ESP SKODA FABIA 2013 2.G / 5J Owner's Guide

Incorrect seated positions considerably reduce the protective functions of the
seat belts and therefore increase the risk of injury due to an incorrect routing of
the seat belt.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and passengers, especially children.
Never allow a passenger to adopt an incorrect seated position when the car is
moving.
The following list contains instructions which, if not observed, may lead to serious
injuries or death. This list is not complete, however we would like you to familiar-
ise yourself with this subject.
Observe the following instructions while driving. › Do not stand up.
› Do not stand on the seats.
› Do not kneel on the seats.
› Do not recline the seat backrest too far.
› Do not lean against the dash panel.
› Do not lie on the rear bench seat.
› Do not sit only on the front edge of the seat.
› Do not sit facing to the side.
› Do not lean out of the window.
› Do not put your feet out of the window.
› Do not put your feet on the dash panel.
› Do not put your feet on the seat upholstery.
› Do not transport somebody in the footwell.
› Do not drive without wearing a seat belt.
› Do not sit in the luggage compartment.
127Passive Safety

Deactivating airbagsFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 137.
Deactivating an airbag should be considered only in the following cases, for
example.
› When using a child seat on the front passenger seat, in which the child has its
back to the vehicle's direction of travel (in some countries this must be in the direction of travel due to different legal regulations applying) » page 140,
Transporting children safely .
› If it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle
of the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjus-
ted.
› If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of
a physical disability.
› If other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 138 .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA Service Partner to switch off any other air-
bags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
Airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment
› The

warning light lights up for approximately 3 seconds after the ignition is
switched on and then flashes again for approximately 12 seconds.
Front passenger airbag switched off with the key switch in the storage com- partment
› The

warning light comes on for about 3 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› The



3
» Fig. 116 on page 138 warning light comes on when the ignition is
switched on.
Note■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to inform you which airbags in your vehicle
can/must be deactivated.

Switching off the front passenger airbag
Fig. 116
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag/warning light
for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 137.
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch to position
2
» Fig. 116 OFF .
›
Check whether the
3

 1)
warning light in the 




message
in the centre of the dash panel lights up after the ignition has been switched
on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch to position
1
» Fig. 116 ON .
›
Check whether the
3


warning light in the 




message in
the centre of the dash panel does not light up after the ignition is switched on. 

1)
The
  airbag warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition is switched on, goes out
for about 1 second and then comes on again.
138Safety

WARNING■The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switched
off.■
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag.
■
If the   warning light flashes, the front passenger airbag will not be de-
ployed in the event of an accident. Have the airbag system checked by a spe-
cialist garage immediately.

139Airbag system

General Maintenance
Car care
Service intervals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview of service intervals
145
Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
146
Variable service interval QI6
146
Information about the ŠKODA service
146
The Service Interval Display in the instrument cluster will remind you to have ev- ery service specified by the manufacturer at the right time so that you never for- get a service.
A timely and adequate performance of servicing works is one of the requirements for the settlement of possible warranty claims.
The completion of services can be verified through the confirmed service certifi-
cation and the corresponding receipts.
The service intervals are appropriate for normal operating conditions.
In case of difficult operating conditions, it is necessary to have some servicing
work performed before the date of the next service or between the service inter- vals stated. This applies mainly to the cleaning or the replacement of the air filter
insert in regions with heavy dust pollution as well as checking and replacing the
toothed belt, but also vehicles with diesel particle filter which can use the engine
oil more intensely.
These severe conditions are:
› fuel containing sulphur;
› frequent short trips;
› longer idling mode of the engine (e.g. taxi vehicles);
› operation in areas with heavy dust pollution;
› frequent trailer towing;
›
predominantly stop-and-go traffic as tends to occur in city driving, for example;
› operation predominantly during winter.
A service adviser at the specialist garage will tell you whether your vehicle's oper- ating conditions make it necessary for such work to be carried out between the
normal service intervals.
Different service charges may apply, depending on the scope of necessary works
as well as the model, features and condition of your vehicle.
Note
■ The customer is responsible for covering the cost of all services including
changing or replenishing the operating fluid, even during the warranty period, un-
less the ŠKODA AUTO a.s. warranty terms or other agreements state otherwise.■
You will be informed about the scope of the service with regard to a particular
service event by the specialist garage.

