2003 SKODA FABIA key

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 Lights15
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Service Interval DisplayThe Service Interval Display for vehicles with fixed service intervals
QG0
A key symbol appears in the trip counter display ⇒fig. 4 once the due
date for a service is reached and one of the following service work:
OIL (change the engine oil)
INSP (Inspection service)
The display disappears within 3 minutes after starting the engine. The trip
counter is also displayed after pressing the reset button for the trip counter
for more than 1 second. The key symbol remains even after the ignition
has been switched off.
The Service Interval Display for vehicles with extended service
intervals (QG1 and QG2)
A key symbol ⇒fig. 5 appears in the counter display for distance driven
about 30 days before reaching the due date for the service. The remaining
distance to be driven will be indicated for 10 seconds next to the key
symbol and then the remaining number of days to the due date for the
service inspection.
The following will be displayed in the information display*:
SERVICE DUE IN ... KM OR ... DAYS
The kilometre indicator or the days indicator reduces in steps of 100 km.
or days until the service due date is reached.
The following text appears as a flashing key symbol as soon as the due
date for the service is reached.
The following will be displayed in the information display*: SERVICE NOW
The display disappears within 20 seconds after switching on the ignition.
The trip counter is also displayed after pressing the reset button for the trip
counter (for more than 1 second).
Fig. 4 Service Interval
Display QG0
Fig. 5 Resetting
service interval
displays QG1 and QG2

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights31
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Coolant temperature/coolant level 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 1) when the ignition is
switched on.
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the
warning light
 does not go out after the engine is started or flashes while
driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level;
top up the coolant as necessary.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under
the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch off the engine
and obtain professional assistance from a Škoda dealer.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may
be caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse of
the fan and insert a new fuse, if necessary ⇒page 210.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the
fluid is at the correct level and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order.
Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 177, “Cooling
system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP CHECK COOLANT SERVICE MANUAL
Electronic immobiliser 
Data is compared between the ignition key and the control unit when
switching on the ignition. The indicator light  will light up for a few
seconds when ignition key authorisation is confirmed.
The warning light will start flashing continuously if a non-authorised igni-
tion key (for example the wrong ignition key) has been used. The engine
cannot be started ⇒page 39.
It is only possible to start the engine of the vehicle with a Genuine Škoda
key with the matching code.
Fuel reserve \f
The warning light \f comes on, if the fuel level is still about 7 litres.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
PLEASE REFUEL
1)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 coolant level is too
low.
WARNING
•Take care when opening the coolant expansion bottle. If the
engine is hot, the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding.
It is best to allow the engine to cool down before removing the cap.
•Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on
automatically even if the ignition is off.

Unlocking and locking37
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
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-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
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

Unlocking and locking
40
Switching child safety lock on
– Use the vehicle key to turn the slit in the rear door to the left in
the direction of the arrow ⇒page 39, fig. 21 .
Switching child safety lock off
– Use the vehicle key to turn the slit to the right against the direc- tion of the arrow.
So long as the child safety lock is switched on it is not possible to open the
door from the inside with the door opening lever. In this case the door can
be opened only from the outside.
Central locking system*
Description
Unlocking or locking the vehicle causes all doors to be unlocked or locked
at the same time by the central locking system. The boot lid is unlocked
when opening. It can be opened by pressing the hand grip above the
licence plate.
Operation of the central locking system is possible:
•from the outside using the vehicle key ⇒page 41
•using the switches for the central locking system ⇒page 42
•with the securing knobs in the front doors ⇒page 42, fig. 23 (only
for locking)
•by using the remote control ⇒page 44 Safe securing
The central locking system is equipped with a
safe securing system.
Locking the vehicle from the outside causes the door locks to be automat-
ically blocked. It is not possible to pull out the locking buttons. The indi-
cator light in the driver's door flashes. It is not possible to open the doors
with the door handle either from the inside or from the outside. This acts
as an effective deterrent for attempts to break into your vehicle.
•You can deactivate the safe securing system. This is done by locking
the vehicle with the key or radio-operated key twice within 2 seconds.
•Deactivating the safe securing system means that the warning light
next to the securing knob in the driver's door ⇒page 42, fig. 23 will not
flash. This is not the case, however, for vehicles with an anti-theft alarm
system* since the indicator light is showing that the system is active.
•The safe securing system is again activated the next time the vehicle
is unlocked and locked again.
The doors can be opened from the inside if the vehicle is locked and the
safe securing system is deactivated:
•The door is unlocked by actuating the door-opening lever.
•The door opens upon actuating the door-opening lever again.
Convenience operation of windows
One can open and close the electrically powered windows when opening
and closing the vehicle ⇒page 48.
Opening a single door
This function allows one to just unlock the driver's door. The other doors
remain locked and are only unlocked when the command is repeated.
The single door opening function can be first activated by recoding the
control unit of the central locking system. This work is undertaken by a
Škoda dealer which can give you more information.
AA
AA

Unlocking and locking41
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Note
•After unlocking the vehicle see, if the securing knobs are located on all
doors at the bottom.
•The vehicle is unlocked automatically if an airbag is deployed.
•Only the front doors can be unlocked and locked using the key if the
central locking system fails.
Unlocking the vehicle using the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver's door to the left into the opening position ⇒fig. 22 .
– Pull on the door handle and open the door.
•All doors are unlocked (the securing knobs must move upwards).
•The boot lid is then unlocked.
•The switched on interior lights come on over the door contact.
•The safe securing system is deactivated.
•The windows are opened provided the key is held in the opening posi-
tion.
•The indicator light in the driver's door stops flashing if the vehicle is not
fitted with an anti-theft alarm system* ⇒page 46.
WARNING
•If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing
system is activated, there must not be any person and animals in
the vehicle as it is then not possible to open either a door or a
window from the inside. The locked doors make it more difficult for
rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - hazard!
•Locking the doors prevents involuntary opening in an excep-
tional situation (an accident). Locked doors prevent unwanted
entry into the vehicle from outside, for example at road crossings.
Locked doors do, however, make it more difficult for rescuers to
get into the vehicle in an emergency.
Fig. 22 Turning the key
for unlocking and
locking the vehicle
AA