2014 SKODA FABIA Owner's Manual

It is also important that rear passengers fasten their seat belts, as they could
otherwise be thrown through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner in the
event of an accident.
A rear seat passenger who has not fastened their seat belt is a danger not on-
ly to himself or herself but also to those seated in the front » Fig. 4 - 
.
Fastening and unfastening seat belts
Fig. 5
Fastening/unfastening the seat belt
Fig. 6
Routing of belt webbing over the shoulders and the lap belt/Rout-
ing of belt webbing for an expectant mother
Read and observe
on page 12 first.
Fastening
›
Correctly adjust the front seat and head restraint 1)
before fastening the seat
belt » page 9 .
›Use the lock tongue to slowly pull the webbing over your chest and pelvis.›Insert the lock tongue into the belt buckle belonging to the seat
» Fig. 5 - 
until you hear it click into place.›
Pull on the belt to check that it has engaged correctly in the lock.
A plastic knob in the belt webbing holds the belt tongue in a position which is
easy to get hold of.
It is important that the belt is properly routed to ensure seat belts offer the
maximum protection.
The shoulder part of the seat belt must never run across the neck but must
roughly run over the middle of the shoulder and fit snugly against the chest.
The lap part of the belt must run across the pelvis, must not lie across the
stomach and must always fit snugly » Fig. 6 -
 .
Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child.
The lap part of the belt must be positioned as low as possible on the pelvis on expectant mothers to avoid exerting any pressure on the lower abdomen
» Fig. 6 -
 .
Release
Release the seat belt only when the vehicle is stationary.
›
Press the red button in the belt buckle » Fig. 5 -
 and the lock tongue will
pop out.
›
Manually guide the belt back so that it is easier to fully roll up the webbing
and to ensure the seat belt does not twist.
CAUTION
When releasing the seatbelt, ensure that the tongue of the lock does not dam-
age the door trim or other parts of the interior.1)
Not valid for sports seats.
14Safety

Belt height adjustment on the front seatsFig. 7
Front seat: Seat belt height ad-
juster
Read and observe on page 12 first.
The seat belt height adjuster makes it possible to adjust the routing of the
front seat belts in the area of the shoulder to the body size.
›
Press the height adjuster and move up or down in the desired direction
» Fig. 7 .
›
Then pull firmly on the belt to ensure that the seat belt height adjuster has
correctly locked in place.
Inertia reel and belt pre-tensioners
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Inertia reel
15
Belt tensioners
15
Inertia reel
Each seat belt is equipped with an inertia reel.
The seat belt can move freely when it is pulled slowly. The seat belt is locked
by the inertia reel when it is pulled suddenly.
The belts also lock under full braking, under acceleration, when driving down-
hill and when cornering.
WARNINGIf the seat belt does not lock when it is pulled sharply, have it inspected im-
mediately by a specialist garage.Belt tensioners
Safety for the driver and front passenger wearing their seat belts is enhanced
by the belt tensioners fitted to the inertia reels of the front three-point seat
belts.
The three-point seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a frontal
collision of a certain severity. The belt tensioners can also be deployed if the
seat belts are not fastened.
The seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a collision of a cer-
tain severity.
Belt tensioners are not activated in the event of minor frontal collisions, side
and rear-end collisions, in the case of a roll-over and also not in accidents in
which no major forces are produced.WARNING■ Any work on the belt tensioner system including removal and installation
of system components because of other repair work, must only be carried
out by a specialist garage.■
The protective function of the system is only adequate for a single acci-
dent. If the belt tensioners have been deployed, it is then necessary to re-
place the entire system.
Note
■ Smoke is generated when the belt tensioners are deployed. This is not an in-
dication of a fire in the vehicle.■
When disposing of the vehicle or parts of the belt tensioner system, it is im-
portant to comply with national legal requirements. ŠKODA service partners
are familiar with these regulations and will be able to provide you with de-
tailed information.
15Seat belts

