2014 SKODA FABIA coolant level

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

Depending on equipment fitted:› 12-Volt power socket79
›
Cigarette lighter
78
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating
97
›Operating controls for the air conditioning system
98
›Operating controls for Climatronic
98
Note
The layout of the controls on right-hand drive vehicles differs partially from
that shown in » Fig. 19 . The symbols on the controls and switches are the
same as for left-hand drive models.3536Instruments and warning lights
Instrument cluster
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
30
Revolution counter
30
Display
31
Speedometer
31
Coolant temperature gauge
31
Fuel gauge
32
Counter for distance driven
32

33
Viewing the charge level of the vehicle battery
33
The instrument cluster gives the driver basic information such as the current
speed, engine speed, the state of some vehicle systems and the like.
Fault display
If there is a fault in the instrument cluster, the following message will appear
in the display.
Error: instrument cluster. Workshop!
COMBINED INSTRUM_WORKSHOP
Seek help from a specialist garage.
WARNINGConcentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver, you are fully re-
sponsible for road safety.
Note
If the message SAFE CP appears in the instrument cluster display, the compo-
nent protection for the instrument cluster is active. Further information
» page 139 , Component protection .29Instruments and warning lights

OverviewFig. 20
Instrument cluster - Version 1
Fig. 21
Instrument cluster - Version 2
Read and observe
on page 29 first.
Engine revolutions counter » page 30
› with warning lights
» page 33
Display » page 31
Speedometer » page 31
› with warning lights
» page 33
Bar with warning lights » page 33
1234Button for:
› Setting the clock
» page 33
› Reset counter for distance travelled (trip)
» page 32
› Display charge level for the vehicle battery
» page 33
› Displaying the distance and days until the next service interval
» page 48
Coolant temperature gauge » page 31
Fuel gauge » page 32
Revolution counter
Read and observe
on page 29 first.
The tachometer
1
» Fig. 20 on page 30 or » Fig. 21 on page 30 shows the ac-
tual engine speed per minute.
The beginning of the red scale range of the tachometer indicates the maxi-
mum permitted engine speed of a driven-in and operating warm engine.
You should shift into the next highest gear before the red scale of the revolu- tion counter is reached or select mode D on the automatic gearbox.
The gear recommendation is important to note in order to maintain the opti-
mum engine speed » page 44.
CAUTION
The pointer of the tachometer must reach the red area for only a short time -
there is a risk of engine damage!56730Operation

The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer
moves into the middle of the scale A
» Fig. 23 . At very high ambient tempera-
tures or under heavy engine loads, the pointer may move even further to the
right.
High temperature range
The coolant temperature is too high if the pointer reaches the red area of the
scale.
Further information » page 40.
CAUTION
■
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.
Fuel gauge
Fig. 24
Fuel gauge: Version 1/version 2
Read and observe
on page 29 first.
The display » Fig. 24 provides information on the fuel supply in the container.
Fuel gauge types » Fig. 24
Display in the instrument cluster - Version 1
In the display of the instrument cluster - Version 2
The display only works if the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 45 litres.
The warning light lights up when the fuel level reaches the reserve range 
» page 37 .
The reserve zone is indicated by the red area of the scale » Fig. 24 -  or by
displaying only the last two segments of the scale » Fig. 24 -  in the magnify-
ing glass.
CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and the exhaust system.
Note
■ After filling up, it can occur that during dynamic driving (e.g. numerous
curves, braking, driving downhill and climbing a steep hill) the fuel gauge indi-
cates approx. a fraction less. When stopping or during less dynamic driving, the
fuel gauge displays the correct fuel level again. This is not a fault.■
The arrow 
next to the icon 
within the fuel gauge displays the installation
location of the fuel filler on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
Counter for distance driven
Fig. 25
Display: MAXI DOT display / Seg-
ment display
Read and observe on page 29 first.
Display » Fig. 25
Counter for distance travelled (trip)
Odometer
Counter for distance travelled (trip)
The daily trip counter shows the distance driven since the time the counter
was last reset - in steps of 0.1 km.
Reset counter for distance travelled (trip)
›
Press and hold the
5
» Fig. 20 on page 30 or » Fig. 21 on page 30 button
briefly. 
AB32Operation

