Whilst picking up my new vRS, I was chatting to the dealer about servicing and mileage (I do lots of miles and will be having it serviced 2-3 times a year on mileage!!), he said after service no. 1 they could switch it to variable servicing which, given mine will live on a motorway, will hopefully reduce servicing considerably.

I wasn't aware the Fabia was available on variable servicing, what's the score?

The Fabia isn't available of variable servicing as it doesn't have the necessary sensors, eg oil viscosity and brake pad wear sensors.

Chris

It doesn't have all the sensors required to run it properly on variable servicing - that's not to say you couldn't use longlife oil anyway and stretch the service intervals further than 10k, but it's not really recommended...

Rob.

Yep what they said, the salesman is talking rubbish.

This Article explains the score.

I've had a look into the documentation - it does have brake pad wear sensors, and apparently variable is a Skoda supportred option - there's a leaflet all about it in my docs.

I've had a look into the documentation - it does have brake pad wear sensors, and apparently variable is a Skoda supportred option - there's a leaflet all about it in my docs.

Maybe it's changed, but their web site (http://www.skoda.co.uk/skoda3g/content/extras/faq/faq.aspx?QuestionID=69) says:

How frequently should I get my car serviced?

The service requirements will vary depending upon the model and engine. Fabia Models require a lubrication service at 10,000 miles and an inspection at 20,000 miles or 12 months whichever is sooner. All Octavia and Superb Models can operate on either a fixed or a variable servicing regime.

Chris

Maybe the dealer slipped me the wrong leaflet - but there's definetly a brake pad wear light on the dash. The ASR light's different too on the latest ones, like a car sliding along instead of the exclamation mark one.

I've had a look into the documentation - it does have brake pad wear sensors, and apparently variable is a Skoda supportred option - there's a leaflet all about it in my docs.

But pad wear sensors are common to most cars, surely? If you have had sight of published technical information from Skoda which contradicts what Skoda UK's Customer Service have said - and that is detailed and specific information - could you either publish it here or quote the documentary source so that we can go back to Skoda and ask them to confirm that their advice stands?

I'll get it scanned in.

I thought the wear sensors were in all cars these days - higher up someone said they're peculiar to Skodas with variable as an option.

When i picked mine up a few weeks ago the salesman mentioned that there is a likleyhood of it switching to a variable service interval. But nothings been agreed yet, so i think its something skoda is thinking about.

I can't believe I'm seeing this enquiry again on here and the subsequent confusion caused by salesmen etc etc!

I too was fed all this nonsense about variable etc. from dealers last year when I got a Fabia vRS.

There is a notice on the servicing pricing board at my local Skoda dealer stating that variable servicing is NOW available on all 05 Fabia onwards....along with pricing....

We need a member with an 05 Fabia which they have been told can be put on variable servicing to check whether QG0, QG1 or QG2 is listed on the optional equipment list on the sticker on the boot floor/inside front cover of the Service Schedule.

Mine's an 05 plate, tell me whete to look for the sticker and I'll let you know what's on it.

I asked about variable servicing when I picked mine up this week & he told me that it was fixed only. I'll check the book when I get home for the QG* number.

My dealer Des Slack, said fixed only when i picked it up.

Does the brake pad wear light come on with ignition, then go off ?

Yes, it's a seperate light to handbrake - which is usually the same light as wear on other cars.

Where's this number, what am I looking for?

Mine's an 05 with a QG0 service interval code, which I think is fixed length servicing. The service schedule isn't exactly helpful when it gives the following summary:

One of the following service intervals applies for your vehicle:

* QG0 or QG2 with variable length of the service intervals

or

* QG1 with variable length of the service intervals

Mine's an 05 plate, tell me whete to look for the sticker and I'll let you know what's on it.

Inside the front cover of the Service Schedule booklet and under the boot carpet affixed to the boot floor.

This[/url'] Article explains the score.

I think all that is required is the dealer to reprogam the ECU to QG1 setting and stick the appropriate sticker in your book and update the service database record. After all, you can specify on the Octavia what you want after delivery.

On reading the above article I was surprised at how simple the variable system is (it only requires oil temperature sensor, and no oil quality sensor...) and I'm convinced that all VAG engines have the oil temperature sensor. Low maintenance calcium batteries and pad wear indicators have been standard for some time I think.

I think all that is required is the dealer to reprogam the ECU to QG1 setting and stick the appropriate sticker in your book and update the service database record.

But how, given that the Fabia lacks the necessary maps within the ECU and don't have a dash insert which interprets and displays variable servicing information?

Picked mine up 01/03/05 and have scanner the service book (see attachement)

So, I am confused again ARE new Fabia VRS' available with Variable and I have been sold an old one? My ASR light is an exclaimation mark. It was not from stock they ordered it for me (although they did have one in stock

Well I have my Octavia on QC1 Variable and our Fabia on QC0 fixed.

The Fabia does not have the correct dash insert and does not have an oil temp sensor in the sump.

Cheers

Lee