2015 SKODA FABIA ESP

■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

WARNINGThere is a risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire
when carrying out any work on the battery and on the electrical system. It
is essential to comply with the generally applicable rules of safety as well
as the warning instructions outlined below.■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent, especially children.
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings.
■
Protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses or a face shield – there is a
risk of being blinded.
■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
■
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled
with the greatest of care.
■
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivi-
tis and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
■
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and creates deep wounds on contact
with the skin which take a long time to heal.
■
If any battery electrolyte comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the
eyes immediately with clear water for several minutes - consult a doctor
immediately.
■
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water.
■
Seek immediate medical assistance if you swallow battery acid.
WARNING■ The use of open flames and light should be avoided.■Smoking and radio triggering activities should be avoided.■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery – there is a risk of explosion.
■
Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – there is a risk of explo-
sion and caustic burns.
■
Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low
– risk of explosion and caustic burns.
CAUTION
■ Improper handling of the vehicle battery may cause damage.■Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork –
there is a risk of damage to the paintwork.■ If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge. Prevent the battery from discharging by disconnecting the battery's
negative terminal 
or continuously charging the battery with a very low
charging current.■
Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle bat-
tery housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
■
If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery
will not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge.
Note
■ We recommend having all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
Open cover
Fig. 171
Polyester cover of vehicle bat-
tery
Read and observe and on page 157 first.
The battery is located in the engine compartment. For some equipment var- iants, it is located underneath a polyester cover » Fig. 171.
›
Fold out the cover on the battery in the direction of the arrow.
The battery cover is installed in reverse order.
157Inspecting and replenishing

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

Always store wheels or tyres in a cool, dry and, where possible, dark place.
Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored upright.
Tyre age
Tyres age losing their original characteristics, even if they are not used. The
service life of the tyres is 6 years. Therefore, we recommend not using tyres
older than 6 years.
Wheel bolts
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. There-
fore we recommend that you use wheel rims and wheel bolts from ŠKODA
Original Accessories.WARNINGNever use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.
Tyre pressure
Fig. 173
Label with a table of tyre sizes and tyre pressure value / inflate
tyres
Read and observe
on page 160 first.
The prescribed tyre inflation is on the sticker with pictograms
A
» Fig. 173 (for
some countries, the pictograms are replaced with a text).
Tyre pressure is always to match the load .
Inflation pressure for half load
Inflation pressure for environmentally-friendly operation
As a result of pressure level adaption to this value, the fuel consumption
and pollutant emissions may fall slightly.
Inflation pressure for full load
Tyre diameter in inches
These details are intended only as information for the specified tyre pres-
sure and does not list approved tyre sizes for your vehicle.
The approved tyre sizes for your vehicle are listed in the vehicle's technical
documentation (the so called COC document) and this also states the dec-
laration of conformity.
The approved tyre diameter for your vehicle is also provided with the vehi-
cle data » page 192 .
Tyre pressure value on the front axle
Tyre pressure value on the rear axle
Check tyre pressures
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the emergency or spare wheel, at
least once a month and also before setting off on a long journey.
Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure of warm tyres.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring tyre pressure values are to be stored
every time the tyre pressure changes » page 126.WARNING■
The correct tyre pressure values is always the driver's responsibility.■Too low or too high inflation pressure impairs handling.■
If the pressure is too low, the tyre must overcome a greater rolling resist-
ance. This will heat the tyre up, especially at higher speeds. This can result
in tread separation and a tyre blowout.
■
For very fast tyre pressure loss, such as a sudden tyre failure try to bring
the vehicle carefully to a stop without sudden steering movements and
without any hard braking.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption. BCDEFG161Wheels

