2004 SKODA FABIA ignition

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
34
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that
the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating
properly.
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 152, “Traction control system
(TCS)*”.
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System
(TCS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and the Antilock Brake System
ABS (ABS).
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning lig ht will come on an d remains on if the ESP is switched off
or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that
the ESP warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating
properly.
Further information on the ESP ⇒page 151, “Electronic stability
programme (ESP)*”.
Antilock brake system (ABS)* 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS and the Electronic
Differential Lock (EDL). The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been
switched on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after
an automatic check sequence has been completed.
A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the ABS warning light
 does
not go out within a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not
light up at all or lights up while driving. The vehicle will only be braked by
the normal brake system without the effect of the ABS function. Visit a
Škoda dealer as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving in the
meantime since you will not know how great the damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the
ABS.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 155, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)*”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
 comes on together with the brake system
warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in
the ABS but also in another part of the brake system ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ABS. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ABS
warning light
 in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected
without delay by a Škoda dealer. Further information on the EDL
⇒ page 153.
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the
ABS warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights35
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
brake fluid level in the reservoir
⇒page 191, “Brake fluid”. If the
fluid level has dropped below th e MIN marking, do not drive any
further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain profes-
sional assistance.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 183,
“Working in the engine compartment” before checking the brake
fluid level and opening the bonnet.
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 . Be aware that not only the ABS but also another part of th brake
system is defective ⇒.
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 154, “Brakes”.
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
WARNING
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 183,
“Working in the engine compartment” before checking the brake
fluid level and opening the bonnet.
•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 191, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the
MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact a
Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
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 (continued)

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
36
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
AIRBAG FAULT
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically,
when one airbag has been switched off
The passenger front airbag and also possibly the passenger side
airbag which have been switched off by a Skoda dealer using the
vehicle system tester:
•The warning light  lights up for 3 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The passenger front airbag and also possibly the passenger side
airbag which have been switched off using the switch (for switching
off airbags)* in the storage compartment on the front passenger
side:
•The warning light  comes on for 3 seconds after the ignition has
been switched on.
•Switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the
lighting up of the indicator light   (airbag switched off)
⇒ page 138.
WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediately by a Škoda dealer if
a fault exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being acti-
vated in the event of an accident.
Note
Further information about switching off airbags ⇒page 137, “Deactivating
an airbag”.
Seat belt warning light* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds after the ignition is
switched on as a reminder to fasten the seat belt.
If you do not fasten the seat belt, a long warning signal sounds for 6
seconds.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
FASTEN SEATBELT
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 123, “Why seat belts?”.

Unlocking and locking
38
WARNING
•Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle - even
if it is only for a short time. This is particularly important if children
are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise start the engine
or operate electrical equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of
injury!
•Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the
vehicle has come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise
engage unintentionally - risk of accident!
Caution
•Each key contains electronic components; therefore protect them
against moisture and severe shocks.
•Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean as impurities (textile
fibres, dust etc.) have a negative effect on proper operation of the keys
and the ignition lock.
Note
Please approach a Škoda dealer if you lose a key since he can obtain a
new one for you.
Changing the key battery
Each radio-operated key contains a battery which is housed in
the cover of the transmitter housing ⇒fig. 19 . We recom-
mend that you have the batteries of the key replaced by a Škoda
Fig. 19 Disconnect key
with radio remote
control
Fig. 20 Cover of the
transmitter housing
AB

Unlocking and locking39
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
dealer. You should, however, proceed as follows if you wish to
replace the battery yourself:
– Fold open the key.
– Use a screwdriver to carefully lever off the front part of the key
⇒ page 38, fig. 19 from the transmitter housing .
– Take off the cover of the transmitter housing ⇒page 38,
fig. 20 in direction of arrow.
– Take the used battery out of the housing cover.
– Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing downwards. The correct polarity is also
shown on the cover of the transmitter housing.
– Insert cover with battery in place at the rear of the transmitter housing and press both parts together.
– Insert the transmitter housing into the front part of the key so that the two parts lock into each other.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of an old battery in accordance with environmental regulations.
Note
•The replacement battery must have the same specification as the orig-
inal battery.
•If it is still not be possible to unlock or lock the vehicle with the remote
control even after replacing the battery this means that the system has to
be synchronised ⇒page 47.
Electronic immobiliser
The electronic immobiliser prevents the vehicle being
operated by an unauthorised person.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is
deactivated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition
lock. The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when you with-
draw the ignition key from the lock.
Note
It is only possible to start the engine of your car with a Genuine Škoda key
with the matching code ⇒page 31.
Locking
Valid for vehicles without a central locking system:
Locking from outside
The securing head will move upwards or downwards in the door when
unlocking or locking ⇒page 43, fig. 23 .
Locking from inside
All closed vehicle doors are locked by pressing in the securing knobs from
the inside. The doors cannot be opened from the outside when the
securing knobs have been pressed in. The vehicle doors can be opened
from the inside as follows:
•The door is unlocked by actuating the door-opening lever.
•The door opens upon actuating the door-opening lever again.
AAAB
AA

