Driving -> Assist systems for Your Skoda Fabia 4 Door Seecond Generation (2007-2013)

Stabilisation control (ESC)  
Assist systems  
Read and observe and on page 114 first.  
Brake assist systems  
The ESC system helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it  
is being operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direc-  
tion of travel. Depending on the road surface conditions, the risk of skidding is  
reduced, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability .  
Introduction  
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:  
Stabilisation control (ESC)  
114  
115  
115  
115  
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched  
on.  
Antilock Braking System (ABS)  
Traction Control System (ASR)  
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)  
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the  
steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with  
the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the car begin-  
ning to skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.  
WARNING  
A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to  
shut down. The brake assist systems would then be without function –  
there is the risk of an accident.  
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road  
and traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist sys-  
tems must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – there is  
the risk of an accident.  
During an intervention of the system, the warning light flashes in the instru-  
ment cluster.  
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control  
(ESC):  
Antilock brake system (ABS),  
Traction control (TCS),  
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS);  
Hydraulic brake assist (HBA);  
Visit a specialist garage immediately in the event of an ABS fault. Adjust  
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS as you will not  
know how great the damage is and the limitation it is placing on the brak-  
ing efficiency.  
Hill hold control (HHC).  
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The » Fig. 112 on page 115 button  
can only be used to deactivate the TCS. The warning light comes on in the  
instrument cluster when the TCS is deactivated.  
CAUTION  
All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufac-  
turer to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.  
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the  
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 126, Services, modifications  
and technical alterations.  
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instru-  
ment cluster » page 38.  
Hydraulic brake assist (HBA)  
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.  
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, TCS and EDL will also fail to  
work. An ABS fault is indicated with by the warning light » page 38.  
The HBA is activated by very rapid depression of the brake pedal. To achieve  
the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly  
until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.  
HBA is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released.  
ABS is activated sooner and more effectively with the intervention of HBA.  
114  
Driving  
Hill hold control (HHC)  
HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator ped-  
al without having to use the handbrake when pulling away on a gradient.  
The ASR function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched  
on.  
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light flashes in the  
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake  
pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.  
instrument cluster.  
The TCS should normally always be enabled. Only in certain exceptional cir-  
cumstances can it be sensible to switch the system off, for instance:  
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator ped-  
al. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.  
when driving with snow chains;  
when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;  
when it is necessary to “rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.  
HHC is active on slopes of >5 % when the driver door is closed. HHC is always  
only active on slopes pulling away forwards or in reverse. When driving down-  
hill, it is inactive.  
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.  
You can switch TCS off and on again as needed by pressing the but-  
ton » Fig. 112. The warning light comes on in the instrument cluster when the  
TCS is deactivated.  
Antilock Braking System (ABS)  
Read and observe and on page 114 first.  
The TCS warning light » page 41 lights up in the instrument cluster when  
there is a fault on the TCS.  
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to  
maintain control of the vehicle.  
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of  
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.  
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)  
Read and observe and on page 114 first.  
When the ABS system is active, do not pump the brakes or lift off the brake  
pedal.  
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel  
and transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability  
of the vehicle and a quick journey.  
Traction Control System (ASR)  
EDL switches off automatically to avoid excessive heat generation on the  
brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and  
has the same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches  
on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.  
Fig. 112  
TCS button  
XDL function (Fabia RS and Fabia Estate RS only)  
XDL is an extension to the electronic differential lock. XDL does not respond to  
traction, but to the relief of the inner front wheel during fast cornering. The ac-  
tive brake intervention on the brake of the inner wheel prevents it from spin-  
ning. Thus, the traction is improved and the vehicle continues to follow the de-  
sired track.  
Read and observe and on page 114 first.  
If the wheels are slipping, the ASR system adapts the engine speed to the con-  
ditions of the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, acceler-  
ate and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfav-  
ourable.  
