2003 SKODA FABIA open bonnet

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights13
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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.

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights23
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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

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
32
Engine oil 
The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The warning light comes on for a few seconds 2) when the ignition is
switched on.
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off if the warning light does not
go off after the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil
level and top up with oil as necessary ⇒ page 175.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under
the conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Switch off the engine and
obtain professional assistance from a Škoda dealer.
Do not drive any further if the warning light blinks even when the oil is at
the correct level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact
the nearest Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP! OIL PRESS. STOP MOTOR! SERVICE MANUAL
The warning light
 lights up yellow* (oil quantity too low)
If the warning light lights up yellow, the quantity of oil in the engine is too
low. Check oil level as soon as possible or top up ⇒page 175 with oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30
seconds. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come
on again after driving about 100 km. The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
CHECK OIL LEVEL
The warning light
 flashes yellow* (engine oil level sensor faulty)
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible
signal and the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has
been switched on.
In this case have the engine inspected without delay by a Škoda
dealer.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP!
Thickness of the brake pads* 
If the warning light  comes on, contact a Škoda dealer immediately and
have the brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: CHECK BRAKE PADS
2)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 engine oil level is too
low.
WARNING
The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One
should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably
after every refueling stop.

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights35
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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.

Unlocking and locking
46
operated key are actuated a number of times outside of the operative
range of the equipment or the battery on the remote control was replaced.
This means that the code must be resynchronised by pressing any button
on the remote control. Pressing of a button means that the door will be
openable with the key within 1 minute.
Anti-theft alarm system*
The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against
people seeking to break into the vehicle. The system triggers audible and
visual warning signals if an attempt is made to break into the vehicle.
How is the alarm system switched on?
The anti-theft alarm system is activated automatically when the vehicle is
locked with the key on the closed driver's door or by using the remote
control. It is ready to operate 30 seconds after closing the door.
How is the alarm system switched off?
The anti-theft alarm system is switched off if the vehicle is unlocked by
only using the remote control. The vehicle is automatically locked again if
the vehicle is not opened within 30 seconds after transmitting the radio
signal.
Once you unlock the vehicle by inserting the key into the driver door you
then have to insert the key into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on
within 15 seconds after opening the door in order to deactivate the anti-
theft alarm system. The alarm will be triggered if you do not switch on
the ignition within 15 seconds.
When is the alarm triggered?
The following security areas of the locked vehicle are monitored:
•Bonnet
•Luggage compartment door
•Doors
•Ignition lock
•Interior of the vehicle*3)
•A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is
disconnected while the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
How is the alarm switched off?
You switch the alarm off if you unlock the car with the radio remote control
in the key or if you switch the ignition on.
Switching off the interior monitoring system
The process of switching off and switching on the interior monitoring
system is the same as for switching off and switching on the safe securing
system ⇒page 40.
This function allows one to leave animals in the vehicle, for example.
Note
•The working life of the source of the siren is 5 years. More detailed
information is available from your Škoda Dealer.
•Coding of the remote control and the receptor part precludes the use
of the remote control from other vehicles.
•Power supply for the remote control operation is provided by a battery.
The battery must be replaced, ideally by the Škoda dealer, if the central
locking or anti-theft alarm system does not react to the remote control until
it is less than 3 metres away.
3)The alarm will be triggered through movement within the interior of the vehicle or
an attempt to steal the radio. The rear part of the interior of the vehicle is not fully
monitored under certain circumstances.

Automatic gearbox*105
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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!

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.

Inspecting and Replenishing171
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Inspecting and Replenishing
Engine compartment
Unlocking the bonnet
Unlocking the bonnet
– Pull the unlocking lever below the dash panel on the driver's
side ⇒fig. 123 .
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result of the spring force. A handle
appears at the same time in the radiator grille.
Opening and closing the bonnet.
Fig. 123 Bonnet
release lever
Fig. 124 Radiator
grille: handle
Fig. 125 Securing the
bonnet with the bonnet
support