brake SKODA FABIA 2014 2.G / 5J Owner's Guide

Selector lever-emergency unlockingFig. 107
Selector lever-emergency un-
locking
Read and observe and on page 105 first.
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be driv-
en.
The selector lever emergency unlocking procedure is as follows.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Carefully pull up the front left and right cover.
›
Pull up rear cover.
›
Use a finger to press the yellow plastic part in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 107 .
›
At the same time, press the locking button in the selector lever and move
the selector lever to N.
The selector lever will be locked once more if it is moved again to P.
Running in

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
New engine
108
New tyres
109
New brake pads
109
New engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres›Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4
of the maximum permissible engine speed.›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
The red scale on the rev counter indicates the range in which the system be-
gins to limit the engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than
later until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you
adopt during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the suc-
cess of running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in pe-
riod.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the
next gear when the red area is reached. Observe the recommended
gear » page 28 , Recommended gear . Very high engine speeds when accelerat-
ing (accelerator) are automatically restricted »
.
In vehicles with manual transmission, do not drive at unnecessarily low engine
speeds. Shift down a gear when the engine is no longer running smoothly. Ob-
serve the recommended gear » page 28, Recommended gear .
CAUTION
■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in a sudden increase in revs beyond
the permissible maximum rpm and hence engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in
individual gears.
For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds. Shifting up sooner helps
save fuel, reduces engine noise and protects the environment.108Driving

New tyres
New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive
especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
New brake pads initially do not provide optimal braking performance. They first
need to be “run in”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.
Economical driving and respect the environment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving with anticipation
109
Economical gear changing.
109
Avoiding full throttle
110
Reducing idling
110
Avoiding short distances
110
Checking tyre pressure
110
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
111
Regular maintenance
111
Saving electrical energy
111
Environmental compatibility
111
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the
vehicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a
particular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to make best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and the wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depend essentially on the following three factors.
› Your personal driving style
› Operating conditions
› Technical requirements
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 -15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond
the driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult
conditions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a re-
sult of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The optimal engine speed should be maintained when accelerating, to avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at
its normal operating temperature.
Driving with anticipation
Read and observe
on page 109 first.
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore un-necessary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when
driving, less braking and consequently less accelerating are required.
If possible, let your vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set of traffic lights is on red, for example.
Economical gear changing.
Fig. 108
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
Read and observe on page 109 first.
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approximately 2000 rpm. 
109Starting-off and Driving

WARNING■Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power
and extend the braking distance – there is the risk of an accident.■
Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■
After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and
dried as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for
the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions
permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
CAUTION
■ When driving through water, some parts of the vehicle such as the engine,
gearbox, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permis-
sible water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water making it difficult or
impossible to drive through the body of water.
■
Do not drive through salt water. The salt can lead to corrosion. Any vehicle
parts that have come into contact with salt water must be rinsed immediately
with fresh water.
Note
We recommend that the vehicle is checked by a specialist garage after it has
been driven through water.
Driving abroad
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unleaded petrol
113
Headlights
113
In certain countries, it may be possible that the ŠKODA service partner net-
work is limited or has not been established. This is the reason why procuring
certain spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garages may
only be able to make limited repairs.
Unleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded
petrol » page 136 , Unleaded petrol . Information regarding the locations of fill-
ing stations that offer unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the auto-
mobile associations.
Headlights
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side
of the road on which the vehicle is being driven to a greater extent.
When driving in countries in which the traffic drives on the other side of the
road than in your home country, the asymmetrical low beam may dazzle on-
coming drivers. To prevent oncoming traffic from being dazzled, the headlights
must be adjusted by a specialist garage.
Note
For more information on adjusting the headlights, consult a specialist garage.113Starting-off and Driving

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Stabilisation control (ESC)
114
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
115
Traction Control System (ASR)
115
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
115WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to
shut down. The brake assist systems would then be without function –
there is the risk of an accident.■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist sys-
tems must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – there is
the risk of an accident.
■
Visit a specialist garage immediately in the event of an ABS fault. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS as you will not
know how great the damage is and the limitation it is placing on the brak-
ing efficiency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufac-
turer to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 126, Services, modifications
and technical alterations .
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, TCS and EDL will also fail to
work. An ABS fault is indicated with by the 
warning light » page 38.
Stabilisation control (ESC)
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
The ESC system helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where itis being operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direc-
tion of travel. Depending on the road surface conditions, the risk of skidding is
reduced, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability .
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the
steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with
the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the car begin-
ning to skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC) :
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS);
› Hydraulic brake assist (HBA);
› Hill hold control (HHC).
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The 
» Fig. 112 on page 115 button
can only be used to deactivate the TCS. The  warning light comes on in the
instrument cluster when the TCS is deactivated.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instru-
ment cluster 
» page 38 .
Hydraulic brake assist (HBA)
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.
The HBA is activated by very rapid depression of the brake pedal. To achieve
the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly
until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
HBA is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released.
ABS is activated sooner and more effectively with the intervention of HBA. 
114Driving

