2003 SKODA FABIA switch

Towing a trailer157
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
before negotiating a downhill section to allow the engine to also act as a
brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to
negotiate a lengthy downhill stretch in a low gear at a high engine speed
when the outside temperature is very high
⇒page 13. If the needle of the
coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or even the red
area of the scale, reduce your speed immediately. Stop and switch off the
engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluster begins flashing.
Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion
bottle ⇒page 177.
Please refer to the notes ⇒page 31.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down
a gear and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan
speed is independent of the engine speed. One should also not drop a
gear for this reason when towing a trailer as long as the engine can
manage the slope without any drop in speed.
Detachable towing device*
The detachable ball head of the towing device is stowed in the spare
wheel well in the luggage compartment.
An instruction for correct installation and removal of the ball head of the
towing device is supplied with the ball head
Note
•Do not carry out any modifications or repairs to the ball head or to any
other components on the towing device.
WARNING
Do not use any aids or tools for installing or removing the ball
head. This might result in damage to the locking mechanism to the
extent that the safety of the towing device is no longer assured -
risk of an accident.
Fig. 120 Detachable
ball head

Care and cleaning
160
Automatic vehicle wash systems
The paintwork of the vehicle is sufficiently resistant that the vehicle can be
washed normally in automatic vehicle wash plants without any problem.
The actual stress to which the paintwork is subjected, however, depends
greatly on the design of the vehicle wash system, the filtering of the water
and the type of washing and care products used. If the paintwork of your
vehicle appears mat after being washed or even has scratches, point this
out to the operator of the vehicle wash plant. Use a different vehicle wash
plant, if necessary.
There are no particular points to note before washing your vehicle in such
a plant other than the usual precautionary measures (closing windows
and sliding/tilting roof, releasing and moving any factory-fitted aerials for
the radio* and navigation system* and telephone system* so that they are
flat against the bodywork, etc.).
It is best to first consult the operator of the vehicle wash plant if you have
any particular attached parts fitted to your vehicle - such as spoiler, roof
rack system or a two-way radio aerial.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers after
passing through the automatic vehicle wash system.
Caution
Do not screw the swivelling down roof aerial tight before washing the
vehicle in an automatic vehicle wash system - risk of damage!
Washing vehicle by hand
It is important to first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off as
thoroughly as possible before washing your vehicle by hand.
One should then clean the vehicle using a soft washing sponge,
washing glove or a washing brush and only slight pressure. Work from
the top to the bottom - beginning with the roof. Only place slight pressure
on the vehicle paintwork during cleaning Only use a shampoo for stub-
born dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for
such areas.
Rinse off the vehicle well after giving it a wash and dry it off using a
chamois leather.
Caution
•Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
•Ensure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locks or at the
door and panel joints if you spray your vehicle in winter down with a hose
- risk of freezing.
•Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar
cleaning products - risk of damage to the surface of paintwork.
WARNING
When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the
brake system can affect the braking efficiency - risk of accident.
WARNING
•The ignition should always be switched off when you wash your
vehicle - risk of accident!
•Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts
when you are cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel hous-
ings or the wheel trims - risk of cuts.

Fuel
168
Fuel additives
You must not use fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and
similar products) in diesel fuel.
It is then necessary to have the fuel filter drained of water by a Škoda
dealer more often than stated in the service schedule if the quality of the
diesel fuel used is poor.
You can find information on refuelling ⇒page 169, “Refuelling”.
Caution
•Use a fuel complying with the standard. Filling the tank even only once,
which does not comply with the standard, can result in damage to the fuel
system.
•Water which has collected in the fuel filter can result in engine
problems.
Biofuel
Biofuel (methyl ester from rape oil) is manufactured from vegetable oil by
means of a chemical process.
Biofuel does not contain sulphur. This means that no sulphur dioxide
(SO
2) is produced when it is burnt.
The exhaust gases contain less
•carbon monoxide (CO)
•hydrocarbons (HC)
•particles (soot)
than when operating with conventional diesel fuel.
The Biofuel is more biodegradable. When using biofuel pay attention to the following points:
•The
Performance may be reduced slightly if you switch to driving with
biofuel.
•The Fuel consumption may increase slightly if you switch to driving
with biofuel.
Biodiesel conforming to the standard E 51 606 can be mixed in any
desired ratio with diesel fuel conforming to the standard EN 590.
We recommend refuelling with diesel fuel at temperatures below -10°C.
Caution
Filling the tank even only once with biofuel, which does not comply with
the standard standard E 51 606 , can result in damage to the fuel
system.
Operation in winter
Winter-grade diesel fuel
A different grade of diesel fuel is available at filling stations in winter than
during the summer. Using “summer-grade diesel fuel” at temperatures
below 0°C can result in operational problems because the diesel becomes
viscous as a result of paraffin separation.
It is therefore the case that DIN EN 590 prescribes diesel fuel class for
certain periods of the year which can also be purchased at the corre-
sponding time during the year. “Winter-grade diesel fuel” will still operate
properly even at a temperature of -20°C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel
fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. Škoda dealers
and filling stations in the country concerned will be able to provide you with
information regarding the diesel fuels available.

