2016 SKODA FABIA ESP

Automatic Car Washes
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle
(e.g. closing the windows and the tilt/slide roof etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts (e.g. spoiler, roof rack system, two-way radio aerial etc.), it is best to consult the operator of the car
wash system beforehand.
After an automatic wash with wax treatment, the wiper blades should be
cleaned with cleaning agents specially designed for the purpose, and then de-
greased.
Pressure Washers
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for
use of the equipment must be observed. This particularly applies to instruc-
tions regarding the pressure and spraying distance from the vehicle surface.WARNING■
Washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the brake system can
affect the braking efficiency – there is the risk of an accident.■
Take care when cleaning the underbody or the inside of the wheel wells -
there is a risk of injury from sharp metal parts!
CAUTION
■ Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight, do not exert pressure on the body
while washing. The temperature of the washing water should be no more than
60 °C max. - otherwise there is a risk of damaging the vehicle paint.■
Before driving through a car wash fold in the exterior mirrors - There is a risk
of damage.
■
For vehicles with a roof antenna, the antenna rod should be unscrewed be-
fore driving through a car wash - there is a risk of damage.
CAUTION
Washing the vehicle with high-pressure cleaners■Films should not be washed with any high-pressure cleaners - risk of dam-
age.■
Do not aim the water jet directly at the lock cylinders or the door or opening
joints when washing the vehicle in the winter – there is a risk of freezing.
■
Hold a large spraying distance to the rear camera lens, to plastic parts (e.g.
Roof racks, spoilers, protective strips and the like), as well as soft materials
such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
■
The sensors of the parking aid can be sprayed only for a short time and there
must be a minimum distance of 10 cm - there is a risk of damage.
Exterior car care
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
Vehicle compo- nentsCircumstancesRemedy
Paint
Spilled fuelClear water, cloth, (clean as soon as
possible)No water drop-
lets form on the
paintUse hard wax preserve (at least twice a
year), apply wax to clean and dry bodyPaint has gone
mattUse polish, then wax (if the polish does
not contain any preservative ingredi-
ents)Plastic partsSoilingClear water, cloth / sponge, possibly
cleaners provided for this purposeChrome
and anodised
partsSoilingclear water, cloth, possibly cleaners
provided for this purpose, clean then
polish with a soft dry clothFilmsSoilingSoft sponge and mild soap solution a)Windows
and door mirrorsSoilingWash with clean water and dry with a
wipe specifically for that purposeHead / tail lightsSoilingSoft sponge and mild soap solution a)
Reversing cameraSoilingWash with clean water and dry with a
soft clothSnow/iceHand brush / de-icerDoor lock cylin-
dersSnow/iceDe-icing fluid specifically for that pur-
poseWipers / wiper
bladesSoilingWindscreen cleaner, sponge or clothWheelsSoilingClear water, then apply appropriate
substancea)
Mild soap solution = 2 tablespoons of natural soap to 1 litre of lukewarm water.
The jack is maintenance-free. If necessary, the moving parts of the jack should
be lubricated with a suitable lubricant.
The towing device is maintenance-free. Coat the ball head of the towing de-
vice with a suitable grease whenever necessary. 
132General Maintenance

