2003 SKODA FABIA service

Introduction
2
The on-board literature
The on-board literature for your vehicle consists of this “ Owner's
Manual” as well as a “ Service plan”, “Te c h n i c a l d a ta ” and a
“Travelling assistant ”. There can also be a variety of other addi-
tional operating manuals and instructions on-board (e.g. an oper-
ating manual for the radio) depending on the vehicle model and
equipment.
If one of the publication s listed above is missing, please contact
a Škoda dealer immediately, where one will be glad to assist you
in such matters.
One should note that the details given in the vehicle's
papers always take precedence over those in the Owner's
Manual.
The Owner's Manual
In addition to information regarding all the controls and equip-
ment, the Owner's Manual also contains important information
regarding care and operation for your safety and also to retain the
value of your vehicle To provide you with valuable tips and aids.
You can learn how how you can operate your vehicle safely,
economically and in an environmentally conscious way.
For safety reasons, please also pay attention to the informa-
tion on accessories, modifications and replacement of parts
⇒ page 194.
The other chapters of the Owner's Manual are also important,
however, for proper treatment of your car - in addition to regular
care and maintenance - helps to retain its value and in many
cases is also one of the requirements for warranty claims. The Service Schedule
contains:
•Vehicle data
•Service intervals
•Overview of the service work
•Service proof
•Confirmation of mobility warranty
•important information on the warranty
The confirmation of the service work carried out is a requirement
for a warranty claim.
Please always present the Service Schedule when you take your
car to a Škoda dealer.
If the Service Schedule is missing or worn, please contact your
Škoda dealer, where your car is serviced regularly. You will
receive a duplicate, in which the previously carried out service
work are confirmed.
Assistance in Europe
contains the addresses and telephone numbers of Škoda
Importers.
Technical Data
includes the most important identification data of your vehicle.

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* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
9
11
11
12
12
13
13
14
14
15
16
17
21
23
27
37
37
38
39
39
39
40
44
45
46
47
49 52
52
56
58
59
62
63
63
65
66
66
67
69
69
73
76
78
78
79
79
80
81
87
87
90
95
95
95
96
98
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100
100 103
103
108
108
109
109
111
111
111
111
11 2
11 2
11 3
11 4
11 5
11 8
120
120
122
124
127
130
130
134
138

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
12
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
General view of the instrument cluster
Fig. 3 Instrument cluster
Engine revolutions counter ⇒page 13
Coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 13
Fuel gauge ⇒page 14
Speedometer
− with counter for distance driven ⇒page 14
− with trip counter for distance driven ⇒page 14 −
with Service Interval Display ⇒page 15
Digital clock ⇒page 16 and multi-functional indicator* ⇒page 17
Information display* ⇒page 21
When the lights are switched on, the instrument cluster is illuminated.A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6

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 Lights
16
Resetting Service Interval Display
We recommend having this resetting performed by a Škoda Dealer.
Škoda dealer:
•resets the memory of the display after the appropriate inspection;
•makes an entry in the Service Schedule;
•affix the sticker to the side of the dash panel on the driver's side, where
the following service interval is shown.
The service interval displays can also be reset as follows by using the
reset button for the counter for distance driven:
Models with fixed service intervals (QG0)
Switch off the ignition, press the reset button of the trip counter for
distance driven and hold it down.
Switching the ignition on causes a service interval to appear in the display.
Holding the reset button down for 10 seconds will cause the counter to be
reset (the display shows “- - -” and then the trip counter readout).
The readout OIL will appear in the display after resetting the indicator
INSP and releasing the reset button when both service intervals (INSP
and OIL) were reached together.
Repress the reset button and hold it down for 10 seconds to also reset this
interval.
Vehicles with extended service intervals (QG1 and QG2)
Switch off the ignition, press the reset button of the trip counter for
distance driven and hold it down.
Switch the ignition on and release the reset button. Now turn the reset
button to the right. All counters will be reset to 0.
Caution
We recommend that you do not reset the Service Interval Display yourself
otherwise this can result in the service interval display being incorrectly
set, which may also result in problems with operation of your vehicle.
Note
•Information is retained in the Service Interval Display also after the
battery of the vehicle is disconnected.
•It is necessary to re-code the Service Interval Display if a new instru-
ment cluster is installed during repair work. this work is carried out by a
Škoda dealer.
•Never reset the display between service intervals otherwise this may
result in incorrect readouts.
•The data displayed is the same after resetting the display with flexible
service intervals (QG1) using the reset button as that for a vehicle with
fixed service intervals (QG2).
•We therefore recommend having the Service Interval Display reset
only by a Škoda dealer who is familiar with the procedure for resetting the
display with a vehicle system tester.
•Please refer to the brochure Service Plan for extensive information
about the service intervals.
Digital clock
A reset button is installed on the left below beside the speedom-
eter for adjusting the clock ⇒page 12, fig. 3 .
Set hours
– Turn the reset button to the left.

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights21
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Information display*
Introduction
The information display provides you with information in a convenient way
concerning the current operating state of your vehicle . The information
system also provides you with data (depending on the equipment installed
in the vehicle) relating to the radio, multi-functional indicator and naviga-
tion system and automatic gearbox.
Certain functions and operating conditions are always being checked on
the vehicle when the ignition is switched on and also while driving.
Functional faults, if required rapair work and other services are indicated
by red symbols ⇒page 24 and yellow symbols ⇒ page 25.
Lighting up of these symbols is combined with an acoustic warning signal.
Information and texts giving warnings are also shown in the display
⇒ page 27. The display of text is possible in the following languages:
Czech, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese.
You can have the relevant language set by a Škoda dealer.
The following information can be shown in the display (depending on the
equipment installed on the vehicle):
Fig. 9 Instrument
cluster: Information
display
Menu⇒ page 22
Door ajar warning, luggage compartment door
and bonnet ajar warning⇒page 23
Radio display⇒page 23
Service Interval Display⇒page 15
Selector lever position for an automatic gearbox⇒page 104

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights23
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
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 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.