Overview of service intervals
Fig. 121
Vehicle data sticker: Service in-
terval
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 145.
The service interval specified by the manufacturer is indicated on the data stick-
er » Fig. 121 which is under the luggage compartment floor covering.
One of the following service intervals applies for your vehicle: › Fixed service interval QI1;
› Fixed service interval QI2;
› Fixed service interval QI3;
› Fixed service interval QI4;
› Variable service interval QI6.

145Car care

A vehicle must only be filled and topped up with the specified engine oil if it is
to be operated with a variable service interval.
If this engine oil is not available, the oil change is subject to a fixed service inter-
val. In this case, the vehicle must be changed to the fixed service interval.
Note
■
The corresponding motor oil specifications » page 164.■A specialist workshop is able to change the vehicle over from the variable serv-
ice interval to the fixed service interval, or from the fixed service interval to the variable service interval.

Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 145.
InspectionQI1 - QI4
First after 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every
30,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Every 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
(Applies to Rus-
sia).
Oil change service
QI1Every 5000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI2Every 7500 km or every 1 year a)
.QI3Every 10,000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI4After 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Brake fluid
change First change after 3 years, then every 2 years.a)
(Whichever comes first).
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then every
2 years. When the brake fluid becomes too old, vapour bubbles may form in
the brake system under heavy braking. The efficiency of the brakes could be
seriously affected – there is a risk of an accident.NoteThe engine oil change interval for operation using diesel fuels with a high sulphur
content will be every 7500 km. Please ask your specialist garage for information
on the countries where diesel fuel has a high sulphur content.
Variable service interval QI6
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 145.
The service intervals depend on how the vehicle is driven and the local conditions
in which the vehicle is used. For example, your vehicle is subjected to different
loads when driven over short distances than long distances. The service intervals
are also variable.
InspectionFirst after 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every 30,000 km or
every 1 year a)
.Oil change serviceAccording to the service interval display (at the latest after
30,000 km or every 2 years a)
).Brake fluid
changeFirst change after 3 years, then every 2 years.a)
(Whichever comes first).
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then every
2 years. When the brake fluid becomes too old, vapour bubbles may form in
the brake system under heavy braking. The efficiency of the brakes could be
seriously affected – there is a risk of an accident.

Information about the ŠKODA service
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 145.
There is an extensive servicing network of ŠKODA Service Partners at your dis-
posal to look after your vehicle. 
146General Maintenance

Legally required inspectionsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 147.
Many countries have legislation which requires that the reliability and roadworthi-
ness and/or exhaust gas composition of a vehicle must be tested at specific inter- vals. These tests can be carried out by workshops or inspection stations thathave been legally authorized for this purpose.
The ŠKODA Service Partners are familiar with the inspection required by the lawand will prepare the vehicle for the inspections as part of the service operation at
the customer's discretion, or will have the inspection carried out. The specialist
garages can carry out the inspections required directly if requested by the cus-
tomer, if they are accredited for such a procedure. This saves you time and mon-
ey.
Even if you want to take your vehicle to an officially approved inspection centre
for prior checking in preparation of a legally required inspection, we recommend
that you first consult the service adviser at your ŠKODA Service Partner.
The service adviser will tell you which areas you should attend to, in his view, so
that your vehicle will pass the technical inspection without any problems. In this
way, you can avoid additional expense of a possible re-inspection.

ŠKODA Service Partners
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 147.
ŠKODA Service Partners are equipped with modern, specially developed tools and
equipment. Here, well-trained specialists have a comprehensive range of ŠKODA
Original Parts and ŠKODA Original Accessories at their disposal when carrying out
modifications, repairs or technical changes.
All ŠKODA Service Partners work according to the latest guidelines and instruc-
tions issued by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. All service and repairs are therefore completed
on time and to the appropriate quality. Compliance with these guidelines and in-
structions is in the interest of the roadworthiness and technical condition of your
vehicle.
ŠKODA Service Partners are thus properly prepared to service your vehicle and to
provide quality workmanship. We therefore advise you to have all modifications,
repairs and technical alterations to your vehicle carried out by a ŠKODA Service Partner.
ŠKODA Original Parts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 147.
We recommend the use of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for your vehicle, since these parts are approved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. They correspond exactly to ŠKODA AUTO
a.s. specifications in respect of design, dimensional accuracy and material and are
identical to the components used in the batch production.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. can guarantee the safety, suitability, and long life of these prod-
ucts. We therefore recommend that you only use ŠKODA Genuine Parts.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. supplies the market with a complete range of ŠKODA Genuine
Parts not only while the model is still in production but with wear-and-tear parts
for at least 15 years after the end of series production and with all other vehicle parts for at least 10 years.
ŠKODA service partners are liable for any defects in ŠKODA original parts for a pe-
riod of 2 years after sale in accordance with materials defect liability under the
law unless otherwise agreed in the purchase agreement. You should keep the
confirmed warranty certificate and the receipt for these components for this peri- od, so that the commencement of the warranty term may be verified.
Body repairs
ŠKODA vehicles are designed so that if the body suffers damage, it is only neces-
sary to replace those parts which are in fact damaged.
Before you decide to have damaged body parts replaced, however, you should
first contact your specialist garage to determine whether or not such parts can al- so be repaired. Repairs to body parts are usually cheaper.

