Hi there,

I know this is a stupid question, but I can't see for the life of me how to remove the battery from the car. The car is a Fabia 1.9 TD Elegance, registered 2004.

Also, if I remove the battery, will the loss of power immobilise the car? (Will the immobiliser kick in).

From what I see, there is a set of electronics in a box actually in the lid of the battery compartment- the red terminal enters this box. Lift the whole lot out of the way, and the battery is beneath. I can't see any bolts or whatever to loosen the battery so I can lift it out. Any help much appreciated. The old battery is getting deader as we speak.....

On mine there's a bolt holding a bracket which is just in front of the battery box, and you have to sort of bend the plastic box in to get to it. Believe it is a 13mm socket needed.

It should not immobilise the car in anyway, but you will probably lose trip counter, clock setting, radio may ask for key code (make sure you have this - on some models it is coded to the car and does not need a code), and radio settings may be lost.

Undo and remove the negative terminal first (black wire on the right). Fix the negative terminal to the new battery last.

On mine there's a bolt holding a bracket which is just in front of the battery box, and you have to sort of bend the plastic box in to get to it. Believe it is a 13mm socket needed.

It should not immobilise the car in anyway, but you will probably lose trip counter, clock setting, radio may ask for key code (make sure you have this - on some models it is coded to the car and does not need a code), and radio settings may be lost.

Undo and remove the negative terminal first (black wire on the right). Fix the negative terminal to the new battery last.

Thanks for your help, I'll have another look tomorrow:)

Thanks for your help, I'll have another look tomorrow:)

Read the owner's manual about removing the battery. Recommends having the ign key inserted.

ISTR there are 2 types of battery box. On mine, there's a removable front panel, which gives a little more access. Plus, there's a "cozy" around the battery. Lifting this slightly, may also gve a little more room.

Battery clamp is just behind the NS headlight. You'll need extension sockets to get to it. Battery is held by the clamp at the front and by a "lip" at the back. So make sure the batetry is seated properly in its box and pushed backwards before refitting the clamp.

You'll lose the trip computer stats and the one-touch window setting. If you've got a Skoda radio in it, it should be smart coded and not require re-coding to work. But check to make sure you've got the code anyways.

Push a bit of foam or similar under the tray before you start. If you drop the bolt or plate, it disappears into the undertray which you then have to remove to retrieve them. HTH

Read the owner's manual about removing the battery. Recommends having the ign key inserted.

My late manual says:

Removal and installation of the battery is not recommended since it can, under

certain circumstances, lead to major damage to the battery and fuse boxes. Contact

a specialist garage.

... but then goes on to say:

You must only disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched off, otherwise

the electrical system (electronic components) of the vehicle may be damaged.

When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system of the vehicle, first

disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the battery. Then disconnect the positive

terminal (+).

Is it different with earlier ones?

Edited 27 March, 201115 yr by DRJ

Thanks to everyone who replied- much appreciated.

The car is a Fabia 1.9 Tdi Elegance, reg. 2004.

The battery swap went no problem- Ignition off, no fried electrics or any problems. Yes, it lost trip meter data and radio code (original Skoda radio/CD player), but I had that anyhow. I was most worried about immobilisers kicking in once power was lost, but it didn't happen.

Thanks once again, and the battery bolt was exactly where you all said.

Thanks for the info, just swapped the battery on my Fabia and this came in very handy. No problems as a result, cheers!

Seems liKe they're all much the same. BUT as said- get the NEGATIVE(BLACKWIRE) terminal off FIRST, and replace LAST. Sit back and work out the plastic clips .And last but not least, the battery is held in position by the clip, held in by a ( from memory )13mm bolt. Then remember how to get the front off the battery case, as at some point it'll make changing a dip lamp a lot easier.