2004 SKODA FABIA roof

Lights and Visibility59
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– On the version without reading lights press the switch to
the right, the symbol O appears.
Reading lights

– Press on one of the switches ⇒page 58, fig. 37 in order to
switch the right or left reading light on or off.
Lighting of storage compar tment on the front passenger
side
– Open the flap of the storage compartment on the front passenger side.
– The light switches on automatically when the parking light is switched on and goes out when the flap is closed.
The interior light is switched on for about 20 seconds when a vehicle with
a central locking system is unlocked, when a door is opened or when the
ignition key is removed. The requirement for this is that the switch is in
the door contact position. The inner light goes out out immediately after
the ignition is switched on.
A time delay switch* causes the inner lighting on vehicles without a central
locking system stays on for a few seconds after the doors have been
closed. The inner light goes out out immediately after the ignition is
switched on.
The interior lighting is switched off after about 30 minutes when a door has
been left open in order to avoid discharging the battery of the vehicle.
Interior lighting at the r ear* (estate vehicle, sedan)
The lights ⇒fig. 38 are actuated by pressing the glass on the symbol ,
O or by switching to the middle position .
The same principles apply for the interior lighting at the rear as for the for
the interior lighting at the front ⇒ page 58.
Note
We recommend having these bulbs replaced by a Škoda dealer.
AA
AB
Fig. 38 Roof liner light
at the rear

Seats and Stowage
80
Removing and installing net partition housing
Removing
– Fold the rear seats forwards ⇒page 70
– Open the right rear door.
– Push the net partition housing ⇒fig. 65 in the direction of
arrow and take it out of the mounts of the rear seat back-
rests in the direction of the arrow .
Installing
– Position the net partition housing into the mounts of the seat backrest.
– Push the net partition housing in the opposite direction of arrow as far as the stop.
– Fold the rear seats back into its original position.
The roof luggage rack system*
Description
Pay attention to the following points if you wish to transport luggage or
other items on the roof of your vehicle:
•A special roof luggage rack system was developed for the vehicle.
That is why you should only use one of the roof luggage rack which has
been released for use by Škoda Auto.
•The base carrier is the basis for a complete roof luggage rack system.
Separate additional holders are required for safety reasons for trans-
porting luggage, bikes, surfboards, skis and boats.
•The basic version of the roof luggage rack system and further compo-
nents are obtainable as accessories from Škoda dealers.
•The base carrier is fixed to the roof of the vehicle using special fixtures
which are located under the roof strip.
Caution
•If you use other roof rack systems or if the roof bars are not properly
fitted, then any damage which may result to your car is not covered by the
warranty agreements. It is therefore essential to pay attention to the fitting
instructions supplied with the roof luggage rack system.
•On models fitted with a power sliding/tilting roof, ensure that the
opened sliding/tilting roof does not strike any items of luggage transported
on the roof.
•Ensure that the opened tailgate does not collide with the roof load.
For the sake of the environment
The increased aerodynamic drag results in a higher fuel consumption.
One should therefore take off the roof bar system after use.
Fig. 65 Rear seats: Net
partition housing
AB
A1
A2
A1

Seats and Stowage81
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
A roof rail is obtainable from a Skoda dealer if hasn't been fitted onto an
estate car at the works.
Attachment points
Fitting
– Remove the plastic caps ⇒fig. 66 carefully using a thin
screwdriver and while doing so do not damage the paintwork.
– The feet are inserted into the openings of the roof bars. Assembly is described by the manufacturer of the roof
luggage rack system. Note
•The figure is not valid for an estate car.
•If you have any questions, please contact a Škoda dealer.
Roof load
Distribute weight evenly over the roof luggage rack system. The maximum
permissible roof load (including roof rack system) of
75 kg and the
maximum permissible total weight of the vehicle should not be exceeded.
You cannot make full use of the permissible roof load if you use a roof
luggage rack system with a lower load carrying capacity. The load trans-
ported on the roof luggage rack system must not exceed the weight limit
which is stated in the fitting instructions.
WARNING
•The items which you transport on the roof bar system must be
reliably attached - risk of accident!
•You must on no account exceed the permissible roof load, the
permissible axle loads and the permissible gross weight of your
vehicle - risk of accident!
•Please note that the handling properties of your vehicle change
when you transport heavy or bulky items on the roof bar system as
a result of the displacement of the centre of gravity and the
increased wind attack area - risk of accident! You must absolutely
adapt your style of driving and the speed of the vehicle to the
specific circumstances.
Fig. 66 Attachment
points for roof bars

