Skoda Fabia: Starting and stopping the engine

Skoda Fabia Owners Manual

The engine can only be started using a correctly coded original key.

The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.

WARNING

• When the vehicle is travelling with the engine off, the ignition key must always be in position 2 » Fig. 102 on page 103 (ignition switched on). This position is indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – there is the risk of an accident.
• Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel could lock – there is the risk of an accident.
• Never leave the key in the vehicle when you exit the vehicle. Unauthorized persons, such as children, for example, could lock the car, turn on the ignition or start the engine - there is a danger of injury and accidents!
• Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - there is an accident, damage or theft risk!
• Never switch off the engine before the vehicle has come to a halt – there is the risk of an accident.

WARNING

• Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The engine's exhaust gases also contain the odourless and colourless carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas – risk of death.
• Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.

CAUTION

• The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehicle is at a standstill. The starter or engine can be damaged if the starter is activated when the engine is running 3 » Fig. 102 on page 103.
• If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace, if necessary » page 167 or seek assistance from a specialist garage.
• Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter could be damaged.
• Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jumpstart aid » page 163, Jump-starting.

CAUTION

• Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and high engine loads until the engine has yet reached its operating temperature – there is a risk of damaging the engine.
• Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation of heat when the engine is switched off.

For the sake of the environment

Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower.

Note

The radiator fan can intermittently continue to run for approximately 10 minutes after the ignition has been switched off.

Electronic immobilizer

An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deactivated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock.

The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is withdrawn from the lock.

The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.

The MAXI DOT display shows the following:

Immobilizer active.

Ignition lock

Fig. 102 Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock

Petrol engines » Fig. 102

1. Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
2. Ignition switched on
3. Starting engine

Diesel engines » Fig. 102

1. Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steering can be locked.
2. Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
3. Starting engine

To lock the steering, with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until the steering locking pin engages audibly.

If the steering is locked and the key cannot be turned or can only be turned with difficulty to position 2 » Fig. 102, move the steering wheel back and forth and the steering lock will unlock.

Note

We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.

Starting the engine

Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow plug warning light lights up after
the ignition has been switched on. Start the engine once the warning light
has gone out.

You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.

Procedure for starting the engine

• Firmly apply the handbrake.
• Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever into position P or N.
• Switch on the ignition 2 » Fig. 102 on page 103.
• Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.
• Turn the key to position 3 to the stop and release immediately the engine has started – do not depress the accelerator.

After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position 2 .

If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position 1 . Repeat the start-up process after approx. half a minute.

Switching off the engine

Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key to position 1 » Fig. 102 on page 103.