Skoda Fabia: Brake assist systems

Skoda Fabia Owners Manual

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 systems must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – there is the risk of an accident.
• 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 braking efficiency.

CAUTION

• All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufacturer 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 127, Services, modifications and technical alterations.
• 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.

Stabilisation control (ESC)

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 direction of travel. Depending on the road surface conditions, the risk of skidding is reduced, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability .

The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.

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 beginning to skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.

During an intervention of the system, the warning light flashes in the instrument
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);
• Hill hold control (HHC).

The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The » Fig. 112 on page 116 button
can only be used to deactivate the TCS. The warning light comes on in the
instrument cluster when the TCS is deactivated.

In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster » page 38.

Hydraulic brake assist (HBA)

HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.

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.

Hill hold control (HHC)

HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake when pulling away on a gradient.

The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.

The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator pedal.

If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.

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 downhill, it is inactive.

Antilock Braking System (ABS)

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.

When the ABS system is active, do not pump the brakes or lift off the brake pedal.

Traction Control System (ASR)

Fig. 112 TCS button

If the wheels are slipping, the ASR system adapts the engine speed to the conditions of the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.

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
instrument cluster.

The TCS should normally always be enabled. Only in certain exceptional circumstances can it be sensible to switch the system off, for instance:

• 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.

Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.

You can switch TCS off and on again as needed by pressing the
button » Fig. 112. The warning light comes
on in the instrument cluster when the TCS is deactivated.

The TCS warning light » page 41
lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on the TCS.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS)

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.

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.

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 active brake intervention on the brake of the inner wheel prevents it from spinning.

Thus, the traction is improved and the vehicle continues to follow the desired track.