▶The cut or puncture is larger than 4 mm.
▶ The tyre wall is damaged.
▶ After the expiration date (see inflation bottle).
Preparations for using the breakdown kit
Read and observe
on page 172 first.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the break-
down kit.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
On vehicles with Manual transmission select 1st gear .
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit » page 172,
General information .
›
Uncouple trailer, if attached.
›
Remove the breakdown kit from the boot.
›
Stick the corresponding sticker
1
» Fig. 186 on page 172 on the dashboard in
the driver's field of view.
›
Unscrew the valve cap.
›
Use the valve remover
2
to unscrew the valve core and place it on a clean
surface (rag, paper, etc.).
Sealing and inflating the tyre
Read and observe
on page 172 first.
Sealing
›
Shake the tyre inflator bottle
10
» Fig. 186 on page 172 vigorously several
times.
›
Firmly screw the inflation hose
3
onto the tyre inflater bottle
10
. The film on
the cap is pierced automatically.
›
Remove the plug from the inflation hose
3
and push the open end fully on-
to the tyre valve.
›
Hold the bottle
10
with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflator bottle into the tyre.
›
Remove the filler plug from the tyre valve.
›
Screw the valve core back into the tyre valve using the valve remover
2
.
Inflating›Screw the air compressor tyre inflation hose 7 » Fig. 186 on page 172 firmly
onto the tyre valve.›
On vehicles with manual transmission , move the lever to the neutral posi-
tion.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
Start the engine and run it in idle.
›
Plug the connector
6
into 12 volt socket » page 77.
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
9
.
›
Allow the air compressor to run until a pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved.
Maximum run time of 8 minutes » .
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
7
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent
to “distribute” in the tyre.
›
Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose
7
back onto the tyre valve and repeat
the inflation process.
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
Remove the tyre inflation hose
7
from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved, you can continue the journey.
WARNING■ If the tyre does not inflate to at least. 2.0 bar, the damage is too great.
The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre.  Do not drive the vehi-
cle! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
The tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot while the tyre is
being inflated – there is a risk of injury.
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the most – risk of
overheating. Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before switching
it on again.
Notes for driving with tyre repaired
Read and observe
on page 172 first.
The filling pressure of the repaired tyre is a 10-minute test drive. 
173Emergency equipment, and self-help

Fuses and light bulbs
Fuses
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Fuses in the dash panel
181
Assignment of the fuses in the dash panel
182
Fuses in the engine compartment
183
Fuse assignment in the engine compartment
183
Individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses.
Switch off the ignition and the corresponding power consuming device before
replacing a fuse.
Find out which fuse belongs to the component that is not operating
» page 181 , Fuses in the dash panel or » page 183 , Fuses in the engine com-
partment .
Fuse colourMaximum amperagepurple3light brown5dark brown7.5red10blue15yellow/blue20white25green/pink30green40red50WARNINGAlways read and observe the warnings before completing any work in the
engine compartment » page 149.CAUTION■
“Never repair” fuses or replace them with a fuse of a higher amperage – risk
of fire. This may also cause damage at another part of the electrical system.■
If a newly inserted fuse blows again after a short time, have the electrical
system checked as quickly as possible by a specialist garage.
■
A blown fuse is recognisable by the molten metal strip. Replace the faulty
fuse with a new one of the same amperage.
Note
■
We recommend that you always carry replacement fuses in the vehicle. A box
of replacement fuses and bulbs can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Acces-
sories.■
One fuse may cover several consumers.
■
A single consumer may use several fuses.
Fuses in the dash panel
Fig. 199
Remove the cover
Read and observe and on page 181 first.
The fuses are located on the bottom of the dash panel behind a cover.
Replacing fuses
›
Remove the cover of the fuse box » Fig. 199 in the direction of the arrow.
›
Remove the plastic clip from the holder in the fuse box cover.
›
Place the clamp on the respective fuse and pull this fuse out.
›
Insert a new fuse.
›
Replace the clamp in the original position.
›
Insert the top edge of the cover into the dash panel first.
›
Push the lower edge of the cover in the region
A
.
181Fuses and light bulbs

Bulb arrangement in the headlightsFig. 203
Principle sketch: Halogen headlights/halogen projector head-
lights
Read and observe
and on page 184 first.
The vehicle is equipped with headlights with halogen bulbs.
Bulb arrangement » Fig. 203
Dayl. dri. light
Low beam, high beam and parking light
Flashing
Low beam
High beam and turning signal switch
Removing and installing the cover in the front wheel arch
Fig. 204
Remove the plastic cover
Read and observe and on page 184 first.
The cover in the front wheel must be removed in order to change certain light
bulbs.
ABCDEDetails about removing the cover - if needed - are given in the description of
each lamp change.
Removing›
Adjust front wheels in the direction of centre of the vehicle.
›
Insert the clamp for removing the full wheel covers » page 167, Vehicle tool
kit into the recess in the cover.
›
Remove the cover by pulling the hook in the direction of arrow » Fig. 204.
Fitting
›
Insert and push the cover into the corresponding opening.
The cover must engage securely.
Fitting and removing the wash water container nozzle
Fig. 205
Remove the holder of the wash water container nozzle
Read and observe
and on page 184 first.
The holder of the wash water container nozzle must be removed in order to
replace some light bulbs. The holder is located in the engine compartment,
front right. 
185Fuses and light bulbs