2003 SKODA FABIA Light

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.

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights33
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Light bulbs* 
The warning light  comes on if a light bulb is damaged:
•brakes applied (brake light)
•in lighting (low beam and/or rear light)
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: LIGHTS FAILURE
or BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE
Open door* 
The warning light  lights up when one or more doors are opened.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal when the speed of the car
increases to more than 6km/h.
Windshield washer fluid level* 
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if there is
insufficient fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with
liquid ⇒page 185.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
TOP UP WASH FLUID
Luggage compartment door* 
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if the tail-
gate is open.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
EPC  fault light
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out or comes on when driving, or flashes,
this indicates a system fault in the electronic power control or in the
exhaust emission system. The engine management system selects an
emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest Škoda
dealer while adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
EMISSIONS WORKSHOP!
Traction Control System (TCS)* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off
or if there is a fault in the system.

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
34
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that
the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating
properly.
Further information about the TCS ⇒ page 142.
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
The traction control system (TCS) is also part of the ESP system.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System
(TCS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and the Antilock Brake System
ABS (ABS).
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the ESP is switched off
or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that
the ESP warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating
properly.
Further information on the ESP ⇒page 141.
Antilock brake system (ABS)* 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS and the Electronic
Differential Lock (EDL). The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been
switched on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after
an automatic check sequence has been completed.
A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the ABS warning light
 does
not go out a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not light up
at all or lights up while driving. The vehicle will only be braked by the
normal brake system without the effect of the ABS function. Visit a Skoda
dealer as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving in the mean-
time since you will not know how great the damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the
ABS.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 145.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
 comes on together with the brake system
warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in
the ABS but also in another part of the brake system ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ABS. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ABS
warning light
 in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected
without delay by a Škoda dealer. Further information on the EDL
⇒ page 143.

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights35
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Brake system 
The warning light  flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low,
if there is a fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light
 flashes (handbrake is not applied), stop and check
the brake fluid level ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FLUID SERVICE MANUAL
If there is a fault in the ABS which also influences the function of the
normal brake system (e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS
warning light
 comes on together with the brake system warning light . Visit the next Skoda dealer immediately and have the brake system
checked.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long
free play of the brake pedal when driving to the next Škoda dealer. The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL
For further information on the brake system ⇒page 144.
Handbrake applied
The warning light
 also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible
warning is also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a
speed of more than 6 km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
HANDBRAKE ON
Airbag system 
Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warning light does not go out or comes
on or flashes while driving ⇒. This also applies if the warning light
does not come on when the ignition is switched on.
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the
ABS warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the
brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒page 179. If the fluid has
dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of
accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assist-
ance.
•Pay attention to the following instructions before checking the
brake fluid level and opening the bonnet ⇒page 172.
WARNING
•Pay attention to the following instructions before checking the
brake fluid level and opening the bonnet ⇒page 172.
•If the brake system warning light  does not go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or comes on when driving,
stop immediately and check the brake fluid in the reservoir
⇒ page 179. If the fluid has dropped below the MIN marking, do not
drive any further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to
obtain professional assistance.

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
36
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
AIRBAG FAULT
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically, also
when the front or side airbags for the front passenger have been
switchged off.
A front passenger airbag and also possibly the side airbag which
have been switched off by a Skoda dealer using the vehicle system
tester:
•The warning light  lights up for 3 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
Front passenger airbags and also possibly the side airbag which
have been switched off using the switch (for switching off airbags)*
in the storage compartment on the front passenger side:
•The warning light  comes on for 3 seconds after the ignition has
been switched on.
•Switching off airbags is indicated ⇒page 128 in the middle of the dash
panel by the lighting up of the indicator light   (airbag switched
off).
Note
Further information about switching off airbags ⇒page 127.
Seat belt warning light* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds after the ignition is
switched on as a reminder to fasten the seat belt.
If you do not fasten the seat belt, a long warning signal sounds for 6
seconds.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
FASTEN SEATBELT
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 112.
WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediately by a Škoda Dealer if
a fault exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being acti-
vated in the event of an accident.

