2003 SKODA FABIA headlights

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights13
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Engine revolutions counter
The start of the red zone in the revolutions counter ⇒page 12, fig. 3
indicates the maximum permissible engine speed for all gears for an
engine which has been run in and operating at a normal temperature. You
should shift into the next higher gear before this red zone is reached, or
move the selector lever into position D if your car is fitted with an automatic
gearbox.
One should shift to the next lower gear at the latest when the engine is no
longer running smoothly.
Avoid high engine speeds during the running-in period ⇒page 147
Caution
The needle of the revolutions counter must on no account move into the
red zone of the scale: Risk of damage to the engine!
For the sake of the environment
Shifting up early helps you save fuel and reduce the operating noise of
your vehicle.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒ page 12, fig. 3 only operates when
the ignition is switched on.
Please pay attention to the following guidelines regarding temperature
ranges in order to avoid damage to the engine. Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid running at
high engine speeds, at full throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer
moves into the mid-range of the scale. The pointer may also move further
to the right at high engine loads and high outside temperatures. This is not
critical provided the warning symbol
 in the instrument cluster does not
flash.
If the symbol
 in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Please
refer to the guidelines ⇒page 31, “Coolant temperature/coolant level ”.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh
air inlet impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of
the engine overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine
loads!
A1
A2
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒page 172, “Working in the
engine compartment” before opening the bonnet and inspecting
the coolant level.

Lights and Visibility
52
Lights and Visibility
Lights
Switching lights on and off
Switching on side lights 
– Turn the light switch ⇒fig. 30 into position .
Switching on the low beam and main beam

– Turn the light switch into position .
– Press the main beam lever forward in order to switch on the main beam ⇒page 54, fig. 33 . Switching off all lights O
– Turn the light switch into position O.
Instrument lighting*
– Switch on the headlights.
– Turn the control dial
⇒fig. 30 , until you have set the inten-
sity you require for the instrument lighting.
Low beam comes on only if the ignition is switched on. The low beam is
switched off automatically when the engine is started and after switching
the ignition off; only the side lights come on.
On models fitted with right-hand steering* the position of the switches
differs from that shown in ⇒fig. 30. The symbols which mark the switch
positions are identical, however.
In certain export countries, the low beam is on a reduced brightness as
well as the side lights, when the ignition is switched on.
Note
•An audible warning will sound if you withdraw the ignition key and open
the driver's door when the vehicle lights are still on.
•The acoustic warning signal is switched off over the door contact when
the driver's door is closed (ignition off). The vehicle can be parked with the
side lights on.
•We recommend switching off all lights or leaving only the side lights
switched on if you park the vehicle for a lengthy period.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in
accordance with the legal requirements.
Fig. 30 Dash panel:
Light switch
A1
A1
A1
A2

Lights and Visibility53
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Fog lights* 
Switching on the fog lights 
– First turn the light switch into position  or  ⇒ page 52,
fig. 30 .
– Pull the light switch out to the first notch .
The rear fog light warning light  ⇒ page 27 lights up in the instrument
cluster when the fog light is switched off.
The rear fog light 
– First turn the light switch into position  or  ⇒ page 52,
fig. 30 .
– Pull the light switch out to the second notch .
The rear fog light warning light  ⇒ page 27 lights up in the instrument
cluster when the fog light is switched off.
Only the rear fog light of the trailer lights up automatically when you are
towing a trailer using a factory-fitted towing device which is fitted with
the rear fog light .
The rear fog light is located in the rear light array on the driver's side.
Caution
The rear fog light should only be switched on if visibility is particularly poor
(conform with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles
behind your vehicle.
Headlight range adjustment 
Once the low beam is switched on you can then adapt the
range of the headlights to the load of the vehicle.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 31 until you have adjusted the
low beam so that oncomi ng traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following vehicle loads:
Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Caution
Set the headlight beam adjustment in such a way as to avoid dazzling
oncoming traffic.
A1
AA
A1
AB
Fig. 31 Dash panel:
Lights and Visibility
A3
A-
A1
A2
A3

Lights and Visibility
54
Note
Headlights fitted with Xenon bulbs adapt automatically to the load and
driving state of the vehicle (e.g. accelerating, braking) when the ignition is
switched on and when driving.
Switch for hazard warning lights 
– Press switch  ⇒ fig. 32 to switch the hazard warning light
system on or off.
All the turn signal lights on the vehicle flash at the same time when the
hazard warning light system is switched on. The indicator light for the turn
signals and the indicator light in the switch also flash at the same time. You
can also switch on the hazard warning light system if the ignition is
switched off.
Note
Switch on the hazard warning light system if, for example:
•you encounter traffic congestion,
•your car breaks down or an emergency situation occurs,
Turn signal   and main beam lever 
The parking lights and headlight flasher are also switched
on and off using the turn signal and main beam lever.
The turn signal and main beam lever perform the following func-
tions:
Turn signal light (right)

