steering SKODA FABIA 2014 3.G / NJ Owner's 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

›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).
Information about the current status of the system can be displayed in the In-
fotainment display » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle
settings (CAR button) .
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 sys-
tem.■
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 the manual engine start and with a manual gearbox the automatic en-
gine shutdown can take place only when a minimum distance required for the
system function has been covered.
Operation in vehicles with manual gearbox
Read and observe
on page 124 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 then occurs and the indicator symbol appears in
the display 
» Fig. 125 on page 124 .
Automatic engine start
›
Depress the clutch pedal.
The automatic re-start process takes place and the indicator symbol  goes
out.
Operation in vehicles with automatic gearbox
Read and observe
on page 124 first.
In compliance with the operating conditions, automatic engine shutdown / au-
tomatic engine start takes place as described.
Automatic engine shut down
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
Automatic engine shutdown then occurs and the indicator symbol appears in
the display 
» Fig. 125 on page 124 .
Automatic engine start
›
Release the brake pedal.
The automatic re-start process takes place and the indicator symbol  goes
out.
Further information on automatic transmission
Engine shut down takes place when the selector lever is in positions P, D/S , N
and in Tiptronic mode.
When the selector lever is in position P, the engine remains shut down even
after you release the brake pedal. The engine starts automatically by pressing
the gas pedal or by moving the selector lever into a different mode and releas-
ing the brake pedal.
If the engine is off due to the automatic and the selector lever is put to the R
position, then the automatic start up of the engine.
If the gear selector is moved from position R to the position D/S or N the vehi-
cle must reach a speed of more than 10 km/h before the automatic engine
shutdown starts.
There is no automatic engine shutdown when the system detects a vehicle
moving due to a large steering angle.
No automatic engine shutdown takes place when the vehicle is moving at low
speed (e.g. during a traffic jam or when turning) and remains stationary after
pressing the brake pedal lightly. Automatic engine shutdown takes place if you
press the brake pedal down with more force.
125Assist systems

System conditioned automatic start-upRead and observe
on page 124 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. 126
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
Read and observe on page 124 first.
Deactivate/activate
›
Press the  button
» Fig. 126 .
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button illumi-
nates.
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 124 first.
The warning symbols 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.
On vehicles with the starter button the ignition is turned off by the first press
of the start button, only after pressing for the second time is the start process
initiated.
Error: start-stop system
START STOP ERROR
A system error is present. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Fatigue detection (break recommendation)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
126
Information messages
127
The fatigue detection system (hereinafter referred to only as system) recom-
mends the driver taking a break from driving when, because of the driver's
steering behaviour, driver fatigue can be detected.
WARNING■ For the driving ability is always the driver's responsibility. Never drive if
you feel tired.■
The system may not detect all cases where a break is needed.
■
Therefore, take regular, sufficient breaks during long trips.
■
There will be no system warning during the so-called micro-sleep.
Note
■ In some situations, the system may evaluate the driving incorrectly and thus
mistakenly recommend a break (e.g. sporty driving, adverse weather condi-
tions or poor road conditions).■
The system is designed primarily for use on motorways.
Function
Read and observe
on page 126 first.
From the start of the journey, the system evaluates steering behaviour. If,
while driving, there have been changes in the steering behaviours that are
evaluated by the system as indicating possible fatigue, a break recommenda-
tion is issued. 
126Driving