Unlocking and locking
40
Switching child safety lock on
– Use the vehicle key to turn the slit in the rear door to the left in
the direction of the arrow ⇒page 39, fig. 21 .
Switching child safety lock off
– Use the vehicle key to turn the slit to the right against the direc- tion of the arrow.
So long as the child safety lock is switched on it is not possible to open the
door from the inside with the door opening lever. In this case the door can
be opened only from the outside.
Central locking system*
Description
Unlocking or locking the vehicle causes all doors to be unlocked or locked
at the same time by the central locking system. The boot lid is unlocked
when opening. It can be opened by pressing the hand grip above the
licence plate.
Operation of the central locking system is possible:
•from the outside using the vehicle key ⇒page 41
•using the switches for the central locking system ⇒page 42
•with the securing knobs in the front doors ⇒page 42, fig. 23 (only
for locking)
•by using the remote control ⇒page 44 Safe securing
The central locking system is equipped with a
safe securing system.
Locking the vehicle from the outside causes the door locks to be automat-
ically blocked. It is not possible to pull out the locking buttons. The indi-
cator light in the driver's door flashes. It is not possible to open the doors
with the door handle either from the inside or from the outside. This acts
as an effective deterrent for attempts to break into your vehicle.
•You can deactivate the safe securing system. This is done by locking
the vehicle with the key or radio-operated key twice within 2 seconds.
•Deactivating the safe securing system means that the warning light
next to the securing knob in the driver's door ⇒page 42, fig. 23 will not
flash. This is not the case, however, for vehicles with an anti-theft alarm
system* since the indicator light is showing that the system is active.
•The safe securing system is again activated the next time the vehicle
is unlocked and locked again.
The doors can be opened from the inside if the vehicle is locked and the
safe securing system is deactivated:
•The door is unlocked by actuating the door-opening lever.
•The door opens upon actuating the door-opening lever again.
Convenience operation of windows
One can open and close the electrically powered windows when opening
and closing the vehicle ⇒page 48.
Opening a single door
This function allows one to just unlock the driver's door. The other doors
remain locked and are only unlocked when the command is repeated.
The single door opening function can be first activated by recoding the
control unit of the central locking system. This work is undertaken by a
Škoda dealer which can give you more information.
AA
AA

Unlocking and locking41
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Note
•After unlocking the vehicle see, if the securing knobs are located on all
doors at the bottom.
•The vehicle is unlocked automatically if an airbag is deployed.
•Only the front doors can be unlocked and locked using the key if the
central locking system fails.
Unlocking the vehicle using the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver's door to the left into the opening position ⇒fig. 22 .
– Pull on the door handle and open the door.
•All doors are unlocked (the securing knobs must move upwards).
•The boot lid is then unlocked.
•The switched on interior lights come on over the door contact.
•The safe securing system is deactivated.
•The windows are opened provided the key is held in the opening posi-
tion.
•The indicator light in the driver's door stops flashing if the vehicle is not
fitted with an anti-theft alarm system* ⇒page 46.
WARNING
•If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing
system is activated, there must not be any person and animals in
the vehicle as it is then not possible to open either a door or a
window from the inside. The locked doors make it more difficult for
rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - hazard!
•Locking the doors prevents involuntary opening in an excep-
tional situation (an accident). Locked doors prevent unwanted
entry into the vehicle from outside, for example at road crossings.
Locked doors do, however, make it more difficult for rescuers to
get into the vehicle in an emergency.
Fig. 22 Turning the key
for unlocking and
locking the vehicle
AA

Unlocking and locking
42
Note
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system*, you must
unlock the vehicle by inserting the key into the driver door you then have
to insert the key into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15
seconds after opening the door. The alarm will be triggered if you do not
switch on the ignition within 15 seconds.
Closing the vehicle with the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver door to the right into the
closing position ⇒page 41, fig. 22 .
•All doors and the boot lid are locked (the securing knobs must move
downwards).
•The switched on interior lights will switch off over the door contact.
•The windows and the electric sliding/tilting roof* are closed provided
the key is held in the locking position.
•The safe securing system is activated immediately.
•The indicator light in the driver door begins flashing.
The warning light will not flash if the safe securing system is deactivated
⇒ page 40.
This is not the case, however, for vehicles with an anti-theft alarm system*
since the indicator light is showing that the system is active.
Note
The opened driver door cannot be locked. It must be locked separately
after closing it.
Buttons for central locking
All doors are unlocked and locked using the buttons or .
The buttons also operate if the ignition is switched off, but not if
the vehicle was locked from outside.
Locking all doors and the boot lid
– Press button ⇒fig. 23 or press the securing knob
downwards.
Unlocking all doors and the boot lid
– Press button ⇒fig. 23 .
The following applies if you have locked your vehicle using the button :
•It is not possible to open the doors or the boot lid from the outside
(safety feature, e.g. when stopping at traffic lights etc.).
ABFig. 23 Buttons for
central locking
A1A2
A1AA
A2
A1