Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights25
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
The red symbols indicate
danger (priority 1) while the yellow symbols indi-
cate a warning (priortity 2). Information for the driver may also appear in
addition to the symbols ⇒page 28.
Investigate the displayed faults as soon as possible. If several operational
faults exist at the same time, the symbols will appear one after the other
and are each visible for about 2 seconds.
The error messages are faded out after 10 seconds or by actuating the
rocker switch ⇒page 23, fig. 11 and are stored under the information
CAR STATUS .
There is at least one error message to be read when the term CAR
STATUS is flashing in the main menu. The display will show STATUS 1/2
(for example) if a number of error messages are present. This display indi-
cates that the first of a total of two error messages should be displayed.
Actuate the rocker switch , to call up the individual error messages.
If a fault occurs, a warning signal will also sound in addition to the symbol
and text in the display:
•Priority 1 - three warning signals,
•Priority 2 - one warning signal.
Operational check of the automatic gearbox
When the ignition is switched on, the Auto Check Control automatically
carries out an operational check. The following text will appear first in the
display if the selector lever is the position P or N:
P LOCKED (P locked)
or N LOCKED (N locked) You must depress the brake pedal first and press the Shiftlock button at
the same time in order to move the selector lever out of these positions.
The text will disappear once you select a drive position (
R, D etc.), and the
Auto Check Control function is displayed.
If the Auto Check Control detects faults, these will be displayed about 15
seconds after starting the engine in place of the text shown above. A
warning signal sounds at the same time.
Red symbols
A red symbol signals danger.
Proceed as follows if a red symbol is displayed:
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
AA
AA
Fig. 14 Information
display: Oil pressure is
low
sqc.1.book Seite 25 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
26
– Investigate the function indicated.
– Obtain professional assistance.
Meaning of the red symbols:
Three successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears. The
symbol continues flashing until the fault is rectified.
If several operational faults of priority 1 exist, the symbols appear one after
the other and are each illiminated for about 2 seconds.
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol signals a warning.
The meaning of the yellow symbols:
Faults in the brake surface⇒ page 36
Coolant level too low/coolant tempera-
ture too high⇒page 31
Engine oil pressure too low⇒page 32
Fuel level low⇒page 32
Check engine oil level, engine oil sensor
faulty⇒page 32
Brake pad worn⇒page 33
Washer fluid level low⇒page 34
Light bulb defect⇒page 33
Light bulb in the brake light defect⇒page 33
Fig. 15 Information
display: Fuel level low
sqc.1.book Seite 26 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
32
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level;
top up the coolant as necessary.
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 specialist garage,
otherwise it could lead to severe engine damage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may
be caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for
the coolant fan, replace it if necessary ⇒page 236, “Fuse assignment at
battery - version 1”.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the
fluid is at the correct level and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order.
Contact a specialist garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 196, “Cooling
system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP CHECK COOLANT SERVICE MANUAL (STOP! CHECK
COOLANT LEVEL OWNER'S MANUAL)
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at
a safe distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch
on the hazard warning light system ⇒page 58.
•Take care when opening the coolant expansion bottle. If the
engine is hot, the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding.
It is best to allow the engine to cool down before removing the cap.
•Do not touch the coolant fan! The coolant fan may switch on
automatically even if the ignition is off.
Electronic immobiliser
Data is compared between the ignition key and the control unit when
switching on the ignition. The indicator light will light up for a few
s
econds when ignition key authorisation is confirmed.
The warning light will start flashing continuously if a non-authorised igni-
tion key (for example the wrong ignition key) has been used. The engine
cannot be started ⇒page 40.
It is only possible to start the engine of the vehicle with a Genuine Škoda
key with the matching code.
Fuel reserve
The warning light comes on, if the fuel level is still about 7 litres.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
PLEASE REFUEL
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.
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.
sqc.1.book Seite 32 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights33
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
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 194.
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 oil. Keep the engine switched off
and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it
could lead to severe engine damage.
Do not drive any further if the warning light flashes even if the oil is at
the correct level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact
the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP! OIL PRESS. STOP MOTOR! SERVICE MANUAL (STOP! OIL
PRESSURE STOP ENGINE! OWNER'S 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 194
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 specialist
garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP! (OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP)
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at
a safe distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch
on the hazard warning light system ⇒page 58.
•The red oil pressure light is not an oil le vel 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 specialist garage 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
Light bulbs*
The warning light comes on if a light bulb is damaged:
•brakes applied (brake light),
•in lighting (low beam and/or rear light).
sqc.1.book Seite 33 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13
Starting-off and Driving
104
WARNING
•When driving, the ignition key mu st always be in the ignition
lock in the position (ignition switched on) without the engine
running. This position is indicate d by the warning lights coming on.