Heating and air conditioning system
96
Note
•The whole heat output will be needed to unfrost the windscreen and
side windows. No warm air will be fed to the footwell. This can lead to
restriction of the heating comfort.
•The used air streams out through the air removal openings in the
luggage compartment.
•If the air conditioning system has not been switched on for a lengthy
period, odours may be produced at the evaporator because of deposits.
Switch the air conditioning system on at least once a month for approxi-
mately 5 minutes at the highest blower stage - also during the cold season
of the year - in order to remove such odours. Also open a window for a
short time.
•Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode
⇒ page 97.
Setting air conditioning system
Recommended settings of air conditioning controls:
Defrosting the windscreen and side windows
•Turn control dial ⇒page 95, fig. 86 to the right up to the stop
•Blower switch in position 4
•Turn the air distribution control into the position 
•Close the air outlet vents 3
•Open air outlet vents 4 ⇒ page 98, fig. 87 and point towards the side
window.
Keeping windscreen and side windows demisted
We recommend that you use the following setting in cases where the
windows are misted up more than usual (e.g. when it is raining): Blower switch in position
2
Turn the air distribution control into the position

Close the air outlet vents 3
Open air outlet vents 4 ⇒ page 98, fig. 87 and point towards the side
window.
Switch on the air conditioning system by pressing button
Warming up the inside of the ve hicle as rapidly as possible
•Turn control dial to the right up to the stop
•Blower switch in position 4
•Turn the air distribution control into the position 
•Open the air outlet vents 4
•We recommend pressing button air recirculation mode. The
windows can steam up in this position however.
Heating the vehicle to a comfortable temperature
We recommend the following setting once the windows are no longer
misted up and the desired teperature has been reached:
•Control dial at the desired heat temperature
•Blower switch in position 2 or 3
•Turn the air distribution control into the position 
•Open the air outlet vents 4
•Set the air distribution regulator as required between positions 
and , if the windscreen gets misted up again.
Cooling down the inside of the vehicle as rapidly as possible
•Close all windows and the sliding/tilting roof
•Turn the control dial to the left up to the stop
•Blower switch in position 4
•Turn the air distribution control into the position 
AA
AB
AC
AB
AC
AE
AA
AB
AC
AD
AA
AB
AC
AC
AA
AB
AC

Driving and the Environment
162
Avoid driving short distances
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel
consumption.
– Avoid driving a distance of no more than 4 km if the engine is
cold.
The engine and catalytic converter must first have reached their optimal
operating temperature in order to effectively reduce fuel consumption
and pollutant emissions.
The cold engine vehicle consumes approx. 15 - 20 litres/100 km of fuel
immediately after starting. Fuel consumption drops to 10 litres/100 km
after just 1 kilometre. The engine reaches its operating temperature
(outside temperature and engine dependent) only after about 4 to 10 kilo-
metres and the fuel consumption then stabilizes. You should therefore
avoid driving short distances whenever possible. An important factor in this connection is also the
ambient temperature.
The ⇒fig. 130 shows the different fuel consumptions for the same
distance, on the one hand at +20°C and on the other hand at -10°C. Your
vehicle has a higher fuel consumption in winter than in summer.
Checking tyre inflation pressures
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure at all
times. The rolling resistance will be increased if the tyre filling pressure is
too low. This will not only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and
the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the inflation pressure of the tyres when cold.
Do not drive with winter tyres all year round for this costs about 10 %
more fuel. Winter tyres are also louder.
No unnecessary ballast
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
The fact that every kilogram of extra weight increases your fuel consump-
tion means that it is worth taking a look in the luggage compartment to
avoid transporting any unnecessary ballast.
It is particularly in town trafffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that
the vehicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption.
A rule of thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will
cause an increase in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
You may frequently also leave a roof rack fitted on just out of conven-
ience, although you no longer need it. The increased aerodynamic drag of
Fig. 130 Fuel
consumption in
litres/100 km at
different temperatures