ŠKODA Original Accessories
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 147.
You should note the following if you wish to fit accessories to your vehicle: 
148General Maintenance

CAUTION■When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged
metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the undertray, exhaust system, the inside of the
wheel housings or the wheel trims etc.) - there is a risk of cutting yourself.■
Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.

Automatic car wash systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 150.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows including the sliding/tilt-
ing roof, etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular mounted parts, such as a spoiler, roof
rack, two-way radio aerial – it is best to consult the operator of the car wash sys-
tem beforehand.
The lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers must be cleaned and degreased with
cleaning agents especially formulated for the task after an automatic wash with
wax.
WARNINGFold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system.

Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 150.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for use
of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the pressure
used and to the spraying distance .
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the parking aid sensors and soft materials
such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
WARNINGNever use circular spray nozzles or dirt cutters!
CAUTION
■ Do not aim the water jet directly at the lock cylinders or the door or opening
joints when washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure
cleaner – there is a risk of freezing.■
To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods
while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
■
The temperature of the water used for cleaning must not exceed 60 °C – there
is a risk of damaging the vehicle.
■
See also Washing a vehicle with decorative film trim using a high-pressure
cleaner » page 153 .

Vehicle exterior care

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Caring for vehicle paintwork
152
Plastic parts
152
Rubber seals
153
Chrome parts
153
Decorative films
153
Windows and exterior mirrors
153
Headlight lenses
154
Door lock cylinders
154
Underbody waxing
154
Wheels
154
Underbody protection
154
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat- ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork. 
151Car care

We recommend that you remove dust at regular short intervals with a cloth or
vacuum cleaner.
Clean soiled leather surfaces with a cotton or woollen cloth lightly moistened
with water and then dry with a clean dry cloth »
.
Clean more severely soiled areas with a cloth soaked in a mild soap solution (2
tablespoons of natural soap to 1 litre of water).
Use a cleaning agent specially developed for the purpose to remove stains.
Treat the leather with a suitable leather care product at suitable regular intervals.
CAUTION
■ Ensure that the leather is not soaked through at any point during cleaning and
that no water gets into the stitching of the seams. The leather would then be-
come brittle and cracked.■
Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to avoid the
leather from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods,
protect the leather from direct sunlight by covering it.
■
Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-
edged belts, jewellery and pendants may leave permanent scratches or signs of
rubbing on the surface. Damage of this nature cannot later be recognized as a
justified complaint.
■
The use of a mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the leather surface of
the steering wheel.
■
Use a care cream with light blocker and impregnation effect on a regular basis
and each time after cleaning. The cream nourishes the leather, allows it to
breathe and keeps it supple and also provides moisture. It also creates surface
protection.
■
Some clothing materials, such as dark denim, do not have sufficient colour fast-
ness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers even
when treated correctly. This is particularly true for light-coloured upholstery. This
is not a defect in the seat cover, but poor colour fastness of the clothing textiles.
Note
During the life of the vehicle, minor visible changes can occur on the leather parts
of the covers (e. g wrinkles or creases as a result of the stress of the covers).
Synthetic leather, fabrics and Alcantara ®
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 155.
Synthetic leather
Clean the synthetic leather with a damp cloth.
If the synthetic leather does not come completely clean with this method, a mild soap solution or specific cleaning agent must be used.
Fabrics
Clean upholstery cover materials and cloth trims on doors, boot cover, etc. using
specific cleaning agents, e.g., dry foam.
Use a soft sponge, brush, or commercially available microfibre cloth. Use a cloth and special detergent to clean the headlining.
Remove pilling and residues on upholstery with a brush.Remove stubborn hair with a “cleaning glove”.
Alcantara ®
Dust and fine dirt particles in pores, creases and seams may chafe and damage
the surface.
If you leave your vehicle parked in the open for lengthy periods, protect the Al-
cantara ®
seat upholstery from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Minor changes in colour caused by use are normal.
CAUTION
■ Do not use leather cleaners on Alcantara ®
seat upholstery.■Do not use solvents, floor wax, shoe cream, stain remover or similar agents on
Alcantara ®
seat upholstery.■
Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to prevent the
fabrics from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods,
protect the fabrics against direct sunlight by covering them.
■
Some clothing materials, such as dark denim, do not have sufficient colour fast-
ness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers even when treated correctly. This is particularly true for light-coloured upholstery. This
is not a defect in the seat cover, but poor colour fastness of the clothing textiles.

