trailer SKODA FABIA 2014 3.G / NJ User Guide

WARNINGIn the following situations, Front Assistant should be switched off for safe-
ty reasons.■
When the vehicle is being towed away.
■
When the vehicle is on a rolling test bench.
■
If an unfounded warning or a system action was taken.
■
When on a truck, or a car ferry service or similar.
Information messages
Read and observe
and on page 122 first.
The warning symbols are shown in the instrument cluster display. Front Assist: No sensor view.
The sensor is soiled or covered.
Stop the car, switch off the engine and clean the sensor or eliminate the dis-
turbance causing the lack of visibility » Fig. 123 on page 122 .
If the message appears again after starting the engine, the system should be disabled » page 123 . Seek help from a specialist garage.
Front Assist not available.
The system is not available for an unknown reason.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and then start it again.
If the message appears again after starting the engine, the system should be disabled » page 123 . Seek help from a specialist garage.
START-STOP
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operating conditions for the system
124
Operation in vehicles with manual gearbox
125
Operation in vehicles with automatic gearbox
125
System conditioned automatic start-up
126
Manually deactivating/activating
126
Information messages
126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. 125
Engine is automatically switched
off / automatic engine cut off is
not possible
Read and observe on page 124 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.
If, after stopping the vehicle, the check icon 
» Fig. 125 appears on the dis-
play, 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. 
124Driving

Hitch and trailer
Hitch
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
129
Adjusting the ready position
130
A correctly set ready position
130
Assembling the bar ball - first step
131
Assembling the bar ball - second step
131
Check proper fitting
132
Removing the bar ball - first step
132
Removing the bar ball - second step
133
Accessories
133
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 50 kg.
WARNING■
Check that the ball head is seated correctly and is secured in the mount-
ing recess before starting any journey.■
Do not use the ball head if it is not correctly inserted in the mounting re-
cess.
■
Do not use the towing equipment if it is damaged or incomplete.
■
Do not modify or adapt the towing equipment in any way.
■
Never release the ball head while the trailer is still coupled.
■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing equipment clean at all times.
Such dirt prevents the ball head from being attached securely.
CAUTION
■ Take care with the tow bar - there is a risk of damaging the paint on the
bumper.■
When the ball rod is removed, always place the cover onto the mounting re-
cess - there is a danger of soiling the mounting recess.
Note
■ Operation and maintenance of towing device » page 145.■Tow the vehicle by means of the detachable ball rod » page 179.DescriptionFig. 129
Carrier for the towing device / tow bar
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
The ball head can be removed and is kept in the spare wheel well or in a com-
partment for the spare wheel in the luggage compartment.
Carrier for the towing device and ball rod » Fig. 129
Cover for the mounting recess
Mounting recess
Dust cap
Ball head
Operating lever
Lock cap
Release pin
Key
Locking ball
Note
If you lose the key, please get in touch with a specialist garage.123456789129Hitch and trailer

Assembling the bar ball - first stepFig. 133
Remove cap: on the rear bumper / for receiving shaft
Fig. 134
Insert ball rod / trigger bolt in the extended state
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
Preliminary work
Before installing the tow bar the following work must be carried out.
›
Remove the cover cap
A
» Fig. 133 in the direction of arrow
1
using the on-
board tool clamp for pulling off the wheel trims » page 168.
›
Remove cover cap
B
in the direction of arrow
2
» .
The tow bar must be set to the standby position » page 130, A correctly set
ready position . If this is not in the standby position, then it must be set to the
standby position » page 130, Adjusting the ready position .
Fitting
›
Grip the tow bar from underneath » Fig. 134 and insert into the mounting re-
cess in arrow direction
3
until you hear it click into place » .
The operating lever C automatically turns upwards in the direction of arrow4 and the release pin D pops out (both its red and green parts are visible)
» .
If the operating lever
C
does not turn automatically, or if the release pin
D
does not pop out, remove the tow bar from the mounting recess by turning the
operating lever
C
downwards as far as it can go. Clean the contact surfaces
on the tow bar and the mounting recess.
WARNING■ Carefully remove the cap for the mounting recess B - there is a risk of
hand injury.■
Keep your hands outside the operating lever's range of motion when at-
taching the ball head – there is a risk of finger injury.
■
Never attempt to pull the operating lever upwards forcibly to turn the
key. Doing so would mean the ball head is not attached correctly.
CAUTION
Remove the cover A from the rear bumper with care - there is a risk of paint
damage to the bumper and the cap.
Note
Store the caps A and B » Fig. 133 in a suitable place in the luggage compart-
ment after removal.
Assembling the bar ball - second step
Fig. 135
Secure the lock and remove key / place cap on lock
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
›
To begin with, perform the first step of the ball rod assembly » page 131.
131Hitch and trailer