If this is not the case, it could result in unexpected locking of the
steering wheel - risk of accident!
•Only remove the ignition key fr om the ignition lock when the
vehicle has come to a standstill (put on the handbrake or select the
selector lever position P). The steering lock might otherwise
engage unintentionally - risk of accident!
•Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the
vehicle, even for a short time. This is particularly important if chil-
dren are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise start the
engine or operate electrical equi pment (e.g. power windows) - risk
of injury!
Starting engine
General
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition
key.
•Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the
position P or N in the case of an automatic gearbox) and put on the hand-
brake firmly before starting the engine.
•The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine
which means that the starter only has to crank the engine.
•Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be
damage to the starter. The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time
after starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the
hydraulic valve clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not
an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid
⇒
page 226.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The
tow-starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 230.
WARNING
•Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The
exhaust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and
colourless carbon monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon
monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
•Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Caution
•The starter may only be operated (ignition key position ), if the
engine is not running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching
off the engine, the starter or the engine can be damaged.
•Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as
long as the engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature
- risk of damaging the engine!
•Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter
should not be tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
A2
A3
sqc.1.book Seite 104 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13
Intelligent Technology161
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake
system. The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
⇒page 36,
“Brake system ”.
WARNING
•Only apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the
brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any
other road users in jeopardy.
•When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs
etc. one must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes
is not reduced otherwise the braking system could run too hot.
•Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full
braking efficiency until approximately 200 kilometres. New brake
pads must be first “run in” before they develop their optimal fric-
tion force. You can, however, compensate for this slightly reduced
braking force by increasing the pressure on the brake pedal. This
guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future
date.
Caution
•Never allow the brakes to rub by applying slight pressure if you do not
wish to brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also
result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.
•Before negotiating a steep downhill section, please reduce your
speed, shift down into the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a
lower driving stage (automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use
of the braking power of the vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes.
Any additional braking should be done intermittently, not continuously.
Brake booster
The braking force boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake
pedal. The necessary pressure is only generated when the engine is
running.
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Greater physical effort for braking is required when engine is
switched off. Because if you do not stop as normal, this can cause
an accident and severe injuries.
Antilock brake system (ABS)*
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.
General
The ABS contributes significantly to enhancing the active safety of your
vehicle. Compared to a car not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are
able to retain optimal steering ability even during a full brake application
on a slippery road surface because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter
under all circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for
example on gravel and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving
slowly and cautiously, will be longer.
sqc.1.book Seite 161 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13
Care and cleaning
178
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.
sqc.1.book Seite 178 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13
Care and cleaning179
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
For the sake of the environment
Only wash your vehicle at washing bays specifically reserved for this
purpose. This ensures that no water which may be contaminated by oil
flows into the sewage system. It is not even permitted to wash your vehicle
in certain areas except at such specific washing bays.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
When you wash your vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, it is essential
to comply with the instructions for use of the cleaning equipment. This
applies in particular to the pressure used and to the spraying distance .
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to soft materials such as rubber
hoses or insulation material.
On no account use circular spray nozzles or so-called dirt cutters !
WARNING
It is particularly important that you do not clean tyres with circular
spray jets. Damage may occur even at a relatively large spraying
distance and if sprayed only for a short time.
Caution
The water must be no hotter than 60°C, otherwise the vehicle can be
damaged.
Wax treatment
Good wax treatment is an effective way of protecting the paintwork from
harmful environmental influences and minor mechanical damage.
The vehicle must be treated with a high-quality hard wax polish at the
latest, when no more drops form on the clean paintwork.
A new layer of a high-quality hard wax polish can be applied to the clean
bodywork after it has dried thoroughly. Even if you use a wax preserver
regularly we still recommend that you treat the paintwork of the vehicle at
least twice a year with hard wax.
Caution
Never apply wax to the windows.
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paintwork of your vehicle has become
unattractive and if it is no longer possible to achieve a gloss with wax
preservers.
You must treat the paintwork with a wax preserver if the polish you use
does not contain any preserving elements ⇒page 179, “Wax treatment”.
We recommend using a preservative from Škoda genuine accessories
offered by your Škoda dealer.
Caution
•You must not treat mat painted parts or plastic with polishing products
or hard wax.
•Do not polish the paintwork of the vehicle in a dusty environment,
otherwise the paintwork can be scratched.
sqc.1.book Seite 179 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13