The system evaluates steering behaviour and recommends a break at speeds
of 65 - 200 km/h.
The system detects a break from driving when one of the following condi-
tions is met.
› The vehicle is stopped and the ignition switched off.
› The vehicle is stopped, the seat belt removed and the driver's door opened.
› The vehicle is stopped for more than 15 minutes.
If none of these conditions are met or if the driving style is not changed, the
system recommends a driving break again after 15 minutes.
The system can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » operating in-
structions for Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings (CAR button) .
Information messages
Read and observe
on page 126 first.
The icon appears and the following message for a few seconds in the display
of the instrument cluster  .
Fatigue detected. Take a break!
DRIVER ALERT TAKE A BREAK
An audible signal is also emitted.
Tyre pressure monitoring
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Save tyre pressure values
127
Save tyre pressure values and infotainment display
128
Save tyre pressure values by pressing a button
128
The tyre pressure monitoring function monitors (hereinafter referred to only as
a system) the tyre pressure while driving.
When changing the tyre inflation pressure, the warning light illuminates in
the instrument cluster and an audible signal is heard.
Information on the procedure for the indication of change in tyre pressure val- ues » page 37 .
The system can only function properly if the tyres have the prescribed tyre
pressure and this pressure values are stored in the system.
WARNING■ The correct tyre pressure values is always the driver's responsibility. The
tyre pressure should be checked regularly » page 162.■
The system cannot warn in case of very rapid loss of tyre pressure, e.g. in
the event of a sudden puncture.
Save tyre pressure values
Read and observe
on page 127 first.
The tyre pressure valuesare always stored in the system, if one of the follow-
ing events is present.
› Change of tyre pressure values.
› Change one or more wheels.
› Change in position of a wheel on the vehicle.
› The warning light
in the instrument cluster.
The storage of the tyre pressure values depends on equipment, either in the
infotainment or by pressing a button.
WARNINGBefore storing the tyre pressures they must be inflated to the specified in-
flation pressure » page 162. If incorrect pressure values are storedthe sys-
tem may not warn even with a tyre pressure that is too low.
CAUTION
The tyre pressure values should be stored every 10 000 km or once a year to
ensure proper system function.127Assist systems

any other agreements. You should keep the confirmed warranty certificate and
the receipt for these accessories for this period, so that the commencement of
the warranty term may be verified.
In addition, ŠKODA Service Partners also stock a range of suitable car care
products as well as those parts which are subject to natural wear and tear,
such as tyres, batteries, bulbs and wiper blades.
Note
The accessories authorized by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. will be offered by the ŠKODA
Partners in all countries where ŠKODA AUTO a.s. has a sales and service net- work. This will usually be in the form of a printed catalogue of Original ŠKODA
Accessories, in the form of separate printed brochures or in the form of offers
for ŠKODA Genuine Accessories on the ŠKODA Partner's website.
Spoiler
Read and observe
on page 137 first.
If your new vehicle is fitted with a spoiler on the front bumper in combination
with the spoiler on the luggage compartment lid, then the following instruc-
tions must be adhered to.
› For safety reasons the vehicle must only ever be equipped with a spoiler on
the front bumper in combination with the associated spoiler on the tailgate.
› A spoiler cannot be fitted alone on the front bumper nor in combination with-
out a spoiler on the tailgate or in combination with an inappropriate spoiler
on the tailgate.
› We recommend that you consult a ŠKODA Service Partner for any repairs, re-
placement, fitting or removal of spoilers.
WARNING■ Work not properly performed on the spoilers on your vehicle can result in
faults - there is a risk of an accident and serious injury.■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
The front brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the
functioning of the braking system – there is a risk of an accident.
Component protection
Read and observe
on page 137 first.
Some electronic vehicle components (such as the instrument cluster) are fac-
tory-equipped with component protection.
Component protection has been developed as a protection mechanism for the
following situations.
› Impairment of factory- or garage-fitted electronic components after installa-
tion in another vehicle (for example, after a theft).
› Impairment of electronic components used outside the vehicle.
› The possibility of a legitimate installation or change of electronic compo-
nents for repairs at a specialist garage.
The activated component protection can be realized by functional limitations
of the specific electronic component. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Airbags
Read and observe
on page 137 first.
The system components for the airbag system may be found in the front
bumper, doors, front seats, the roof lining or in the bodywork.
WARNINGAny work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of
system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering
wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.■
Adjustments, repairs and modifications which have been carried out un-
professionally can cause damage, operational faults, and can also seriously
impair the effectiveness of airbag system – there is the risk of an accident
and fatal injury.
■
The airbag system must be replaced if an airbag has been deployed. Air-
bag modules cannot be repaired.
WARNINGInformation on the use of the airbag system■It is prohibited to tamper with individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed. 139Care and maintenance

