2015 SKODA FABIA check engine light

Manually deactivating/activatingFig. 124
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
Deactivate/activate
›
Press the  button
» Fig. 124 .
When system is deactivated, the warning light in the button illuminates.
If the system is deactivated, then it is automatically activated again after
switching the ignition off and on.
Note
If the system is automatically deactivated when the engine is turned off, then
the automatic start process takes place.
Information messages
The warning symbols are shown in the instrument cluster display.
Start the engine manually!START MANUALLY
If for example the driver's seat belt is stored, the engine must be started man-
ually.
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 systemSTART STOP ERROR
A system error is present. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Brakes and parking
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information for braking
106
Handbrake
107
Parking
108WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident.■
The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle never leave persons leave unattended in the
vehicle who could release the brake. The vehicle might then move off – risk
of accident.
■
Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 112.
CAUTION
Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not nec-
essary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer brak-
ing distance and excessive wear.
Information for braking
Read and observe
and on page 106 first.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns
and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between services.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake
pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter.
The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times »
.
106Driving

Radiator fanRead and observe
and on page 150 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. 167
Windscreen washer fluid reser-
voir
Read and observe and on page 150 first.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir
A
is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 167 .
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.
In winter, the washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze 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
153
Checking the oil level
153
Replenishing
154
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 46.
1)
In some countries, 5.4 ltr. applies for both variants.
152General Maintenance

WARNINGThe engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warnings
» page 149 .
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil – risk of serious damage to the
engine parts.
Note
■ Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with you en-
gine oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle.■
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
■
You must wash yourself thoroughly if your skin has come into contact with
oil.
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 153 first.
Vehicles with variable service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecification1.0 l/44, 55 kW MPI - EU6VW 504 001.2 l/66, 81 kW TSIDiesel engineSpecification1.4 l/55, 66, 77 kW TDI CRVW 507 00
Vehicles with fixed service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecification1.0 l/44, 55 kW MPI - EU6
VW 502 00
1.0 l/55 kW MPI - EU41.2 l/66, 81 kW TSI1.6 l/66, 81 kW MPIDiesel engineSpecification1.4 l/55, 66, 77 kW TDI CRVW 507 00CAUTION■In an emergency, another engine oil can be used. To prevent damage to the
engine, a maximum of 0.5 litres only of the following engine oils may be used:
■ For petrol engine models: ACEA A3/ACEA B4 or API SN, (API SM);
■ For diesel engine models: ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.
Checking the oil level
Fig. 168
Principle sketch: Dipstick
Read and observe and on page 153 first.
The dipstick indicates the engine oil level .
Dipstick » Fig. 168
The oil level must be within this range.
The oil can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are satisfied. The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine operating temperature is reached.
The engine is turned off.
The bonnet is open.
Check the status
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the sump.
›
Pull out the dipstick.
›
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
›
Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
›
Re-insert the dipstick.
The engine burns some oil. The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5
l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which
you operate your vehicle. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during
the first 5 000 km. 
A153Inspecting and replenishing

The oil level must be checked at regular intervals.
In case of low oil level, a control light 
is displayed on the instrument cluster,
as well as the corresponding message » page 37. Check the oil level using the
dipstick as soon as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
■ The oil level must never be above the range A » Fig. 168 - risk of damage to
the motor as well as the exhaust system.■
Do not continue driving! If for some reason, it is not possible to top up the
engine oil under the current circumstances! 
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 153 first.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 166 on page 151 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 153 .
›
Check the oil level » page 153.
›
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
155
Replenishing
155
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 share in the coolant must be 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. 169 on page 155 .WARNINGThe engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warnings
» page 149 .■
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. 169 on page 155 .
■
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. 
154General Maintenance

■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.
Checking the coolant level
Fig. 169
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 154 first.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion reservoir » Fig. 169
Mark for the maximum permissible coolant level
Mark for the lowest permissible coolant level
The coolant level should be kept between the marks
A
and
B.
The coolant can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are sat-
isfied.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The engine is not heated.
The bonnet is open.
Check the status
›
Check the level of coolant at the coolant expansion vessel » Fig. 169.
If the engine is warm, the test result may be inaccurate. The stand can also be
above the mark
A
» Fig. 169 .
In the event of an insufficient coolant level, a control light  is displayed on
the instrument cluster, as well as the corresponding message » page 36,

