2003 SKODA FABIA low oil pressure

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
24
The red symbols indicate danger (priority 1) while the yellow symbols indi-
cate a warning (priortity 2). Information for the driver may also appear in
addition to the symbols ⇒page 27.
Investigate the displayed faults as soon as possible. If several operational
faults exist at the same time, the symbols will appear one after the other
and are each visible for about 2 seconds.
The error messages are faded out after 10 seconds or by actuating the
rocker switch ⇒page 22, fig. 11 and are stored under the information
CAR STATUS .
There is at least one error message to be read when the term CAR
STATUS is flashing in the main menu. The display will show STATUS 1/2
(for example) if a number of error messages are present. This display indi-
cates that the first of a total of two error messages should be displayed.
Actuate the rocker switch , to call up the individual error messages.
If a fault occurs, a warning signal will also sound in addition to the symbol
and text in the display:
•Priority 1 - three warning signals
•Priority 2 - one warning signal
Operational check of the automatic gearbox
When the ignition is switched on, the Auto Check Control automatically
carries out an operational check. The following text will appear first in the
display if the selector lever is the position P or N:
P LOCKED
or N LOCKED You must depress the brake pedal first and press the Shiftlock button at
the same time in order to move the selector lever out of these positions.
The text will disappear once you select a drive position (
R, D etc.), and the
Auto Check Control function is displayed.
Any faults existing will be displayed for about 15 seconds after starting the
engine in place of the text shown above. A warning signal sounds at the
same time.
Red symbols
A red symbol signals danger.
Proceed as follows if a red symbol is displayed:
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
AA
AA
Fig. 14 Information
display: Oil pressure is
low

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– Investigate the function indicated.
– Obtain professional assistance.
Meaning of the red symbols:
Three successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 1 exist, the symbols appear one after
the other and are each illiminated for about 2 seconds.
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol signals a warning.
The meaning of the yellow symbols:
Faults in the brake system⇒ page 35
Coolant level too low/coolant tempera-
ture too high⇒page 31
Engine oil pressure too low⇒page 32
Fuel level low⇒page 31
Check engine oil level, engine oil sensor
faulty⇒page 32
Brake pad worn⇒page 32
Washer fluid level low⇒page 33
Light bulb defect⇒page 33
Light bulb in the brake light defect⇒page 33
Fig. 15 Information
display: Brake pad
worn

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
32
Engine oil 
The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The warning light comes on for a few seconds 2) when the ignition is
switched on.
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off if the warning light does not
go off after the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil
level and top up with oil as necessary ⇒ page 175.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under
the conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Switch off the engine and
obtain professional assistance from a Škoda dealer.
Do not drive any further if the warning light blinks even when the oil is at
the correct level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact
the nearest Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP! OIL PRESS. STOP MOTOR! SERVICE MANUAL
The warning light
 lights up yellow* (oil quantity too low)
If the warning light lights up yellow, the quantity of oil in the engine is too
low. Check oil level as soon as possible or top up ⇒page 175 with oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30
seconds. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come
on again after driving about 100 km. The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
CHECK OIL LEVEL
The warning light
 flashes yellow* (engine oil level sensor faulty)
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible
signal and the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has
been switched on.
In this case have the engine inspected without delay by a Škoda
dealer.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP!
Thickness of the brake pads* 
If the warning light  comes on, contact a Škoda dealer immediately and
have the brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: CHECK BRAKE PADS
2)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on
after switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too
low.
WARNING
The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One
should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably
after every refueling stop.

Starting-off and Driving97
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•The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine
which means that the starter only has to crank the engine.
•Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be
damage to the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time
after starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the
hydraulic valve clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not
an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid
⇒ page 203.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The
tow-starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 207.
Caution
•Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as
long as the engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature
- risk of damaging the engine!
•Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter
should not be tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right
away. This enables you to avoid unnecessary pollutant emissions.
Petrol engines
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct
fuel/air mixture for every external air temperature.
•Do not operate the accelerator before and when starting engine if the
engine is cold or at normal operating temperature.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not
start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the
attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the electrical fuel pump is defect if the
engine still does not start ⇒page 209.
Contact the nearest Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
•It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the
accelerator after the engine has started.
Diesel engines
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period
being controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and
outside temperature.
The preglow indicator light
 comes on after the ignition has been
switched on.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during
the heating period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained
unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning
light  has gone out.
WARNING
There is the danger of poisoning if the engine is left running in an
enclosed space!

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The brake pedal has to be depressed with a significantly greater force if
the brake booster is not operating because the vehicle has to be towed or
because there is damage to the brake booster, in order to balance out the
missing brake boosting effect.
If you notice that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and
that the brake pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake
circuit of the dual-circuit brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to
the nearest Škoda dealer without delay in order to have the problem recti-
fied. Drive at a reduced speed while on your way to the dealer and adapt
your style of driving to the higher brake pedal pressure required.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake
system. The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
⇒page 35.
Caution
•Never allow the brakes to rub by applying slight pressure if you do not
wish to brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also
result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.
•Before negotiating a steep downhill section, please reduce your
speed, shift down into the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a
lower driving stage (automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use
of the braking power of the vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes.
Any additional braking should be done intermittently, not continuously.
Antilock brake system (ABS)*
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.
General
The ABS contributes significantly to enhancing the active safety of your
vehicle. You are able to retain optimal steering ability even during full
braking on a slippery road surface, compared to a vehicle not fitted with
the ABS brake system, because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter
under all circumstances as a result of the ABS The braking distance for
example on gravel and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving
slowly and cautiously, will be longer.
Operating principle
As soon as the vehicle speed has increased to about 20 km/hour an auto-
matic test procedure is conducted during which you will be able to hear a
pumping noise for about 1 second.
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed
which is too low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This
control cycle is noticeable from a pulsating movement of the brake
WARNING
•Only apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning
the brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place
any other road users in jeopardy.
•When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel
hubs etc. one must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel
brakes is not reduced otherwise the braking system could run too
hot.
•Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full
braking efficiency until after the first 200 kilometres. New brake
pads must be first “run in” before they develop their optimal fric-
tion force. You can, however, compensate for this slightly reduced
braking force by increasing the pressure on the brake pedal. This
guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future
date.

