2014 SKODA FABIA radiator

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

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

The vehicle is unlocked.
If the ignition switch cannot be turned on, turn the steering wheel back and
forth slightly to unlock the steering lock.
Turn ignition on / off and start the engine
Fig. 105
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock
Read and observe and on page 103 first.
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock » Fig. 105
Ignition switched off, engine switched off
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Switching ignition on/off
›
Turn key to position
2
.
The ignition is switched on.
›
Turn key to position
1
.
The ignition is switched off.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , shift gear lever to neutral, depress
the clutch pedal and hold it there until the engine starts.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in position
P or N and depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.
›
Turn the key into position
3
as far as it will go - the engine's starting proce-
dure will commence (do not touch the accelerator).
›
Release the key, the engine will start automatically.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
123If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position 1. Re-
peat the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
For vehicles with diesel engines the glow plug warning light 
goes on during
starting. The engine can be started after the indicator light goes out.
Vehicles with manual transmission
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Press the clutch to start.
PRESS CLUTCH
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine will not start if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Depress the brake to start.
APPLY BRAKE
Note
■ The engine running noises may at first be louder for a short time after start-
ing the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.■
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heat-
ing period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Stopping the engine
Read and observe
and on page 103 first.
›
Stop the vehicle » page 109, Parking .
›
Turn key to position
1
» Fig. 105 on page 104 .
The engine and the ignition are switched off simultaneously.
CAUTION
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumula-
tion of heat when the engine is switched off.
Note
The radiator fan can intermittently continue to run for approximately 10 mi-
nutes after the ignition has been switched off.104Driving

Switch ignition on / offRead and observe
and on page 105 first.
›
Press the button » Fig. 106 on page 105 briefly.
The ignition is switched on or off.
On vehicles fitted with a manual transmission, the clutch pedal must not be
depressed while switching the ignition on or off, otherwise the system would
try to start.
On vehicles fitted with a automatic transmission, the brake pedal must not be
depressed while switching the ignition on or off, otherwise the system would
try to start.
If the driver's door is opened while the ignition is on, an audible signal sounds
and the following message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Ignition on!
IGNITION STILL ON
When leaving the vehicle always switch off the ignition.
Starting the engine
Read and observe
and on page 105 first.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , shift gear stick to neutral, depress
the clutch pedal and hold it there until the engine starts.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in position
P or N and depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 106 on page 105 briefly – the engine starts au-
tomatically.
In vehicles with diesel engines the glow plug warning light
 lights up after
pressing the button. The engine can be started after the indicator light goes
out.
Note
■ The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.■
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heat-
ing period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Switching off the engine
Read and observe
and on page 105 first.
Switching off
›
Stop the vehicle » page 109, Parking .
›
Press the button » Fig. 106 on page 105 briefly.
The engine and the ignition are switched off simultaneously.
Emergency shutdown
If necessary and in exceptional cases, the engine may even be turned off while driving.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 106 on page 105 for longer than 1 second or
twice within 1 second.
After the emergency stop of the engine, the steering lock will remain un-
locked.
CAUTION
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumula-
tion of heat when the engine is switched off.
Note
The radiator fan can intermittently continue to run for approximately 10 mi-
nutes after the ignition has been switched off.106Driving

Note■Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the
engine can be used without limitations.■
The use of petrol with an octane rating higher than 95 RON in does not re-
sult in either a noticeable increase in power nor lower fuel consumption in ve-
hicles for which unleaded petrol 95/91, 92 or 93 RON is specified.
■
On vehicles using prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of pet-
rol with a higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and re-
duce fuel consumption.
Diesel fuel
Read and observe
on page 148 first.
The vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel that meets the EN 5901)
standard.
All diesel engines can be operated using diesel fuel with a maximum of 7% bi-
odiesel (B7)2)
.
On the Indian market, your vehicle will only be able to run on diesel fuel com-
pliant with standard IS 1460/Bharat IV. If diesel fuel which complies with this
standard is not available, you can refuel with diesel fuel according to standard
IS 1460/Bharat III in case of emergency.
Operation in winter - Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operate
properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel
fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. ŠKODA Partners
and filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with in-
formation regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures opera-
tion of a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of
-24 °C.
Diesel fuel additives
The diesel fuel in accordance with the prescribed standards meets all the con-
ditions for a smooth running engine. We therefore recommend that no diesel
fuel additives are used. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the
engine or the exhaust system.
CAUTION
■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the
standard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and ex-
haust system!■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above men-
tioned standards (e.g. petrol) is used, do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Engine parts could be significantly damaged.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
CAUTION
■ The vehicle cannot be operated with biofuel RME, therefore this fuel must
not be filled in the tank and used for driving the vehicle. The use of biofuel
RME can cause considerable damage to parts of the engine or fuel system.■
Do not mix any fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar
agents), into the diesel. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the
engine or the exhaust system!
Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
152
Engine compartment overview
152
Radiator fan
153
Windscreen washer system
153

