2003 SKODA FABIA tow

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
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27
37
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49 52
52
56
58
59
62
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69
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73
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80
81
87
87
90
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100 103
103
108
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109
111
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111
11 2
11 2
11 3
11 4
11 5
11 8
120
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127
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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
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196
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203
205
209
209
212
223
223
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225
225
225
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226
227

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
28
Note
•Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model
version. The symbols shown in the following functional description are to
be found as indicator lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols
(priority 1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system 
Either the left  or right  indicator light flashes depending on the posi-
tion of the turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails.
This does not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all
of the turn signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
Further information about the turn signal system ⇒page 54.
!Power steering*⇒page 30
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒page 30
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 30
Turn signal system for vehicles towing
a trailer*⇒page 30
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 31
Electronic immobiliser*⇒page 31
Fuel reserve⇒page 31
Engine oil⇒page 32
Brake pad wear*⇒page 32
Bulbs*⇒page 33
Open door*⇒page 33
Fluid level in windshield washer sys-
tem*⇒page 33
Luggage compartment door*⇒page 33
EPC fault light⇒page 33
Traction control system (TCS)*⇒page 33
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 34
Antilock brake system (ABS)*⇒page 34
Brake system⇒page 35
Airbag system⇒page 35
Seat belt warning light*⇒page 36

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 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
58
Visibility
Rear window heater
– Press switch  to switch on the rear window heater ⇒fig. 37 .
The rear window heater only operates when the engine is running. An indi-
cator light in the switch is illuminated when the rear window heater is
switched on.
The rear window heater switches off automatically after 20 minutes.
For the sake of the environment
You should switch off the rear window heater as soon as the rear window
is clear. The reduced current consumption will have a favourable effect on
fuel economy ⇒ page 153.
Sun visors
You can pull the sun visors for the driver and front passenger out of their
fixture and swivel them toward the doors in the direction of the arrow
⇒fig. 38. The visor above the interior mirror* can only be folded down.
The vanity mirrors* in the sun visors are provided with covers.Fig. 37 Switch for rear
window heater
Fig. 38 Sun visor:
swivelling out

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

Lights and Visibility
62
Rear-view mirror
You can adjust the exterior mirrors electrically*.
Adjust the reverse view mirror before commencing to drive so
that there is a clear view to the rear.
Dimming the interior mirror
– Pull the lever on the bottom edge of the mirror toward rear (the
lever on the interior mirror must point forwards in it home posi-
tion).
Heating of the external mirror*
– Turn the rotary knob to position
 ⇒ fig. 42 . Adjusting left and right exterior mirrors*
– Turn the rotary knob to position
. The movement of the mirror
surface is identical to the movement of the rotary knob. The
right hand exterior mirror is adjusted at the same time on vehi-
cles with electrically operated power windows.
Adjusting the right-hand exterior mirror*
– Turn the rotary knob to position
. The movement of the mirror
surface is identical to the movement of the rotary knob.
The exterior mirror heater only operates when the engine is running.
Note
•Do not touch the surface of the exterior mirrors if the exterior mirror
heater is switched on.
•Contact your Škoda dealer if a fault exists with the power setting of the
exterior mirrors.
•You can set the exterior mirrors by hand, if the power setting function
fails at any time, by pressing on the edge of the mirror surface.
Fig. 42 Inner part of
door: Rotary knob
WARNING
Convex (curved outward) or aspherical exterior mirrors increase
the vision field. They do, however, make objects appear smaller in
the mirror. These mirrors are only of limited use, therefore, for esti-
mating distances to the following vehicles.