2014 SKODA FABIA ignition

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

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

Operation
Cockpit
OverviewElectrical power windows
56
Door opening lever
51
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
70
Air jet
96
Parking ticket holder
76
Operating lever:
› Turning signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight
flasher
62
› Speed regulating system
118
›Speed limiter
120
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag
17
›With buttons for the operation of the information system
43
›With buttons for the Infotainment Control
» Infotainment
Manual , chapter Device Operation
Instrument cluster
29
Operating lever: › Windscreen wiper and wash system
67
›Information system
43
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Storage compartment
78
›Infotainment
» User manual for Infotainment
Air outlets in the central part of the dash panel
96
Bar with keys depending on the equipment fitted: › 
Left seat heating
73
› 
Rear window heater
66
› 
Central locking system
53
› 
Hazard warning light system button
64
› 



 Warning light for the front seat passenger
airbag
21
› 
Right seat heating
73
Interior rear-view mirror
7012345678910111213Memory card slot (in the front passenger storage compartment)
» User manual Infotainment
Front passenger airbag17
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
82
Key switch for switching off the front passenger airbag (in front
passenger storage compartment)
21
Air jet
96
Power window in the front passenger door
58
Door opening lever
51
Bar with keys depending on the equipment fitted:
› 
START-STOP
124
› 
Stability Control (ESC deactivation / activation of the ASR)
115
› 
Parking aid
117
› 
Tyre Press. Loss Indicator
127
Light switch
60
Bonnet release lever
152
Regulator for headlamp beam adjustment for the headlights
60
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel
10
Ignition lock
104
Fuse box
183
Pedals
110
Cup holder:
78
› with ashtray
79
›with multimedia support
80
Coin and credit card holder
77
Handbrake lever
108
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)
109
›Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
111
Storage compartment
77
USB / AUX input
» Infotainment Manual , chapter USB/AUX In-
puts 
14151617181920212223242526272829303132333428Operation

DisplayFig. 22
Display types
Read and observe on page 29 first.
Display types » Fig. 22
MAXI DOT display
Segment display
The following information will be displayed.
› Fuel gauge 1)
» page 32
› Distance travelled
» page 32
› Time
» page 33
› Warning icons
» page 38
› Details of the information system
» page 43
› Messages of the Auto Check Control
» page 44
› Details of the service interval display
» page 48
CAUTION
Pull out the ignition key if coming in contact with the display (e.g. when clean-
ing) to prevent any possible damage. On vehicles with a starter button, switch
off the ignition and open the driver's door.
Speedometer
Read and observe
on page 29 first.
The speedometer
3
» Fig. 20 on page 30 or » Fig. 21 on page 30 displays the
current speed.
NoteAn audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/
h 2)
. The audible warning is switched off once the vehicle speed falls below
120 km/h.
Coolant temperature gauge
Fig. 23
Coolant temperature gauge
Read and observe on page 29 first.
Applies to cars with the instrument cluster - Version 1 » Fig. 20 on page 30 .
The display » Fig. 23 provides information about the engine coolant tempera-
ture.
The display only works if the ignition is switched on.
Vehicles with the instrument cluster - Version 2 » Fig. 21 on page 30 do not
have any coolant temperature gauge. They are only provided with a high-tem-
perature indicator » page 40, 
Coolant .
On vehicles with the multifunction display, the coolant temperature can be
shown on the display by the corresponding driving data entry being selected
» page 46 , Information overview .
Cold range
The pointer in the left of the scale indicates that the engine has not yet
reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads. This prevents possible damage to the engine. 
1)
Applies only to the segment display.
2)
This function is only enabled in certain countries.
31Instruments and warning lights

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

Odometer
The odometer indicates the total distance which the vehicle has been driven.
Read and observe on page 29 first.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press and hold the button
5
» Fig. 20 on page 30 or » Fig. 21 on page 30
until the time is shown.
›
Release the button
5
and the system switches to the time setting function.
›
Press the button
5
again and set the hours.
›
Wait around 4 seconds - the system switches to the minutes setting.
›
Press the button
5
again and set the minutes.
›
Wait around 4 seconds - the system switches to the minutes setting.
The time can also be set in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Info-
tainment , chapter Device settings .
Viewing the charge level of the vehicle battery
Read and observe
on page 29 first.
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Press and hold the button
5
» Fig. 20 on page 30 or » Fig. 21 on page 30
until Battery status or BATTERY SOC is shown in the Display.
›
Release the button
5
- the current charge level 1)
of the vehicle battery is
displayed in %.
›
Wait about 4 seconds or press the
5
key and the system will return to the
home setting.
Warning lights
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
34
 Brake system
34
 Seat belt warning light
34

 Central warning light
34
 Power Steering / steering lock (engine start push-button)34Stability Control (ESC) / Traction Control (ASR)35

Traction control system (TCS) off
35
 Anti brake system (ABS)
36
 Rear fog light
36
 Exhaust inspection system
36

Glow plug system (diesel engine)
36
 Engine performance check (petrol engine)
36
 Airbag system
36
 Tyre pressure
37
 Fuel reserve
37

 Turning signal system
37
 Trailer turn signal lights
37
 Fog lights
38
 Cruise control / speed limiter
38
 Brake pedal (automatic transmission)
38
 Main beam
38
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Some warning lights can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in
the display of the instrument cluster.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights light up briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine.
The condition of some features and systems is shown by the warning icons on
the display » page 38.
The warning lights are at the following locations in the instrument cluster
» Fig. 20 on page 30 or » Fig. 21 on page 30 .
› Revolutions counter
1
›Speedometer
3
›Bar with warning lights
4

1)
Applies to vehicles with START-STOP system.
33Instruments and warning lights