CAUTION■Move the scraper in one direction only, otherwise there is a risk of damage to
the glass surface.■
Do not remove snow / ice on the surface that is soiled (e.g. pea gravel, sand,
road salt) - there is a risk of damaging the surface.
■
Remove snow / ice carefully, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the labels
that have been fitted to the vehicle by the factory.
Caring for the interior
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
Vehicle compo- nentsCircumstancesRemedy
Natural leather /
Faux leather /
Alcantara ®
/
Material
Dust, surface
soilingVacuum cleanerSoiling (fresh)Water, slightly damp cotton / wool
cloth, if necessary, mild soap solution a)
,
then wipe off with a soft clothStubborn stainsCleaning fluid specifically for this taskCare (natural
leather)Treat the leather periodically with a
leather protecting fluid / use a care
cream with light blocker and impregna-
tion after each cleaningCare (Alcan-
tara ®
/ material)Remove stubborn hair using a “cleaning
glove”
Remove pills from materials with a
brushPlastic partsSoilingWater, slightly damp cloth or sponge, if
necessary cleaners specifically for this
purposeWindowsSoilingWash with clean water and dry with a
wipe specifically for that purposeCovers on electri-
cally heated seatsSoilingCleaners specifically for this purposeSeat belts » Soilingsoft cloth and mild soap solution a)a)
Mild soap solution = 2 tablespoons of natural soap to 1 litre of lukewarm water.
WARNING■
Never clean the seat belts chemically as chemical cleaning products could
destroy the fabric.■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the tempera-
ture inside the vehicle is high.
CAUTION
■ Natural leather /Faux leather / Alcantara ®
/ material
■ Avoid standing for lengthy periods in bright sunlight, and protect the mate-
rials by covering to prevent them from fading.
■ Remove fresh stains (e.g. from pens, lipstick, shoe polish and similar) as
soon as possible.
■ Ensure that no part of the leather is soaked through during cleaning and
that no water gets into the seams - risk of damaging the leather!
■ Do not clean the roof panelling with a brush – risk of damage to the surface
of the panelling.
■ Do not use leather cleaners, floor wax, shoe cream, stain remover or similar
agents on Alcantara ®
seat upholstery.
■ Some clothing fabrics (e.g. dark denim) do not have sufficient colour fast-
ness - this could lead to clearly visible discolouration on the upholstery. This
is not a defect in the fabric.
■ Sharp objects on garments (e.g. zips, rivets, sharp- edged belts) can dam-
age the upholstery fabrics in the vehicle. Such damage will not be recognised
as a justified complaint.■
Plastic parts
■ Do not attach scents or air fresheners to the dash panel – risk of damage to
the dash panel.
■
Windows
■ Do not attach any stickers to the filaments or glass antenna - there is risk
of damage.
■
Covers on electrically heated seats ■ Do not clean either with water or with other liquids - risk of damage to the
heating system. ■ Do not dry by switching on the heating.
■
Seat belts
■ After cleaning the belts, allow them to dry before retracting them.
Note
During vehicle use, some minor changes may become visible on the leather
and Alcantara ®
(due to e.g. folds, discolouration).134General Maintenance

The vehicle can only operate with unleaded petrol that meets standard EN
228 1)
, and contains maximum 10% bioethanol (E10).
Unleaded petrol 95/91 or 92 or 93 RON/ROZ
We recommend using petrol 95 RON.
Optionally, the petrol 91 ,92 or. 93 RON can be used (slight power loss, a slight-
ly increased fuel consumption).
Specified petrol is unleaded, min. 95 RON / ROZ
Use min. 95 ROZ petrol.
In an emergency , 91 . 92 or 93 ROZ petrol can be used (slight loss of power,
slightly increased fuel consumption) »
.
CAUTION
The following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of dam-
age to the engine and to the exhaust system.■
When petrol with a lower than the prescribed octane is used, only continue
driving at mid-range engine speeds and with minimal strain on the engine. Re-
fuel using petrol of the prescribed octane number as soon as possible.
■
Lower than 91 octane petrol should not be used, even in an emergency!
■
If a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. leaded petrol) is put in the tank by mistake, do not start the en-
gine or switch on the ignition.
CAUTION
Petrol additions (additives)■Unleaded petrol complying with the EN 228 standard 1 )
meets all the condi-
tions for problem-free engine operation. We therefore do not recommend mix-
ing fuel additives into the petrol - risk of engine damage or damage to the ex-
haust system.■
The following additives may not be used - risk of engine damage or damage
to the exhaust system! ■ Additives with metal components (metallic additives), in particular with
manganese and iron content.
■ Fuels with metallic content (e.g. LRP - lead replacement petrol).
Note■Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the
engine can be used without limitations.■
On vehicles with prescribed unleaded petrol 95/91, 92 or 93 RON, the use of
petrol with a higher octane number than 95 RON does not result in a noticea-
ble power increase or a lower fuel consumption.
■
On vehicles using the prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of
petrol with a higher octane number than 95 RON can lead to an increase in
power and reduction in fuel consumption.
Diesel fuel
Read and observe
and on page 135 first.
The correct fuel for your vehicle is specified on the inside of the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 165 on page 135 .
The vehicle can only be operated using diesel fuel that complies with the
standard EN 5902)
and contains a maximum 7% biodiesel (B7)3)
.
Operating under different weather conditions
Use only diesel in accordance with the current or expected weather conditions.
Ask the petrol station personnel whether the diesel fuel offered corresponds
to these conditions.
CAUTION
The following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of dam-
age to the engine and to the exhaust 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!
■
The biofuel RME must not be used! 
1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane rating 95 or 91 or DIN 51626-2 or E5
for unleaded petrol with octane rating 95.
2)
In Germany DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590: 2004, in India
IS 1460 / Bharat IV or in an emergency IS 1460 / Bharat III.
3)
In Germany complying with standard DIN 52638, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
136General Maintenance

