2015 SKODA FABIA ignition

Starting and stopping the engine at the push of the button
Introduction
Fig. 121
Starter button ( 


)
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Steering column lock locking / unlocking
102
Switch ignition on / off
103
Starting the engine
103
Switching off the engine
103
Problems with the engine start
104
The ignition can be switched on and off and the engine can be started / stop-
ped with the starter button » Fig. 121.
The key must be in the vehicle to unlock the steering, start the vehicle and
drive.
WARNING■ Never leave the key in the vehicle when you exit the vehicle. Unauthor-
ized persons such as children could lock the car, turn on the ignition or start
the engine -risk of injury, accidents and damage!■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - there is a
risk of theft, accident etc.!
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle has come to a halt – risk of
accident.
WARNINGNever (e.g. in garages) run the engine in a closed place - risk of poisoning
and death!CAUTION■ The system can recognize the valid key, even if it has been accidentally left
on the vehicle roof - there is danger of loss or damage to the key!■
Only start the engine when the engine and the vehicle are stationary - risk of
starter and engine damage!
■
Do not push-start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and
the catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a
jump-start aid » page 174.
Note
■
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start
your journey as soon as the engine has started. The engine reaches its operat-
ing temperature faster this way.■
The system is protected against inadvertently switching off the engine while
driving, this means that the engine can only be switched off in an emergency
» page 103 .
Steering column lock locking / unlocking
Read and observe
and on page 102 first.
The steering lock (steering lock) deters any attempted theft of your vehicle.
Locking
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the driver door.
The steering lock is locked automatically.
If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off afterwards, the
steering is only locked after the vehicle has been locked.
Unlocking
›
Open the driver's door and get into the vehicle.
›
Close the driver's door.
The steering is locked automatically.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. after switching off the ignition and opening
the driver's door), the steering is enabled only when the ignition is switched on
or the engine is started.
WARNINGNever let the vehicle roll with locked steering lock - risk of accident!102Driving

Switch ignition on / offRead and observe
and on page 102 first.
›
Press the button » Fig. 121 on page 102 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 switched on.IGNITION STILL ON
When leaving the vehicle always switch off the ignition.
Starting the engine
Read and observe
and on page 102 first.
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.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 121 on page 102 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 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.
Switching off the engine
Read and observe
and on page 102 first.
Switching off
›
Stop the vehicle » page 108, Parking .
›
Press the button » Fig. 121 on page 102 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. 121 on page 102 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.103Starting-off and driving

Problems with the engine startFig. 122
Starting the engine - Press the
button with the key
Read and observe and on page 102 first.
The key in the vehicle cannot be verified
If the key in the vehicle cannot be verified, then engine cannot be started by
pressing a button.
One of the following messages are shown in the information cluster display.
Key not detected. Owner´s manual!Key not found.NO KEY
This can be because of the following. ▶ The battery in the key is almost out of charge.
▶ The key is malfunctioning.
▶ There is interference in the signal between the system and the key (strong
electromagnetic field).
Try to start the engine by pressing the knob with the key » Fig. 122.
System fault
If the following message appears on the display of the instrument cluster,
there is a system malfunction.
Keyless access system faulty.KEYLESS ACCESS SYSTEM FAULTY
Try to start the engine by pressing the knob with the key » Fig. 122.
CAUTION
The key can only be verified if it is in the vehicle. It is therefore not always nec-
essary to know where the key is.Note■ When attempting to start, the key bit must be pointed towards the button
» Fig. 122 .■
If engine fails to start after pressing the button with the key, seek specialist
help.
START-STOPsystem
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operation
105
Manually deactivating/activating
106
Information messages
106
The START-STOP system (hereinafter only referred to as "system") reduces the
CO 2 emissions, as well as harmful emissions and saves fuel.
If the system determine that the engine is not needed when the vehicle stops
(e.g. at the traffic lights), it turns off the engine and starts it again when mov-
ing off.
The system function depends on many factors. Some of them must be met by
the driver, the others are related to the system and cannot be influenced nor
recognised.
For this reason, the system can react differently in situations which are iden-
tical from the driver's perspective.
The system is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on
(even if this was manually deactivated using the key ).
Note
If the engine was stopped by the system, the ignition remains on.104Driving

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

Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the brake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned by applying the brakes several times »
.
Long or steep slopes
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Emergency brake display
If the brakes are applied in full and the vehicle systems consider the situation
to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light flashes automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af-
ter accelerating or driving off again.
Fault in the brake system
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that
the brake pedal can be depressed further, there may be a fault in the brake
system.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system.
The fluid level is monitored electronically » page 32,
 Brake system
.
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
WARNINGOnly apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake
discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users
in jeopardy.HandbrakeFig. 125
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 106 first.
The handbrake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Undoing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly while pushing in the locking button
» Fig. 125 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied provi-
ded the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Release the handbrake!RELEASE HANDBRAKE
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of acci-
dent!107Starting-off and driving

