Hello Skoda Fabia User and Technical experts,

 

I have a Skoda Fabia 2011 1.6 TDI and I am facing an issue with the cigarette lighter socket fuse repeatedly blowing off when the parking lever is released (didn't check when its engaged). If anyone of you faced this issue or know a solution then please let me know. Its really bothering me because I am unable to use the Sat Nav or charge my phone while driving. 

Sounds suspiciously like the handbrake is snagging the wiring under the console, somehow. The handbrake will have its own electrical contact, so as to activate the warning light on the dash and the beep. Perhaps these wires or the actual handbrake travel is hiring and shorting the electrical supply to the socket.

 

Underneath the handbrake (Brake raised) There is a small plastic strip. Pop that out and with he aid of a torch, have a look down underneath the console for wires touching. You might even be able to pop the socket up but be gentle as you will not want to break it!

If the wires ARE touching, isolate and perhaps insulate them better.

Hello mrgf,

 

Thank you for your prompt reply. I tried to access the cigarette socket wiring underneath the reverse lever by removing the plastic strip as you mentioned in your reply. Unfortunately I couldn't get access to the wiring as you can see there are no wiring visible. Therefore I need the right tool to remove the whole panel (outside my limit as I think the front dash panel needs to come off to remove this gearbox panel).

 

I am thinking of alternative option which is to remove the cigarette socket and check if the wiring is loose (assuming that the wire length is enough). I have attached some photos which I tried to take with the camera removing the cup holder from back. I can see the aux and cigarette socket wiring sockets but I am worried to pull the wire towards the end as I might damage something else. Please let me know your suggestions. 

 

 

...So from that last picture, can you feel if the handbrake pinches the wiring as you lower it? They look very close!  The red wires seem to go right under the lever and appear to be the sockets wires.

If you remove the square-isn box, (Take out little rubber mat by sliding small screwdriver underneath and gently lifting), There are one or two screws to move and you can then lift up the back end of the console. That will give a much better degree of working room. Thats the same method of accessing to fit an armrest. 

I have the same car. Does sound like pinched wiring. I have an armrest which is held in place with 4 torx screws. Put the car in gear. With the torx screws removed and handbrake disengaged you should be able to lift the central column enough to repair/check. There's also a torx screw under the rear cup holder.

I didn't open the central console but with the help of a metal wire drag the cables away from the reverse lever and replaced the blade fuse. It worked and I hope the cable don't move again towards the reverse lever. Thank you very much guys for your contribution 

Hope thats the end of the issue. The cable could well be exposed through the insulation so as long as its isolated, it should be ok, otherwise, slipping a little insulation tape around the wire or even just slipping in a sliver of polythene to separate the brake from the wire. Great job, though.