2004 SKODA FABIA open bonnet

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights13
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Engine revolutions counter
The start of the red zone in the revolutions counter ⇒page 12, fig. 2
indicates the maximum permissible engine speed for all gears for an
engine which has been run in and operating at a normal temperature. You
should shift into the next higher gear before this red zone is reached, or
move the selector lever into position D if your car is fitted with an automatic
gearbox.
One should shift to the next lower gear at the latest when the engine is no
longer running smoothly.
Avoid high engine speeds during the running-in period ⇒page 157.
Caution
The needle of the revolutions counter must on no account move into the
red zone of the scale - risk of engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Shifting up early helps you save fuel and reduce the operating noise of
your vehicle.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 12, fig. 2 only operates when
the ignition is switched on.
In order to avoid any damage to the engine, please pay attention to the
following notes regarding the temperature ranges: Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid running at
high engine speeds, at full throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer
moves into the mid-range of the scale. The pointer may also move further
to the right at high engine loads and high outside temperatures. This is not
critical provided the warning symbol
 in the instrument cluster does not
flash.
If the symbol
 in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Please
refer to the guidelines ⇒page 31, “Coolant temperature/coolant level ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒page 183, “Working in the
engine compartment” before opening the bonnet and inspecting
the coolant level.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh
air inlet impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of
the engine overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine
loads!
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge ⇒page 12, fig. 2 only operates when the ignition is
switched on.
A1
A2
A3

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights23
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 the luggage compart-
ment 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 Lights
32
Engine oil 
The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The warning light comes on for a few seconds 2) when the ignition is
switched on.
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off if the warning light does not
go off after the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil
level and top up with oil as necessary ⇒page 186.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under
the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine
switched off and obtain professional assistance from a Škoda dealer.
Do not drive any further if the warning light blinks even when the oil is at
the correct level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact
the nearest Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP! OIL PRESS. STOP MOTOR! SERVICE MANUAL
The warning light
 lights up yellow* (oil quantity too low)
If the warning light lights up yellow, the quantity of oil in the engine is prob-
ably too low. Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒page 186
with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
CHECK OIL LEVEL The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30
seconds. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come
on again after driving about 100 km.
The warning light
 flashes yellow* (engine oil level sensor faulty)
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible
signal and the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has
been switched on.
In this case have the engine inspected without delay by a Škoda
dealer.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP!
WARNING
The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One
should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably
after every refueling stop.
Thickness of the brake pads* 
If the warning light  comes on, contact a Škoda dealer immediately and
have the brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: CHECK BRAKE PADS
2)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 engine oil level is too
low.

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)

Unlocking and locking47
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Folding out of the key
– Press button .
Folding up of the key
– Press button and collapse the key bit in the housing.
The turn signal lights flash twice as confirmation that the vehicle has been
unlocked. The vehicle will lock again automatically if you unlock the
vehicle using button but do not open a door or the boot lid within the
next 30 seconds. This function is intended to prevent the car being
unlocked unintentionally.
The safe securing system along with the anti-theft alarm system* are,
however, deactivated during these 30 seconds.
If the single door opening function has been activated on your car, you
unlock only the driver door by pressing button once and the complete
vehicle by pressing the button twice ⇒page 40.
When the vehicle is unlocked or locked, the interior lights in the door
contact are automatically switched on or off.
The turn signal lights flash once to confirm that the vehicle has been
correctly locked.
The turn signal lights flash once to confirm that the vehicle has been
correctly locked. If the turn signal lights do not flash, check the doors,
bonnet and boot lid again to ensure that they are closed. If the doors, the
bonnet or the boot lid remain open when the anti-theft alarm system* is
activated, the turn signal lights do not flash until after they have been
closed.
WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing
system is activated, there must not be any person 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!
Note
•Operate the radio remote control only when the doors and boot lid are
closed and you have visual contact with the vehicle.
•Once in the car, you must not press the lock button  of the master key
before inserting the key into the ignition lock in order to avoid the car being
inadvertently locked and, in addition, the anti-theft alarm system* being
switched on. Should this happen, press the unlock button
 of the master
key.
Synchonisation of the remote control
If the vehicle cannot be unlocked by actuating the remote control system
then it is possible that the code in the key and the control unit in the vehicle
are no longer synchronised. This can occur when the buttons on the radio-
operated key are actuated a number of times outside of the operative
range of the equipment or the battery on the remote control was replaced.
This means it is necessary to synchronise the code as follows:
•Press any button on the remote control.
•Pressing of the button means that the door will unlock with the key
within 1 minute.
A3
A3
A1
AA
WARNING (continued)

