2003 SKODA FABIA check engine

Inspecting and Replenishing185
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery
On disconnecting and reconnecting the battery the following functions are
initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free.
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a Škoda dealer to ensure
full functionality of all electrical systems.
Replacing the battery
You should only replace a battery with a new battery of the same capacity,
voltage (12 V), amperage and of the same size. Škoda dealers have a
range of suitable batteries available.
We recommend that you only have an old battery disposed of by your
Skoda dealer since it does require special disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain poisonous substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
They must be disposed of in accordance with local environmental protec-
tion regulations and on no account as domestic waste.
Windscreen Wiper and Washer System
The windshield washer reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the wind-
screen or rear window and for the headlamp cleaning system*. The reser-
voir is located at the front left of the engine compartment ⇒fig. 134.
The filling level of the container is 2 litres, 5.5 litres on vehicles which also
have a headlight washing system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and head-
lights. We therefore recommend using clean washing water together with
a screen cleaner (in winter with antifreeze as well) which is capable of
removing stubborn dirt. Follow the instructions for use on the packaging
when using screen cleaning products.
You should always add antifreeze to the cleaning water in winter even if
your vehicle is fitted with heated windscreen washer nozzles*.
It is also possible in exceptional cases to use methylated spirits when no
screen cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methyl-
OperationMeasure
Power windows⇒ page 48
Enter radio code numbersee Radio Operating Instruc-
tions
Set hours⇒page 16
The data in the multi-functional indica-
tor* will be deleted.⇒page 17Fig. 134 Engine
compartment: Wind-
shield washer fluid
reservoir

Inspecting and Replenishing
186
ated spirits must not be more than 15 %. Please note, however, that the
antifreeze protection at this concentration is only adequate down to -5°C.
Caution
•On no account should you add radiator antifreeze or other additives to
the windscreen washer fluid.
•If the vehicle is fitted with headlight cleaning system, you should only
add cleaning products which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of
the headlights to the windscreen washer fluid. Please contact a Škoda
dealer, he will tell you, which cleaning product you can use.
Note
Do not take the filter out of the windscreen wash container when filling it
up again with liquid otherwise dirt can get into the liquid transportation
system and can lead to faults in operation of the windscreen wash
system.
Spark plugs
The spark plugs will also be checked as part of the Inspection Service.
Please observe the following if spark plugs have to be renewed inbetween
inspection services.
•Spark plugs and the ignition system are matched to the engine and
therefore contribute to lower emissions in the exhaust gases.
•Only use the spark plugs foreseen for the engine concerned if you wish
to avoid operational faults, engine damage and loss of approval and
licensing of the vehicle due to false exhaust gas values or unshielded
spark plugs. Particularly important parameters include the number of elec- trodes, the thermal value and possibly also the radio frequency suppres-
sion level.
Spark plugs are constantly being further developed. It is therefore advis-
able to just obtain spark plugs from Skoda dealers since they are informed
about latest developments.
V-ribbed belts
The V-ribbed is one of the most highly loaded components on a vehicle.
This is why there are high demands on quality made on the V-ribbed belt.
It not sufficient when replacing the V-ribbed belt to choose just any one of
the same size.
One should only use the V-ribbed belt foreseen for use
on that vehicle for safety reason.
V-ribbed belts are constantly being further developed. It is therefore advis-
able to just obtain them from Skoda dealers since they are informed about
latest developments.
The dust and pollen filter*
The dust and pollen filter for the heating and ventilation system is located
in the heater. The filter is replaced according to directions given in the
Service Plan. The filter should be replaced even earlier when the air flow
is reduced significantly.
Changing of the filter is undertaken by a Skoda dealer as part of the
inspection service.

Breakdown assistance203
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
– Have the tightening torque checked with a torque wrench as
soon as possible. Steel and light alloy wheels must be tight-
ened to a tightening torque of 120 Nm.
The safety wheel bolts on vehicles fitted with them (one safety wheel bolt
per wheel) can only be loosened or tighten up by using the adapter
provided.
It is meaningful to note the code number hammered into the rear side of
the adapter or the rear side of the safety wheel bolts. You can obtain a
replacement adapter from a Škoda Dealer, if necessary, by quoting this
number.
We recommend that you always carry the adapter for the wheel bolts with
you in the vehicle. It should be stowed in the vehicle tool kit.
Caution
Damage can occur to the adapter and safety wheel bolt if the safety wheel
bolt is tightened up too much.
Note
The set of safety wheel bolts can be obtained from your Skoda dealer as
an original accessory.
Jump-starting
Initial steps
You can use the battery of another vehicle for jump-starting yours if the
engine does not start because the battery on your vehicle is flat. You will
require jump-start cables for this purpose. Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The
capacity (Ah) of the
battery supplying the power must not be significantly less than the
capacity of the discharged battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section
and insulated terminal clamps. Please pay attention to the manufacturer's
instructions.
Positive cable - colour coding in the majority of cases red.
Negative cable - colour coding in the majority of cases black.
Note
•There must not be any contact between the two vehicles otherwise
current may flow as soon as the negative terminals are connected.
•The discharged battery must be properly connected to the system of
the vehicle.
•Switch off any installed telephone and also pay attention to the instruc-
tions for use of the telephone in such a situation.
•We recommend purchasing jump-start cables from a Skoda dealer as
an original accessory or from retailers who sell branded batteries.
WARNING
•A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just
below 0°C. It is essential to thaw out a frozen battery before you
connect the jump-start cables - risk of an explosion!
•Please pay attention to the warning instructions relating to
working in the engine compartment ⇒page 172.