2005 SKODA FABIA ABS

Contents
6
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS)* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detachable ball head* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . .
Care and cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen Wiper and Washer System . . . .
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and replacement parts . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foldable stowage compartment . . . . . . . . . .
Lashing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixing of the loading floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
157
157
157
160
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161
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170
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183
186
186
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190
190
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196
199 201
206
208
208
215
215
215
217
217
217
217
218
219
219
220
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226
228
232
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237
247
247
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249
249
249
249
250
251
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Layout of this Owner's Manual (explanations)
8
Layout of this Owner' s Manual (explanations)
The Owner's Manual has been systematically designed, in order to make
it easy for you to find and absorb the information you require.
Chapters, table of contents and subject index
The text of the manual are divided into relatively short sections which are
combined into easy-to-read chapters. The chapter you are reading at any
particular moment is highlighted at the bottom right of the page.
The Table of contents is arranged according to the chapters and the
detailed Subject index at the end of the Owner's Manual helps you to
rapidly find the information you are looking for.
Sections
The majority of Sections apply to all models.
Since there is a wide range of different equipment and options available it
is clearly unavoidable, despite dividing the contents into sections, that
mention may be made of equipment which is not fitted to your vehicle.
Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
Brief information and instructions
Each section has a Heading.
This is followed by Brief information (in large italic lettering), which tells
you the subject which is dealt with in this section.
Most of the illustrations are accompanied by an Instruction (in relatively
large letters) which explains to you in a straightforward way the action you
have to take. Work steps which have to be carried out are illustrated with
a hyphen.
Notes
All four kinds of notes, which are used in the text, are always stated at the
end of the respective section.
WARNING
The most important notes are marked with the heading WARNING.
These WARNING notes draw your attention to a serious risk of acci-
dent or injury. While reading the text you will frequently encounter
a double arrow followed by a small warning symbol. This symbol is
intended to draw your attention to a WARNING note at the end of
the section to which you must pay careful attention.
Caution
A Caution note draws your attention to the possibility of damage to your
vehicle (e.g. damage to gearbox), or points out general risks of an acci-
dent .
For the sake of the environment
An Environmental note draws your attention to environmental protection
aspects. This is where you will, for example, find tips aimed at reducing
your fuel consumption.
Note
A normal Note draws your attention in a general way to important informa-
tion.
Direction indications
All direction indications such as “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear” relate to the
direction of travel of the vehicle.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and
the corresponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result
in severe body injuries or major vehicle damage.
•The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There
is a risk of injuries, scalding, acci dents and fire when working in the
engine compartment, e.g. inspecti ng and replenishing oil and other
fluids. It is also essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 191.
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.
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒ page 31
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 31
Turn signal system for vehicles towing
a trailer*⇒page 31
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 31
Electronic immobiliser⇒page 32
Fuel reserve⇒page 32
Engine oil⇒page 32
Brake pad wear*⇒page 33
Bulbs*⇒page 33
Open door*⇒page 34
Fluid level in windshield washer sys-
tem*⇒page 34
Boot lid*⇒page 34
Control system for exhaust⇒page 34
Traction control system (TCS)*⇒page 34
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 35
Antilock brake system (ABS)*⇒page 35
Brake system⇒page 36
Airbag system⇒page 36
Seat belt warning light*⇒page 37
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

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights35
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
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 158, “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 light will come on and 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 157, “Electronic stability
programme (ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ESP
warning light
 in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected
immediately by your specialist garage. Further information on the EDL
⇒ page 159.
Antilock brake system (ABS)* 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS.
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
If the ABS warning light
 does not go out within a few seconds after
switching on the ignition or does not light up at all or lights up while driving,
the system is not functioning properly and the vehicle will be braked
without the aid of ABS. The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake
system. Visit a specialist garage 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 161, “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 OWNER'S MANUAL
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the
ABS warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the
brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒page 199, “Brake fluid”. If the
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
36
fluid level has dropped below the “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 191,
“Working in the engine compartment” before checking the brake
fluid level and opening the bonnet.
•If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function
has failed. The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when
braking. In certain circumstances, this can result in the rear end of
the car breaking away - risk of skidding! Drive carefully to the
nearest specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
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 OWNER'S 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 OWNER'S MANUAL
For further information on the brake system ⇒page 160, “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 191,
“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 igni tion or comes on when driving,
stop immediately and check the brake fluid in the reservoir
⇒ page 199, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the
“MIN” marking, do not drive any furt her - 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.
WARNING (continued)
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Unlocking and locking39
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
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
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Seats and Stowage83
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
•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.
Drinks can holder*
The drinks can holder is designed to place 0.33 litre drinks cans
in.
– Press on the symbol in the direction of
 ⇒ fig. 67, the drinks
can holder slides out and opens up.
WARNING
•For reasons of occupant safety the drinks can holder drawer
should always be closed when driving.
•Do not place any hot beverages into the cup holder. If the
vehicle moves, the hot beverages may spill - risk of scalding!
•Do not use any cups or beakers which are made of brittle mate-
rial (e.g. glass, porcelain). You might be injured by them in the
event of an accident.
Rear drinks can holder *
The drinks can holder is designed to place 0.33 litre drinks cans
in.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 67 Dash panel:
Drinks can holderFig. 68 Centre
console: Drinks can
holder
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Seat belts129
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Seat belts
Why seat belts?
It is a proven fact that seat belts offer good protection in accidents
⇒fig. 104 . Thus wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most coun-
tries.
Seat belts which have been correctly fastened and adjusted hold the
occupants of the car in the correct seated position ⇒fig. 104 . The belts
reduce the kinetic energy (energy of motion) to a considerable extent.
They also prevent uncontrolled movements which, in turn, may well result
in severe injuries.
The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their
seat belt, profit to a major extent from the fact that the kinetic energy is
optimally absorbed by the belts. The structure of the front end of the
vehicle and other passive safety measures, such as the airbag system, also contribute to reducing the kinetic energy. The energy produced is
thus absorbed and there is less risk of injury.
Accident statistics prove that seat belts which are fastened and properly
adjusted reduce the risk of an injury and enhance the chance of survival
in a major accident
⇒page 130.
It is important that you pay attention to safety measures, particularly when
transporting children in the vehicle ⇒page 147, “Transporting children
safely”.
WARNING
•Fasten your seat belt each time before setting off, also when
driving in town! This also applies to the people seated at the rear -
risk of injury!
•Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the
only way of ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child
⇒ page 132, “Fastening a three-point seat belt”.
•It is important for the belt webbing to be properly routed if the
seat belts are to offer the maximum protection. You can see a
description of how safety belts should be fitted properly on the next
pages.
Note
Please comply with any differing legal requirements when using the seat
belts.
Fig. 104 Driver
wearing seat belt
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