WARNING■The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 137.■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurised - risk of scalding or
injury from splashes of coolant!
■
To protect against the coolant splashing, cover the cap with a cloth when
opening.
■
Coolant and coolant fumes are harmful - avoid contact with the coolant. If
the coolant comes into contact with the eye or skin, wash the affected area
with plenty of water for several minutes, and where appropriate seek medi-
cal help.
CAUTION
Do not cover the radiator and install any parts (e.g auxiliary lights.) in front of
the air intakes - risk of the engine overheating.
Checking and refilling
Fig. 171
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 141 first.
Check and refill coolant under the following conditions.
The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is not warm (if the engine is warm the result of the check may
be wrong).
The engine is turned off.
Check the coolant level - The coolant level must lie between the marks
A
and
B
» Fig. 171. If the coolant level is below the mark
B
, top up with coolant.
Refilling
The reservoir must always contain a small amount of coolant »
.
›Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and
carefully un-
screw the cap.›
Always top up using coolant of the correct specification.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
The specification for the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 171 .
If the specified coolant is not available, then refilling only with distilled or dem-
ineralised water, and get a specialist garage to correct the water-coolant addi-
tive mix as soon as possible.
CAUTION
■ With an empty expansion tank top up coolant. The system could aerate - risk
of engine damage!  Stop driving! Switch off the engine and seek assistance
from a specialist garage.■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 171 . The coolant could, when
heated, be expelled from the cooling system - risk of damage to the engine
parts.
■
If it is not possible to add coolant, 
stop driving! Switch off the engine and
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
A coolant additive which does not correspond to the correct specification can
reduce the anti-corrosion effect of the cooling system - risk of damage to the
cooling system and the engine.
■
If non-distilled (non-demineralised) water has been used to top up, the cool-
ant should be replaced by a specialist garage - risk of engine damage.
■
A loss of coolant indicates leaks in the cooling system - risk of engine dam-
age. Top up with coolant and then seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Note
A coolant level which is too low is indicated in the instrument cluster by the
warning light  and shown by the relevant message » page 34. We still recom-
mend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.141Inspecting and replenishing

Brake fluidFig. 172
Brake fluid reservoir
Check the brake fluid under the following conditions.The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
Check brake fluid level - The brake fluid level must lie between the markings
“MIN” and “MAX” » Fig. 172.
Specification - The brake fluid must comply with the standard VW 501 14 (this
standard meets the requirements of FMVSS 116 DOT4).
WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 137.■
If the fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below
the “MIN” » Fig. 172mark, this may be an indication of a leak in the brake
system. 
Stop driving - There is a risk of an accident! Seek help from a
specialist garage.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■A low brake fluid level which is too low is indicated by the warning light
 being shown on the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corre-
sponding message » page 29. We still recommend inspecting the brake fluid
level in the reservoir from time to time.Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Check condition
143
Charging
144
Disconnect/reconnect and change
144
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Automatic shutdown of consumers - vehicle battery discharge protection
The on-board power supply system tries to prevent the vehicle battery from
discharging in the following ways when it is subject to heavy loading. ▶ By increasing the engine idle speed.
▶ Through the power limitation of certain loads.
▶ By switching off some loads(heated seats, heated rear window) for as long
as necessary.
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.WARNINGBattery acid is highly corrosive - it can cause injury, chemical burns or poi-
soning! Corrosive vapours in the air irritate and damage the respiratory
tract and the eyes. The following guidelines must be observed.■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery. 
142General Maintenance

