Get Inspecting and replenishing -> Vehicle battery Guide for Skoda Fabia 4 Door First Generation (1999-2006)

Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an

emergency. In this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of

water and coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.

 Read and observe and on page 145 first.

The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 130.

Switch off the engine.

Open the bonnet.

Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 130.

›

Brake fluid

›

 Introduction

The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

A slight drop in the fluid level results in operation due to normal wear and tear

and the automatic adjustment of the brake pads.

Level check

Changing

145

There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid

level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” mark-

ing.

WARNING

■

The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in

the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warn-

ings » page 138.

 Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has fallen below the MIN

marking » Fig. 130 on page 145 - there is a risk of an accident. Seek help

If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the indicator light

 » page 36,  Brake system lighting up in the instrument cluster.

■

Changing

from a specialist garage.

Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-

 Read and observe and on page 145 first.

■

paired – there is the risk of an accident.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the

environment.

CAUTION

Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake

system.

Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.

Note

The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.

■

The brake fluid is changed as part of a prescribed inspection service.

We recommend using oils from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range.

The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications:

■

VW 50114;

›

FMVSS 116 DOT4.

›

Level check

Vehicle battery

Fig. 130

Engine compartment: Brake fluid

reservoir

 Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

Open cover

147

148

Checking the battery electrolyte level

Charging



Replacing

145

Inspecting and replenishing

Disconnecting or reconnecting

Automatic load deactivation

148

149

WARNING (Continued)

■

If any battery electrolyte comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the

eyes immediately with clear water for several minutes - consult a doctor

immediately.

Warning symbols on the vehicle battery

Symbol

Meaning

■

Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as

possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. Seek imme-

diate medical assistance if you swallow battery acid.

Always wear eye protection.



Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-

tection.

WARNING









■

It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light.

Smoking or any activities which produce sparks are prohibited.

Never use a damaged vehicle battery – there is a risk of explosion.

Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – there is a risk of explo-

Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the

vehicle battery.

■

When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture

is produced.

■

sion and caustic burns.

■

Replace a frozen vehicle battery.

Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low

Keep children away from the vehicle battery.

■

– risk of explosion and caustic burns.

WARNING

There is a risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire

when carrying out any work on the battery and on the electrical system. It

is essential to comply with the generally applicable rules of safety as well

as the warning instructions outlined below.

Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-

pendent, especially children.

WARNING

■

When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive

gas mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling

over during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is

on.

Bridging the poles on the battery (e.g. with a metal object, cable) creates

a short circuit - there is a risk of melting the lead terminals, explosion, the

battery burning, of acid being ejected.

Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.

Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.

Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the en-

■

Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the

battery vent openings. Protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses or a

face shield – there is a risk of being blinded.

■

Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling

the vehicle battery.

■

The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled

gine, the ignition and all electrical components and disconnect the negative

terminal (-) on the battery.

with the greatest of care.

■

Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivi-

tis and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.

Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and creates deep wounds on contact

CAUTION

■

with the skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact with diluted

acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks).

Improper handling of the battery can lead to damage occurring. We recom-

mend having all work on the vehicle battery be undertaken by a specialist ga-

rage.



146

General Maintenance

 Read and observe and on page 146 first.

CAUTION

■

The vehicle battery must only be disconnected if the ignition is switched off,

The battery is located in the engine compartment below a plastic

box » Fig. 131.

otherwise the vehicle's electrical system (electronic components) can be dam-

aged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system, first of all

disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the battery, followed by the positive

terminal (+).

Open the cover in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 131.

›

The installation of the battery cover on the positive terminal side takes place

in the reverse order.

■

When connecting the battery to the electrical system, first of all connect the

positive terminal (+) of the battery, followed by the negative terminal (-). Under

no circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly – risk of a

cable fire.

Checking the battery electrolyte level

■

Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork –

Fig. 132

there is a risk of damage to the paintwork.

■

Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level

indicator

Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle bat-

tery housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.

■

If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will

discharge. This is because certain electrical components consume electricity

(e. g. control units) also in idle state. Prevent the battery from discharging by

disconnecting the battery's negative terminal (-) or continuously charging the

battery with a very low charging current.

■

If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery

will not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge.

 Read and observe and on page 146 first.

For the sake of the environment

A vehicle battery that has been removed is a special type of hazardous waste.

These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations.

On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator » Fig. 132, the

electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the change in colour.

Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully

knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.

Note

Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.

Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must

be replaced.

›

You should replace batteries older than 5 years.

›

Open cover

Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for

checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.

Fig. 131

Plastic cover of the vehicle bat-

tery

We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a specialist garage

from time to time, especially in the following cases.

High external temperatures.

Longer day trips.

After each charge.

›

Winter time

The vehicle battery only has some of its starting power at low temperatures. A

discharged vehicle battery may freeze at temperatures just below 0 °C.



147

Inspecting and replenishing

We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary,

recharged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.

CAUTION

On vehicles with the START/STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger

must not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery,

but only to the engine earth » page 166, Jump-starting in vehicles with the

START-STOP system.

CAUTION

For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte

level cannot be checked.

Note

We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be rapid charged by a special-

ist garage.

The battery electrolyte level is also periodically checked by a specialist garage

as part of the Inspection Service.

Replacing

Charging

 Read and observe and on page 146 first.

A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.

The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and the

same size as the original battery. Suitable vehicle battery types can be pur-

chased from a specialist garage.

Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.

Only when performing a “quick-charge”, disconnect both battery cables (first

“negative”, then “positive”).

›

We recommend that the battery is replaced by a specialist garage, where the

new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be

disposed of in accordance with national regulations.

Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =

“positive”, black = “negative”).

›

Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch the

charger on.

›

Disconnecting or reconnecting

Once charging is complete: Switch off the charger and remove the mains ca-

ble from the power socket.

›

 Read and observe and on page 146 first.

The following functions are initially deactivated or are no longer able to oper-

ate faultlessly after the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnec-

ted.

Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.

Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).

›

It is not necessary to disconnect the battery cables if you are recharging the

vehicle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger). Refer

to the charger manufacturer's instructions.

Operation

Operating measure

Electrical power window (operational faults) » page 53

A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-

er) must be used until full charging is achieved.

Enter the radio/navigation system code

number

» User manual of the radio

or » user manual of the naviga-

tion system

Both cables must be disconnected before charging the battery with high

Setting the clock

» page 28

amperages, known as “rapid charging”.

Data in the multifunction display are de-

leted.

The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.

» page 29

WARNING

Note

“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special

We recommend having the vehicle checked by a specialist garage to ensure

the full functionality of all electrical systems.

charger and specialist knowledge.

148

General Maintenance

Inspecting and replenishing -> Vehicle battery for Your Skoda Fabia 4 Door First Generation (1999-2006)

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