Hill hold control (HHC)
HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator ped-
al without having to use the handbrake when pulling away on a gradient.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake
pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator ped-
al. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
HHC is active on slopes of >5 % when the driver door is closed. HHC is always only active on slopes pulling away forwards or in reverse. When driving down-
hill, it is inactive.
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not pump the brakes or lift off the brake
pedal.
Traction Control System (ASR)
Fig. 112
TCS button
Read and observe and on page 114 first.
If the wheels are slipping, the ASR system adapts the engine speed to the con- ditions of the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, acceler-
ate and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfav-
ourable.
The ASR function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched
on.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light 
flashes in the
instrument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. Only in certain exceptional cir-
cumstances can it be sensible to switch the system off, for instance:
› when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to “rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.
You can switch TCS off and on again as needed by pressing the  but-
ton » Fig. 112 . The
 warning light comes on in the instrument cluster when the
TCS is deactivated.
The TCS warning light 
» page 41 lights up in the instrument cluster when
there is a fault on the TCS.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel
and transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability
of the vehicle and a quick journey.
EDL switches off automatically to avoid excessive heat generation on the
brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and
has the same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches
on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
XDL function (Fabia RS and Fabia Estate RS only)
XDL is an extension to the electronic differential lock. XDL does not respond to
traction, but to the relief of the inner front wheel during fast cornering. The ac-
tive brake intervention on the brake of the inner wheel prevents it from spin-
ning. Thus, the traction is improved and the vehicle continues to follow the de-
sired track.
115Assist systems

NoteThe system cannot be activated on vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device
when towing a trailer.
Cruise control system
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Storing a speed
117
Changing a stored speed
117
Switching off temporarily
118
Switching off completely
118
The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed above 25 km/h,
once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator pedal.
This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output
and braking power of the engine.
The  warning light in the instrument cluster lights up when the cruise con-
trol system is switched on.
WARNING■ For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads,
loose gravel) – there is a risk of an accident.■
The saved speed may only be resumed if it is not too high for the current
traffic conditions.
■
Always deactivate the cruise control system after use to prevent the sys-
tem being enabled unintentionally.
CAUTION
■ The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when
driving in areas with steeper gradients. The weight of the vehicle increases the
speed at which it travels. Therefore, shift to a lower gear in good time or slow
the vehicle down by applying the foot brake.■
It is not possible to switch on the cruise control system on vehicles fitted
with a manual gearbox if first gear or reverse gear is engaged.
■ It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on
the cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N or R.■
The cruise control system may automatically switch off when some brake as-
sist systems (e.g. ESC) intervene, when the speed exceeds maximum permissi-
ble engine speed, or a similar event takes place.
Storing a speed
Fig. 114
Stalk: Use cruise control
Read and observe and on page 117 first.
Storing a speed
›
Press switch
A
» Fig. 114 to the ON position.
›
After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button
B
into
the SET position.
After you have released the rocker button
B
out of the position SET, the
speed you have just stored is maintained at a constant speed without having
to depress the accelerator.
Changing a stored speed
Read and observe
and on page 117 first.
Increasing the speed with the accelerator
›
Depress the accelerator to increase the speed.
›
Release the accelerator to reduce the speed back down to the preset speed.
However, if the saved speed is exceeded by more than 10 km/h for a period of more than 5 minutes by depressing the accelerator, the stored speed is de-
leted from the memory. The speed must then be saved again.
Increasing the speed with the rocker button
B›
Press rocker button
B
» Fig. 114 on page 117 to the RES position. 
117Assist systems

›The speed will increase continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and held
in the RES position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is
reached. The set speed is then stored in the memory.
Decreasing the speed›
The stored speed can be reduced by pressing rocker button
B
» Fig. 114 on
page 117 to the SET position.
›
The speed will decrease continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and
held in the SET position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is
reached. The set speed is then stored in the memory.
›
If the rocker button is released at a speed below around 25 km/h, the speed
is not stored and the memory is erased. The speed must then be stored
again by pressing rocker button
B
to the SET position after increasing the
speed of the vehicle to more than around 25 km/h.
The speed can also be reduced by depressing the brake pedal, which tempora- rily deactivates the system.
Switching off temporarily
Read and observe
and on page 117 first.
The cruise control system can be temporarily switched off by pushing switch
A
» Fig. 114 on page 117 to the spring-loaded CANCEL position or by depress-
ing the brake or clutch pedal.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
Briefly push rocker button
B
to the RES position to resume the set speed af-
ter the clutch or brake pedal is released.
Switching off completely
Read and observe
and on page 117 first.
›
Press switch
A
» Fig. 114 on page 117 to the right to the OFF position.
START-STOP

