brakes SKODA FABIA 2007 1.G / 6Y Owner's Manual

Contents4
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What you should know about transporting children! Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system*Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . . Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antilock brake system (ABS)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrohydraulic power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . . Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . . Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Driving in an economical and environmentally conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To w i n g a t r a i l e r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your ve hicle and cleaning the vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First-aid box* and Warning triangle* . . . . . . . . . . . Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Te c h n i c a l D a t a. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fuel consumption according to the regulations (99/100/EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.2 ltr./44 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.2 ltr./51 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 ltr./63 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.6 ltr./77 kW - EU 4/EU 2DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 ltr./51 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.4 ltr./59 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.9 l/77 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
130 131
134 134 137140141
143
143 143 146146147147148148150
151 151 152
152 155156157
158 158
161
161 161 161166
169 169 169170
172 172 175177180181185
186 186
192 192 192
193
193 193 193194194194195200201
205 205 209
215
215 215 215
215 215 215
216 217218220222224226228230
233
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights28
Brake system 
The warning light  flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low, if there is a fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light  flashes (handbrake is not applied), stop and check the brake fluid level ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FLUID SERVICE MANUAL
If there is a fault in the ABS which also influences the function of the normal brake system (e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS warning light  comes on together with the brake system warning light . Be aware that not only the ABS but also another part of th brake system is defective ⇒.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long free play of the brake pedal when driving to the next specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FAULT OWNER'S MANUAL!
For further information on the brake system ⇒page 146, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied
The warning light  also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 6 km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
HANDBRAKE ON
WARNING
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 173, “Working in the engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level and opening the bonnet.
•If the brake system warning light  does not go out a few seconds after switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and check the brake fluid in the reservoir ⇒page 180, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
Airbag system 
Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warning light does not go out or comes on or flashes while driving ⇒. This also applies if the warning light does not come on after the ignition is switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
AIRBAG FAULT
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically, when one airbag has been switched off.
The passenger front airbag and also poss ibly the passenger side airbag which have been switched off using the vehicle system tester:
•The warning light  lights up for 3 seconds after switching on the ignition and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The passenger front airbag and also poss ibly the passenger side airbag which have been switched off using the switch (for switching off airbags)* in the end face of the dash panel on the front passenger side:
•The warning light  comes on for 3 seconds after the ignition has been switched on.
•Switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the lighting up of the indicator light   (airbag switched off) ⇒page 132.
WARNING (continued)
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Seats and Stowage61
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Pedals
You should use only footmats which do not obstruct the movement of the pedals and have an anti-slip protection.
We recommend only to use footmats from Škoda genuine accessories offered by your Škoda dealer.
Operation of the pedals must not be hindered!
WARNING
•Greater pedal distances may be needed when there is a fault in the brake system.
•Do not place any footmats or other additional floor coverings in the area of the pedals in order to ensure that all the pedals can be fully depressed and are able to return unobstructed to their initial position - risk of accident!
•There must be no objects on the floor which could roll under the pedals. You would then no longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or accelerator - risk of accident!
luggage compartment
Loading the luggage compartment
Please observe the following in the inte rest of having good handling char-
acteristics of your vehicle:
– Distribute the items of luggage as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.
– Attach the items of luggage to the lashing eyes or the safety net*
⇒ page 62.
In the event of an accident, there is such a high kinetic energy which is produced by small and light objects that they can caus e severe injuries. The magnitude of the
kinetic energy depends on the speed at wh ich the vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the object. The speed at which the vehicle is travelling is in this case the more significant factor.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, an unsecured object with a weight of 4.5 kg produces an energy, which corresponds to 20 times its own weight. This means that it results in a weight of approx. 90 kg. You can imagine the injuries that can occur, if this “bullet” is flying through the interior compartment and hits an occupant.
WARNING
•Store the objects in the luggage compartment and attach them to the lashing eyes.
•Loose objects in the passenger co mpartment can be thrown forward during a sudden manoeuvre or in case of an accident and can injure the occupants or other oncoming traffic. This risk is still increased, if the objects which are flying around are hit by a deployed airbag. In this case, the objects which are thrown back can injure the occupants - hazard.
•Please note that the handling properties of your vehicle may be affected when transporting heavy objects as a result of the displacement of the centre of gravity. The speed and style of driving must be adjusted accord- ingly.
•The items carried in the luggage compartment should be stored in such a way that no objects are able to slip forward if there are any sudden driving or braking manoeuvres under taken - risk of injury!
•When transporting fastened objects which are sharp and dangerous in the luggage compartment enlarged by folding the rear seats forward or removing the rear seats, ensure the safety of the passengers transported on the other rear seats ⇒page 116, “Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear seats”.
•If the rear seats next to the folded forward seat are occupied, ensure maximum safety, e.g. by placing the goods to be transported in such a way that a folding back of the seat is prevented in case of a rear collision.
•Never drive with the boot lid fully opened or slightly ajar otherwise exhaust gases may get into the interior of the vehicle - risk of poisoning!
