNINGInformation on the correct routing of the belt■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 ac-
count across your neck.
■
The belt must not run across solid or fragile objects (e.g. spectacles, ball-
point pens, keys, etc.). Such objects can cause injury.
WARNINGInformation on dealing with the safety belts■The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or twis-
ted or chafe against any sharp edges.■
Make sure you do not catch the seat belt in the door when closing it.
WARNINGInformation on the proper use of the safety belts■Never use a seatbelt to secure two persons (not even children). Nor may
the seat belt be placed over a child who is sitting on the lap of another pas-
senger.■
The lock tongue should only be inserted into the lock which is the correct
one for your seat. Wrong use of the safety belt will reduce its capacity to
protect and the risk of injury increases.
■
The slot of the belt tongue must not be blocked otherwise the belt
tongue will not lock in place properly. 
12Safety

WARNING (Continued)■Many layers of clothing and loose clothing (e. g. a winter coat over a jack-
et) do not allow you to be correctly seated and impairs proper operation of
the seat belts.■
Do not use clamps or similar items, which prevent the lash-lock function
of the seat from operating. A seat belt which is hanging too loose can re-
sult in injuries, as your body is moved forward by the kinetic energy pro-
duced in an accident and is then abruptly held firm by the belt.
■
The seat belts for the rear seats can only fulfil their function reliably
when the seat backrests are correctly locked into position » page 74.
WARNINGInformation on the care and maintenance of the safety belts■The belt webbing must always be kept clean. Soiled belts may impair
proper operation of the inertia reel » page 147.■
The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not at-
tempt to repair the seat belts yourself.
■
Check the condition of all the seat belts on a regular basis. If any damage
to the seat belts, seat belt connections, inertia reel or the lock is detected,
the seat belt concerned must be replaced by a specialist garage.
■
Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident
and were therefore stretched, must be replaced - this is best done by a
specialist garage. The anchorage points of the belts must also be inspec-
ted. The anchorage points for the belts should also be checked.
Note
The national legal requirements must be observed when using seat belts.The physical principle of a frontal collisionFig. 4
Driver without a fastened seat belt/rear seat passenger without a
fastened seat belt
Read and observe
on page 12 first.
As soon as the vehicle is moving, so-called kinetic energy (the energy of mo-
tion) is produced, both in terms of the car as well as in terms of the occupants.
The magnitude of this kinetic energy depends essentially on the speed at
which the vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the vehicle, including the
occupants. The greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the
amount of energy which has to be absorbed in the event of an accident.
The speed of the vehicle is the most important factor. Doubling the speed of
the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour increases the kinetic energy four
times.
The notion that it is possible to support your body with your hands in a minor
accident is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces acting
on the body are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed of 30 km/h to 50 km/h, the forces that your body is exposed to in the event of an accident can exceed a ton (1,000 kg).
For example, a person's weight of 80 kg “increases” at 50 km/h to 4.8 tons (4,800 kg).
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the car not wearing a seat belt
are thrown forward and strike parts of the interior of the car, such as the
steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen in ways which cannot be controlled
» Fig. 4 - 
. In certain circumstances, you could even be thrown out of the ve-
hicle, which could cause life-threatening or even fatal injuries. 
13Seat belts