2016 SKODA FABIA ignition

Note■The engine running noises may be louder at first for a short time after start-
ing the cold engine.■
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heat-
ing period, otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
■
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may (also intermittently)
continue to operate for approx. 10 minutes.
Problems with the engine start - vehicles with starter button
Fig. 115
Starting the engine - Press the
button with the key
Read and observe and on page 90 first.
If no engine start is possible and the display of the instrument cluster shows a message that the key could not be detected by the system or there is a system
fault, then try to start the engine as follows.
›
Press the starter button with the key » Fig. 115.
If the engine does not start, the help of a specialist garage is required.
CAUTION
The key may not be detected by the system if the battery in the key is running
out of charge or the signal fails (strong electromagnetic field) or is shielded
(e.g. in an aluminium case).
START-STOPsystem
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operation
92
Manually deactivating/activating
93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.
Operation
Fig. 116
Display
Vehicles with manual transmission
The motor is automatically switched off as soon as the vehicle comes to a halt,
the shift lever is shifted to the neutral position and the clutch pedal is re-
leased.
The motor is automatically started as soon as the clutch pedal is depressed.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The motor is automatically switched off as soon as the vehicle comes to a
standstill and the brake pedal is actuated.
The motor is automatically started as soon as the brake pedal is released. 
92Driving

Conditions for the system function
The following conditions are required for the correct system function.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The driving speed exceeded 4 km/h after the last stop. No trailer or other accessory is connected to the trailer socket.
System status
The system status is shown on the display » Fig. 116 when stopped.
The engine is automatically switched off; when driving off again, the en-
gine is started automatically.
The motor is not automatically switched off.
The engine does not shut down when the vehicle stops, if e.g. the following
applies.
▶ The engine temperature for the proper function of the system has not yet
been reached.
▶ The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
▶ The current consumption is too high.
▶ High air conditioning or heating output (high fan speed, big difference be-
tween the desired and actual interior temperature).
If the engine has shut down automatically but the system detects that the en- gine is required to run (e.g. if the brake pedal is pressed repeatedly) then the
system automatically starts up the engine.
More information about the current system status can be displayed on the In-
fotainment screen » Owner's Manual Infotainment .
If there is a system fault , the following message will appear in the display of
the instrument cluster. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Note
■ If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's
door is opened after the engine has switched off automatically, the engine will
have to be restarted manually.■
No automatic engine shut-down takes place when a vehicle with automatic
transmission is moving at low speed (e.g. during a traffic jam) and remains sta-
tionary after pressing the brake pedal lightly. Automatic engine shutdown
takes place if you press the brake pedal down with more force.
■
For vehicles with automatic transmission there is no automatic engine shut-
down when the system detects a manoeuvring action due to a large steering
angle.
Manually deactivating/activatingFig. 117
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
›
To deactivate/activate the system, press the
 button
» Fig. 117 .
When the system is deactivated, the symbol in the button lights up .
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.
Brakes and Parking
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handbrake
94
Parking
94
The wear and tear on the brake pads is dependent on the operating condi-
tions and driving style. In difficult conditions (e.g. urban, sporty driving), the
condition of the brakes should be checked between service intervals by a spe-
cialist garage.
Brake response can be slower if the brakes are covered in moisture or, in win-
ter, have a layer of ice or salt on them . The brakes should be cleaned and
dried by applying the brakes many times over »
.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the brake pads can 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
over »
. 
93Starting-off and driving

Before negotiating a long or steep gradient , reduce speed and shift down a
gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. If, nevertheless, there is a need for additional braking, it
should be carried out at intervals.
Emergency braking warning - If it is necessary to brake hard, the system may
cause the brake lights to automatically flash, to alert the traffic behind.
New brake pads must first be““run in”” because these do not initially have the
best possible braking effect. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or
so.
If the brake fluid level is too low, it can cause faults in the braking system ;
the warning light will light up in the instrument cluster » page 29
,
 Braking
system . If the warning light does not light up, yet the stopping distance is per-
ceived to be longer than before, the driving style should be adapted in view of
the unknown cause of the problem, and braking kept to a minimum - seek the
help of a specialist garage without delay.
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.WARNING■ 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!
■
Do not depress the brake pedal, if there is no requirement to slow down.
This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear - The is a risk of an accident!
■
Only brake 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.
■
Recommendations for new brake pads should be followed.
■
When stopping and parking, the parking brake should always be applied
firmly, otherwise the vehicle could move off - The is a risk of an accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
Otherwise, the front brakes could be in danger of overheating – The is a
risk of an accident!
HandbrakeFig. 118
Handbrake
Read and observe on page 94 first.
The handbrake secures the vehicle against unwanted movement when stop-
ping and parking.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Undoing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly while pushing in the locking button
» Fig. 118 .
›
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 handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven
at a speed of over 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
WARNINGDisengage the handbrake completely. A handbrake which is only partially
disengaged can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have a nega-
tive effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!
Parking
Read and observe
on page 94 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order. 
94Driving

