2003 SKODA FABIA air condition

Contents3
Contents
Layout of this Owner's
Manual
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
An overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments and Indicator/Warning LightsGeneral view of the instrument cluster . . . . . .
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer with counter for distance driven
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto Check Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the key battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synchronisation of the vehicle key code . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power windows* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric sliding/tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The windscreen wiper and washing system .
Rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and Stowage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Middle rear head restraints* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating the front seats* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net partition (Estate)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The roof luggage rack system* . . . . . . . . . . .
Drinks can holder* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray at the front* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray at the rear* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter* and power socket* . . . . . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating and air conditioning system . . . . .
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The air conditioning system* . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting-off and Driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting steering wheel position* . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting gear (on a manual gearbox) . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control system (CCS)* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-speed automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal telephone connection* . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems . .
The CD changer* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving the safe way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Requirements for maximum safety . . . . . . . .
Seat belts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The physical principle of a frontal collision . .
Important safety information regarding the use
of seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting
children! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX”
system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
9
11
11
12
12
13
13
14
14
15
16
17
21
23
27
37
37
38
39
39
39
40
44
45
46
47
49 52
52
56
58
59
62
63
63
65
66
66
67
69
69
73
76
78
78
79
79
80
81
87
87
90
95
95
95
96
98
99
100
100 103
103
108
108
109
109
111
111
111
111
11 2
11 2
11 3
11 4
11 5
11 8
120
120
122
124
127
130
130
134
138

Cockpit11
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Cockpit
An overview
This general view is designed to help you to quickly
become familiar with the instruments, gauges and
controls.
Electric exterior mirror adjustment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
−Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight
flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster: Instruments and indicator lights . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
− Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Windshield wiper/wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Switch for the ESP* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Switch for the TCS* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator light for a switched-off airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the front passenger seat* . . . . .
Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for:
− Central locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . −
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch, control dial for the instrument lighting and
control dial for the headlight beam range regulatiion . . . . .
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight flasher, driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for the air conditioning system* . . . .
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Selector lever (automatic gearbox*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio*
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
•Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
•Vehicles with factory-fitted radio, mobile phone, navigation system, CD
player etc. are supplied with separate instructions for operating such
equipment.
•The arrangement of the controls and switches and the location of
some items on right-hand drive models may differ from that shown in
⇒ page 10, fig. 2 . The symbols on the controls and switches are the same
as for left-hand drive models.
A162
A289
A3
54
100
A412
A5
17
59
A689
A766
A858
A9
141
142
A1054
A11128
A1266
A13122
A14
42 47
A1552, 53
A16171
A1781
A1895
A19122
A2095
A21
87
90
A2279
A23
98
104
A24
A2581

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights21
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Information display*
Introduction
The information display provides you with information in a convenient way
concerning the current operating state of your vehicle . The information
system also provides you with data (depending on the equipment installed
in the vehicle) relating to the radio, multi-functional indicator and naviga-
tion system and automatic gearbox.
Certain functions and operating conditions are always being checked on
the vehicle when the ignition is switched on and also while driving.
Functional faults, if required rapair work and other services are indicated
by red symbols ⇒page 24 and yellow symbols ⇒ page 25.
Lighting up of these symbols is combined with an acoustic warning signal.
Information and texts giving warnings are also shown in the display
⇒ page 27. The display of text is possible in the following languages:
Czech, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese.
You can have the relevant language set by a Škoda dealer.
The following information can be shown in the display (depending on the
equipment installed on the vehicle):
Fig. 9 Instrument
cluster: Information
display
Menu⇒ page 22
Door ajar warning, luggage compartment door
and bonnet ajar warning⇒page 23
Radio display⇒page 23
Service Interval Display⇒page 15
Selector lever position for an automatic gearbox⇒page 104

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights23
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Door ajar warning, luggage compartment door and
bonnet ajar warning
The door, luggage compartment door and bonnet ajar warning lights up
when at least one of the three items door, luggage compartment or bonnet
are not closed when the ignition is turned on. The symbol indicates which
door is still open or whether the luggage compartment door or bonnet is
not closed ⇒fig. 12 .
The symbol goes out as soon as the doors, luggage compartment door
and bonnet are completely closed.
As an additional warning signal, a 3 time peep sounds if the car is driven
at a speed of more than 6km/hour and if the door or luggage compartment
door is open.
Radio display
These displays appear in addition to the normal information in the radio
display.
Auto Check Control
Vehicle condition
The Auto Check Control carries out a check of certain functions and
vehicle components. The check is performed constantly when the ignition
is switched on, both when the vehicle is stationary, as well as when
driving.
Operational faults, urgent repairs, service work or other information
appear in the display of the instrument cluster. The displays are shown
with a red or yellow light symbol depending on the priority of the message.
Fig. 12 Information
display: Door warning
Fig. 13 Information
display: Radio display