Care and cleaning161
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For the sake of the environment
Only wash your vehicle at washing bays specifically reserved for this
purpose. This ensures that no water which may be contaminated by oil
flows into the sewage system. It is not even permitted to wash your vehicle
in certain areas except at such specific washing bays.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
When you wash your vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, it is essential
to comply with the instructions for use of the cleaning equipment. This
applies in particular to the pressure used and to the spraying distance .
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to soft materials such as rubber
hoses or insulation material.
On no account use circular spray nozzles or so-called dirt cutters .
The water containing wax must be no hotter than 60°C.
Caution
It is particularly important that you do not clean tyres with circular spray
jets. Damage to tyres may occur even at a relatively large spraying
distance and if sprayed only for a short time.
Wax treatment
Good wax treatment is an effective way of protecting the paintwork from
harmful environmental influences and minor mechanical damage.
A new layer of a high-quality hard wax polish can be applied to the clean
bodywork after it has dried thoroughly. Even if you use a wax preserver regularly we still recommend that you treat the paintwork of the vehicle at
least twice a year with hard wax.
Caution
Never apply wax to the windows.
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paintwork of your vehicle has become
unattractive and if it is no longer possible to achieve a gloss with wax
preservers.
You must treat the paintwork with a wax preserver if the polish you use
does not contain any preserving elements
⇒page 161, “Wax treatment”.
We recommend using a preservative from the range of accessories
offered by your Skoda dealer.
Caution
You must not treat mat painted parts or plastic with polishing products or
hard wax.
Paint damage
Slight damage to paintwork such as scratches, scuffs or traces of chip
damage must be touched up immediately with paint (Skoda painting pen)
before any corrosion can result. You can of course have this work carried
out by a Škoda dealer.
Škoda dealers have a range of matching touch-up pens or spray cans
available for your vehicle.

Inspecting and Replenishing
178
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compart-
ment on the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compart-
ment” on page 172.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒page 177, fig. 129 . The coolant level when the engine is
cold must lie between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings. The
level may also rise slightly above the “MAX” marking when the
engine is warm.
A drop in coolant level in the bottle to too low will be indicated by the
warning light in the instrument cluster  ⇒ page 31. We nevertheless
recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time
to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the
system. Pne should not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also
important to have the cooling system inspected without delay by a Škoda
dealer.
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant
expansion bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a
result of overheating and is forced out of the cooling system.
One should contact a Skoda dealer as soon as possible if the source of
overheating itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be
grave damage to the engine.
Replenishing the coolant
– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir ⇒page 177, fig. 129 and unscrew the cap carefully by
turning it to the left ⇒.
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap on tight.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with
certain specifications ⇒page 177, “Coolant”. Do not use an alternative
additive if the coolant additive G12PLUS is not available in exceptional
cases. Just top up the system with water and as soon as possible arrange
adjustment to correct the mixing ratio of water and coolant additive again
by a Škoda dealer.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill up over the “MAX” mark! Excess coolant which is heated up is
forced out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the
cap of the coolant compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a
major loss of coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid
engine damage.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under
the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch off the engine
and obtain professional assistance from a Škoda dealer.

Wheels and Tyres187
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Wheels and Tyres
Wheels
General comments
•New tyres do not offer optimal grip at first and should therefore be run
in for about 500 km at a moderate speed and an appropriately cautious
style of driving. You will also profit from longer tyre life.
•The tread depth of new tyres may differ because of design features
and the configuration of the tread (depending on the type of tyre and the
manufacturer).
•Drive over curbs on the side of the road and other such obstacles
slowly and, where possible, at a right angles in order to avoid damage to
tyres and wheel trims.
•Inspect your tyres from time to time for damage (punctures, cuts, splits
and bulges). Remove foreign bodies from the tyre profile.
•Damage to tyres and wheels is frequently not visible. Unusual vibra-
tions or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of tyre damage.
Please reduce your speed immediately and stop if you suspect that
a wheel is damaged. Inspect the tyres for signs of damage (bulges,
splits, etc.) If no visible damage is present, please drive at an appropri-
ately slow speed and carefully to the nearest Škoda dealer in order to
have your vehicle inspected.
•Also protect your tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
•Immediately replace any dust caps of the valves which have got lost.
•Mark wheels before removing them so that their previous direction of
running can be maintained when mounted them again.
•Always store wheels or tyres which been removed in a cool, dry and,
where possible, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim
should be stored upright. Unidirectional tyres*
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the
tyre. This indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential
that the tyres are fitted on to run in this direction. Only then are the tyres
able to provide the optimal properties in terms of grip, low noise, wear-
and-tear and aquaplaning.
Further information concerning the use of unidirectional tyres
⇒
page 192.
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.
Tyre life
Fig. 135 An opened
fuel filler flap with the
tyre inflation pressure
table