Driving and the Environment163
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your vehicle causes it to use about 1 l more fuel than normal at a speed
of 100 - 120 km/h, even when you are not carrying a load on the roof.
Saving electricity
Generating electricity costs fuel.
– Switch off electrical components as soon as you no longer
need them.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies elec-
trical power. The greater the load on the alternator as a result of having a
large number of electrical components switched on, the more fuel will be
consumed for operating the alternator.
Keeping a log of your fuel consumption
If you really wish to keep a close check on your fuel consumption, it is
best to enter the figures in a logbook. This does not take much time but is
a very worthwhile exercise. It enables you to detect any change (positive
and negative) at an early stage and to take any appropriate action.
If you find that your fuel consumption is too high, you should reflect on
how, where and in what conditions you have driven the vehicle since you
last refuelled.
Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection
of materials and manufacture of your new Škoda. Particular emphasis has
been paid to a number of aspects, including:
Design measures
•Joints designed to be easily detached
•Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system
•Improved purity of different classes of materials
•Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommen-
dation 260
•Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO2
•Minimum fuel leakage during accidents
•Reduced noise
Choice of materials
•Extensive use of recyclable material
•Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant
•No cadmium
•No asbestos
•Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics
Manufacture
•Solvent-free cavity protection
•Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the
production plant to the customer
•Use of solvent-free adhesives
•No CFCs used in the production process
•Without use of mercury
•Use of water-soluble paints

Care and cleaning
170
WARNING
When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the brake
system can affect the braking efficiency - risk of accident.
Automatic vehicle wash systems
The paintwork of the vehicle is sufficiently resistant that the vehicle can be
washed normally in automatic vehicle wash plants without any problem.
The actual stress to which the paintwork is subjected, however, depends
greatly on the design of the vehicle wash system, the filtering of the water
and the type of washing and care products used. If the paintwork of your
vehicle appears mat after being washed or even has scratches, point this
out to the operator of the vehicle wash plant. Use a different vehicle wash
plant, if necessary.
There are no particular points to note before washing your vehicle in such
a plant other than the usual precautionary measures (closing windows
and sliding/tilting roof, moving any factory-fitted aerials down flat against
the bodywork, etc.).
If you have any particular attached parts fitted to your car - such as spoiler,
roof rack system, two-way radio aerial - it is best to first of all consult the
operator of the car wash plant.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers after
passing through the automatic vehicle wash system.
Caution
Do not screw the swivelling down roof aerial tight before washing the
vehicle in an automatic vehicle wash system - risk of damage!
Washing vehicle by hand
It is important to first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off as
thoroughly as possible before washing your vehicle by hand.
One should then clean the vehicle using a soft washing sponge,
washing glove or a washing brush and only slight pressure. Work from
the top to the bottom - beginning with the roof. Only place slight pressure
on the vehicle paintwork during cleaning Only use a shampoo for stub-
born dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for
such areas.
Rinse off the vehicle well after giving it a wash and dry it off using a
chamois leather.
WARNING
•The ignition should always be switched off when you wash your
vehicle - risk of accident!
•Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts
when you are cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel hous-
ings or the wheel trims - risk of cuts.
Caution
•Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
•Ensure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locks or at the
door and panel joints if you spray your vehicle in winter down with a hose
- risk of freezing.
•Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar
cleaning products - risk of damage to the surface of paintwork.

Care and cleaning173
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Caution
Never remove snow or ice from the windows with warm or hot water - risk
of formation of cracks in the glass!
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 the spray from Škoda original accessories
with regreasing and anticorrosive effect for de-icing locks.
Note
When washing your vehicle, ensure that as little water as possible gets
into the locks.
Wheels
Steel wheels
You should also thoroughly wash the wheels and wheel trims when giving
your vehicle its regular wash. This prevents any brake dust, dirt and road
salt from sticking to the wheel hubs. You can remove stubborn brake abra-
sion adhering to the wheels with an industrial cleaner. Touch up any
damage to the paintwork on the wheels before rust is able to form.
Light alloy wheels
Regular care of light alloy wheels is necessary in order to retain their deco-
rative appearance over long periods. It is particularly important to remove
any road salt and brake abrasion from light alloy wheels every two weeks,
otherwise the surface will suffer. Wash thoroughly and then treat the
wheels with a protective product for light alloy wheels which does not
contain any acidic components. You should provide the wheel hubs with a
hard wax layer every three months. You must not use any products which
cause abrasion when treating the wheel hubs. Any damage to the paint
layer on the wheel hubs must be touched up immediately.
We recommend using a preservative from Škoda genuine accessories
offered by your Škoda dealer.