›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.
WARNING■
The parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle in places where the underside of your vehicle could come
into contact with flammable materials (e.g. dry grass, leaves, spilled fuel
etc.) There is a risk of a fire and could result in severe injuries!■
When leaving the vehicle never leave people unattended in the car who
could, for example, lock the vehicle or release the brake - The is a risk of
accidents and injury!
Manual gear shifting and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
95
Pedals
95
Manual gear changing
Fig. 119
The shift pattern: Variant 1 (5-speed or 6-speed manual gear-
box)/ variant 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. 119 .
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 37.
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.
›
Switch the gear lever to N.
›
Push the shift lever downwards fully to the left and then forward into
R » Fig. 119 .
Selecting reverse gear - variant 2 (applies to the 1.0 l MPI motor)
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal must be fully depressed.
›
Switch the gear lever to N.
›
Wait briefly.
›
Push down on the shift lever, then push fully over to the right and then back-
wards, 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!
CAUTION
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mech-
anism to wear excessively.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
Only a floor mat (ex-factory or from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range)
which can be secured to the attachment points should be used in the driver's
footwell. 
95Starting-off and driving

WARNINGThere should be no objects in the driver's footwell, otherwise the pedal op-
eration can be impeded - risk of accident!
Automatic transmission
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Select selector lever position
96
Selector lever lock
97
Manual shifting (Tiptronic)
97
Starting-off and driving
98
The automatic transmission performs an automatic gear change irrespective of
the engine load, the operation of the accelerator, the vehicle speed and the
selected driving mode.
The modes of the automatic transmission can be adjusted by the driver by
means of the selector lever.
WARNING■ Do not accelerate when selecting drive mode prior to moving off - The is a
risk of an accident!■
Never move the selector lever to mode R or P when driving – The is a risk
of an accident!
■
If the vehicle stalls with the engine running, in the D, S , R or Tiptronic
mode, then the vehicle must be prevented from rolling away by means of
the brake pedal, parking brake or using the Auto Hold function. Even when
the engine is idling, power transmission is never completely interrupted –
the vehicle will creep.
■
When leaving the vehicle, the selector lever must always be set to P .
Otherwise, the vehicle may start to move - risk of accident.
CAUTION
If you want to move the selector lever from position N to position D / S whilst
driving, the engine must be running at idling speed.Select selector lever positionFig. 120
Selector lever settings / display
Read and observe and on page 96 first.
The selector lever can be moved through shifting to one of the following posi-
tions » Fig. 120 . In some positions you have to push the locking button
» page 97 .
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 120.
Park - the position can be set only when the vehicle is at a standstill.
The drive wheels are mechanically locked.
Reverse gear - The position can only be selected when the vehicle is sta-
tionary and the engine is idling.
Neutral (idle position) - Power transmission to the drive wheels is inter-
rupted.
Forward mode / sports programme - the gear change takes place in the
position S at higher engine speeds than in mode D
(Sprung position) - choice between positions D and S
In mode D or S, the forward gears are shifted automatically depending on the
engine load, the operation of the accelerator pedal, the vehicle speed, and the
selected driving mode .
PRND/S96Driving

The sensor is part of the ACC» page 110 and Front Assist » page 114systems.
The sensor function may be impaired in the events of one of the following. ▶ The sensor cover is soiled (e.g. with mud, snow etc.).
▶ The area in front of and around the sensor cover is obscured (e.g. by labels,
auxiliary headlights etc.).
▶ When visibility is poor, (e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall).
If the sensor is covered or dirty, the corresponding message appears in the in-
strument cluster display for the ACC system » page 114, Malfunctions or Front
Assist system » page 116, Malfunctions .WARNING■
If you suspect that the sensor is damaged, deactivate the ACC system and
Front Assist system » page 111, » page 116 . Have the sensor checked by a
specialist garage.■
A collision or damage in the front or lower area of the vehicle could affect
the sensor function - there is risk of accident! Have the sensor checked by
a specialist garage.
■
Do not cover the area in front of and around the sensor cover. This can
lead to impaired function of the sensor - risk of accidents!
CAUTION
Remove the snow with a brush and the ice with a solvent-free de-icer.
Braking and stabilisation systems
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stability Control (ESC)
101
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
101
Engine drag torque control (MSR)
101
Traction control (TCS)
102
Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDS)
102
Brake Assist (HBA)
102
Hill Start Assist (HHC)
102
Multi collision brake (MCB)
103
The brake and stabilization systems are automatically activated each time the
ignition is switched on, unless otherwise indicated.
The error display is in Chapter » page 28, Warning lights .WARNINGThe general information relating to the use of assistance systems must be
observed » page 100, in section Introduction .
Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 101 first.
The ESC improves vehicle stability when driving at the limit (e.g. if the vehiclestarts to skid) by braking individual wheels to maintain the desired direction.
If there is a TCS intervention, the indicator light  flashes in the instrument
cluster.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 101 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.
Engine drag torque control (MSR)
Read and observe
on page 101 first.
MSR counteracts the tendency of the drive wheels to lock during downshifts
or sudden deceleration (e.g. on icy or an otherwise slippery road surface).
If the drive wheels should lock, then the engine speed is automatically in-
creased. This reduces the braking effect of the engine and the wheels can ro-
tate freely again.
101Assist systems