– Push the lever upwards ⇒fig. 33 .
Fig. 32 Dash panel:
Switch for hazard
warning lights
Fig. 33 Turn signal and
main beam lever

Lights and Visibility
60
Switching windscreen wipers off
– Move the lever back into its home position .
The windscreen wipers and the windscreen washer system only operate
if the ignition is switched on.
The rear window will be wiped again if the window wipers are on when
reverse gear is selected.
The windscreen washer nozzles are heated* when the ignition is switched
on.
Top up with wash liquid ⇒page 185.
Caution
In frosty weather, please first of all check whether the windscreen wiper
blades are not frozen to the windscreen before switching them on.
Switching on windscreen wipers when the blades are frozen to the wind-
screen may result in damage both to the blades and the motor of the wind-
screen wipers!
Headlight cleaning system*
Washing of the headlights lenses occurs for approximately 1 second
about 3 seconds after movement of the lever into position ⇒page 59,
fig. 39. You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the head-
light lenses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. Please refer
to the notes
⇒page 162.
You should remove any snow from the fixtures of the washer nozzles and
clear ice in winter with a de-icing spray in order to ensure proper operation
of the cleaning system.
Replacing wiper blades on the windscreen wipers
Taking off the wiper blade
– Fold windscreen wiper arm away from the windscreen and position the wiper blade at right angles to the wiper arm
⇒fig. 40 .
– Press the securing spring in the direction of arrow and press the wiper blade at the same time in the direction of arrow ⇒ .
WARNING
Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for
clear visibility and safe driving ⇒page 60.
A0
A5
Fig. 40 Wiper blades
for the windscreen
AA
AB

Driving and the Environment
154
Motoring abroad
General
Other circumstances may exist abroad.
It is also possible, in certain countries, that the Skoda dealership network
has not been established yet. This is the reason why obtaining certain
spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garage
personnel may only be able to make limited repairs. Škoda Auto in the
Czech Republic and relevant importers are happy to provide information
about technical aspects of the vehicle, required maintenance work and
possibilities for getting repairs done.
Unleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a catalytic converter must always be refuelled with
unleaded petrol ⇒ page 148. The automobile associations can provide
you with information regarding the locations of filling stations which offer
unleaded petrol.
Headlights
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the
side of the road on which you are driving to a greater extent. If you drive
abroad on the other side of the road, you will dazzle oncoming traffic.
It is necessary in order to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic to stick a sticker
over a certain part of the headlights.
Windscreen wiper stickers are available at Škoda dealers. Headlights with Xenon lamps are designed for driving in countries with
traffic on the right or on the left. Have this done always at a Škoda dealer.
Note
You can obtain further information regarding masking over or converting
the headlights from your Škoda Dealer.
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
When driving on poor roads and lanes or when driving over kerbstones,
steep ramps etc., you must pay particular attention to ensuring that any
low-slung parts of the vehicle, such as spoiler and exhaust, do not touch
the ground and get damaged.
This particularly applies to models with a lowered suspension (sport
suspension) and also when your vehicle is fully laden.

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

Care and cleaning
162
The paint number of the original paintwork of your vehicle is indicated on
the vehicle data sticker ⇒page 223.
Any corrosion which has already have formed must be removed thor-
oughly. Apply a corrosion protection primer and then the paint to the
affected point. You can of course have this work carried out by a Škoda
dealer.
Plastic parts
External plastic parts are cleaned by normal washing. Plastic parts and
synthetic leather can also be treated with special solvent-free plastic
cleaning agents if a damp cloth is not sufficient. Paint care products are
not suitable for plastic parts.
Windows
Only use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the
windows and mirrors. You should not move the ice scraper forward and
backward but in one direction on the window which you are cleaning in
order to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.
You can best remove residues of rubber, oil, grease, wax or silicone by
using a special window cleaner or a special silicone remover.
You should also clean the windows regularly from the inside.
Do not use window leathers which you have used to polish the vehicle
body to dry off the windows. Residues of preservatives in the window
leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility.
Do not affix any stickers over the inside of the rear window to avoid
damage to the heating elements of the rear window heater .We recommend using a preservative from the range of accessories
offered by your Skoda dealer.
The headlight lenses
Please do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products
- risk of damage to the plastic lenses
Please use soap and clean warm
water.
Caution
Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects for
cleaning the plastic lenses, this may result in damage to the protective
paintwork and consequently in formation of cracks on the headlight
lenses, e.g through effect of chemical products.
Door and window seals
The rubber seals on the doors, boot lid, bonnet, sliding roof and windows
remain supple and last longer if you treat them from time to time with a
rubber care product (e.g. silicone spray). You also avoid premature wear
of the seals and prevent leakages in this way. It is also easier to open the
doors. Rubber seals which are well cared for also do not stick together in
cold winter weather.
Locks
We recommend that you use Genuine Škoda Spray with regreasing and
anticorrosive effect for de-icing locks.