2003 SKODA FABIA alternator

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Main beam 
The indicator light  comes on when the main beam is selected or also
when the headlight flasher is operated.
Further information about the main beam ⇒page 54.
Low beam 
The indicator light  comes on when low beam is selected ⇒ page 52.
Interlocking of the backrests of the rear seats*
The warning light  is only installed on vehicles with a three-point safety
belt on the middle rear seat.
The warning light lights up for 20 seconds after the ignition is switched on
if the backrests of the rear seats are not interlocked.
The warning light will light up permanently if the backrest comes loose
while driving.
The rear fog light 
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog lights are operating
⇒ page 53.
Dynamo 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It
should go out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go off after the engine is started or comes on
when driving, stop the car and switch the engine off . Check the V-
ribbed belt.
One can still drive to the next Skoda dealer if the V-ribbed belt is in good
order but the warning light is still lit up. The vehicle battery will be
discharged in this case so switch off all non-essential electrical compo-
nents.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP!
Caution
If the warning light  comes on when driving and the warning light 
(cooling system fault) also comes on in display then you must stop the
vehicle immediately and switch the engine off. The coolant pump is no
longer being driven - risk of damage to engine! WARNING
The three-point safety belt can only fulfil its function reliably when
the backrests of the rear seats are correctly locked into position
⇒ page 67.

Driving and the Environment153
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Saving electricity
Generating electricity costs fuel.
– Switch off electrical components as soon as you no longer
need them.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies elec-
trical power. The greater the load on the alternator as a result of having a
large number of electrical components switched on, the more fuel will be
consumed for operating the alternator.
Keeping a log of your fuel consumption
If you really wish to keep a close check on your fuel consumption, it is
best to enter the figures in a logbook. This does not take much time but is
a very worthwhile exercise. It enables you to detect any change (positive
and negative) at an early stage and to take any appropriate action.
If you find that your fuel consumption is too high, you should reflect on
how, where and in what conditions you have driven the vehicle since you
last refuelled.
Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection
of materials and manufacture of your new Škoda. Particular emphasis has
been paid to a number of aspects, including:
Design measures
•Joints designed to be easily detached
•Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system
•Improved purity of different classes of materials
•Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommen-
dation 260
•Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO2
•Minimum fuel leakage during accidents
•Reduced noise
Choice of materials
•Extensive use of recyclable material
•Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant
•No cadmium
•No asbestos
•Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics
Manufacture
•Cavity protection without using solvents
•Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the
production plant to the customer
•The use of solvent-free adhesives
•No CFCs used in the production process
•without use of mercury
•Use of water-soluble paints

Inspecting and Replenishing173
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Caution
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are
on no account mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and
also vehicle damage!
Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection points
Fig. 126 Diesel engine 1.9 litre/47 kW
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol
and diesel engines is practically identical.
WARNING (continued)
•Allow the engine to cool down.
•Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
•Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids
(e.g. the antifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
•Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the
battery.
•Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the
engine is still warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
•Never open the cap of the coolant expansion bottle as long as
the engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
•Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a
large cloth when opening it as protection for your face, hands and
arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
•In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work
when the engine is running there is an additional risk from rotating
parts (e.g. the V-ribbed belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the
high-voltage ignition system.
•Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below
when carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the
electrical system:
−Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
− Do not smoke.
− Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
− Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand.
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