Unlocking and locking
48
Anti-theft alarm system*
The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against
people seeking to break into the vehicle. The system triggers audible and
visual warning signals if an attempt is made to break into the vehicle.
How is the alarm system switched on?
The anti-theft alarm system is activated automatically when the vehicle is
locked with the key on the closed driver's door or by using the remote
control. It is activated 30 seconds after closing the door.
How is the alarm system switched off?
The anti-theft alarm system is switched off if the vehicle is unlocked by
only using the remote control. The vehicle is automatically locked again if
the vehicle is not opened within 30 seconds after reactivating the anti-theft
alarm system.
Once you 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 in order to deactivate the anti-
theft alarm system. The alarm will be triggered if you do not switch on
the ignition within 15 seconds.
When is the alarm triggered?
The following security areas of the locked vehicle are monitored:
•Bonnet
•Boot lid
•Doors
•Ignition lock
•Interior of the vehicle*3)
•A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is
disconnected while the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
How is the alarm switched off?
You switch the alarm off if you unlock the car with the radio remote control
in the key or if you switch the ignition on.
Deactivation of interior monitor
The process of switching off and switching on the interior monitoring
system is the same as for switching off and switching on the safe securing
system ⇒page 41.
This function allows one to leave animals in the vehicle, for example.
Note
•The working life of the alarm siren is 5 years. More detailed information
is available from your Škoda dealer.
•Before leaving the car, check that all the doors, windows and the elec-
tric sliding/tilting roof* are properly closed in order to ensure that the anti-
theft alarm system is fully operational.
•Coding of the radio remote control and the receptor part precludes the
use of the radio remote control from other vehicles.
3)The alarm will be triggered through movement within the interior of the vehicle or
an attempt to steal the radio. The rear part of the interior of the vehicle is not fully
monitored under certain circumstances.

Automatic gearbox*
112
3 - Position when driving in hilly areas
We recommend this position if driving with the selector lever in position D
would, in certain circumstances, result in the gearbox frequently shifting
between the gears.
The gearbox shifts up and down automatically into first, second and third
gear in line with engine load, driving style and vehicle speed. Fourth gear
remains locked out in this case. This makes it possible to exploit greater
engine braking power when the accelerator is released ⇒.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving out
of position 3 into position D.
2 - Position when driving in mountainous regions
This position of the selector lever is suitable for long sloping sections.
The gearbox shifts up and down automatically into first and second gear
in line with engine load, driving style and vehicle speed. The third and
fourth gears remain locked out in order to avoid unnecessary gear
changes. Enhanced engine braking power is thus available.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must not be pressed when moving
out of position 3 into position 2.
1 - Position for extreme mountainous sections
This position of the selector lever is suitable for very steep sections of
road.
The vehicle will only drive first gear. The second, third and fourth gears
remain locked out. This position offers you the maximum possible engine
braking power.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving out
of position 2 into position 1.
The cruise control system is locked in position 1.WARNING
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving
- risk of an accident!
•When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is
necessary to hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions
of the selector lever (except P and N) since the power transmission
is never completely interrupted, also not when the engine is idling
- the vehicle "creeps".
•You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle
(e.g. by hand from the engine comp artment) if a drive position is
engaged when the car is stationary. The vehicle would otherwise
immediately start off - also when the handbrake is firmly applied -
risk of an accident!
•You must move the selector lever into position P and firmly
apply the handbrake first before you or any other person opens the
bonnet and starts working on the engine when it is running - risk
of accident! Pay particular attention to the guidelines ⇒page 183,
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Note
•Take your foot off the accelerator if you inadvertently shift into N when
driving and wait until the engine speed has dropped to the idling speed
range before shifting into D.
•If you shift gear manually it is possible to select positions 3, 2 and 1,
but the automatic gearbox will not shift down until there is no risk of the
engine overrevving.

Care and cleaning173
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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.