2003 SKODA FABIA steering wheel

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
99
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

Contents
4
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS)* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detachable towing device* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . .
Care and cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen Wiper and Washer System . . . . Spark plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
V-ribbed belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The dust and pollen filter* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* . . . . . . . .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spray for repairing a tyre* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabia Praktik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Praktik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The fold-away storage compartment . . . . . . .
Lashing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixing the loading area floor in place . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
141
141
141
144
145
146
147
147
148
149
153
154
155
155
157
159
159
159
159
164
166
167
167
167
169
171
171
174
177
179
181
185 186
186
186
187
187
194
194
195
195
195
195
196
196
197
197
198
203
205
209
209
212
223
223
223
225
225
225
225
226
227

Cockpit11
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Cockpit
An overview
This general view is designed to help you to quickly
become familiar with the instruments, gauges and
controls.
Electric exterior mirror adjustment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
−Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight
flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster: Instruments and indicator lights . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
− Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Windshield wiper/wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Switch for the ESP* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Switch for the TCS* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator light for a switched-off airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the front passenger seat* . . . . .
Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for:
− Central locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . −
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch, control dial for the instrument lighting and
control dial for the headlight beam range regulatiion . . . . .
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight flasher, driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for the air conditioning system* . . . .
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Selector lever (automatic gearbox*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio*
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
•Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
•Vehicles with factory-fitted radio, mobile phone, navigation system, CD
player etc. are supplied with separate instructions for operating such
equipment.
•The arrangement of the controls and switches and the location of
some items on right-hand drive models may differ from that shown in
⇒ page 10, fig. 2 . The symbols on the controls and switches are the same
as for left-hand drive models.
A162
A289
A3
54
100
A412
A5
17
59
A689
A766
A858
A9
141
142
A1054
A11128
A1266
A13122
A14
42 47
A1552, 53
A16171
A1781
A1895
A19122
A2095
A21
87
90
A2279
A23
98
104
A24
A2581

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
30
Fog lights* 
The warning light  comes on when the fog lights are operating
⇒ page 53.
Power steering* !
The warning light ! comes on for 2 seconds after the ignition is switched
on. There is a fault in the electronics for the power-assisted steering if the
warning light lights up while driving or does not go out 2 seconds after
switching on the ignition. Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain assistance.
The warning light does not come on when there is a lack of oil.
Further information ⇒page 146, “Power steering*”.
Note
There is no power-assisted steering support when the vehicle is being
towed without the engine running or when the power-assisted steering is
defect. The vehicle is fully steerable however. There is simply increased
force required to turn the steering wheel.
EPC fault light \b (petrol engine)
The \b (Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a system fault in the engine control system if the warning light
\b
does not go out or comes on or flashes while driving. The engine manage-
ment system selects an emergency programme which enables you to
drive to the nearest Škoda dealer while adopting a gentle style of driving. The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ENGINE WORKSHOP!
Glow plug system  (diesel engine)
The indicator light  lights up for a cold engine when switching on the
igntion (pre-heat position) 2 ⇒page 95. Start the engine just as soon as
the indicator light goes out.
The glow plug indicator light will come on for about 1 second if the engine
is at a normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature is
above +5°C. This means that you can start the engine right away.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the indicator light
 does not
come on at all or lights up continuously. Contact as soon as possible a
Škoda Dealer to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ENGINE WORKSHOP!
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer* 
The indicator light  on vehicles towing a trailer flashes together with the
respective indicator light for the turn signal system.
The indicator light
 does not flash if a turn signal light on the trailer or
on the vehicle is not operating.

Lights and Visibility55
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
– Turn signal for changing lanes - in order to only flash briefly
move the lever up or down to the pressure point and hold it
there.
Turn signal light (left)

– Push the lever downwards.
– Turn signal for changing lanes - in order to only flash briefly move the lever up or down to the pressure point and hold it
there.
Main beam

– Switch on the low beam.
– Push the lever forwards.
– Pull the lever back into the initial position in order to switch the main beam off again.
Headlight flasher

– Pull on the lever of the steering wheel (sprung position) - the main beam and warning light in the instrument cluster come
on.
Parking light

