2014 SKODA FABIA ignition

Assist systems
Braking and stabilisation systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
115
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
115
Traction Control System (TCS)
115
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
116
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
116
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
116
Multi-collision brake (MCB)
116
This chapter deals with the functions of the braking and stabilisation systems,
with the error indicator referred to in chapter » page 33, Warning lights .
The braking and stabilisation systems are automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to
shut down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of
accident!■
The increased safety provided by the brake assist systems must not
tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 115 first.
The ESC improves vehicle stability in dynamic driving situations, such as whenthe vehicle starts to skid.
The ESC monitors whether the desired direction of the current vehicle motion
is occurring. In case of any deviation (e.g. oversteer), the ESC automatically
brakes individual wheels to maintain the desired direction.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 115 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thereby, it helps the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not pump the brakes or lift off the brake
pedal.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Fig. 113
System button: Activating/deac-
tivating TCS
Read and observe on page 115 first.
TCS prevents the spinning of the wheels of the driven axle. TCS reduces the drive power transmitted to the wheels in the case of slipping wheels. Thereby,
for example, driving on road surfaces with low grip is made easier.
During a TCS intervention, the indicator light  flashes in the instrument clus-
ter.
Activating/deactivating TCS
The activation or deactivation of TCS can be done, depending on equipment, in
one of the following ways.
› In Infotainment
» Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle
settings (CAR button) .
› By briefly pressing the symbol key

» Fig. 113 . 
115Assist systems

NoteThe system can be impaired or may not be available, for example when driving
in “sharp ”curves or with an ESC engagement » page 115.
Proximity warning (dangerous proximity)
Read and observe
and on page 122 first.
If a safe distance to the vehicle ahead is not maintained, the display of the in-
strument cluster shows the symbol 
» Fig. 124 on page 122 -
 .
Immediately increase the proximity if the current traffic situation allows you
to do so!
The proximity at which the warning is displayed depends on the current speed.
The warning may occur when driving between about 60 km/h and 210 km/h.
Warning and automatic braking
Read and observe
and on page 122 first.
Emergency braking at low speed
In a driving speed range of about 5 km/h to about 30 km/h the automatic brak-
ing action is not preceded by a warning. With an immediate impact hazard au-
tomatic braking is done with the breaking force increasing in stages.
With automatic braking the symbol appears » Fig. 124
on page 122 -
 in the
display.
Advance warning
If the system detects a risk of collision, the symbol » Fig. 124
on page 122 -
 appears in the display and you will hear an acoustic signal.
At the same time, the braking system is prepared for possible emergency brak- ing.
The pre-warning display can occur in the following situations. › If there is a risk of collision with a moving obstacle in a driving speed range of
about 30 km/h to about 210 km/h.
› There is a risk of a collision with a stationary moving obstacle in a vehicle
speed range of approximately 30 km/h to about 85 km/h.
With a warning the brake pedal must be pressed or the moving obstacle is to
be avoided!
Acute alert
If the driver does not react to the advance warning, the system briefly applies
the brake automatically via an active brake intervention to draw attention to
the potential danger of a collision again.
Automatic Braking
If the driver fails to respond to the acute warning, the system starts to apply
the brakes automatically with increasing stopping power in several stages.
Brake assist
If the driver brakes inadequate with an impending collision, the system auto-
matically increases braking force.
The braking assistance only occurs as long as the brake pedal is being firmly
pressed down.
Note
■ If an automatic brake intervention is triggered by the system, the pressure in
the brake system increases and the brake pedal cannot be operated with the
normal pedal stroke.■
The automatic braking interventions can be cancelled by pressing the accel-
erator pedal or by steering intervention.
Activating/deactivating
Read and observe
and on page 122 first.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
The system should only be disabled in exceptional cases »
.
The activation or deactivation of the system can be done in one of two ways.
› In the menu item
Assist systemsthe display of the instrument cluster
» page 45 , MAXI DOT display .
› In Infotainment
» Operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle
settings (CAR button) .
The following functions can be activated or deactivated separately in infotain-
ment.
› Distance warning
› Advance warning
Upon deactivation of these functions remains disabled even after switching
off and switching on the ignition. 
123Assist systems