ParkingRead and observe
and on page 106 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
For vehicles with Automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with Manual transmission , select first gear or Reverse gear R .
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNINGThe parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come in-
to contact with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth,
leaves, spilled fuel or such like. - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!
Manual gear shifting and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
108
Pedals
109Manual gear changingFig. 126
The shift pattern: Variant 1 (5-speed or 6-speed manual gear-
box)/Version 2 (5-speed transmission with the 1.0 litre MPI engine)
On the gear lever, the shift pattern for the individual gear positions is shown
» Fig. 126 .
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 39.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear
on the clutch.
Engage reverse gear - Version 1
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal must be fully depressed.
›
Move the shift lever to the idle position, switch and press down.
›
Move the shift lever fully to the left and then forward into the Rposition
» Fig. 126 .
Engage reverse gear - Version 2
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal must be fully depressed.
›
Move the shift lever to the idle position, switch and press down.
›
Move the shift lever fully to the right and then backwards to position R.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the
ignition is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident! 108Driving

CAUTION■If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gear-
shift lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift
mechanism to wear excessively.■
When stopping on a slope, never try to keep the vehicle in position by using
the accelerator pedal – this may lead to damage of clutch parts.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
In the driver's foot well, only a foot mat, which is attached to the two corre-
sponding attachment points, may be used.
Only use factory-supplied foot mats or foot mats from the range of
ŠKODAOriginal Accessories, which are fitted to two the two required attach-
ment points.
WARNINGNo objects are allowed in the driver's footwell – there is a risk of obstruct-
ing or restriction pedal operation.
Automatic transmission
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Modes and use of selector lever
109
Selector lever lock
110
Manual shifting (Tiptronic)
110
Starting-off and driving
111
The automatic transmission performs automatic gear changes.
The modes for the automatic transmission can be adjusted by the driver by
means of the selector lever.
WARNING■ Never accelerate when the mode for moving forward is set with the se-
lector lever - there is a risk of accident!■
Never shift the selector lever to R or P modes when driving – there is a
risk of an accident.
■
If the vehicle is in the mode selected D, S , R or Tiptronic and the engine
stops when at idle speed, then the brake pedal must be pressed. Even
when the engine is idling, power transmission is never completely interrup-
ted – the vehicle will creep.
■
When leaving the vehicle, the selector lever is always to be put in the P
mode. Otherwise, the vehicle may start to move - risk of accident.
CAUTION
■ If the selector lever is moved to mode N while driving, the accelerator pedal
must be released and you will need to wait until the engine has reached its
idling speed before moving the selector lever to a forward driving mode again.■
When the outdoor temperature is below -10 ° C, the selector lever, when
starting, must always be in P mode.
■
When stopping on a slope, never try to keep the vehicle in position by using
the accelerator pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the
selector lever is in the position P.
Modes and use of selector lever
Fig. 127
Selector lever/display
Read and observe and on page 109 first.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 127. 
109Starting-off and driving

The brake and stabilization systems are automatically activated each time the
ignition is switched on, unless otherwise indicated.WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 114, in section Introduction .
Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 115 first.
The ESC improves vehicle stability in dynamic driving situations, such as whenthe vehicle starts to skid.
The ESC monitors whether the desired direction of the current vehicle motion
is occurring. In case of any deviation (e.g. oversteer), the ESC automatically
brakes individual wheels to maintain the desired direction.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 115 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thereby, it helps the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not pump the brakes or lift off the brake
pedal.
Traction control (TCS)Fig. 132
System button: Activating/deac-
tivating TCS
Read and observe on page 115 first.
TCS prevents the spinning of the wheels of the driven axle. TCS reduces the drive power transmitted to the wheels in the case of slipping wheels. Thereby,
for example, driving on road surfaces with low grip is made easier.
During a TCS intervention, the indicator light  flashes in the instrument clus-
ter.
Activating/deactivating TCS
The activation or deactivation of TCS can be done, depending on equipment, in
one of the following ways. ▶ Infotainment » Owner´s Manual Infotainment , chapter CAR - vehicle set-
tings .
▶ By briefly pressing the symbol key 
» Fig. 132 .
Upon deactivation, in the instrument cluster the indicator light  illuminates
and the display shows the following message.
Traction control (ASR) deactivated.ASR OFF
Upon activation, in the instrument cluster the indicator turns  and the display
shows the following message.
Traction control (ASR) activated.ASR ON
The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example. ▶ When driving with snow chains.
▶ When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
▶ When “rocking a car free” when it has become stuck.
115Assist systems