Unlocking and locking
48
Note
•After switching the ignition off, it is still possible to open or close the
windows for a further 10 minutes. The automatic closing and opening
functions will not operate during this time. The power windows are
switched off completely once you open the driver or front passenger door.
•When driving, use the existing heating, air conditioning and ventilation
system for ventilating the interior of the vehicle. If the windows are
opened, dust and other dirt can get into the vehicle. The wind noise is
more at certain speeds.
Convenience operation of windows
You can open and close the electrically powered windows as
follows when unlocking and locking the vehicle (just closing of the
sliding roof).
Opening windows with the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver door into the opening position and hold it until all the windows are open. Closing windows with the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver door into the closing posi-
tion and hold it there until all of the windows are closed.
You can interrupt the opening or closing operation of the windows imme-
diately by releasing the key.
Operational problems
Automatic closing or opening does not operate
If the battery of the car has been disconnected and then reconnected, the
automatic closing and opening function does not operate. The system
must be activated. Proceed as follows in order to re-establish the function:
•Turn the key in the lock of the driver door into the closing position and
hold it there until all of the windows are closed.
•Release the key.
•Insert the key again and turn it to the closing position for about 3
seconds.
Operation in winter
Ice accumulating on the surface of the windows during the winter may
result in a greater resistance when closing the windows and the window
may stop and move back.
WARNING (continued)
•The system is fitted with a force limiter. The closing process will
be stop if an obstruction is detected and the window will open
again. You should nevertheless take particular care when closing
the windows! A person may otherwise suffer severe injuries as a
result of getting an arm, for example, jammed in the window!
•It is recommended to deactivate the electrically operated power
windows in the rear (safety button) when children are being
transported on the rear seats ⇒page 47, fig. 27 .ASWARNING
•Obstruction protection is not active during the convenience
operating feature ⇒ in “Switch” on page 47.
•You should take particular care when closing the windows! A
person may otherwise suffer severe injuries as a result of getting
an arm, for example, jammed in the window!

Seats and Stowage83
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Cooling of storage compartment on front passenger
side*
The storage compartment is for vehicles fitted with an air-
conditioning system with a closable inlet for cooled air.
– You can switch the cooling system on or off using the control
dial ⇒ fig. 71.
Opening the air inlet when the air conditioning system is on causes fresh
or interior air to flow into the storage compartment.
The cooling of the storage compartment operates only if the air condi-
tioning system is switched on. We recommend that you switch off the
cooling (opening concealed) if it is operating in the heating mode or if you
are not using the cooling system for the storage compartment.
Storage compartments on the driver's side
- storage compartment below steering wheel.
The lockable storage compartment is opened by folding down the
cover in the direction of arrow ⇒fig. 72 .
Storage compartment is for vehicles fitted with an air conditioning
system with a closable inlet for thermally prepared air.
The air supply in the storage compartment is regulated through the pull
out cap . Pulling out the end cover in the direction of travel causes the
air inlet to open while pushing it in causes the air inlet to close.
At open air supply, air flows into the storage with a temperature which is
as high as the one out of the air outlet nozzles, depending on temperature
setting.
The air inlet in the storage compartment is connected to position

through adjustment of the control dial for air distribution. This position
causes the maximum amount of air to flow into the storage compartment
(depending on the rotary regulator position for the fan).
Fig. 71 Storage
compartment: Using
cooling system
Fig. 72 Dash panel:
Storage compartments
on the driver's side
AA
AB
AB
AC

Heating and air conditioning system87
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Heating and air conditioning system
Heating
Using the system
The heating system delivers air into the interior of the
vehicle and warms it as required.
Setting temperature
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 78 to the right in order to
increase the temperature.
– Turn the control dial to the left in order to increase the temperature. Controlling blower
– Turn the blower switch into one of the positions, 1 to 4, in
order to switch the blower on.
– Turn the blower switch into position 0 in order to switch the blower off.
– Pressing button causes the recirculating air system ⇒
to be switched on.
Control for air distribution
– You can adjust the direction of the inlet air flow using air distri- bution regulator ⇒page 89.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves
in order to ensure that the heating and ventilation systems operate prop-
erly.
All controls apart from the control dial can be set to any desired inter-
mediate position.
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full
heat output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating
temperature.
The blower should aways be on to prevent the windows from misting up.
Fig. 78 Heating:
Controls
AA
AA
AB
AB
AD
AC
AB

Heating and air conditioning system
88
Note
•The whole heat output will be needed to unfrost the windscreen and
side windows. No warm air will be fed to the footwell. This can lead to
restriction of the heating comfort.
•The used air streams out through the air removal openings in the
luggage compartment.
Set heating
Recommended settings of heating controls for:
Defrosting the windscreen and side windows
•Turn control dial ⇒page 87, fig. 78 to the right up to the stop
•Control dial in the position 4
•Control dial in the position 
•Open air outlet vents 4 ⇒ page 89, fig. 79 and point towards the side
window.
Keeping windscreen and side windows demisted
We recommend that you use the following setting in cases where the
windows are misted up more than usual (e.g. when it is raining):
•Control dial where necessary to the heating range
•Control dial in position 2 or 3
•Control dial to  or  as required or to any desired position
between these symbols
•Open air outlet vents 4 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 output
•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.
Fresh air mode - ventilation
Non- pre-warmed fresh air streams through the air inlet nozzles 3 and 4
for the following settings.
Recirculated air mode must not be switched on.
•Turn the control dial ⇒ page 87, fig. 78 to the left up to the stop
•Control dial into the desired position
•Control dial in the position 
•Open air outlet vents 3 and 4 ⇒page 89, fig. 79
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period
of time. “Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and passen-
gers, reduce attention levels and also cause the windows to mist
up. The risk of having an accident increases. Switch recirculated
air mode off as soon as the windows begin misting up.
AA
AB
AC
AA
AB
AC
AA
AB
AC
AD
AA
AB
AC
AC
AA
AB
AC