Fuel
170
– The fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube must be locked to the right using the vehicle key and the key then removed (only
valid for vehicles which do not have remote unlocking of the
fuel filler flap next to the driver's seat).
– Press the fuel tank flap closed.
The correct grade of fuel for your vehicle as well as the tyre size and infla-
tion pressures are stated on a sticker affixed to the inside of the fuel filler
flap. Further information on fuel ⇒page 167.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 45 litres.
Caution
•Remove any fuel which has spilled onto the paintwork of your vehicle
immediately. This particularly applies to biodiesel - risk of paint damage!
•Vehicles fitted with catalytic converter should never be allowed to let
the fuel tank to run completely empty. An irregular supply of fuel to the
engine can result in misfiring and unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust
system, which may result in overheating and damage to the catalytic
converter.
For the sake of the environment
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the
first time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. You should not continue refuelling - otherwise the expansion chamber in the fuel tank will
also be filled with fuel. Fuel might flow out of the tank when it heats up.
WARNING
Pay attention to any legal requirements if you do carry a spare
canister in the vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel
canisters in your vehicle for safety reasons. The canister can be
damaged in the event of an accident and fuel may leak out.

Inspecting and Replenishing
172
Opening the bonnet
– Unlock the bonnet ⇒page 171, fig. 123 .
– Ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are correctly in place against the windscreen before opening the bonnet
otherwise damage could occur to the paintwork.
– Pulling on the handle ⇒page 171, fig. 124 will lock the bonnet
fully.
– Grip with the hand under the radiator grille and lift up the bonnet.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the opening designed for it ⇒page 171, fig. 125 .
Closing the bonnet
– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet support into the holder designed to hold it.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 30 cm into the lock - bonnet do not press down on it! Caution
•Never open the bonnet using the handle - danger of causing damage.
•Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen
wipers are correctly in place against the windscreen. Otherwise, there is
a risk of damage to the paintwork.
Working in the engine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in
the engine compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working
in the engine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and
other fluids. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the
warning instructions stated below and with the general applicable
rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous
area ⇒ .
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is
flowing out of the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long
enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed
when driving. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact
engaged properly after closing the bonnet.
WARNING (continued)
•Stop your vehicle immediately while driving if you notice that
the lock is not properly engaged and close the bonnet properly -
risk of an accident!
WARNING
•Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
•Apply the handbrake firmly.
•If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gear-
shift lever into Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox,
move the selector lever into position P.

Inspecting and Replenishing175
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Inspecting the engine oil level
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.Checking the oil level
– Park the vehicle on a horizontal surface.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet⇒ in “Working in the engine compart-
ment” on page 172.
– Wait a few mi nutes and pull out the oil dipstick .
– Wipe off the dipstick wi th a clean cloth and insert it again fully
into the test opening down to its stop.
– Then withdraw the dipstick again and read off the oil level.
Oil level within range
– You must top up the oil ⇒page 176. It is sufficient, once this
is done, to keep the oil level is within range .
Oil level within range
– You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then
be within range after doing this.
Oil level within range
– You must not top up the oil.
It is normal for the engine to consume oil. The oil consumption may be as
much as 0.5 l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the condi-
tions under which you operate your vehicle. The oil consumption may be
slightly higher than this during the first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably
every time after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
Fig. 127 Oil dipstick
on the 1.4 litre/74 kW
engine.
Fig. 128 Oil dipstick
on the 1.2 litre/40 kW
engine.
AA
Aa
Ab
Ab
Ac
Ac

Inspecting and Replenishing
176
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range if the engine
has been operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy motorway
trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high
mountain pass, but not above this .
The warning light in the instrument cluster* will indicate ⇒page 32
whether the oil level is too low. In this case, check the oil level as soon as
possible. Top up with an appropriate quantity of oil.
For clarity, the figure shows only part of the engine compartment with a
1.4 litre/74 kW engine ⇒page 175, fig. 127 and a 1.2 litre/40 kW engine
⇒ page 175, fig. 128.
Caution
The oil level must on no account go beyond the range . Danger of
damaging the catalytic converter.
Replenishing engine oil
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening
⇒page 175, fig. 128 .
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres ⇒page 174, “Engine oil specifications”.
– Inspect the oil level ⇒page 175.
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick in fully.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under
the conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Switch of the engine and
obtain professional assistance from a Škoda dealer.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account go beyond the range ⇒page 175. Oil
will otherwise be drawn in through the crankcase ventilation and may pass
through the exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil may combust in the
catalytic converter and damage it.
Changing oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service
Schedule or according to the service interval indicator ⇒page 15.
For the sake of the environment
•You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage
system.
•In view of the problems involved in properly disposing of old oil, the
material, equipment and the knowledge required for such work, we recom-
mend that you have the oil and oil filter change carried out by your Škoda
dealer.
Ac
Ac
AB
WARNING
Avoid dripping oil onto hot parts of the engine when topping up will
oil - a risk of fire!
WARNING
Store old oil in a safe place out of the reach of children until you
can dispose of it properly.
Ac

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.