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
System description
16
Airbag deployment
16
The airbag system as a supplement to the seat belts provides additional occu-
pant protection during severe frontal and side collisions.
WARNING■ An airbag can only offer you optimal protection in combination with a
fastened 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 body size » page 9, Correct and safe 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.
WARNINGInformation on the use of the airbag system■If there is a fault, the airbag system must be checked by a specialist ga-
rage immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activa-
ted 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
system 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 ac-
cident. The airbag system must be replaced if an airbag has been deployed.
System description
Read and observe
on page 16 first.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the 
indicator light
in the instrument cluster » page 36.
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 the
following modules.
› Electronic control unit.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger
» page 17.
› Side airbags
» page 18.
› Head airbags
» page 19.
› Airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster
» page 36.
› Key switch for the front passenger airbag
» page 21.
› Warning light for front passenger airbag deactivation in dash panel centre
» page 21 .
Note
■
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.■If you sell your vehicle, pass on the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Take care to ensure 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
comply with the national legal requirements.
Airbag deployment
Read and observe
on page 16 first.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to beable to offer that additional protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
In certain accident situations, several airbags may be deployed simultaneously. The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions,
rear-end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle roll-over. 
16Safety

Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors
such as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard/soft), the impact angle,
vehicle speed, etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which
occurs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the
relevant restraint system.
If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured during the collision
remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the control unit,
the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe dam-
age to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal
collision.
› Driver’s front airbag.
› Front passenger airbag.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision.
› Front side airbag on the side of the accident.
› Head airbags on the side of the accident.
When an airbag is deployed, the following events occur.
› The interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position).
› The ignition is switched on.
› All the doors are unlocked.
› The fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
Airbag overview

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front airbags
17
Side airbags
18
Head airbags
19Front airbagsFig. 8
Locations of the airbags / gas filled airbags
Fig. 9
Safe distance to steering wheel
In the event of a severe frontal collision, the front airbag system offers addi-
tional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger.
The driver's front airbag is located in the steering wheel, the front passenger
airbag is located in the instrument panel above the glove compartment » Fig. 8
-  .
When the front airbags » Fig. 8 -
 are triggered, the belt tensioners are also
activated.
The forward movement of the driver and of the front passenger is cushioned
when they make contact with the fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury to
head and chest is thus reduced. 
17Airbag system

WARNINGInformation on correct seating position■For the driver and front passenger, it is important to maintain a distance
of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dashboard A
» Fig. 9 . Not
keeping to this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not
be able to properly protect you – risk of death! The front seats and the
head restraints must always also be correctly adjusted to match the body
size of the occupant.
■
The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to
injuries if the sitting position or seated position is not correct.
■
There must not be any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag.
WARNINGFront airbag and transporting children■Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a
proper restraint system. If airbags are deployed in the event of an accident,
the child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!■
It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if you are using a
child seat on the front passenger seat in which the child is carried with its
back facing the direction of travel » page 20, Deactivating airbags . If this
is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries
if the front passenger airbag is deployed. When transporting a child on the
front passenger seat, pay attention to any relevant national regulations re-
garding the use of child safety seats.
WARNINGGeneral information■The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash pan-
el on the passenger side must not have stickers attached, be covered or
modified in any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a cloth
that is dry or has been moistened with water. No objects such as cup hold-
ers, mobile phone mounts, etc. must be attached to the covers of the air-
bag modules or be located within their immediate vicinity.■
Never place objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag module
in the dash panel.
Note■ In vehicles with head airbags, the lettering  can be seen on the steering
wheel.■
In vehicles with front passenger airbags, the lettering 
is located on the
dash panel on the passenger side.
Side airbags
Fig. 10
Location of the side airbag in the driver's seat / gas-filled side air-
bag
In the event of severe side collisions, the side airbag system provides addition-
al protection for the upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of passengers in
the vehicle.
The side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the
front seats » Fig. 10 - 
.
The head airbag and belt tensioner on the relevant side are also automatically
deployed when the side airbags » Fig. 10 - 
are triggered.
The load of the occupants is cushioned when plunging into the fully inflated
airbag and the risk of injury to the entire upper body (chest, stomach and pel-
vis) is reduced on the side facing the door.
WARNINGInformation on correct seating position■Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side
airbag. You might suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. This ap-
plies in particular to children who are transported without using a suitable
child safety seat » page 24, Child safety and side airbag .18Safety

