2014 SKODA FABIA engine coolant

Heating and air conditioning
Heating, ventilation, cooling
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Air outlet vents
96
Recirculated air mode
96
Heating
97
Air conditioning (manual air conditioning)
98
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning)
98
Efficient handling of the cooling system
99
Malfunctions
100
The heating and air conditioning systems ventilate and heat the vehicle interi-
or. The air conditioning system also cools and dehumidifies the vehicle interior.
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
The heating and air conditioning systems only operate when the ignition is
switched on.
The cooling system operates only if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on.
The engine is running.
The outside temperature is above approximately +2 °C.
The blower is switched on.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The cooling system prevents the windows from misting up during
winter months.
It is possible to briefly activate re-circulated air mode to enhance the cooling
effect » page 96 .
WARNING■
For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the win-
dows are free of ice, snow and misting.■
The blower should always be on to prevent the windows from misting up.
WARNING (Continued)■ Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow
out of the vents when the cooling system is switched on.■
To reduce health risks (e.g. common colds), the following instructions for
the use of the cooling system are to be observed. ■The difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor air
temperature should not be greater than about 5 ° C.
■ The cooling system is to be turned off about 10 minutes before the end
of the journey.
■ Once a year, disinfection of the air conditioner or the Climatronic is to be
carried out by a specialist company.
CAUTION
■ The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free (e.g. of ice, snow or
leaves) to ensure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.■
After switching on the cooling system condensation from the evaporator of
the air conditioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is
not a leak!
■
If the coolant temperature is too high, the cooling system is switched off to
ensure that the engine cools down.
Note
The used air flows out through the vents in the luggage compartment.95Heating and air conditioning

For the sake of the environmentPollutant emissions are also lower when fuel is being saved » page 113.
Malfunctions
Read and observe
and on page 95 first.
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5°C, there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be that:
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessary
» page 183 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because
the coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 31.
If you are not able to resolve the fault yourself, or if the cooling output has re-
duced, switch off the cooling system and obtain assistance from a specialist
garage.
Communication
SmartGate
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Connection with SmartGate
101
Smart Gate website
101
Password Management
101
SmartGate is a system which transmits vehicle data via Wi-Fi.
The ŠKODA applications installed in a connected communications device (e.g.
phone, tablet, notebook) 1)
offer the possibility to further process the received
data.
Available applications and further information can be found on the ŠKODA
website..
WARNING■ The national legal regulations for using mobile communication devices in
a vehicle must be observed.■
Do not fit the equipment or mounts to be connected onto airbag covers
or within the immediate deployment range of the airbags.
■
Never leave a connected device in the deployment area of an airbag, on a
seat, on the dash panel or any another area, from which it can be thrown
during a sudden braking manoeuvre, an accident or a collision - there is a
risk of injury.
CAUTION
■ SmartGate provides the means of accessing the travel data for some soft-
ware applications installed in your phone/tablet. Correct communication within
the SmartGate system requires the proper functioning of your phone/tablet or
of the software applications installed in the phone/tablet.■
It should also be noted that not every phone/tablet is compatible with the
SmartGate system. 
1)
The applications support communication devices with the Android operating system version 4.0.x and
later and iOS 7.xx and higher.
100Operation