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

CAUTION■Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.■
Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe
polish, etc., from the material (leather), panels and textiles as quickly as possi-
ble.
■
Do not attach scents and air fresheners to the dashboard – risk of damage to
the dash panel.
■
Do not attach any stickers to the filaments or glass antenna - there is risk of
damage.
■
Do not clean the headlining with a brush – risk of damage to the lining sur-
face.
■
Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■
Apply only a small amount of the cleaning and care product.
For the sake of the environment
Used cans of vehicle care product represent hazardous waste that is harmful
to the environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national
legislation.
Note
Because of the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any poten-
tial problems with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle, we rec-
ommend that cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle be carried out by
a ŠKODA Service Partner.
Natural leather
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
The leather needs, depending on the strain placed on it, regular cleaning andmaintenance.
Dust and dirt in pores and creases cause abrasions on the surface and lead to
premature brittling of the leather surface. Therefore, they must be removed
regularly at 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).
To remove stains , use a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose.
Treat the leather periodically with a suitable leather protector and use a skin
care cream with light blocker and impregnation after each cleaning.
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
become 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.
■
The use of an additional mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the
leather surface of the steering wheel.
■
Some clothing materials, such as dark denim, do not have sufficient colour
fastness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers
even when treated correctly. This is particularly true for light-coloured uphols-
tery. This is not a defect in the seat cover, but poor colour fastness of the
clothing textiles.
■
Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-
edged belts etc. may leave permanent scratches or signs of rubbing on the
surface or damage these. Damage of this nature cannot later be recognized as
a justified complaint.
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 cov-
ers).
Artificial leather, materials and Alcantara ®
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
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. us-
ing 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. 
146General Maintenance

Tyre storage
Mark the tyres as you remove them so that you are able to refit them to run in
the same direction.
Always store wheels or tyres in a cool, dry and, where possible, dark place.
Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored upright.
Tyre age
Tyres age losing their original characteristics, even if they are not used. The
service life of the tyres is 6 years. Therefore, we recommend not using tyres
older than 6 years.
Wheel bolts
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. There-
fore we recommend that you use wheel rims and wheel bolts from ŠKODA
Original Accessories.WARNINGNever use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.
Tyre pressure
Fig. 152
Label with a table of tyre sizes and tyre pressures / inflate tyres
Read and observe
on page 161 first.
Tyre pressure is always to match the load.
The specified tyre pressures are on a label
A
» Fig. 152 .
For some countries, the sticker is produced without pictograms, but only with
listed tyre inflation values.
Label with prescribed tyre inflation pressure values » Fig. 152
Position of the label
Inflation pressure for half load
Inflation pressure for increased driving comfort at half load
Inflation pressure for full load
As a result of adjusting pressure to the value C
for increased driving comfort,
fuel consumption can rise slightly.
Check tyre pressures
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the spare wheel, at least once a
month and also before setting off on a long journey.
Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure of warm tyres.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring tyre pressure values are to be stored
every time the tyre pressure changes » page 127.
WARNING■
The correct tyre pressure values is always the driver's responsibility.■Too low or too high inflation pressure impairs handling.■
If the pressure is too low, the tyre must overcome a greater rolling resist-
ance. This will heat the tyre up, especially at higher speeds. This can result
in tread separation and a tyre blowout.
■
For very fast tyre pressure loss, such as a sudden tyre failure try to bring
the vehicle carefully to a stop without sudden steering movements and
without any hard braking.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Tyre wear
Read and observe
on page 161 first.
Tyre wear depends on the pressure, driving style, and other circumstances.
Attention to the following notes may affect tyre wear.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking increase the tyre wear. 
ABCD162General Maintenance