WARNING (Continued)■There must not be any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No accesso-
ries, such as cup holders, should be attached to the doors.■
If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may
be exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This
can result in serious injuries » page 22, Child seat .
WARNING■
The airbag control unit operates using pressure sensors located in the
front doors. For this reason, no adjustments may be carried out to the
doors or door panels (e.g. installation of additional loudspeakers). Further
information » page 139, Airbags .■
Ensure that there are no excessive forces, such as violent knocks, kicks
etc., which impact on the backrests of the seats, otherwise the system may
be damaged. The side airbags would not be deployed in such a case!
■
Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front passen-
ger seats must only be of the type expressly authorized by ŠKODA. In view
of the fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the seat, use of
non-approved seat or protective covers would considerably impair the pro-
tective function of the side airbag.
■
Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag mod-
ule must be repaired without delay by your specialist garage.
■
The airbag modules in the front seats must not display any damage,
cracks or deep scratches. It is not permissible to use force in order to open
the modules.
Note
In vehicles with side airbags, a label with the lettering  is located on the
front seat backrests.Head airbagsFig. 11
Location of the head airbag / gas-filled head airbag
In the event of a severe side collision, the head airbag system offers additional protection for the head and neck area of passengers.
The head airbags are positioned above the doors on both sides in the interior
of the car » Fig. 11 -
 .
In the event of a side collision, the head airbag is deployed together with the
relevant side airbag and the front seat belt tensioner on the side of the car on
which the accident occurs.
The airbag covers the windows of the front and rear doors, as well as the door
pillar when it is deployed » Fig. 11 -
 .
Head impact with interior parts is reduced by the inflated head airbag. The re-
duction in any impact to the head and the resultant minimizing of any move-
ments of the head additionally reduce the risk of injuries to the neck area.
WARNING■ There must not be any objects in the deployment area of the head air-
bags which might prevent the airbags from inflating properly.■
Only hang light items of clothing on the hooks fitted in the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of
clothing. Additionally, clothes hangers must not be used to hang up items
of clothing. 
19Airbag system

WARNING (Continued)■The installation of impermissible accessories in the vicinity of the head
airbags can considerably impair the protection offered by the head airbag in
the event of it being deployed. When the deployed head airbag is inflated,
parts of the fitted accessories could be thrown into the interior of the car
and injure the occupants.■
The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the
deployment 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 airbag is deployed.
■
There must not be any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. In ad-
dition, none of the occupants should lean their head out of the window
when driving, or extend their arms and hands out of the window.
Note
In vehicles with head airbags, the lettering  can be seen on the B column
cladding.
Deactivating airbags
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
20
Switching off the front passenger airbag
21
Deactivating airbags
Deactivating an airbag should, for example, be considered only in the
following cases.
› When using a child seat on the front passenger seat, in which the child has
its back to the vehicle's direction of travel (in some countries this must be in
the direction of travel due to different legal regulations applying)
» page 22 , Transporting children safely .
› If it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the mid-
dle of the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly
adjusted.
› If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because
of a physical disability.
› If other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side air-
bags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated switch
» page 21 .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA Service Partner to switch off any other
airbags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The operational capability of the airbag system is monitored electronically,
even if one of the airbags is switched off.
Airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment
› The
 warning light lights up for approximately 4 seconds after the ignition
is switched on and then flashes again for approximately 12 seconds.
Front passenger airbag switched off with the key switch in the storage com-
partment
› The
 warning light comes on for about 4 seconds after the ignition has
been switched on.
› The indicator light
 under the text
» Fig. 12
on page 21 -
 lights up after switching on the ignition.
Note
■
The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to inform you which airbags in your ve-
hicle can/must be deactivated.20Safety

Switching off the front passenger airbagFig. 12
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag / warning
light for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position

» Fig. 12 -
 .
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch
» .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the warning light
 in the text


» Fig. 12 -
 lights
up after the ignition is switched on.
When the airbag is switched off, the indicator light  illuminates continu-
ously with the ignition on. This disappears after switching off the ignition.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position

» Fig. 12 -
 .
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch
» .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the warning light
 in the text


» Fig. 12 -
 lights
up after the ignition is switched on.
When the airbag is switched on again, the indicator light  will go out 65
seconds after switching on the ignition.WARNING■ The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switch-
ed off.■
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag.
■
If the 



warning lights flash, the front passenger airbag will not be
deployed in the event of an accident! Have the airbag system checked by a
specialist garage immediately.
■
The key cannot be inserted in the key switch while driving.
■ Shocks can cause the key to turn in the slot and trigger the airbag!
■ The airbag can be triggered unexpectedly in an accident - it may result
in injury or death!
CAUTION
An insufficiently folded out key bit can damage the key switch!21Airbag system