1)
In Germany also DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590:2004.
2)
In Germany complying with standard DIN 52638, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
150General Maintenance

WARNINGWhen working in the engine compartment, injuries, scalding, accident or
fire hazards may arise. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the
warning instructions stated below and with the generally applicable rules
of safety. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area.WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Turn off the engine and remove the ignition key.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
For vehicles with manual transmission the lever into the neutral position.
■
On vehicles with automatic transmission, shift the selector lever into the
P position.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – there is a risk of scalding. Wait until the steam or
coolant has stopped escaping.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine room■Keep all people, especially children, away from the engine compartment.■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – there is a risk of burns.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
Pay particular attention to moving engine parts, e.g. V-ribbed belt, gener-
ator, radiator fan - danger to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – there is a risk of death. Always remove
any jewellery, tie back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before com-
pleting any work.
WARNINGInformation for working on the fuel system or the electrical system■Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read the information and warning instructions on the fluid containers.■Keep the working fluids in sealed original containers and safe from peo-
ple who are not completely independent, e.g. children.■
Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
■
If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle against
rolling away and support it with suitable axle stands: the car jack is not suf-
ficient for this – there is a risk of injury.
CAUTION
Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!
For the sake of the environment
In view of the requirements for the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids and the special tools and knowledge required for such work, we recommend
that fluids be changed by a specialist garage.
Note
■ If there is anything you are not sure about concerning fluids, please consult a
specialist garage.■
Fluids with the proper specifications can be purchased from the ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories or from the ŠKODA Genuine Parts ranges.
151Inspecting and replenishing

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

CAUTION■The oil level must never be above the range A » Fig. 147 - risk of damage to
the motor as well as the exhaust system!■
If for some reason, it is not possible to top up the engine oil under the cur-
rent circumstances, 
do not continue driving! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.
■
If the oil level is above the range
A
, 
do not continue to drive! Switch off
the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 154 first.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 145 on page 152 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 154 .
›
Check the oil level » page 154.
›
Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.
›
Pull the dipstick out as far as the stop.
Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the coolant level
156
Replenishing
156
The coolant provides cooling for the motor.
It consists of water and coolant additive with additives that protect the cooling
system against corrosion and prevents furring.
The coolant additive level in the coolant must amount to at least 40%.
The coolant additive may be increased to a maximum of 60%.
The correct mixing ratio of water and coolant additive is to be checked if nec-
essary by a specialist garage or is to be restored if necessary.
The description of the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 148 on page 156 .
WARNINGThe engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warnings
» page 150 .■
The coolant is harmful to health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot
coolant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning!
■
Consult a doctor immediately if coolant is swallowed.
■
Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
CAUTION
■  Do not continue if for some reason it is not possible to fill with coolant un-
der the current circumstances! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from
a specialist garage.■
With an empty expansion tank top up coolant. The system could ventilate -
there is a risk of engine damage, 
not continue! Switch off the engine and
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
The amount of coolant additive in the coolant must never be allowed to fall
below 40 %.
■
Over 60 % coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protection
and coolant effectiveness.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specification can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection of the cooling system.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 148 on page 156 .
■
If an error occurs, leading to the engine overheating, the help of a professio-
nal garage is to be sought - there is a risk of serious engine damage occurring.
■
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.
155Inspecting and replenishing