2003 SKODA FABIA Owner's Manual

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
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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.

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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 locking37
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Unlocking and locking
KeysTw o k ey s ⇒fig. 17 or one radio-operated key* ⇒fig. 18 and one usual
key are provided with the vehicle. The keys fit in all vehicle locks.
Key ring
The key ring only has the key number on it which is essential for producing
other keys. This number can be used to order replacement keys from
Škoda dealers.
The key ring with the number should be separately and securely kept in
safe keeping since keys can only be replaced if they are lost or damaged
by giving this number. You should also therefore give this key ring to the
purchaser when selling the vehicle.
Note
•Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean as impurities (textile
fibres, dust etc.) have a negative effect on proper operation of the keys
and the ignition lock.
•Please approach a Škoda dealer if you lose the ignition key since he
can obtain a new one or you.
Fig. 17 Set of keys
Fig. 18 Radio-oper-
ated key
WARNING
•Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle - even
if it is only for a short time. This is particularly important if children
are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise start the engine
or operate electrical equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of
injury!
•Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the
vehicle has come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise
engage unintentionally - risk of accident!

Unlocking and locking
38
Changing the key battery
Each radio-operated key contains a battery which is housed in
the cover of the transmitter housing ⇒fig. 19 . We recom- mend that you have the batteries of the key replaced by a Škoda
dealer. You should, however, proceed as follows if you wish to
replace the battery yourself:
– Fold open the key.
– Use a thin screwdriver to carefully lever off the front part of the
key ⇒fig. 19 from the transmitter housing .
– Take off the cover of the transmitter housing ⇒fig. 20 in direc-
tion of arrow.
– Take the used battery out of the housing cover.
– Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing downwards. The correct polarity is also
shown on the cover of the transmitter housing.
– Insert cover with battery in place at the rear of the transmitter housing and press both parts together.
– Insert the transmitter housing into the front part of the key so that the two parts lock into each other.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of an old battery in accordance with environmental regulations.
Note
•The replacement battery must have the same specification as the orig-
inal battery.
•If it is still not be possible to unlock or lock the vehicle with the remote
control even after replacing the battery this means that the system has to
be synchronised ⇒page 45.
Fig. 19 Disconnect the
folding key
Fig. 20 Battery
housing without key
portion
AB
AAAB

Unlocking and locking39
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
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Electronic immobiliser
The electronic immobiliser prevents the vehicle being
operated by an unauthorised person.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is
deactivated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition
lock. The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when you with-
draw the ignition key from the lock.
Note
It is only possible to start the engine of your car with a Genuine Škoda key
with the matching code ⇒page 31.
Locking
Valid for vehicles without a central locking system:
Locking from outside
The securing head will move upwards or downwards in the door when
unlocking or locking ⇒ page 42, fig. 23.
Locking from inside
All closed vehicle doors are locked by pressing in the securing knobs from
the inside. The doors cannot be opened from the outside when the
securing knobs have been pressed in. The vehicle doors can be opened
from the inside as follows:
•The door is unlocked by actuating the door-opening lever.
•The door opens upon actuating the door-opening lever again.
Note
•The opened door cannot be locked with the securing knob. This
prevents the possibility of forgetting the key in the locked vehicle.
•The opened side doors at the rear and the front passenger door are
locked by pressing in the securing knob and slamming the door closed.
•Please refer to the safety guidelines ⇒ in “Description” on
page 40.
Child safety locks
The child safety lock prevents the rear door from being
opened from the inside.
The rear doors are equipped with a child safety lock. You can
switch the child safety lock on and off using the vehicle key.
AA
Fig. 21 Child safety
locks on the rear doors