2003 SKODA FABIA ECO mode

Heating and air conditioning system
92
of the year - in order to remove such odours. Also open a window for a
short time.
•Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode
⇒ page 93.
Setting air conditioning system
Recommended settings of air conditioning controls for individual opera-
tions:
Defrosting the windscreen and side windows
•Turn control dial ⇒page 91, fig. 80 to the right up to the stop
•Control dial in the position 4
•Control dial in the position 
•Open air outlet vents 4 ⇒ page 93, fig. 81 and point towards the side
window.
Warming up the inside of the vehicle as rapidly as possible
•Turn control dial to the right up to the stop
•Control dial in the position 4
•Control dial in the position 
•Open the air outlet vents 4
•We recommend pressing button air recirculation mode. The
windows can steam up in this position however.
Heating the vehicle to a comfortable temperature
We recommend the following setting once the windows are no longer
misted up and the desired teperature has been reached:
•Control dial at the desired heat temperature
•Control dial in position 2 or 3
•Control dial in the position 
•Open the air outlet vents 4
•Set the air distribution regulator as required between positions 
and , if the windscreen gets misted up again.
Maximum cooling
•Close all windows and the sliding/tilting roof.
•Turn the control dial to the left up to the stop
•Control dial in the position 4
•Control dial in the position 
•Open air outlet vents 3 and 4
•Switch on the air conditioning system by pressing button
•Switch on recirculated air mode by pressing button .
In this operating mode the air will be sucked out of the inside of the vehicle
and cooled (recirculated air mode). The recirculated air mode should only
be used for a short time since no fresh air from outside is being brought in.
Do not smoke in the vehicle when in recirculated air mode.
Optimum cooling
•Control dial at the desired heat temperature. This temperature will
be maintained automatically.
•Control dial in position 1 , 2, or 3
•Control dial in the position 
•Open air outlet vents 3 and 4
•Switch on the air conditioning system by pressing button
•We recommend setting the air outlet vents 3 and 4 in such a way that
the air flows to the rear over the heads of the occupants. Do not press
button - recirculated air mode.
In this operating mode fresh air is drawn from outside and cooled.
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Heating and air conditioning system
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You can set the air supply to the individual air outlet vents using the control
dial .
Air outlet vents 3 and 4 can also be opened or closed individually:
•Air outlet vent fully open - knurled wheel vertically in position F
•Air outlet vent fully closed - knurled wheel vertically in position F or
G.
Turning the horizontal and vertical knurled wheels on the air outlet vents
3 and 4 allows one to change the direction of the inlet air flow .
Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the
engine when in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which
the interior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight
in order to allow the heated air to escape.
The air conditioning system should not be switched on while travelling
when the window is open.
The desired interior temperature can also be achieved without switching
in the air conditioning system just by switching to fresh air mode.
For the sake of the environment
When you economize on fuel, you also reduce pollutant emissions.
Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher
than +5°C, there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be:
•The fuse on the air conditioning system has blown. Check the fuse,
replace it if necessary ⇒page 209.
•The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time
because the coolant temperature of the engine is too hot ⇒page 13.
If you are not able to rectify the operational problem yourself, or if the
cooling capacity decreases, switch the air conditioning system off. Please
contact your Škoda dealer.
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Starting-off and Driving
100
Parking aid*
The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind
the vehicle.
The audible parking aid determines the distance between the rear bumper
and an obstacle located behind the vehicle with the aid of ultrasound
sensors. The sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged
and the ignition is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief signal.
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the
obstacle. The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as
the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a clearance of just 30 cm - danger area.
You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds.
Note
•The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
•A system fault is indicated if a warning signal sounds for about 5
seconds after switching the ignition on and engaging reverse gear and there is no obstacle close to your vehicle. Have the fault rectified by a
Škoda dealer.
•The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking
aid to operate properly.
Cruise control system (CCS)*
Introduction
The cruise control system makes it possible for the driver to maintain a
constant speed of his choosing from a speed of 30 km/h or higher. This,
of course, is only possible within the range which is permitted by the
power output and braking power of the engine. Using the cruise control
system - particularly on long journeys - makes it possible for you to rest
your “accelerator foot”.
Caution
Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Always depress the clutch pedal if
you switch on the cruise control system when the gearbox is in Neutral.
The engine will rev up and may even be damaged under certain circum-
stances.
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper
attention. It is always the driver's responsibility to take care when
parking the vehicle or carrying out similar manoeuvres.
•You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that
there is no small obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar
etc., behind your vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the
range detected by the sensors.
WARNING
The cruise control system must not, for safety reasons, be used in
dense traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads,
slippery roads or loose chippings) - risk of accident!