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Starting-off and Driving90
Handbrake
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the
locking button ⇒fig. 92.
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully
⇒ .
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have inadvertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
HANDBRAKE ON
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
•Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which is only partially released can re sult in the rear brakes overheating which will have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident! In addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake pads.
•Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle might then move off - risk of accident!
Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always firs t of all apply the handbrake firmly before then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector lever into position P (automatic gearbox).
Parking aid*
The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.
The audible parking aid determines the distance between the rear bumper and an obstacle located behind the vehicle with th e aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Fig. 92 Centre console: Handbrake
Fig. 93 Parking aid: Range of sensors
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Seat belts121
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Slowly pull the belt webbing at the tongue of the lock over your chest
and pelvis ⇒.
– Insert the tongue of the lock into th e seat belt buckle belonging to the
seat until it is heard to lock in place.
– Pull on the belt to check that it has also reliably engaged in the lock.
Each three-point seat belt is equipped with an inertia reel. This inertia reel offers you complete freedom of movement if the belt is unreeled slowly. If the brakes are applied suddenly, the inertia reel will block. It also blocks the belts when the car accelerates, when driving downhill and when cornering.
Expectant mothers must also wear the seat belt ⇒.
WARNING
•The shoulder part of the seat belt must never run across your neck but must run approximately over the middl e of the shoulder and fit snugly against the chest. The lap part of the belt must run across the hip and must never be routed across the stomach. It must always fit snugly ⇒page 120, fig. 110 . Adjust the belt webbing as required.
•The lap part of the belt should be positioned as low as possible at the pelvis of an expectant mother in order to avoid exerting any pressure on the lower abdomen.
•Always ensure that the webbing of the seat belts is properly routed. Seat belts which are not correctly adjusted ca n themselves cause injuries even in minor accidents.
•A seat belt which is hanging too loose can result in injuries as your body is moved forward by the kinetic energy produced in an accident and is then suddenly held firm by the belt.
•Only insert the lock tongue into the lo ck which is the correct one for your seat. This will affect the protection whic h the belt offers and increase the risk of an injury.
Seat belt height adjuster on the front seats
The seat belt height adjuster makes it possible for you to adapt the
routing of the front three-point seat belt in the area of the shoulder to
match your body size.
– To adjust the belt height press the height adjuster and move it up or
down ⇒fig. 112.
– Then pull firmly on the belt to ensure that the seat belt height adjuster
has correctly locked in place.
WARNING
Adjust the height of the belt in such a way that the shoulder part of the belt is positioned approximately across the middle of your shoulder - on no account across your neck.
Note
It is also possible to adapt the routing of the belt webbing on the front seats by adjusting the height of the seat*.
Fig. 112 Front seat: Seat belt height adjuster
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Intelligent Technology144
•when driving with snow chains,
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,
•when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.
Then you should switch on the ESP again.
WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your style of driving to the condition of the road surface and the traffic situation. This particularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than other- wise - risk of an accident!
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign- ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP ⇒page 192, “Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning
when accelerating.
General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when th e engine is started and then conducts a self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors. If the wheels ar e spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is automatically adapted by reducing the engi ne speed. This occurs at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 147, “Antilock brake system (ABS)*”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light ⇒page 26 lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on the TCS.
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button ⇒ fig. 136. The TCS warning light ⇒page 26 lights up in the instrument cluster when the TCS is switched off.
Fig. 136 TCS switch
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Intelligent Technology145
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the system.
Examples:
•when driving with snow chains,
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,
•when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.
Then you should switch on the TCS again.
WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem- free operation of the TCS. Differing rollin g circumferences of the tyres can lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign- ment of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the TCS ⇒page 192, “Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock pr events an individual wheel from
slipping.
Models fitted with ESP are equipped with electronic differential lock (EDL).
General
The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate and climb a steep hill when the conditio ns of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The EDL is activated automatically, that is without any action on the part of the driver. It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors. Should only one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will be an appreciable difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes the slipping wheel and the differential transmits a greater driving force to the other driven wheel. This control proce ss is also accompanied by noises.
Overheating of the brakes
The EDL switches off automatically if unus ually severe stresses exist in order to avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is 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.
WARNING
•Depress the accelerator carefully when accelerating on uniformly slip- pery road surfaces, such as ice and sn ow. The driven wheels might still spin despite the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!
•You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road surface and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL. The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note
•If the ABS or TCS or ESP warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the EDL. Please have the car inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign- ment of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the EDL ⇒page 192, “Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
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Intelligent Technology146
Brakes
What has a negative effect on braking efficiency?
Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pads is greatly dependent on the operating conditions of the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns and over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be neces- sary to have the thickness of the brake pads inspected at a specialist garage between the service inspections.
Wet roads or road salt
There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect under certain condi- tions such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after the vehicle has been washed in an automatic vehicle wash, since the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or even have a coating of ice on them in winter. You should dry the brakes as soon as possib le (by applying and releasing the brakes several times, if the road conditions and the traffic situation allows it).
