2003 SKODA FABIA handbrake

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* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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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.

Starting-off and Driving
96
- start engine
Diesel engines - fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine off
- heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
•You should not switch on any major electrical components during the
heating period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering
wheel until the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always
lock the steering as a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as
a deterrent against possible theft of your vehicle ⇒.
Position
Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot,
or cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the
steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At the same time switched on low
beam or main beam or other electrical components with major power
consumption are briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into
position when one releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before
starting the engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock
prevents the starter being engaged when the engine is running and thus
getting damaged. Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the
selector lever is in position
P.
Starting engine
General
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition
key.
•Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the
position P or N in the case of an automatic gearbox) and put on the hand-
brake firmly before starting the engine.
A3
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A2
A1
WARNING
•When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position
(ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it
could result in unexpected locking of the steering wheel - risk of
accident!
•Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the
vehicle has come to a standstill (put on the handbrake or select the
selector lever position P). The steering lock might otherwise
engage unintentionally - risk of accident!
•Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the
vehicle, even for a short time. This is particularly important if chil-
dren are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise start the
engine or operate electrical equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk
of injury!
A2

Starting-off and Driving99
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Note
One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle.
The pressure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the
gearbox. This can, over a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift
forks.
Handbrake
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time
press in the locking button ⇒fig. 85 . – Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down
fully ⇒ .
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied,
provided the ignition is on.
A warning signal (buzzer) sounds and the following text appears in the
display* if you have inadvertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
"Handbrake on"
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6
km/h for more than 3 seconds.
Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always first of all apply the handbrake
firmly before then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or
moving the selector lever into position P (automatic gearbox).
Fig. 85 Centre
console: Handbrake
WARNING
•Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A hand-
brake which is only partially released can result in the rear brakes
overheating which will have a negative effect on the operation of
the brake system - risk of accident!
•Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children
might, for example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out
of gear. The vehicle might then move off - risk of accident!

Automatic gearbox*103
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Automatic gearbox*
4-speed automatic gearbox
Information for driving with an automatic gearbox
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed auto-
matically.
Starting-off and Driving
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in handle of the selector
lever), move the selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D
⇒ page 104, fig. 87 , and then release the Shiftlock button.
– Wait a moment until the gearbox has shifted (a slight engage- ment nudge can be felt).
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator ⇒.
Stopping for a short time
– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected
when stopping just for a short time, such as at a cross roads.
It is sufficient to hold the vehicle stationary using the foot
brake. The engine can, however, be allowed just to idle.
Parking
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly. – Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the
selector lever to P and then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or
N ⇒ page 96.
It is sufficient to engage selector lever position P when parking on a flat
surface. When parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake
firmly and then move the selector lever into position P. This is to ensure
that there is no excessive pressure acting on the lock mechanism and that
it is easier to subsequently move the selector lever out of position P.
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first
necessary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling
speed of the engine to be reached before engaging a drive position in the
selector lever.
WARNING
•Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of
the selector lever if the car is stationary and the engine is running
- risk of accident!
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving
- risk of an accident!
•When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is
necessary to hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions
of the selector lever (except P and N) since the power transmission
is never completely interrupted, also not when the engine is idling
- the vehicle "creeps".

Automatic gearbox*105
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
3 - Position when driving in hilly areas
We recommend selection of this position when the gearbox is often
changing gear under certain driving conditions with the selector lever at D.
The gearbox shifts up and down automatically into first, second and third
gear in line with engine load, driving style and vehicle speed. Fourth gear
remains locked out in this case. This makes it possible to exploit greater
engine braking power when the accelerator is released
⇒.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving out
of position 3 into position D.
2 - Position when driving in mountainous regions
This position of the selector lever is suitable for long sloping sections.
The gearbox shifts up and down automatically into first and second gear
in line with engine load, driving style and vehicle speed. The third and
fourth gears remain locked out in order to avoid unnecessary gear
changes. Enhanced engine braking power is thus available.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving out
of position 3 into position 2.
1 - Position for extreme mountainous sections
This position of the selector lever is suitable for very steep sections of
road.
The vehicle will only drive first gear. The second, third and fourth gears
remain locked out. This position offers you the maximum possible engine
braking power.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving out
of position 2 into position 1.
The cruise control system is locked in position 1.
Note
•Take your foot off the accelerator if you inadvertently shift into N when
driving and wait until the engine speed has dropped to the idling speed
range before shifting into D.
•If you shift gear manually it is possible to select positions 3, 2 and 1 ,
but the automatic gearbox will not shift down until there is no risk of the
engine overrevving.
WARNING
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving
- risk of an accident!
•When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is
necessary to hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions
of the selector lever (except P and N) since the power transmission
is never completely interrupted, also not when the engine is idling
- the vehicle "creeps".
•You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle
(e.g. by hand from the engine compartment) if a drive position is
engaged when the car is stationary. The vehicle would otherwise
immediately start off - also when the handbrake is firmly applied -
risk of an accident!
•You must move the selector lever into position P and firmly
apply the handbrake first before you or any other person opens the
bonnet and starts working on the engine when it is running - risk
of accident!

Towing a trailer
156
Tyre inflation pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
⇒ page 187. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust
in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exte-
rior mirrors should be attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that
they provide you with an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the head-
lights. Alter the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam
adjuster ⇒page 53.
Detachable ball head
On a car which features a factory-fitted towing device, the ball rod is
detachable. It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the
spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device ⇒page 157.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between
service intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling
and decoupling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and
the trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid
driving with this combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies
for countries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination
reduces with increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed
should not be used when there are unfavourable road, weather or wind
conditions, particularly near accident black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediately as soon as you detect
even just the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to
stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake,
apply the brakes gently at first then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts
resulting from the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time