Automatic gearbox*
106
Selector lever lock
Automatic selector lever lock 
With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions
P and N. 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 following will be displayed in the information display*:
P LOCKED
or
N LOCKED
Symbol
 also lights up in the selector lever cover until the brake pedal
is actuated.
A time delay element ensures that the selector lever is not blocked when
rapidly switching over the position N (e.g. from R to D). This does, for
example, allow one to seesaw out a stuck vehicle. The selector lever lock
will click into place if the lever is in the N position for more than 2 seconds
without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if the vehicle is stationary or moving
at speed of less than 5 km/hour. The lock is switched off automatically into
position N when the car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the handle of selector lever prevents certain
selector lever positions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever
lock is cancelled when you press the Shiftlock button.
Kickdown function
The kickdown function provides you with maximum accel-
eration power.
Depressing the accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point casues the
automatic gearbox to shift down into a lower gear (in line with vehicle
speed and engine speed). The gearbox shifts up into the next higher gear
when the engine has reached its maximum revolations.
Dynamic shift programme
The automatic gearbox of your vehicle is controlled electronically. Shifting
up and down through the gears is performed automatically on the basis of
pre-defined driving programmes.
Adopting a moderate style of driving will cause the gearbox to select the
most economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as
soon as possible and shifting down as late as possible will have a favour-
able effect on your fuel consumption.
Adopting a faster style of driving with rapid movements of the acceler-
ator pedal combined with sharp acceleration and frequent changes in
speed, exploiting the top speed of the car or operating the kickdown func-
tion, will cause the gearbox to switch over to the sporty driving
programme. Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully
exploit the power reserves of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts
WARNING
Please note that using the kickdown function can result in the
driven wheels spinning on a smooth or slippery road surface - risk
of skidding!

Automatic gearbox*107
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
down at higher engine speeds than is the case for the economy-oriented
programmes.
Selecting the most appropriate driving programme for the particular style
of driving is a continuous process. Irrespective of this it is, however,
possible to switch into a sporty driving programme by depressing the
accelerator rapidly. The gearbox shifts down into a lower gear matching
the speed of the car and this allows you to accelerate rapidly (e.g. when
overtaking) without having to depress the accelerator pedal fully into the
kickdown range. The original programme will be reactivated to match your
particular style of driving once the gearbox has shifted up again.
When driving in hilly regions, the gears are selected to match uphill and
downhill sections. This avoids the gearbox frequently shifting up and down
when negotiating an uphill stretch. Depressing the brake pedal while
driving downhill causes the gearbox to shift down into the next lower gear.
This makes it possible for you to exploit the engine braking power without
the need for shifting gears manually.
Emergency programme
An emergency programme exists in the event of a fault in
the system.
The gearbox operates in a corresponding emergency programme if there
are functional faults in the gearbox electronics.
•The gearbox still switches automaticallly but stronger switching shocks
are noticeable.
•The gearbox does not switch anymore automatically. The gearbox can
now only be switched manually but there are only 3 gears available over
the selector lever positions namely D, 3 and 2. The 1st gear and reverse
are available as before over the selector lever positions 1 and R. If the gearbox has switched over to emergency mode, drive to the
nearest Škoda dealer in order to have the fault rectified.
Tow-starting and towing vehicle
Tow-starting a vehicle
For technical reasons it is not possible to tow-start a car fitted with an auto-
matic gearbox
⇒page 205.
You can use jump-start cables connected to the battery of another vehicle
for starting your car if the vehicle battery is flat ⇒page 203.
Towing a vehicle
Please pay attention to the following information if it comes necessary to
tow-in your car ⇒page 205.