156General Maintenance

NoteThe fuel tank has a capacity of about 45 litres, containing a reserve of approx.
7 litres .
Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 158.
Your vehicle can only be operated with unleaded petrol complying with EN 2281)
.
All petrol engines can be operated using petrol with a maximum of 10% bioetha-
nol (E10) .
Specified fuel - unleaded petrol 95/91 or 92 or 93 RON Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON. Unleaded petrol with the oc-
tane ratings 91, 92 or 93 RON can also be used, but may result in a slight loss in
performance.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol min. 95 RON
Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON or higher.
In an emergency, if unleaded petrol with an octane rating of 95 RON is not availa-
ble, you may refuel with petrol with an octane rating of 91, 92 or 93 RON »
.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol 98/(95) RON
Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 98 RON or higher. Unleaded petrol
95 RON can also be used but results in a slight loss in performance.
In an emergency, if unleaded petrol with an octane rating of 98 RON or 95 RON is
not available, you may refuel with petrol with an octane rating of 91 or 92 or 93
RON »
.
Fuel additives
Unleaded petrol complying with EN 228 1)
meets all the conditions for a smooth-
running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel additives are used. This
can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine or the exhaust system.
CAUTION■ Even filling the tank with leaded petrol that does not meet the standard once
can lead to serious damage to parts of the exhaust system.■
Do not start the engine or switch on the engine if you have refuelled in error
with a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies with the standards referred
to above (e.g. leaded petrol). Engine parts could be significantly damaged. We rec-
ommend that you have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ If, in an emergency, the vehicle has to be refuelled with petrol of a lower octane
number than the one prescribed, the journey must only be continued at medium
engine speeds and a low engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a high engine
load can severely damage the engine! Refuel using petrol of the prescribed oc-
tane number as soon as possible.■
Engine parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the one
prescribed is used.
■
Petrol of an octane rating lower than 91 RON must not be used, even in the
event of an emergency, otherwise the engine could be severely damaged.
CAUTION
■ In no case may fuel additives with metal components be used, especially not
with manganese and iron content. LRP(lead replacement petrol) fuels with metal-
lic constituents may not be used. There is a risk of causing considerable damage
to parts of the engine or exhaust system.■
Fuels with metallic constituents may not be used. There is a risk of causing con-
siderable damage to parts of the engine or exhaust system. 
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 or 98.
159Inspecting and replenishing

Checking the electrolyte levelFig. 131
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a specialist garage from time to time, especially in the following cases.
› High outside temperatures.
› Long daily drives
› After each charge
» page 171.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, known as the
magic eye » Fig. 131, the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Note
■ The battery electrolyte level is also periodically checked by a specialist garage
as part of the Inspection Service.■
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 battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.

Operation in winter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
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, re-
charged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.

Charging
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 169.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
›
Only when performing a “quick-charge”, disconnect both battery cables (first
“negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = “posi-
tive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch thecharger on.
›
Once charging is complete: Switch off the charger and remove the mains cable
from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not necessary to disconnect the battery cables if you are recharging the vehi-
cle battery using low amperages (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 lower)
must be used until full charging is achieved.
Both cables must be disconnected before charging the battery with high amper-
ages, known as “ rapid charging”.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging. 
171Inspecting and replenishing