System conditioned automatic start-upRead and observe
on page 124 first.
When the engine is off, the system can automatically start the engine before
the desired journey continues. The possible reasons for this are, for example:
› The vehicle has begun to roll, e.g. on a slope.
› The brake pedal has been actuated several times.
› The current consumption is too high.
Manually deactivating/activating
Fig. 126
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
Read and observe on page 124 first.
Deactivate/activate
›
Press the  button
» Fig. 126 .
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button illumi-
nates.
Note
If the system is automatically deactivated when the engine is turned off, then
the automatic start process takes place.
Information messages
Read and observe
on page 124 first.
The warning symbols are shown in the instrument cluster display. Start the engine manually!
START MANUALLY
One of the conditions for automatic engine start is not satisfied or the driver's
seat belt is not fastened. The engine must be started manually.
On vehicles with the starter button the ignition is turned off by the first press
of the start button, only after pressing for the second time is the start process
initiated.
Error: start-stop system
START STOP ERROR
A system error is present. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Fatigue detection (break recommendation)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
126
Information messages
127
The fatigue detection system (hereinafter referred to only as system) recom-
mends the driver taking a break from driving when, because of the driver's
steering behaviour, driver fatigue can be detected.
WARNING■ For the driving ability is always the driver's responsibility. Never drive if
you feel tired.■
The system may not detect all cases where a break is needed.
■
Therefore, take regular, sufficient breaks during long trips.
■
There will be no system warning during the so-called micro-sleep.
Note
■ In some situations, the system may evaluate the driving incorrectly and thus
mistakenly recommend a break (e.g. sporty driving, adverse weather condi-
tions or poor road conditions).■
The system is designed primarily for use on motorways.
Function
Read and observe
on page 126 first.
From the start of the journey, the system evaluates steering behaviour. If,
while driving, there have been changes in the steering behaviours that are
evaluated by the system as indicating possible fatigue, a break recommenda-
tion is issued. 
126Driving

The system evaluates steering behaviour and recommends a break at speeds
of 65 - 200 km/h.
The system detects a break from driving when one of the following condi-
tions is met.
› The vehicle is stopped and the ignition switched off.
› The vehicle is stopped, the seat belt removed and the driver's door opened.
› The vehicle is stopped for more than 15 minutes.
If none of these conditions are met or if the driving style is not changed, the
system recommends a driving break again after 15 minutes.
The system can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » operating in-
structions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
Information messages
Read and observe
on page 126 first.
The icon appears and the following message for a few seconds in the display
of the instrument cluster  .
Fatigue detected. Take a break!
DRIVER ALERT TAKE A BREAK
An audible signal is also emitted.
Tyre pressure monitoring
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Save tyre pressure values
127
Save tyre pressure values and infotainment display
128
Save tyre pressure values by pressing a button
128
The tyre pressure monitoring function monitors (hereinafter referred to only as
a system) the tyre pressure while driving.
When changing the tyre inflation pressure, the warning light illuminates in
the instrument cluster and an audible signal is heard.
Information on the procedure for the indication of change in tyre pressure val- ues » page 37 .
The system can only function properly if the tyres have the prescribed tyre
pressure and this pressure values are stored in the system.
WARNING■ The correct tyre pressure values is always the driver's responsibility. The
tyre pressure should be checked regularly » page 162.■
The system cannot warn in case of very rapid loss of tyre pressure, e.g. in
the event of a sudden puncture.
Save tyre pressure values
Read and observe
on page 127 first.
The tyre pressure valuesare always stored in the system, if one of the follow-
ing events is present.
› Change of tyre pressure values.
› Change one or more wheels.
› Change in position of a wheel on the vehicle.
› The warning light
in the instrument cluster.
The storage of the tyre pressure values depends on equipment, either in the
infotainment or by pressing a button.
WARNINGBefore storing the tyre pressures they must be inflated to the specified in-
flation pressure » page 162. If incorrect pressure values are storedthe sys-
tem may not warn even with a tyre pressure that is too low.
CAUTION
The tyre pressure values should be stored every 10 000 km or once a year to
ensure proper system function.127Assist systems

Save tyre pressure values and infotainment displayFig. 127
Key for storing the pressure val-
ues / example of the display: the
system indicates a pressure
change in the front left tyre
Read and observe on page 127 first.
›
Inflate all of the tyres to the specified inflation pressure.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
The Infotainment switches on.
›
Press the button 
→

→ to activate vehicle status .
›
By using the function keys

 select the menu item
Tyre Press. Loss Indica-
tor .
›
Press the button

SET » Fig. 127 .
In addition, follow the instructions that appear on the display.
A message in the display informs about the storage of the tyre pressure val-
ues.
Note
When a warning light in the instrument cluster appears, the affected tyre
can be displayed on the infotainment » Fig. 127.
Save tyre pressure values by pressing a button
Fig. 128
Button for storing the pressure
values
Read and observe on page 127 first.›
Inflate all of the tyres to the specified inflation pressure.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press the symbol key 
» Fig. 128 and keep it depressed.
The warning light 
in the instrument cluster illuminates.
An acoustic signal sounds and the warning light extinguishes informs that the
storage of the tyre pressure values has taken place.
›
Press the symbol key 
Release the symbol key
128Driving