Unlocking and locking41
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Convenience operation of windows
One can open and close the electrically powered windows when opening
and closing the vehicle
⇒page 50, “Convenience operation of windows”.
Opening a single door*
This function allows one to just unlock the driver's door. The other doors
remain locked and are only unlocked when the command is repeated.
The single door opening function can be first activated by recoding the
control unit of the central locking system. This work is undertaken by a
Škoda dealer which can give you more information.
Automatic locking*
All the doors and the boot lid are locked automatically once the car
reaches a speed of about 15 km/h.
If the ignition key is withdrawn, the car is then automatically unlocked
again. In addition, it is possible for the driver to unlock the car by pressing
the central locking button
 or by pulling the door opening lever.
If you wish, your Škoda Dealer can convert the central locking system of
your car to the automatic locking mode.
WARNING
•Locking the doors prevents involuntary opening in an excep-
tional situation (an accident). Locked doors prevent unwanted
entry into the vehicle from outside, for example at road crossings.
Locked doors do, however, make it more difficult for rescuers to
get into the vehicle in an emergency - danger to life!
Note
•After locking the vehicle see, if the securing knobs located on the front
doors are pushed down. On vehicles with central locking the rear doors
have no securing knobs.
•In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the
locked doors are automatically unlocked in order to enable rescuers to
gain access to the vehicle.
•Only the front doors can be unlocked and locked using the key if the
central locking system fails. You can operate the rear door manually.
−Emergency locking of the door ⇒page 44.
Safe securing
The central locking system is equipped with a safe securing system.
Locking the vehicle from the outside causes the door locks to be automat-
ically blocked. It is not possible to pull out the locking buttons. The indi-
cator light in the driver's door flashes. It is not possible to open the doors
with the door handle either from the inside or from the outside. This acts
as an effective deterrent for attempts to break into your vehicle.
You can deactivate the safe securing system. This is done by locking the
vehicle with the key or radio-operated key twice within 2 seconds.
Deactivating the safe securing system means that the warning light next
to the securing knob in the driver's door ⇒page 43, fig. 23 will not
flash. This is not the case, however, for an activated anti-theft alarm
system* since the indicator light is showing that the system is active.
The safe securing system is again activated the next time the vehicle is
unlocked and locked again.
The doors can be opened from the inside if the vehicle is locked and the
safe securing system is deactivated:
•The door is unlocked by actuating the door-opening lever.
•The door opens upon actuating the door-opening lever again.
AA

Unlocking and locking
42
WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing
system is activated, there must not be any person and animals in
the vehicle as it is then not possible to open either a door or a
window from the inside. The locked doors make it more difficult for
rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - hazard!
Unlocking the vehicle using the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver's door to the left into the
opening position ⇒fig. 22 .
– Pull on the door handle and open the door.
•All doors are unlocked (the securing knobs in the front doors must
move upwards).
•The boot lid is then unlocked.
•The switched on interior lights come on over the door contact.
•The safe securing system is deactivated.
•The windows are opened provided the key is held in the opening posi-
tion.
•The indicator light in the driver's door stops flashing if the vehicle is not
fitted with an anti-theft alarm system* ⇒page 48.
Note
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system*, you must
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. The alarm will be triggered if you do not
switch on the ignition within 15 seconds.
Closing the vehicle with the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver door to the right into the
closing position ⇒fig. 22 .
•All doors and the boot lid are locked (the securing knobs in the front
doors must move downwards).
•The switched on interior lights go out over the door contact.
•The windows and the electric sliding/tilting roof* are closed provided
the key is held in the locking position.
•The safe securing system is activated immediately.
•The indicator light in the driver door begins flashing.
Fig. 22 Turning the key
for unlocking and
locking the vehicle
AA
AB

Unlocking and locking43
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
The opened driver door cannot be locked. It must be locked separately
after closing it.
Buttons for central locking
All the doors ar unlocked or locked using the buttons and .
The buttons also operate if the ignition is switched off, but not if
the vehicle was locked from outside.
Locking all doors and the boot lid
– Press button ⇒fig. 23 or press the securing knob in the
front door downwards.
Unlocking all doors and the boot lid
– Press button ⇒fig. 23 .
The following applies if you have locked your vehicle using the button :
•It is not possible to open the doors or the boot lid from the outside
(safety feature, e.g. when stopping at traffic lights etc.).
•You can unlock the doors individually from the inside and open them
by pulling the door opening lever.
•Once the driver door is opened it cannot be locked again (after oper-
ating the lock function in the button for the central locking switch) in order
to avoid inadvertently being locked out of the vehicle. You then have to
lock a door separately after closing it.
•In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the
locked doors are automatically unlocked from the inside in order to enable
rescuers to gain access to the vehicle.
WARNING
The central locking system also operates if the ignition is switched
off. All the doors and the boot lid are locked. Children should never
be left unattended in the vehicle since it is difficult to provide
assistance from the outside when the doors are locked. Locked
doors make it difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an
emergency - hazard!
Note
•The door opening lever and the buttons for the central locking system
do not operate if the safe securing system is activated.
•Figure ⇒fig. 23 shows operation of vehicles which are fitted
⇒ page 49 with the window convenience operation*.
Fig. 23 Buttons for
central locking
A1A2
A1AA
A2
A1