WARNING■The general information relating to the use of assistance systems must
be observed » page 100, in section Introduction .■
The camera may not be soiled or obscured, otherwise the system function
will be significantly affected - there is a risk of accident. For information on
cleaning » page 132 , Exterior car care .
CAUTION
■
The camera image is distorted by contrast with eyesight. The display is
therefore only of limited use for estimating distances to following vehicles.■
Some items, such as thin columns, chain link fences or lattice, may not be
represented adequately in terms of display resolution.
■
In a crash or damage the vehicle's rear camera can possibly deviate from the
correct position. If this is the case, have the sensor checked by a specialist ga-
rage.
Note
The camera can be equipped with a cleaning system » page 60. The spraying is
carried out automatically when the rear window is sprayed.
Operation
Fig. 132
Installation location of the camera / scanned area behind the ve-
hicle
Read and observe
and on page 106 first.
The camera for capturing the area behind the vehicle is in the grip of the bootlid » Fig. 132 .
Area behind the vehicle » Fig. 132
Detection range of the camera
Area outside the detection range of the camera
The system can assist the driver when parking and manoeuvring under the fol-
lowing basic conditions.
The ignition is switched on.
The reverse gear is engaged. 1)
The luggage compartment lid is completely closed.
The vehicle is travelling at less than 15 km/h.
The area behind the vehicle is clearly visible.
The selected parking / manoeuvring area is clear and even.
Note
■ The display can be interrupted by pressing the symbol button  » Fig. 130 on
page 105 .■
After disengaging the reverse gear, automatic display of the parking aid is
carried out (variant 2, 3) » page 103.
Guidelines and function interfaces
Fig. 133
Infotainment Display: Orientation lines / functional surfaces
Read and observe
and on page 106 first.
Orientation lines are shown along with the monitored area behind the vehicle
in the display. 
AB1)
The area behind the vehicle can be displayed for a few seconds more after disengaging the reverse gear.
106Driving

Deactivation/activationFig. 147
Buttons / Dial: on the operating lever / the multifunction steer-
ing wheel
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
The system should only be disabled in exceptional cases »
.
On vehicles with the MAXI DOT display, the system can be activated/deactiva- ted in the main menu » page 41, Menu item
assist systems
.
Deactivation / activation in vehicles with segment display
Button
» Fig. 14 7ActionOperation
AHold up / downShow Front Assist menu itemBPressDeactivate/activate system
Deactivation / activation in vehicles with multi-function steering wheel
Button /dial
» Fig. 14 7
ActionOperation
CPressShow Front Assist menu itemDPressDeactivate/activate system
Disable / enable and setting in the Infotainment
In Infotainment, the entire system or the functions warning and distance
warning can be deactivated/activated » Owner's Manual Infotainment .
If the distance-warning function was deactivated before switching off the igni-
tion, it remains deactivated after switching on the ignition.WARNINGIn the following situations, Front Assist should be switched off for safety
reasons.■
When the vehicle is being towed away.
■
When the vehicle is on a rolling test bench.
■
If an unfounded warning or a system action was taken.
■
When on a truck, or a car ferry service or similar.
Malfunctions
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
If, for some unknown reason, the system is not available, an appropriate mes-
sage appears in the display of the instrument cluster.
Sensor covered / dirty
If the sensor is dirty or covered, a message indicating that there is no sensor
view appears. Clean the sensor cover or remove the obstacles » Fig. 125 on
page 100 .
System unavailable
If the system is currently unavailable, a message concerning the unavailability
appears. Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and then start it again. If the
system still is not available, seek the assistance of a specialist garage.
Fatigue detection
The fatigue detection system (hereinafter referred to as "system") recom-
mends the driver takes a break from driving when driver fatigue can be detec-
ted due to the driver's steering behaviour.
From the starting of the journey, the system evaluates the steering behaviour
at speeds 65-200 km/h. If, while driving, there have been changes in the steer-
ing behaviours that are evaluated by the system as indicating possible fatigue,
a break recommendation is issued.
Conditions under which a break from driving is detected by the system ▶ The vehicle is stopped and the ignition switched off.
▶ The vehicle is stopped, the seat belt removed and the driver's door opened.
▶ The vehicle is stopped for more than 15 minutes. 
116Driving