115  
Assist systems  
Parking aid  
Function  
Introduction  
Fig. 113  
Parking aid: Range of sensors  
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:  
Function  
Activation/deactivation  
116  
116  
WARNING  
The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention  
and it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the  
vehicle or carrying out similar manoeuvres. Pay particular attention to small  
children and animals as they are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.  
Before reversing, you should make sure that there are no small obstacles,  
such as rocks, thin posts, trailer drawbars etc. behind your vehicle. Such ob-  
stacles may not be recognised by the parking aid sensors.  
Read and observe and on page 116 first.  
The parking aid (referred to below solely as system) only works when the igni-  
tion is switched on.  
The system supports the driver via audible signals, via the display on the radio  
or via the factory-installed navigation system when parking and manoeu-  
vring » Radio user guide, Navigation system user guide.  
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of  
clothing cannot reflect the system signals. Thus, these objects or people  
who wear such clothing are not recognised by the System sensors.  
External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on the system. Un-  
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the  
bumper and an obstacle. The ultrasonic sensors are integrated in the rear  
bumper.  
der adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people to not be recog-  
nised by the system.  
Range of sensors  
CAUTION  
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle  
(area A » Fig. 113). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter  
as the clearance is reduced.  
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system  
and there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. Have  
the fault rectified by a specialist garage.  
The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the parking aid to  
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area B ) - danger  
area. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!  
operate properly.  
Under adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, water vapour, very low or  
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the border of the danger area  
starts (continuous tone) 5 cm further away from the vehicle. The length of the  
vehicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing device.  
high temperatures etc.) system function may be limited.  
Additionally fitted modules, such as a bicycle rack, can impair the function of  
the parking aid.  
Activation/deactivation  
Read and observe and on page 116 first.  
The system is activated automatically by engaging reverse gear. This is con-  
firmed by a brief audible signal.  
The system is deactivated by disengaging reverse gear.  
116  
Driving  
It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on  
Note  
the cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N or R.  
The system cannot be activated on vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device  
when towing a trailer.  
The cruise control system may automatically switch off when some brake as-  
sist systems (e.g. ESC) intervene, when the speed exceeds maximum permissi-  
ble engine speed, or a similar event takes place.  
Cruise control system  
Storing a speed  
Introduction  
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:  
Fig. 114  
Stalk: Use cruise control  
Storing a speed  
117  
117  
118  
118  
Changing a stored speed  
Switching off temporarily  
Switching off completely  
The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed above 25 km/h,  
once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator pedal.  
This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output  
and braking power of the engine.  
Read and observe and on page 117 first.  
The warning light in the instrument cluster lights up when the cruise con-  
trol system is switched on.  
Storing a speed  
Press switch A » Fig. 114 to the ON position.  
After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button B into  
the SET position.  
WARNING  
For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense  
After you have released the rocker button B out of the position SET, the  
speed you have just stored is maintained at a constant speed without having  
to depress the accelerator.  
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads,  
loose gravel) – there is a risk of an accident.  
The saved speed may only be resumed if it is not too high for the current  
traffic conditions.  
Changing a stored speed  
Always deactivate the cruise control system after use to prevent the sys-  
tem being enabled unintentionally.  
Read and observe and on page 117 first.  
CAUTION  
Increasing the speed with the accelerator  
The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when  
Depress the accelerator to increase the speed.  
Release the accelerator to reduce the speed back down to the preset speed.  
driving in areas with steeper gradients. The weight of the vehicle increases the  
speed at which it travels. Therefore, shift to a lower gear in good time or slow  
the vehicle down by applying the foot brake.  
However, if the saved speed is exceeded by more than 10 km/h for a period of  
more than 5 minutes by depressing the accelerator, the stored speed is de-  
leted from the memory. The speed must then be saved again.  
It is not possible to switch on the cruise control system on vehicles fitted  
with a manual gearbox if first gear or reverse gear is engaged.  
Increasing the speed with the rocker button B  
Press rocker button B » Fig. 114 on page 117 to the RES position.  