Wheel balance
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influen-
ces when the car is being driven which may result in an imbalance. This may
become apparent by “vibration” in the steering. If this is the case, the wheels
have to be balanced at specialist garage.
Also have the wheels rebalanced after replacing or repairing the tyres.
Adjustment of the vehicle geometry
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear leads to excess wear of the tyres
and negatively affects the driving safety. With a distinctive tyre wear, we rec-
ommend that you check the setting of the vehicle geometry in a specialist
workshop.WARNING■ An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling.■Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately re-
duce your speed and stop! If no external tyre damage is evident, drive slow-
ly and carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle
checked.
Tyre wear indicator and wheels exchange
Fig. 153
Principle sketch: Replace tyre tread with wear indicators /
wheels
Read and observe
on page 161 first.
Wear indicators
The base of the tread of the tyres has 1.6 mm high wear indicators installed » Fig. 153 - 
. In some countries, different tyre wear rates may apply.
Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI”, triangular sym-
bols or other symbols identify the position of the wear indicators.
Exchanging the wheels
For uniform wear on all tyres, we recommend that you change the wheels ev-
ery 10 000 km according to the scheme » Fig. 153- 
. You will then obtain ap-
proximately the same life for all the tyres.
After swapping the wheels, the tyre pressure should be adjusted.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring tyre pressure values are to be stored
» page 127 .WARNING■
You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down.■
Worn tyres do not provide the necessary grip particularly at high speeds
on wet roads. “Aquaplaning” (uncontrolled movements of the vehicle –
“swimming” on a wet road surface) could be the result.
Tyre damage
Read and observe
on page 161 first.
We recommend checking your tyres and wheel rims for damage (punctures,
cuts, splits and bulges, etc.) on a regular basis. Remove foreign bodies (e.g.
small stones) from the tyre profile immediately.
Drive over kerbs and other such obstacles slowly and at right angles wherever
possible in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel trims.
Immediately replace damaged wheel rims or tyres.
WARNINGNever drive with damaged tyres – there is the risk of an accident.
CAUTION
The tyres must be protected from contact with substances such as oil, grease
and fuel, which could damage them. If the tyres with these substances come
into contact, then we recommend that you check this in a specialist workshop.163Wheels

›If the engine does not start, halt the attempt to start the engine after 10 sec-
onds and wait for 30 seconds before repeating the process.›
Detach the jumper cables in the exact reverse order that they were attached.
Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the bat-
tery supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of
the discharged battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and
insulated terminal clamps. Obey the instructions of the jump start cable manu-
facturer.
Positive cable - colour coding in the majority of cases is red.
Negative cable - colour coding in the majority of cases is black.
WARNING■
Do not clamp the jump-start cable to the negative terminal of the dis-
charged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out the battery
being ignited by the strong spark which results from the engine being star-
ted.■
The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never touch each
other – risk of short circuit.
■
The jump-start cable connected to the positive terminal of the battery
must not come into contact with electrically conducting parts of the vehicle
– risk of short circuit.
■
Route the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotat-
ing parts in the engine compartment.
■
There must not be any contact between the two vehicles otherwise cur-
rent may flow as soon as the negative terminals are connected.
Towing the vehicle
 Introduction
Fig. 168
Braided tow ropes/spiral tow rope
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye
178
Rear towing eye
179
Vehicles with a tow hitch
179
A braided tow rope must be used for towing » Fig. 168 -
 .
The following guidelines must be observed when towing.
Vehicles with manual transmission may be towed with a tow bar or a tow rope
or with the front or rear wheels raised.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may be towed with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at rear, the auto-
matic gearbox is damaged!
Driver of the tow vehicle
›
Engage the clutch gently when starting off or depress the accelerator partic-
ularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
›
Only then, approach correctly when the rope is taut.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
›
Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that
the turn signal lights, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer system can
be used. 
177Emergency equipment, and self-help