›Turn the key A in the direction of arrow 1 so that the green marking points
upwards » Fig. 135.›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Fit and press in the cap
B
on the hand-wheel lock in the direction of the ar-
row
3
» .
›
Check the ball head for secure mounting » page 132, Check proper fitting .
CAUTION
After removing the key, always replace the cover on the lock – risk of lock get-
ting dirty.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 136
Correctly secured ball head
Read and observe and on page 129 first.
Check that the ball head is fitted properly each time before use.
Correctly secured ball rod » Fig. 136
The ball head does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.
Operating lever
A
is located as far up as possible.
The release pin
B
is completely exposed (both its red and green parts are
visible).
The key is removed.
The cap
B
is on the hand-wheel.
WARNINGDo not use the towing equipment unless the ball head has been properly
locked - risk of accident.Removing the bar ball - first stepFig. 137
Remove the cap from the lock
Fig. 138
Insert the key into the lock / unlock the lock
Read and observe
and on page 129 first.
›
Remove the cover
A
from the lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 137 .
›
Insert the key
B
into the lock in the direction of arrow
2
, so that its green
marker points upward » Fig. 138.
›
Turn the key in the direction of arrow
3
so that the red marking points up-
wards.
WARNINGNever remove the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
Note
We recommend that you put the protective cap on the ball before removing
the ball head.132Driving

Removing the bar ball - second stepFig. 139
Release tow bar
Read and observe and on page 129 first.
Removing
›
To begin with, perform the first step of the ball end assembly » page 132.
›
Grasp the ball head from underneath » Fig. 139 .
›
Push in the release bolt
A
in the direction of arrow
1
until it stops and si-
multaneously press the operating lever
B
in the direction of arrow
2
until it
stops.
The ball head is released in this position and falls freely into the hand. If it
does not fall freely into the hand, use your other hand to push it upwards.
At the same time, the ball head latches into the ready position and is thus
ready to be built-in »
.
Subsequent steps
After removing the tow bar the following work must be carried out.
›
Insert the cover
B
» Fig. 133 on page 131 in the opposite direction to arrow
2
.
›
Fix the cap
A
» Fig. 133 on page 131 aligning it with “check mark” in the low-
er bumper area.
›
Push the cap in first on the left and right and then at the top.
WARNINGNever allow the ball head to remain unsecured in the boot. This could
cause damage to the boot upon sudden braking, and could put the safety
of the occupants at risk.CAUTION■ If the operating lever B is held firm and not pushed downwards as far as it
can go, it will go back up after the ball head is removed and will not latch into
the ready position. The ball head then needs to be brought into this position
before the next time it is fitted » page 130, Adjusting the ready position .■
Place the tow bar in the standby position, with the key upwards, and store in
the box - otherwise there is a risk of damage to the key!
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not
step on it).
Note
Clean any dirt from the ball head before stowing it away in the box with the
vehicle tool kit.
Accessories
Fig. 140
Depiction of the maximum per-
missible protrusion of the ball
head of the towing hitch and of
the permissible total weight of
the accessory including the load,
depending on the load centre of
gravity
Read and observe and on page 129 first.
An accessory can be mounted on the ball head of the towing device (such as a
bike carrier).
If this accessory is used, the maximum permissible protrusion of the towing
device ball head and the permissible gross vehicle weight of the accessory in-
cluding load is to be observed.
The maximum permissible protrusion for the ball head of the towing device is
70 cm » Fig. 140 .
The total allowable weight of the accessory including load, changes with in-
creasing distance of the center of gravity of the load from the ball head of the
towing device. 
133Hitch and trailer

Distance of the load center of gravityfrom the ball headPermissible total weight of the ac-cessories, including load0 cm50 kg30 cm50 kg60 cm25 kg70 cm0 kgWARNING■Never exceed the permissible gross weight of the accessory including
load - there is a risk of damaging the ball head of the towing device.■
Never exceed the permissible protrusion of the ball head including towing
device - there is a risk of damaging the ball head of the towing device.
Note
We recommend that you use the accessories from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Trailer
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Trailer, connect and disconnect
134
Loading a trailer
135
Towing a trailer
135
Anti-theft alarm system
136
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with towing equipment or is fit-
ted with towing equipment from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all
of the technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
Note
If there is an error in the trailer lighting system, check the fuses in the fuse box
in the dashboard » page 183.Trailer, connect and disconnectFig. 141
13-pin socket, and safety eye
Coupling
›
Fit the ball rod.
›
Lift off protective cap
3
» Fig. 129 on page 129 upwards.
›
Place the trailer onto the ball head.
›
Insert the trailer cable into the 13-pin socket
A
» Fig. 141.
If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connector, you can make an elec-
trical connection using a suitable adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
›
Hook the breakaway cable of the trailer to the security lock slot
B
.
The breakaway cable of the trailer has to sag when mounted into the security
lock slot for all trailer positions relative to the vehicle (sharp curves, reverse
driving and the like.)
Detaching
›
Unhook the breakaway cable of the trailer from the securing eyelet
B
» Fig. 141 .
›
Pull the trailer cable out of the 13-pin socket.
›
Remove the trailer from the ball head.
›
Place cap
3
onto the ball head » Fig. 129 on page 129 .
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 60, Operat-
ing the lights . 
134Driving