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Assist systems  
The speed will increase continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and held  
in the RES position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is  
reached. The set speed is then stored in the memory.  
System conditioned automatic start-up  
Manually deactivating/activating  
Information messages  
119  
119  
119  
Decreasing the speed  
The START-STOP system (hereinafter referred to just as the system) reduces  
The stored speed can be reduced by pressing rocker button B » Fig. 114 on  
page 117 to the SET position.  
fuel consumption and polluting emissions and CO emissions by turning the  
2
engine off, e.g. when stopping at traffic lights, and starting the engine again  
when moving off.  
The speed will decrease continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and  
held in the SET position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is  
WARNING  
reached. The set speed is then stored in the memory.  
If the rocker button is released at a speed below around 25 km/h, the speed  
Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off.  
The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-  
is not stored and the memory is erased. The speed must then be stored  
again by pressing rocker button B to the SET position after increasing the  
speed of the vehicle to more than around 25 km/h.  
ning.  
The speed can also be reduced by depressing the brake pedal, which tempora-  
rily deactivates the system.  
Operating conditions for the system  
Fig. 115  
Switching off temporarily  
Maxi DOT display: Engine is auto-  
matically switched off / automat-  
ic engine cut off is not possible  
Read and observe and on page 117 first.  
The cruise control system can be temporarily switched off by pushing switch  
A » Fig. 114 on page 117 to the spring-loaded CANCEL position or by depress-  
ing the brake or clutch pedal.  
The set speed remains stored in the memory.  
Briefly push rocker button B to the RES position to resume the set speed af-  
ter the clutch or brake pedal is released.  
Read and observe on page 118 first.  
For the system-dependent automatic engine shutdown to operate, the follow-  
ing conditions must be met.  
Switching off completely  
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.  
Read and observe and on page 117 first.  
Press switch A » Fig. 114 on page 117 to the right to the OFF position.  
START-STOP  
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.  
Introduction  
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:  
Operating conditions for the system  
Operation  
118  
119  
118  
Driving  
If after stopping the car, the message UNABLE TO START STOP appears in the  
segment display or in the MAXI DOT display the check mark .» Fig. 115, then  
the conditions for automatic engine shutdown are not met.  
System conditioned automatic start-up  
Read and observe on page 118 first.  
Running the engine is essential, for example, for the following reasons.  
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 engine temperature for the proper function of the system has not yet  
been reached.  
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.  
The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.  
The current consumption is too high.  
High air-conditioning or heating capacity (high fan speed, big difference be-  
tween the desired and actual indoor temperature).  
Manually deactivating/activating  
Note  
Fig. 116  
If the vehicle remains outdoors for a long time in minus temperatures or in  
Button for the START-STOP sys-  
tem  
direct sunlight, it can take several hours until the internal temperature of the  
vehicle battery reaches a suitable temperature for proper operation of the  
START STOP system.  
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than approx. 30 seconds or the  
driver's door is opened during stop mode, the engine will have to be started  
manually.  
After manual engine start, the automatic engine shutdown can take place  
only when a minimum distance required for the system function has been cov-  
ered.  
Read and observe on page 118 first.  
Deactivate/activate  
Operation  
Press the button » Fig. 116.  
Read and observe on page 118 first.  
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.  
In compliance with the operating conditions, automatic engine shutdown / au-  
tomatic engine start takes place as described.  
Note  
If the system is automatically deactivated when the engine is turned off, then  
the automatic start process takes place.  
Automatic engine shut down  
Stop the vehicle.  
Shift the gear lever to Neutral.  
Release the clutch pedal.  
Information messages  
Read and observe on page 118 first.  
Automatic engine shutdown takes place, segment display shows START STOP  
ACTIVE or a check mark appears in the MAXI DOT display » Fig. 115 on  
page 118.  
The messages and information are shown in the instrument cluster display.  
Start the engine manually.  
START MANUALLY  
Automatic engine start  
Depress the clutch pedal.  
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.  
The automatic start procedure takes place again.  
119  
Assist systems