2016 SKODA FABIA light

Driving
Starting-off and driving
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobiliser and steering lock
90
Switch on/off ignition
91
Starting / stopping the engine
91
Problems with the engine start - vehicles with starter button
92
Depending on equipment fitted, it is possible to switch the ignition on/off and
start/stop the engine with the key in the ignition or using the starter button .
WARNING■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!■
While driving with the engine stopped the ignition must always be
switched on. Otherwise, the steering may lock - The is a danger of an acci-
dent!
■
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle
has come to a stop » page 94, Parking . Otherwise, the steering may lock -
danger of an accident!
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - there is a
risk of theft, accident etc.!
■
Never (e.g. in garages) run the engine in a closed place - there is the dan-
ger of poisoning and death!
CAUTION
■ Only start the engine when the engine and the vehicle are stationary - there
is a danger 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.
■
On vehicles with the starter button, pay attention to where the key is loca-
ted. 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!
NoteDo not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start
your journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this, the engine rea-
ches its operating temperature faster.
Electronic immobiliser and steering lock
Read and observe
and on page 90 first.
The electronic immobiliser (hereinafter referred to as immobiliser) makes thetheft or unauthorised use of your vehicle more difficult.
Immobiliser
The immobiliser allows the engine to start provided an original vehicle key only
is used.
Malfunction of the immobiliser
If a component in the immobiliser key fails, it is not possible to start the en-
gine. A corresponding message appears in the display of the instrument clus-
ter to explain the immobiliser is active.
To start, use the other vehicle key or seek help from a specialist garage.
Steering lock - locking
›
On vehicles with ignition lock, remove the key and turn the steering wheel
until the steering lock engages.
›
On vehicles with a starter button, switch off the ignition and open the driv-
er's door. If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off after-
wards, the steering is only locked automatically after the vehicle has been
locked.
Steering lock - unlock
›
On vehicles with ignition lock, insert the key into the ignition and turn on the
ignition. If this is not possible, then move the steering wheel slightly back
and forth, as a result of which the steering lock should unlock.
›
On vehicles with starter button, get into the vehicle and close the driver's
door. Under certain circumstances, the steering lock can be unlocked only
when the ignition is switched on or the engine is started.
WARNINGNever let the vehicle roll with locked steering lock - risk of accident!90Driving

Switch on/off ignitionFig. 114
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock / starter button
Read and observe
and on page 90 first.
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock » Fig. 114 -

Ignition switched off, engine switched off
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Switching on /off ignition in vehicles with starter button
›
Press the » Fig. 114 -
 button, the ignition is turned on / off.
On vehicles with manual transmission the pedal must not be depressed to
switch on / off the ignition, otherwise the engine will start.
On vehicles with automatic transmission , the brake pedal must not be de-
pressed to switch on / off the ignition, otherwise the engine will start.
Starting / stopping the engine
Read and observe
and on page 90 first.
Before starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , shift gear stick to neutral, depress
the clutch pedal and hold it there until the engine starts.
›
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in position
P or N and » depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.
123Starting engine›On vehicles with Ignition lock, turn the key to position 3 and the engine
starts » Fig. 114 on page 91 
. Then release the key, the engine will start au-
tomatically.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position 1
. Re-
peat the start-up process after 30 s.
›
On vehicles with starter button, press the button briefly » Fig. 114 on page 91 -
 , the motor will start automatically.
For vehicles with diesel engines the glow plug warning light 
goes on during
starting. The engine can be started after the indicator light goes out.
Switching the engine off
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
On vehicles with ignition lock, turn the key to position
1
» Fig. 114 on
page 91 .
›
On vehicles with
starter button, press the button » Fig. 114 on page 91 -
 ,
The engine and the ignition will be switched off simultaneously.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed if the selector lever is in position P .
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey if the en-
gine has been working at high revs over a prolonged period, but leave it to run
at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off.
Emergency shutdown of the engine in vehicles with starter button
The system is equipped with a protective device against accidental switching
off, the engine can only be shut off while driving in the event of an emergency.
›
Keep the knob pressed » Fig. 114 on page 91 -
 or press it twice within 1 sec-
ond.
After the emergency stop of the engine, the steering lock will remain un-
locked.
CAUTION
When the outdoor temperature is below -10 ° C, the selector lever when start-
ing must always be in P mode. 91Starting-off and driving

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

Selector lever lockFig. 121
Shift lock button
Read and observe and on page 96 first.
The selector lever is locked in the P and N modes to prevent the forwards trav-
el mode from being selected accidentally and setting the vehicle in motion.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds
up to 5 km/h.
The selector lever lock is indicated by the illumination of the warning  light.
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)
›
Press the brake pedal and the lock button at the same time in the direction
of
1
» Fig. 121 .
To move the selector lever from mode N to D / S only the brake pedal is press-
ed.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position N
(e.g. from R to D/S ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck,
e.g. in a bank of snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being de-
pressed.
If it is not possible to release the gear selector from mode P in the usual man-
ner, then this can be emergency unlocked » page 160.
Note
If you want to switch the selector lever from mode P to mode D/S or vice ver-
sa, move the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being se-
lected accidentally.Manual shifting (Tiptronic)Fig. 122
Selector lever
Read and observe and on page 96 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever. This mode can be selected both while halted and while driving.
Switching to manual shifting using the selector lever
›
Push the gear selector from position D/S towards the right, or left in a right-
hand drive vehicle. The current gear is maintained.
Changing gear
›
To change up , tap the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 122 .
›
To change down , tap the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 122.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the » Fig. 120 on page 96 display.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 37.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear
just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached. If a lower gear
is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no risk of the engine
overrevving.
Note
It may be advantageous to use manual gear shifting when driving downhill, for
example. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and hence
the wear of the brakes.97Starting-off and driving

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