Coolant . We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reser-
voir from time to time.
ABLoss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the cooling sys-
tem. Do not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a
specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 154 first.
The coolant expansion tank should always contain a small amount of coolant» page 154, in section Introduction .
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and carefully un-
screw the cap.
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available. In
this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of water and cool-
ant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Only top up with new coolant.
Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Level check
156
Specification
156
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 170 on
page 156 .
WARNING■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warnings
» page 149 .■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – there is the risk of an accident. 
155Inspecting and replenishing

CAUTION■Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has dropped below the “MIN”
marking » Fig. 170 on page 156 ,  - there is a risk of an accident! Seek help
from a specialist garage.■
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a prescribed inspection service.■We recommend using oils from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range.
Level check
Fig. 170
Brake fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 155 first.
The fluid can be checked if the following conditions are met.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The bonnet is open.
Check the status
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 170.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results in operation due to normal wear and tear
and the automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” mark-
ing.
Too low brake fluid level is indicated by the warning light 
illuminating in the
instrument cluster as well as the relevant notification being displayed
» page 32 , 
Brake system .
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 155 first.
To ensure the optimal function of the system, only use brake fluid in accord-ance with standard VW 501 14 (this standard meets the requirements of
FMVSS 116 DOT4).
Note
We recommend using oils from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range.
Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Open cover
157
Checking the battery electrolyte level
158
Charging
158
Replacing
159
Disconnecting or reconnecting
159
Automatic load deactivation
159
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for
the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection.Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the
vehicle battery.When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture
is produced.Keep children away from the vehicle battery. 156General Maintenance

Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 172
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 157 first.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the electrolyte
level can be determined by looking at the change in colour of this display.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
Check
Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a system for checking the
energy level for recurring engine start.
We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a specialist garage
from time to time, especially in the following cases. ▶ High external temperatures.
▶ Longer day trips.
▶ After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has some of its starting power at low temperatures. A
discharged vehicle battery may freeze at temperatures just below 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary,
recharged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
NoteThe battery electrolyte level is also periodically checked by a specialist garage
as part of the Inspection Service.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 157 first.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.A charging operation can be performed if the following conditions are satis-
fied.
The engine is turned off.
The ignition is switched off.
All consumers are turned off.
The bonnet is open.
“Fast charging” with high currents
›
Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“positive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch the
charger on.
›
Once charging is complete: Switch off the charger and remove the mains ca-
ble from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
Charging with low voltages
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables from the battery if you recharge
the vehicle battery, for example from a mini-charger.
Refer to the charger manufacturer's instructions .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging. 
158General Maintenance

WARNING■When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive
gas mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling
over during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is
on.■
Creating a bridge between the poles on the battery (e.g. with metal ob-
jects - cables) creates a short circuit - risk of damage to the battery, explo-
sion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
■
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all electrical consumers and disconnect the negative
terminal 
.
■
“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
■
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be “rapidly charged” by a
specialist garage.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system or additional heating (auxiliary heat-
ing), the pole terminal of the charger must not be connected directly to the
negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only to the engine earth
» page 174 .
Replacing
Read and observe
and on page 157 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and thesame size as the original battery. Suitable vehicle battery types can be pur-
chased from a specialist garage.
We recommend you have the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
Disconnecting or reconnecting
Read and observe
and on page 157 first.
Disconnecting
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
First, disconnect the negative terminal 
first, then the positive 
terminal
of the battery.
Connecting›First, connect the positive  first, then the negative  battery terminal.
After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, the following func-
tions or devices are partially or completely inoperative.Function / deviceOperating measureElectric windows» page 59Time settings» page 31
CAUTION
■ Disconnect the vehicle battery only with the ignition turned off - there is a
risk of damaging the electrical system of the vehicle.■
Under no circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly –
risk of a cable fire.
Note
■ After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, we recommend
having the vehicle checked by a specialist to ensure that the full functionality
of all electrical systems is guaranteed.■
The data of the multi-function display will be reset.
Automatic load deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 157 first.
The vehicle voltage system automatically prevents the battery from discharg-ing when the battery is put under high levels of strain. This may be noticed
from the following.
▶ The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
▶ Where appropriate large convenience consumers, e.g. seat heaters, rear win-
dow heaters, have their power limited or shut off completely if necessary.
CAUTION
■ Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the
vehicle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on
a long time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned
on during longer parking.■
Consumers which are supplied via a 12 V socket can cause the vehicle battery
to discharge when the ignition is switched off. 
159Inspecting and replenishing