ChargingRead and observe
and on page 142 first.
Only charge the battery when the ignition and all consumers are switched off.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
Charging
›
For vehicles withthe START-STOPsystem or auxiliary heater 
, connect the -
terminal of the charger on the battery’s 
-pole, 
the -terminal of the charg-
er to the ground point of the engine » page 157.
›
For vehicles without the START-STOPsystem or auxiliary heating, connect
the charger terminals to the corresponding battery poles (  to
,
 to
).
›
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.
›
Disconnect the terminals of the charger from the vehicle battery.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
WARNING■ When charging the vehicle battery, hydrogen is released - risk of explo-
sion. An explosion can be caused through sparking while unclamping or
loosening the cable plug.■
So-called“quick-charging” of the vehicle battery is dangerous and re-
quires a special charger and specialist knowledge. Therefore, have“Quick
loading” carried out by a specialist garage.
Disconnect/reconnect and change
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and the
same size as the original battery.
We recommend you have the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
›
To disconnect , switch off the ignition and disconnect the negative terminal
first , then disconnect the positive terminal
.
›
When
reconnecting the battery, reconnect the positive terminal first
, then
connect the negative terminal .
After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, the following func-
tions or devices are partially or completely inoperative.Function / deviceOperating measurePower windows» page 52Time settings» page 37
CAUTION
■ Disconnect the battery only with the ignition and consumers turned off - risk
of damaging the electrical system of the vehicle.■
Before disconnecting the battery, always close all electric windows other-
wise malfunctions of the window can occur.
■
Under no circumstances mix up the charging cables – risk of fire.
Note
After disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery, we recommend hav-
ing the vehicle checked by a specialist to ensure that the full functionality of
the vehicle is guaranteed.144General Maintenance

›For vehicles with
manual transmission , set the lever in the neutral position.›On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.›
Start the engine.
›
Plug the connector
6
into 12 volt socket » page 70.
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
9
.
›
Once tyre inflation pressure of 2.0-2.5 bar has been reached, turn off the air
compressor. Maximum run time of 6 minutes » .
›
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.
›
Stick the corresponding sticker
1
» Fig. 187 on page 155 on the dashboard in
the driver's field of view.
At a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0–2.5 bar, the journey can be continued at a maximum speed of 80 km/h or 50 mph.
WARNING■ If the tire does not inflate at least. 2.0 bar, the damage is too great. The
sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre.  Stop driving! 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 if it has been running for as much as 6 minutes –
risk of damage to the compressor! Allow the air compressor to cool a few mi-
nutes before switching it on again.
Information on driving with repaired tyres
Read and observe
on page 154 first.
The filling pressure of the repaired tyre is a 10-minute test drive.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
You cannot properly seal the tyre using the breakdown kit. 
Do not contin-
ue to drive! Seek help from a specialist garage.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or more›Set the tyre pressure back to the correct value » page 146.›
Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum
speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
WARNINGA tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a standard
tyre. The following guidelines must therefore be observed.■
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
Jump-starting
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
157WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 137.■
When handling the vehicle battery, the following warnings must be ob-
served » page 142 .
■
A discharged vehicle battery can freeze at temperatures just below 0 °C.
If the battery is frozen, do not carry out a jump start with the battery of an-
other vehicle – risk of explosion and injury!
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low
– risk of explosion and caustic burns!
156Do-it-yourself

Towing eye rearFig. 191
Rear towing eye
The rear towing eye is located below the rear bumper on the right » Fig. 191.
Vehicles with a trailer device
For vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the pre-installed detachable
tow-bar may be used » page 119, Hitch .
Remote control - change battery
Fig. 192
Remove cover/take out battery
›
Pop out the key bit.
›
Press off the battery cover
A
» Fig. 192 with your thumb or by using a flat
screwdriver in region
B
.
›
Open the battery in the direction of the arrow
1
.
›
Remove the discharged battery in the direction of arrow
2
and install a new
battery.
›
Insert the battery cover
A
and press it down until it clicks audibly into place.
The key has to be synchronised if the vehicle cannot be unlocked or locked
with the key after replacing the battery » page 48.
CAUTION■
The replacement battery must correspond to the original specification.■Pay attention to the correct polarity when changing the battery.
Note
■We recommend you have the battery replaced by a specialist garage.■If a key has an affixed decorative cover, this will be destroyed when the bat-
tery is replaced. A replacement cover can be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.
Emergency unlocking / locking of doors
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unlocking/locking the driver's door
159
Locking the door without locking cylinders
160
Unlock the boot lid
160
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
160
Unlocking/locking the driver's door
Fig. 193
Handle on the driver's door: opening lock cover / lock cylinder
with key
The driver's door can be emergency unlocked / emergency locked using the key via the lock cylinder.
›
Pull on the door handle and hold.
›
Insert the key into the recess on the lower side of the cover and fold up the
cover in the direction of arrow » Fig. 193.
›
Release the door handle. 
159Emergency equipment, and self-help