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

Inspecting and replenishing
Fuel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Refuelling
148
Lead-free petrol
149
Diesel fuel
150
The correct fuel grades for your vehicle are specified on the inside of the fuel
filler flap » Fig. 143 on page 148 .
CAUTION
■
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of
fuel can cause misfiring, which can result in damage to parts of the engine and
the exhaust system.■
Immediately remove any fuel that has spilled onto the vehicle's paintwork –
there is a risk of paint damage.
■
If the vehicle was not purchased in the country in which it was intended to
be operated, you should check whether the fuel specified by the manufacturer
is offered in the country where the vehicle will be operated. You should also
perhaps check whether the manufacturer has recommended a different fuel
for operation of the vehicle in the country concerned. If no prescribed fuel is
available, then you must check whether it is permitted by the manufacturer to
operate the vehicle with another fuel type.
RefuellingFig. 143
Open fuel filler flap / unscrew tank cap / place the tank cap on
the fuel filler flap
Read and observe
on page 148 first.
Refuelling can be done if the following conditions are met. The vehicle is unlocked.
The engine and the ignition are switched off.
›
Press on the fuel filler flap in the direction of the arrow
1
accordingly
» Fig. 143 .
›
Open the cover in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Unscrew the tank cap in the direction of the arrow
3
.
›
Remove the tank cap and place on top of the fuel filler flap in direction of ar-
row
4
.
›
Insert the pump nozzle into the fuel filler tube as far as it will go » .
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time »
.
›
Remove the pump nozzle from the fuel filler neck and put it back in the
pump.
›
Screw in the tank cap in the opposite direction of the arrow
3
until it audibly
clicks into place.
›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly.
WARNING■ Do not smoke when refuelling and do not use a mobile phone.■The fuel and fuel vapours are explosive - risk to life!■
Observe the local regulations regarding fuel handling. 
148General Maintenance

WARNINGInstructions for filling the reserve canister■Never fill the reserve can inside the vehicle.■
Never place the reserve can on the vehicle.
■
Always place the reserve can on the floor.
■
The national legal requirements must be observed if carrying a spare can-
ister in the vehicle.
■
We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehicle for safe-
ty reasons. In the event of an accident this could be damaged and fuel
could escape – there is a risk of fire.
CAUTION
■ The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue refuel-
ling.■
Be careful when filling diesel fuel from the spare canister and then do this
slowly and cautiously – danger of contaminating the body.
Note
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 45 litres, including a reserve of approx.
7 litres .
Lead-free petrol
Read and observe
on page 148 first.
The vehicle can only be operated with unleaded petrol in compliance with the
EN 228 1)
standard.
All petrol engines can be operated using petrol with a maximum of 10% bioe-
thanol (E10).
Specified fuel - unleaded petrol 95/91 or 92 or 93 RON
Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON. Unleaded petrol with the
octane ratings 91, 92 and/or 93 RON can also be used, but may result in a
slight loss in performance and slightly increased fuel consumption »
.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol min. 95 RON
Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON or higher.
If unleaded gasoline is not available with the octane number 95 RON, in an
emergency petrol with the octane rating of 91, 92 and/or 93 RON can be used
to fill the tank, but this leads to a slight loss of performance and a slightly in-
creased fuel consumption »
.
Fuel additives
Unleaded petrol complying with EN 228 1)
meets all the conditions for a
smooth-running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel additives are
used. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine or the ex-
haust system.
CAUTION
■ Even one filling of the tank with petrol that does not meet the standards can
lead to serious damage to parts of the exhaust system!■
If a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. leaded petrol) is used by mistake, do not start the engine or
switch on the ignition! Engine parts could be significantly damaged.
CAUTION
■ If, in an emergency, the vehicle has to be refuelled with petrol of a lower oc-
tane number than the one prescribed, the journey must only be continued at
medium engine speeds and a low engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a
high engine load can severely damage the engine! Refuel using petrol of the
prescribed octane number as soon as possible.■
Engine parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the
one prescribed is used.
■
Even in the event of an emergency, petrol of a lower octane number than 91
RON must not be used, otherwise the engine can be severely damaged!
CAUTION
Under no circumstances may fuel additives with metal components be used,
and especially not those with manganese and iron content. Risk of consider-
able damage to parts of the engine or exhaust system!
CAUTION
Do not use fuels with metal components, such as LRP (lead replacement
petrol) may be used. Risk of considerable damage to parts of the engine or
exhaust system! 1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane rating 95 or 91 or DIN 51626-2 or E5
for unleaded petrol with octane rating 95.
149Inspecting and replenishing