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operating conditions for the system
118
Operation
119System conditioned automatic start-up119Manually deactivating/activating119
Information messages
119
The START-STOP system (hereinafter referred to just as the system) reduces
fuel consumption and polluting emissions and CO 2 emissions by turning the
engine off, e.g. when stopping at traffic lights, and starting the engine again
when moving off.
WARNING■ Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off.■The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
Operating conditions for the system
Fig. 115
Maxi DOT display: Engine is auto-
matically switched off / automat-
ic engine cut off is not possible
Read and observe on page 118 first.
For the system-dependent automatic engine shutdown to operate, the follow-
ing conditions must be met.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The bonnet is closed.
The driving speed exceeded 4 km/h after the last stop.
No trailer is coupled.
Some additional conditions for the system to function cannot be either influ-
enced or recognised by the driver. Therefore, the system can react differently
in situations which are identical from the driver's view. 
118Driving

If after stopping the car, the message UNABLE TO START STOP appears in the
segment display or in the MAXI DOT display the check mark » Fig. 115 , then
the conditions for automatic engine shutdown are not met.
Running the engine is essential, for example, for the following reasons.
› 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 capacity (high fan speed, big difference be-
tween the desired and actual indoor temperature).
Note
■ If the vehicle remains outdoors for a long time in minus temperatures or in
direct sunlight, it can take several hours until the internal temperature of the
vehicle battery reaches a suitable temperature for proper operation of the
START STOP system.■
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than approx. 30 seconds or the
driver's door is opened during stop mode, the engine will have to be started
manually.
■
After manual engine start, the automatic engine shutdown can take place
only when a minimum distance required for the system function has been cov-
ered.
Operation
Read and observe
on page 118 first.
In compliance with the operating conditions, automatic engine shutdown / au-
tomatic engine start takes place as described.
Automatic engine shut down
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Shift the gear lever to Neutral.
›
Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic engine shutdown takes place, segment display shows START STOP
ACTIVE or a check mark appears in the MAXI DOT display

» Fig. 115 on
page 118 .
Automatic engine start
›
Depress the clutch pedal.
The automatic start procedure takes place again.
System conditioned automatic start-up
Read and observe
on page 118 first.
When the engine is off, the system can automatically start the engine before
the desired journey continues. The possible reasons for this are, for example:
› The vehicle has begun to roll, e.g. on a slope.
› The brake pedal has been actuated several times.
› The current consumption is too high.
Manually deactivating/activating
Fig. 116
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
Read and observe on page 118 first.
Deactivate/activate
›
Press the  button
» Fig. 116 .
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
Note
If the system is automatically deactivated when the engine is turned off, then
the automatic start process takes place.
Information messages
Read and observe
on page 118 first.
The messages and information are shown in the instrument cluster display. Start the engine manually.
START MANUALLY
One of the conditions for automatic engine start is not satisfied or the driver's
seat belt is not fastened. The engine must be started manually. 
119Assist systems

CAUTIONApply grease to the upper part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not
remove any grease.
Trailer
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Loading a trailer
124
Towing a trailer
124
Anti-theft alarm system
125WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
Loading a trailer
Read and observe
on page 124 first.
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum per-
missible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeop-
ardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving
with this combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 151,
Tyre service life .
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 176 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above
mean sea level.
The engine output falls as altitude increases, as does the ability to climb.
Therefore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum per-
missible towed weight must be reduced by 10 %.
The towed weight comprises the actual weights of the (loaded) towing vehicle and the (loaded) trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing
equipment are merely test data for the towing equipment. The vehicle-specific
values are detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer –
there is the risk of an accident and serious injury.■
Slipping loads can significantly affect the stability and safety of the vehi-
cle/trailer combination – there is the risk of an accident and serious injury.
Towing a trailer
Read and observe
on page 124 first.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. National legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle can be lifted when a trailer is being towed and the
headlights can dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlight setting on the headlight range control » page 56, Head-
light beam adjustment .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking. 
124Driving

On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.
Engine overheating
The speed must be reduced immediately if the needle for the coolant tempera-
ture gauge moves into the right-hand area or the red area of the scale.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light 
in the instrument cluster
starts to flash. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 144,
Checking the coolant level .
The following guidelines must be observed » page 37, 

Coolant .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.■
Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer
and cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well
as accidents and severe injuries.
■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist ga-
rages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical
connections for the tail lights or other current sources.
Note
■ After coupling the trailer and connecting up the power socket, check the rear
lights on the trailer to ensure they work.■
If there is an error in the trailer lighting system, check the fuses in the fuse
box in the dashboard » page 168.
■
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your car inspected be-
tween service intervals.
■
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be applied when coupling and un-
coupling the trailer.
Anti-theft alarm system
Read and observe
on page 124 first.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated as soon as the electrical con-
nection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 49 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing
equipment.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
The vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
Note
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.125Towing a trailer