Power to the trailer power grid
For the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer, the power for the
trailer power grid is supplied by the vehicle.
The power supply works with ignition on or off.WARNING■ Incorrect or improperly connected electrical installation can cause acci-
dents and serious injury due to electric shock.■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist ga-
rages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical
connections for the tail lights or other current sources.
■
After coupling the trailer and connecting up the power socket, check the
rear lights on the trailer to ensure they work correctly.
■
The handbrake on the vehicle must be applied when coupling and uncou-
pling the trailer.
■
Never use the safety eyelet for towing!
CAUTION
Incorrect or improperly connected electrical installations may cause malfunc-
tion of the entire vehicle electronics.
Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum per-
missible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeop-
ardises 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 trailer axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving
with this combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 162.
Towing capacity and trailer weight
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstances
» page 194 , Technical data .
The details given in the vehicle's technical documentation always take prece-
dence over the details in the Owner's Manual.
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1,000 metres above
mean sea level.
The engine output falls as altitude increases, as does the ability to climb.
Therefore, for every additional 1,000 m in height (or part), the maximum per-
missible towed weight must be reduced by 10 %.
The towed weight comprises the actual weights of the (loaded) towing vehicle
and the (loaded) trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing
equipment are merely test data for the towing equipment. The vehicle-specific
values are detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and
weight of the trailer - risk of accident and serious injuries!■
An unsecured load can adversely affect stability and driving safety signifi-
cantly - there is a risk of accident!
Towing a trailer
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.
Engine overheating
If the pointer of the coolant temperature gauge reaches the red scale range,
the speed should be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light  illuminates in the instru-
ment cluster display. 
135Hitch and trailer

WARNINGWhen working in the engine compartment, injuries, scalding, accident or
fire hazards may arise. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the
warning instructions stated below and with the generally applicable rules
of safety. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area.WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Turn off the engine and remove the ignition key.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
For vehicles with manual transmission the lever into the neutral position.
■
On vehicles with automatic transmission, shift the selector lever into the
P position.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – there is a risk of scalding. Wait until the steam or
coolant has stopped escaping.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine room■Keep all people, especially children, away from the engine compartment.■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – there is a risk of burns.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
Pay particular attention to moving engine parts, e.g. V-ribbed belt, gener-
ator, radiator fan - danger to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – there is a risk of death. Always remove
any jewellery, tie back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before com-
pleting any work.
WARNINGInformation for working on the fuel system or the electrical system■Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read the information and warning instructions on the fluid containers.■Keep the working fluids in sealed original containers and safe from peo-
ple who are not completely independent, e.g. children.■
Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
■
If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle against
rolling away and support it with suitable axle stands: the car jack is not suf-
ficient for this – there is a risk of injury.
CAUTION
Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!
For the sake of the environment
In view of the requirements for the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids and the special tools and knowledge required for such work, we recommend
that fluids be changed by a specialist garage.
Note
■ If there is anything you are not sure about concerning fluids, please consult a
specialist garage.■
Fluids with the proper specifications can be purchased from the ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories or from the ŠKODA Genuine Parts ranges.
151Inspecting and replenishing

Opening and closing the bonnetFig. 144
Opening the bonnet
Read and observe
and on page 151 first.
Open flap
›
Open the front door.
›
Pull the release lever under the dash panel in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 144 .
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers
are correctly in place against the windscreen, otherwise the paintwork on the
flap could be damaged.
›
Push the release lever in the direction of arrow
2
.
The bonnet is then unlocked.
›
Grasp the bonnet catch and lift in the direction of arrow
3
.
›
Remove the lid prop in the direction of arrow
4
from the holder.
›
Secure the open flap inserting the end of the post into the opening in the di-
rection of arrow
5
.
Close the flap
›
Lift the bonnet.
›
Decouple the bonnet support and press into the holder designed to hold it.
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm –
do not push it in .
WARNING■
Check that the bonnet is closed properly.■If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the
vehicle immediately and close the bonnet – there is the risk of an accident.■
Make sure that when closing the boot lid, no body parts are crushed -
there is danger of injury!
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet by the locking lever » Fig. 144.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 145
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 151 first.
Arrangement in the engine compartment » Fig. 145
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
153
Coolant expansion tank
156
Engine oil dipstick
154
Oil filler opening
155
Brake fluid reservoir
157
Battery (below a cover)
157
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.ABCDEF152General Maintenance