There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is available when driving on roads which have been treated wi th road salt if you have not used the brakes for some considerable time beforeha nd. The layer of salt on the brake discs and brake pads must first be rubb ed off when you apply the brakes.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on th e bake pads occur if the vehicle has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking system.
We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes at a fairly high speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corro- sion is present ⇒.
Faults in the brake surface
If you notice that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the brake pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake circuit of the dual- circuit brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist garage without delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced speed while on your way to the dealer and adapt your style of driving to the higher brake pedal pressure required.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically ⇒page 28, “Brake system ”.
WARNING
•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.
•When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced otherwise the braking sy stem could run too hot.
•Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking efficiency until approximately 200 kilo metres. New brake pads must be first “run in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however, compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pres- sure on the brake pedal. This guidelin e also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future date.
Caution
•Never allow the brakes to ru b by applying slight pressure if you do not wish to brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.
•Before negotiating a steep downhill section, please reduce your speed and shift down into the next lower gear (manual ge arbox) or select a lower driving stage (automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use of the braking power of the vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes . Any additional braking should be done intermittently, not continuously.
Brake booster
The brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake pedal. The necessary pressure is only gene rated when the engine is running.
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Intelligent Technology147
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
Antilock brake system (ABS)*
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.
General
The ABS contributes significan tly to enhancing the active safety of your vehicle. Compared to a car not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are able to retain optimal steering ability even during a fu ll brake application on a slippery road surface because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the br aking distance will be shorter under all circumstances as a result of the ABS. Th e braking distance for example on gravel and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving slowly and cautiously, will be longer.
Operating principle
As soon as the vehicle speed has increase d to about 20 km/hour an automatic test procedure is conducted during which you wi ll be able to hear a pumping noise for about 1 second.
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is too low for the speed of the vehicle and tend ing to lock. This control cycle is notice- able from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises. This is consciously intended to pr ovide the driver with the information that the wheels are tending to lock (ABS control range). You must always keep the brake pedal depressed to enable the ABS to optima lly control the brake application in this braking range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!
WARNING
•The ABS can also not overcome the physic al limits of your vehicle. Please do not forget this, particularly when driv ing on icy or wet road surfaces. If the ABS is operating within the control ra nge, adapt your speed immediately to the conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered by the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
•The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault. Visit a specialist garage as quickly as po ssible and adjust your style of driving to take account of the ABS fault in the meantime since you will not know how great the damage is.
Note
•A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system ⇒page 27.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign- ment of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the ABS ⇒page 192, “Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Brake Assist*
During a severe brake application (e.g. if a hazard exists), the Brake Assist increases the braking force and thus makes it possible to rapidly produce the pressure required in the brake system.
The majority of drivers do apply the brakes in good time in dangerous situations, but do not depress the brake pedal with suff icient pressure. Consequently, it is not possible for the car to achieve its maxi mum deceleration and the car covers a greater distance than necessary.
The Brake Assist is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. In such cases, a much greater braking pressure ex ists than during a normal brake applica- tion. This makes it possible, even with a relatively low resistance of the brake pedal, to produce an adequate pressure in the brake system in the shortest possible time, which is required for maximum deceleration of the car. You must apply the brake
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Intelligent Technology148
pedal firmly and hold it in this position in order to achieve the shortest possible braking distance.
The Brake Assist is able to help you achieve a shorter braking distance in emergency situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It fully exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the function of the Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate in the normal way.
The Brake Assist is part of the ESP system. If a fault occurs in the ESP, the Brake Assist function is also not available. Further information on the ESP ⇒page 143.
WARNING
•The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your car in terms of the braking distance required.
•Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic situation.
•The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to take a greater safety risk than otherwise.
Electrohydraulic power steering
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The steering characteristics can be changed by a specialist garage.
You will place great stresses on the power st eering system if the steering is turned to full lock when the vehicle is stationary. Turning the steering to full lock in such a situation will be acco mpanied by noises.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the engine is not running (vehicle being towed in). The only difference is that greater physical effort is required.
It is possible that the hydraulic pump of the power steering will not run due to the low vehicle network voltage if the battery has gone flat and the engine must started with the help off jump leads. This conditio n will be indicated by lighting up of the warning light.
The power steering operates again if the battery is charged to a specific range when engine is running. It also operates again, if the engine can be started with its own battery.
Caution
Do not leave the steering at full lock fo r more than 15 seconds when the engine is running - risk of damagi ng the power steering!
Note
Have the steering inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage if there is a leak or fault in the system.
Tyre inflation pressure-control system*
The tyre inflation pressure-control system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors the speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the infla- tion pressure and therefore the rolling circumference of a wheel has changed signif- icantly, the warning light  lights up in the dash panel ⇒page 26. The tyre inflation pressure-control system function s late or too sensitively if:
•the structure of the tyre is damaged,
•the vehicle is loaded to one side or with a load on the roof,
Fig. 137 Button for setting the tyre inflation pressure control value
NKO A05F 20 MR08.book Page 148 Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:34 AM