– Switch off the ignition.
– Push the lever up or down - the right-hand or left-hand parking light is switched on.
Information concerning the function of the lights.
•The turn signal system only operates when the ignition is switched
on. The corresponding indicator light  or  in the instrument cluster also
flashes.
•The turn signal is automatically cancelled after negotiating a curve.
•The side light and rear light on the appropriate side of the vehicle are
switched on when the parking light is selected. The parking light function
only operates if the ignition is switched off.
•An acoustic warning signal will sound when the driver's door is opened
if the lever is not in the middle position after removing the ignition key. The
acoustic warning signal will stop just as soon as the driver's door is closed.
Caution
•Use main beam or the headlight flasher only if this does not risk
dazzling other road users.
•Use only in accordance with the legal requirements the described
lighting and signal systems.

Lights and Visibility59
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
The windscreen wiper and washing
system
Windscreen wipers
You can operate the windscreen wipers and automatic
wipe/wash using the windscreen wiper lever.
The windscreen wiper lever ⇒fig. 39 has the following positions:
Finger-operated wiping
– Move the lever down into position if you wish to wipe the windscreen only for a single wipe.
Intermittent wipe
– Move the lever up into notch position . – Set with the switch the desired break between the indi-
vidual wiper strokes
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up into notch position .
Fast wipe
– Move the lever up into notch position .
Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel into position and the widescreen wiper and wash system will operate - in the
sprung position.
– Release the lever. The windscreen wash system stops and the wiper continues for another 1 - 3 wiper strokes (depending
on the period of spraying of the windscreen).
Wiping the rear window pane*
– Push the lever away from the steering wheel into position - the widescreen wiper will operate every 6 seconds.
Automatic wipe/wash for the rear window pane*
– Push the lever away from the steering wheel into position - the widescreen wiper and wash system will operate - in the
sprung position.
– Letting go of the lever will cause the windscreen wash system to stop and the wiper to continue for another 1 - 3 wiper
strokes (depending on the period of spraying of the wind-
screen). The lever will stay in position after releasing it .
Fig. 39 Windscreen
wiper lever
A4
A1
AA
A2
A3
A5
A6
A7
A6

Seats and Stowage63
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Seats and Stowage
Front seats
Basic information
The front seats have a wide range of different settings and can thus be
matched to the physical characteristics of the driver and front passenger.
Correct adjustment of the seats is particularly important for
•safely and quickly reaching the controls,
•a relaxed, fatigue-free body position,
•achieving the maximum protection offered by the seat belts and
the airbag system.
The chapters which follow describe the procedure which you should adopt
for adjusting the seats.
Adjusting the front seats
Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction
– Pull the lever ⇒fig. 43 up and push the seat into the
desired position.
WARNING
•Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being
driven - never place your feet on the instrument panel or on the
surfaces of the seats. This is particularly important for the front
seat passenger. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it
becomes necessary to apply the brake or in the event of an acci-
dent.
•It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a
distance of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel.
Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag
system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard! The front
seats and the head restraints must always also be correctly
adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
WARNING (continued)
•Ensure that there are no objects in the footwell as any objects
may get behind the pedals during a driving or braking manoeuvre.
You would then no longer be able to operate the clutch, to brake or
accelerate.
Fig. 43 Controls for
adjusting the seat
A1

Seats and Stowage
64
– Release the lever and push the seat further until the lock is heard to engage.
Adjusting height of seat*
– Lift the seat if required by pulling or pumping lever upwards.
– Lower the seat if required by pushing or pumping lever downwards.
Adjusting angle of backrest
– Relieve any pressure on the backrest (do not lean on it) and turn the handwheel to adjust the angle of the backrest.
The driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the pedals can be
pressed to the floor with slightly bent legs.
The backrest on the driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that
the upper point of the steering wheel can be easily reached with slightly
bent arms.
Caution
Vehicles in the Praktik version should not experience contact between the
backrest and the partition wall after adjusting the angle of the backrest
since there is danger of damage to the seat cover through rubbing when
driving.
WARNING
•Only adjust the driver seat when the vehicle is stationary - risk
of injury!
•Take care when adjusting the seat! Adjusting the seat without
care can lead to bruises or injuries.
•The backrests must not be angled too far back when driving
otherwise this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of
the airbag system - risk of injury!
A1
A2
A2
A3