2014 SKODA FABIA towing

Hitch and trailer
Hitch
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
129
Adjusting the ready position
130
A correctly set ready position
130
Assembling the bar ball - first step
131
Assembling the bar ball - second step
131
Check proper fitting
132
Removing the bar ball - first step
132
Removing the bar ball - second step
133
Accessories
133
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 50 kg.
WARNING■
Check that the ball head is seated correctly and is secured in the mount-
ing recess before starting any journey.■
Do not use the ball head if it is not correctly inserted in the mounting re-
cess.
■
Do not use the towing equipment if it is damaged or incomplete.
■
Do not modify or adapt the towing equipment in any way.
■
Never release the ball head while the trailer is still coupled.
■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing equipment clean at all times.
Such dirt prevents the ball head from being attached securely.
CAUTION
■ Take care with the tow bar - there is a risk of damaging the paint on the
bumper.■
When the ball rod is removed, always place the cover onto the mounting re-
cess - there is a danger of soiling the mounting recess.
Note
■ Operation and maintenance of towing device » page 145.■Tow the vehicle by means of the detachable ball rod » page 179.DescriptionFig. 129
Carrier for the towing device / tow bar
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
The ball head can be removed and is kept in the spare wheel well or in a com-
partment for the spare wheel in the luggage compartment.
Carrier for the towing device and ball rod » Fig. 129
Cover for the mounting recess
Mounting recess
Dust cap
Ball head
Operating lever
Lock cap
Release pin
Key
Locking ball
Note
If you lose the key, please get in touch with a specialist garage.123456789129Hitch and trailer

›Turn the key A in the direction of arrow 1 so that the green marking points
upwards » Fig. 135.›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Fit and press in the cap
B
on the hand-wheel lock in the direction of the ar-
row
3
» .
›
Check the ball head for secure mounting » page 132, Check proper fitting .
CAUTION
After removing the key, always replace the cover on the lock – risk of lock get-
ting dirty.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 136
Correctly secured ball head
Read and observe and on page 129 first.
Check that the ball head is fitted properly each time before use.
Correctly secured ball rod » Fig. 136
The ball head does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.
Operating lever
A
is located as far up as possible.
The release pin
B
is completely exposed (both its red and green parts are
visible).
The key is removed.
The cap
B
is on the hand-wheel.
WARNINGDo not use the towing equipment unless the ball head has been properly
locked - risk of accident.Removing the bar ball - first stepFig. 137
Remove the cap from the lock
Fig. 138
Insert the key into the lock / unlock the lock
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
›
Remove the cover
A
from the lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 137 .
›
Insert the key
B
into the lock in the direction of arrow
2
, so that its green
marker points upward » Fig. 138.
›
Turn the key in the direction of arrow
3
so that the red marking points up-
wards.
WARNINGNever remove the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
Note
We recommend that you put the protective cap on the ball before removing
the ball head.132Driving

Removing the bar ball - second stepFig. 139
Release tow bar
Read and observe and on page 129 first.
Removing
›
To begin with, perform the first step of the ball end assembly » page 132.
›
Grasp the ball head from underneath » Fig. 139 .
›
Push in the release bolt
A
in the direction of arrow
1
until it stops and si-
multaneously press the operating lever
B
in the direction of arrow
2
until it
stops.
The ball head is released in this position and falls freely into the hand. If it
does not fall freely into the hand, use your other hand to push it upwards.
At the same time, the ball head latches into the ready position and is thus
ready to be built-in »
.
Subsequent steps
After removing the tow bar the following work must be carried out.
›
Insert the cover
B
» Fig. 133 on page 131 in the opposite direction to arrow
2
.
›
Fix the cap
A
» Fig. 133 on page 131 aligning it with “check mark” in the low-
er bumper area.
›
Push the cap in first on the left and right and then at the top.
WARNINGNever allow the ball head to remain unsecured in the boot. This could
cause damage to the boot upon sudden braking, and could put the safety
of the occupants at risk.CAUTION■ If the operating lever B is held firm and not pushed downwards as far as it
can go, it will go back up after the ball head is removed and will not latch into
the ready position. The ball head then needs to be brought into this position
before the next time it is fitted » page 130, Adjusting the ready position .■
Place the tow bar in the standby position, with the key upwards, and store in
the box - otherwise there is a risk of damage to the key!
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not
step on it).
Note
Clean any dirt from the ball head before stowing it away in the box with the
vehicle tool kit.
Accessories
Fig. 140
Depiction of the maximum per-
missible protrusion of the ball
head of the towing hitch and of
the permissible total weight of
the accessory including the load,
depending on the load centre of
gravity
Read and observe and on page 129 first.
An accessory can be mounted on the ball head of the towing device (such as a
bike carrier).
If this accessory is used, the maximum permissible protrusion of the towing
device ball head and the permissible gross vehicle weight of the accessory in-
cluding load is to be observed.
The maximum permissible protrusion for the ball head of the towing device is
70 cm » Fig. 140 .
The total allowable weight of the accessory including load, changes with in-
creasing distance of the center of gravity of the load from the ball head of the
towing device. 
133Hitch and trailer