Power to the trailer power grid
For the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer, the power for the
trailer power grid is supplied by the vehicle.
The power supply works with ignition on or off.WARNING■ Incorrect or improperly connected electrical installation can cause acci-
dents and serious injury due to electric shock.■
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.
■
After coupling the trailer and connecting up the power socket, check the
rear lights on the trailer to ensure they work correctly.
■
The handbrake on the vehicle must be applied when coupling and uncou-
pling the trailer.
■
Never use the safety eyelet for towing!
CAUTION
Incorrect or improperly connected electrical installations may cause malfunc-
tion of the entire vehicle electronics.
Loading a trailer
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 trailer 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 162.
Towing capacity and trailer weight
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstances
» page 194 , Technical data .
The details given in the vehicle's technical documentation always take prece-
dence over the details in the Owner's Manual.
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 1,000 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
weight of the trailer - risk of accident and serious injuries!■
An unsecured load can adversely affect stability and driving safety signifi-
cantly - there is a risk of accident!
Towing a trailer
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.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.
Engine overheating
If the pointer of the coolant temperature gauge reaches the red scale range,
the speed should be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light  illuminates in the instru-
ment cluster display. 
135Hitch and trailer

The following information must be observed » page 40,  Coolant .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Always drive particularly carefully with the trailer.■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.
CAUTION
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
Anti-theft alarm system
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connec-
tion to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 54 .
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.
CAUTION
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.136Driving

CAUTION■Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be touched up immediate-
ly.■
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This
may show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the
steering wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of
the steering. This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
Towing device and mounting recess
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
Close the mounting recess with the cap to prevent any ingress of dirt.
In the event of dirt, clean the inner surfaces of the mounting recess and treat
with a suitable preservative.
Before hitching a trailer check the ball head and apply a suitable grease where
necessary.
Fit the protective cap when stowing away the ball head to protect the luggage
compartment against dirt.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the inner part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not
remove any grease.
Under-body protection
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
The underside of your vehicle is already permanently protected by the factory
against chemical and mechanical influences.
Damage to the protective coating cannot be excluded when the vehicle is
driven.
We recommend that you have the protective coating under the body and on
the chassis inspected - preferably before the beginning and at the end of the
cold season.
WARNINGNever use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters or heat shields.
These substances could ignite when the engine reaches its operating tem-
perature - there is a risk of fire.
Wiper blades
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
Clean the wiper blades regularly with a glass cleaner. The wiper blades should
be cleaned with a sponge or cloth if they are heavily soiled by insect residues,
for example.
The wiper blades can become soiled with wax residues after washing in auto-
matic vehicle wash systems for example » page 141.
Interior care
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Natural leather
146
Artificial leather, materials and Alcantara ®
146
Seat covers
147
Safety belts
147
We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that are
available from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must
be observed.
WARNING■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the
instructions.■
Always keep the automobile care products safe from people who are not
completely independent, e.g. children - there is a danger of poisoning!
■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the tempera-
ture inside the vehicle is high. 
145Care and maintenance

Please note the following if you intend to use the temporary spare wheel.› The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
› Be specially attentive when driving.
› The temporary spare wheel is inflated to the maximum inflation pressure for
the vehicle » page 162.
› Only use the temporary spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage
since it is not intended for permanent use.WARNING■ Never drive with more than one spare wheel mounted!■Only use the spare wheel while absolutely necessary.■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
■
The snow chains cannot be used on the spare wheel.
■
Observe the instructions on the warning sign of the temporary spare
wheel.
Changing a wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preparation
170
Full wheel trim
170
Wheel bolts
171
Changing a wheel
171
Subsequent steps
171
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
172
Raising the vehicle
172
Anti-theft wheel bolts
173
For your own safety and the safety of the passengers, the following instruc-
tions must be observed before changing a wheel on the road.
Switch on the hazard lights.
The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed distance - observe
the national legal provisions when doing so.
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic.
Find a location with a flat, solid surface.
Have all the occupants get out. The passengers should not stand on the
road (instead they should remain behind a crash barrier, for instance) while
the wheel is being changed.
If the vehicle has been retrofitted with tyres which are different from those it
was fitted with at the works, follow these guidelines » page 164, Explanation
of the tire labelling .
The national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel.
Preparation
Before changing the wheel, the following work should be carried out.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Engage the first gear or place the selector lever of the automatic transmis-
sion in the P-position.
›
Apply the handbrake firmly.
›
Uncouple any trailer.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 168 and the spare wheel » page 169 from
the boot.
Full wheel trim
Before removing the wheel bolts the wheel trim should be removed.
Pulling off
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit » page 168 into the reinforced
edge of the wheel trim.
›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off
the wheel trim.
Fitting
›
Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the designated valve opening
» .
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference latches
correctly into position.
CAUTION
Notes from the factory or from the ŠKODA Original accessory delivered trim..■When using an anti-theft wheel bolt, make sure that this has been fitted ac-
cording to the position marked on the back of the wheel cover position.■
On the back of the wheel cover, the position for the anti-theft wheel bolt is
marked by means of a symbol. If the wheel cover is set outside the position
marked for the anti-theft wheel bolt, there is a risk of damaging the wheel
cover. 
170Do-it-yourself