Intelligent Technology143
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
The TCS warning light
⇒page 33 lights up in the instrument cluster when
there is a fault on the TCS.
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the
button ⇒page 142, fig. 116 . The TCS warning light ⇒page 33 lights up
in the instrument cluster when the TCS is switched off.
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice
in certain exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip,
to switch off the TCS.
Examples:
•when driving with snow chains
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface
•when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck
then you should switch on the TCS again.
The EDL ⇒page 143 is a part of the TCS. THE EDL operates independ-
ently of the TCS (also when the TCS has been switched off using the TCS
button).
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve
problem-free operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the
tyres can lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other
assignment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS
⇒ page 194.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock prevents an individual
wheel from slipping.
Models fitted with TCS can be also equipped with electronic differential
lock (EDL).
General
The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off,
accelerate and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface
are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The EDL is activated automatically, that is without any action on the part
of the driver. It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the
ABS sensors. Should only one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery
surface there will be an appreciable difference in the speed of the driven
wheels. The EDL function brakes the slipping wheel and the differential
transmits a greater driving force to the other driven wheel. This control
process is also accompanied by noises.
WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of
the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety
offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise -
risk of an accident!

Inspecting and Replenishing
174
Engine oil
Engine oil specifications
The grade of engine oil should be selected in accordance
with precise specifications.
The engine of your vehicle has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil
which you can use throughout the year - except in extreme climatic
regions.
You can mix various oils together with each other when refilling with oil.
This does not, however, apply for models with extended flexible service
intervals (QG1).
Engine oils are, of course, undergoing continuous further development.
Thus the information stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the
time of publication.
Škoda dealers are constantly informed by Škoda Auto about current
changes. This why you should always have engine oil changed by your
Škoda dealer.
Engine oil specifications for vehicles with fixed service intervals
(QG0, QG2) Engine oil specifications for models with flexible service intervals
(QG1).
Caution
Only the above-mentioned oils may be used on vehicles with flexible
service intervals (QG1). We recommend always refilling with oil of the
same specification since this will maintain the properties of the oil. In
exceptional cases, you must top up only once engine oil complying with
Specification VW 502 00 (only for petrol engines) or Specification VW 505
01 (only for diesel engines) to maximum 0.5 litres. You must not use other
engine oils - risk of engine damage!
Note
•We recommend using a preservative from the range of accessories
offered by your Skoda dealer.
•See the Service Schedule for further information.DenominationPetrol engineDiesel engine
Multigrade high- lubricity oilsVW 500 00
VW 502 00VW 505 01
VW 505 00a)
a)This does not apply for PD engines (a unit injection engine). Further information
can be obtained from the technical data sheets.
Multigrade oilsVW 501 01
ACEA A2b) or A3b)
b)Only to be used in exceptional cases if the oils specified are not available.
ACEA B3b) or B4b)
Engine oil specifications
Petrol enginesVW 503 00
Diesel enginesVW 506 01
VW 506 00a)
a)This does not apply for PD engines (a unit injection engine). Further information
can be obtained from the technical data sheets.

Inspecting and Replenishing
180
models is positioned on the other side of the engine compart-
ment.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compart-
ment” on page 172.
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒page 179,
fig. 130 . The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX”
markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-
tear and automatic adjustment of the brake pads, and is perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the
fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the
“MIN” marking. A situation where the brake fluid level is too low is indi-
cated by the warning light
 lighting up in the instrument cluster
⇒ page 35. You should drive carefully and immediately to the nearest
Škoda Dealer and have the brake system inspected.
Replacing brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. This causes the fluid to absorb moisture
from the surrounding air over a period of time. Excessive water in the
brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake system. The water
content also lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. This is why brake
fluid must be replaced every two years.
You must only use new genuine brake fluid from Skoda Auto. The speci-
fication for the brake fluid is “FMVSS 116 DOT 4”. We recommend that you have the brake fluid replaced by a
Škoda Dealer
as part of an Inspection Service.
Caution
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
In view of the problems involved with proper disposal of brake fluid, the
special tools and the professional knowledge required, you should have
the brake fluid replaced by a Škoda dealer.
WARNING
•Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes
because of the formation of vapour bubbles in the brake system.
This greatly impairs the braking efficiency and thus also the safety
of your vehicle.
•Brake fluid is toxic! It must therefore be kept safely in closed
original containers and well away from children.