Distance of the load center of gravityfrom the ball headPermissible total weight of the ac-cessories, including load0 cm50 kg30 cm50 kg60 cm25 kg70 cm0 kgWARNING■Never exceed the permissible gross weight of the accessory including
load - there is a risk of damaging the ball head of the towing device.■
Never exceed the permissible protrusion of the ball head including towing
device - there is a risk of damaging the ball head of the towing device.
Note
We recommend that you use the accessories from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Trailer
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Trailer, connect and disconnect
134
Loading a trailer
135
Towing a trailer
135
Anti-theft alarm system
136
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with towing equipment or is fit-
ted with towing equipment from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all
of the technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
Note
If there is an error in the trailer lighting system, check the fuses in the fuse box
in the dashboard » page 183.Trailer, connect and disconnectFig. 141
13-pin socket, and safety eye
Coupling
›
Fit the ball rod.
›
Lift off protective cap
3
» Fig. 129 on page 129 upwards.
›
Place the trailer onto the ball head.
›
Insert the trailer cable into the 13-pin socket
A
» Fig. 141.
If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connector, you can make an elec-
trical connection using a suitable adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
›
Hook the breakaway cable of the trailer to the security lock slot
B
.
The breakaway cable of the trailer has to sag when mounted into the security
lock slot for all trailer positions relative to the vehicle (sharp curves, reverse
driving and the like.)
Detaching
›
Unhook the breakaway cable of the trailer from the securing eyelet
B
» Fig. 141 .
›
Pull the trailer cable out of the 13-pin socket.
›
Remove the trailer from the ball head.
›
Place cap
3
onto the ball head » Fig. 129 on page 129 .
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. National legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle can be lifted when a trailer is being towed and the
headlights can dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlight setting on the headlight range control » page 60, Operat-
ing the lights . 
134Driving

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

The following information must be observed » page 40,  Coolant .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Always drive particularly carefully with the trailer.■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.
CAUTION
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
Anti-theft alarm system
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connec-
tion to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 54 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing
equipment.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
The vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system
is activated.
CAUTION
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.136Driving

Cavity protection144Jack144
Wheels
144
Towing device and mounting recess
145
Under-body protection
145
Wiper blades
145
We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that are
available from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must
be observed.
WARNING■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the
instructions.■
Always keep the automobile care products safe from people who are not
completely independent, e.g. children - there is a danger of poisoning!
■
Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when clean-
ing the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims –
risk of cuts!
CAUTION
■ Do not use any insect sponges, kitchen scrubbers or similar cleaning prod-
ucts – there is a risk of damaging the paintwork finish.■
Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
For the sake of the environment
Used cans of vehicle care product represent hazardous waste that is harmful
to the environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national
legislation.
Note
Because of the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any poten-
tial problems with the cleaning and care of the exterior of your vehicle, we rec-
ommend that cleaning and care of your vehicle be carried out by a ŠKODA
Service Partner.Vehicle paint work
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
Preserving the vehicle paintwork
Thorough wax treatment is an effective way of protecting the paintwork from
harmful environmental influences.
The vehicle must be treated with a high-quality hard wax polish at the latest,
when no more drops form on the clean paintwork.
A new layer of a high-quality hard wax polish can be applied to the clean body- work after it has dried thoroughly.
Even if you use a wax preserver regularly we still recommend that you treat
the paintwork of the vehicle at least twice a year with hard wax.
Polishing
Polishing is necessary if the vehicle's paintwork has become unattractive and
if it is no longer possible to achieve a gloss with wax preservatives.
If the polish does not contain any preserving elements, the paint must be trea- ted with a preservative afterwards.
CAUTION
■ Paint damage is to be repaired immediately.■Never apply wax to the windows.■
Mat painted or plastic parts must not be treated with polishing products or
hard waxes.
■
Do not polish the paintwork in a dusty environment - there is a risk of
scratching the paintwork.
■
Do not apply polish to door seals or window guides.
■
If possible, do not apply any polish to body surfaces that come into contact
with door seals and window guides.
Plastic parts
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
Clean plastic parts with a damp cloth.
If this method does not clean plastic parts completely, use a specific plastic
care product. 
142General Maintenance

CAUTION■Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be touched up immediate-
ly.■
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This
may show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the
steering wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of
the steering. This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
Towing device and mounting recess
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
Close the mounting recess with the cap to prevent any ingress of dirt.
In the event of dirt, clean the inner surfaces of the mounting recess and treat
with a suitable preservative.
Before hitching a trailer check the ball head and apply a suitable grease where
necessary.
Fit the protective cap when stowing away the ball head to protect the luggage
compartment against dirt.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the inner part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not
remove any grease.
Under-body protection
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
The underside of your vehicle is already permanently protected by the factory
against chemical and mechanical influences.
Damage to the protective coating cannot be excluded when the vehicle is
driven.
We recommend that you have the protective coating under the body and on
the chassis inspected - preferably before the beginning and at the end of the
cold season.
WARNINGNever use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters or heat shields.
These substances could ignite when the engine reaches its operating tem-
perature - there is a risk of fire.
Wiper blades
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
Clean the wiper blades regularly with a glass cleaner. The wiper blades should
be cleaned with a sponge or cloth if they are heavily soiled by insect residues,
for example.
The wiper blades can become soiled with wax residues after washing in auto-
matic vehicle wash systems for example » page 141.
Interior care
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Natural leather
146
Artificial leather, materials and Alcantara ®
146
Seat covers
147
Safety belts
147
We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that are
available from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must
be observed.
WARNING■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the
instructions.■
Always keep the automobile care products safe from people who are not
completely independent, e.g. children - there is a danger of poisoning!
■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the tempera-
ture inside the vehicle is high. 
145Care and maintenance