If a trailer is hitched and the warning light  is not flashing , one of the trailer
turn signal lights has failed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display, for exam-
ple.
Trailer: check left turn signal!
TRAILER TURN SIG_ CHECK LEFT
The trailer must be unhitched properly » page 134, Trailer, connect and dis-
connect .
 Fog lights
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
The warning light 
illuminates when the fog lamps are operating.
 Cruise control / speed limiter
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
The indicator light illuminates
, when the vehicle is being controlled by the
cruise control or speed limiter.
The indicator light 
flashes , if the speed set by the speed limiter has been
exceeded.
 Brake pedal (automatic transmission)
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
If the warning light 
illuminates , operate the brake pedal.
 Main beam
Read and observe
on page 34 first.
The warning light 
illuminates when the main beam or the headlight flasher
is being operated.
Warning icons in the display
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Automatic transmission
39
 
Rear seat belt warning
39
 Alternator
39
 Coolant
40
 Engine oil pressure
40
 Engine oil level
40
 Lamp failure
41
 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
41
 Windscreen washer fluid level
42

 START-STOP-system
42
 Display of a low temperature
42
 Distance warning (Front Assistant)
42
 Advance warning/emergency brake (Front Assistant)
42
The warning icons indicate the status of certain functions or faults.
The warning icons are indicated in the display of the instrument cluster
» page 31 .
Depending on the meaning of the warning icon, the icon  or
 will also illu-
minate in the bar with the warning lights
4
» Fig. 20 on page 30 or » Fig. 21
on page 30 .
SymbolMeaningDangerWarning
While the operational faults remain unrectified, the messages are repeated.
After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols  or
 continue to be
displayed without any extra messages for the driver.
Some warning icons can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in
the instrument cluster display.
After switching on the ignition, some warning icons illuminate briefly as a
function test. 
38Operation

CAUTIONIf in addition to the symbol  the symbol  lights up while driving,  stop
driving - there is a risk of engine damage! Switch off the engine and seek as-
sistance from a specialist garage.
 Coolant
Read and observe
on page 39 first.
Coolant level too low
If the coolant level is too low, the warning icon 
lights up and the following
message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Please check engine coolant! Owner's Manual!
ENGINE COOLANT PLEASE CHECK
› Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and check the coolant level
» page 156 .
› If the coolant level is too low, top up coolant
» page 156.
If the warning icon 
does not illuminate after adding coolant and switching
on the engine, you may continue your journey.
If the coolant is within the specified range and the warning icon  is still
lit
after switching on the ignition, then there may be a malfunction of the cooling
fan.
› Switch off the ignition.
› Check the fuse for the radiator fan, replace if necessary
» page 185, Fuses in
the engine compartment .
If the coolant level and fan fuse are OK and the Warning icon 
lights up again
after switching on the ignition, do not continue driving!
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Coolant temperature too high
If the coolant temperature is too high, the warning icon 
lights up and the
following message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Engine overheated. Stop! Owner's Manual!
ENGINE OVERHEAT STOP
› Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
› Switch on the ignition and wait until the coolant temperature returns to the
operating range » page 31.
› Continue your journey only after the warning icon
 has disappeared.
WARNING■
Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cool-
ing system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the
engine to cool down before removing the cap.■
Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch on automati-
cally even if the ignition is off - danger of injury!
CAUTION
■ 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 overheater.
 Engine oil pressure
Read and observe
on page 39 first.
When the warning icon is 
lit , the engine oil pressure is too low.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Oil pressure: Stop! Owner's Manual!
STOP VEHICLE OIL PRESSURE
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level
» page 154 .
›
If the oil pressure is too low, top up the engine oil » page 155.
If the oil level is within the specified range and the warning icon 
turns on
again after the engine is started, 
do not continue driving! Switch off the en-
gine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
 Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to top up
the engine oil! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist ga-
rage.
 Engine oil level
Read and observe
on page 39 first.
Engine oil level too low
If the warning icons  and
 are
lit, the engine oil level is too low. 
40Operation

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

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