Radiator fanRead and observe
and on page 151 first.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled ac-
cording to the temperature of the coolant.
WARNINGThe fan can intermittently continue to run for approximately 10 minutes af-
ter the ignition is switched off.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 146
Windscreen washer fluid reser-
voir
Read and observe and on page 151 first.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir
A
is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 146 .
The cleaning fluid is provided for the cleaning of the front and rear window as
well as the headlight.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3.5 litres or about 5.4 litres on vehicles
that have a headlight cleaning system 1)
.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and head-
lights. We recommend using clean washing water together with the screen
cleaner from the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (in winter additionally
with antifreeze) which is capable of removing stubborn dirt.
The washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze in winter even if
the vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no
screen cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated
spirits must not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration
is sufficient only to -5 °C.
CAUTION
■ Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added
to the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning prod-
ucts which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be
added to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
plenishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be con-
taminated, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction.
Engine oil
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specification
154
Checking the oil level
154
Replenishing
155
The engine has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil that can be use
throughout the year - except in extreme climate zones.
Engine oils are the subject of continuous further development. Thus the infor-
mation stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publication.
ŠKODA Service Partners are informed about the latest changes by the manu-
facturer. We therefore recommend that you have the oil changed by a ŠKODA
Service Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sep-
arately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
The engine oil should be changed after specified service intervals » page 48.
1)
In some countries, 5.4 ltr. applies for both variants.
153Inspecting and replenishing

CAUTION■The oil level must never be above the range A » Fig. 147 - risk of damage to
the motor as well as the exhaust system!■
If for some reason, it is not possible to top up the engine oil under the cur-
rent circumstances, 
do not continue driving! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.
■
If the oil level is above the range
A
, 
do not continue to drive! Switch off
the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 154 first.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 145 on page 152 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 154 .
›
Check the oil level » page 154.
›
Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.
›
Pull the dipstick out as far as the stop.
Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the coolant level
156
Replenishing
156
The coolant provides cooling for the motor.
It consists of water and coolant additive with additives that protect the cooling
system against corrosion and prevents furring.
The coolant additive level in the coolant must amount to at least 40%.
The coolant additive may be increased to a maximum of 60%.
The correct mixing ratio of water and coolant additive is to be checked if nec-
essary by a specialist garage or is to be restored if necessary.
The description of the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 148 on page 156 .
WARNINGThe engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warnings
» page 150 .■
The coolant is harmful to health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot
coolant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning!
■
Consult a doctor immediately if coolant is swallowed.
■
Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
CAUTION
■  Do not continue if for some reason it is not possible to fill with coolant un-
der the current circumstances! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from
a specialist garage.■
With an empty expansion tank top up coolant. The system could ventilate -
there is a risk of engine damage, 
not continue! Switch off the engine and
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
The amount of coolant additive in the coolant must never be allowed to fall
below 40 %.
■
Over 60 % coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protection
and coolant effectiveness.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specification can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection of the cooling system.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 148 on page 156 .
■
If an error occurs, leading to the engine overheating, the help of a professio-
nal garage is to be sought - there is a risk of serious engine damage occurring.
■
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
155Inspecting and replenishing

Checking the coolant levelFig. 148
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 155 first.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion tank » Fig. 148
Mark for the maximum permissible coolant level
Mark for the lowest permissible coolant level
The coolant level should be kept between the marks
A
and
B.
The coolant can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are sat-
isfied.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The engine is not heated.
The bonnet is open.
Check the status
›
Check the level of coolant at the coolant expansion vessel » Fig. 148.
If the engine is warm, the test result may be inaccurate. The stand can also be
above the mark
A
» Fig. 148 .
In case of low coolant level, the control symbol is displayed in the instrument
cluster  as well as the relevant notification
» page 40,
 Coolant
in the in-
strument cluster. We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at
the reservoir from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the cooling sys-
tem. Do not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a
specialist garage.
ABReplenishing
Read and observe
and on page 155 first.
The coolant expansion tank should always contain a small amount of coolant» page 155, in section Introduction .
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and carefully un-
screw the cap.
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
■ Only top up with new coolant.■Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available. In
this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of water and cool-
ant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Level check
157
Specification
157
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 149 on
page 157 .
WARNING■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warnings
» page 150 .■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – there is the risk of an accident.
CAUTION
■ Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has dropped below the “MIN”
marking » Fig. 149 on page 157 ,  - there is a risk of an accident! Seek help
from a specialist garage.■
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle. 
156General Maintenance