2005 SKODA FABIA ESP

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
161
161
162
163
164
164
165
166
170
171
171
172
172
174
177
177
177
177
183
186
186
186
188
190
190
193
196
199 201
206
208
208
215
215
215
217
217
217
217
218
219
219
220
220
226
228
232
232
237
247
247
247
249
249
249
249
250
251
sqc.1.book Seite 6 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13

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.
sqc.1.book Seite 8 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13

Cockpit11
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Cockpit
An overview
This general view is designed to help you to quickly
become familiar with the instruments, gauges and
controls.
Electric exterior mirror adjustment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
−Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight
flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster: Instruments and indicator lights . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
− Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Switch for the ESP* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Switch for the TCS* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag*
Control dial for heating on the front passenger seat* . . . . .
Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for front passenger airbag(s)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for: −
Central locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch, control dial for the instrument lighting and
control dial for the headlight beam range regulatiion . . . . .
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight flasher, driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for the air conditioning system* . . . .
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Selector lever (automatic gearbox*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio*
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
•Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
•Vehicles with factory-fitted radio, mobile phone, navigation system, CD
player etc. are supplied with separate instructions for operating such
equipment.
•The arrangement of the controls and switches and the location of
some items on right-hand drive models may differ from that shown in
A166
A295
A3
58
109
A413
A5
18
63
A695
A770
A862
A9
157
158
A1058
A11145
A1270
A13139
A14145
A15
44
50
A1655, 57
A17190
A1887
A19102
A20139
A21103
A22
93
96
A2384
A24
106 11 3
A25
A2687
sqc.1.book Seite 11 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13

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
sqc.1.book Seite 29 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13


Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights31
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Further information
⇒page 163, “Power steering*”.
Note
There is no power-assisted steering support when the vehicle is being
towed without the engine running or when the power-assisted steering is
defect. The vehicle is fully steerable however. There is simply increased
force required to turn the steering wheel.
EPC  fault light (petrol engine)
The  (Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a system fault in the engine control system if the warning light

does not go out or comes on or flashes while driving. The engine manage-
ment system selects an emergency programme which enables you to
drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ENGINE WORKSHOP! (ENGINE FAULT - WORKSHOP!)
Glow plug system  (diesel engine)
The indicator light  lights up for a cold engine when switching on the
igntion (pre-heat position) 2 ⇒ page 103. Start the engine just as soon as
the indicator light goes out.
The glow plug indicator light will come on for about 1 second if the engine
is at a normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature is
above +5°C. This means that you can start the engine right away. There is a fault in the glow plug system if the indicator light
 does not
come on at all or lights up continuously. Contact a specialist garage as
soon as possible to obtain professional assistance.
There is a system fault in the engine control system if the warning light

has started to flash while driving. The engine management system selects
an emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest
specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ENGINE WORKSHOP! (ENGINE FAULT - WORKSHOP!)
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer* 
The indicator light  on vehicles towing a trailer flashes together with the
respective indicator light for the turn signal system.
The indicator light
 does not flash if a turn signal light on the trailer or
on the vehicle is not operating.
Coolant temperature/coolant level 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 1) when the ignition is
switched on.
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the
warning light
 does not go out after the engine is started or flashes while
driving.
1)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on
after switching the ignition on, but only if the coolant temperature is too high or the
coolant level is too low.
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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
sqc.1.book Seite 35 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13

Unlocking and locking
50
Power windows*
Switch
The power windows operate only when ignition is switched on.
Opening a window
– A window is opened by pressing lightly on the respective
switch in the door. The process stops when one releases the
switch.
– Pressing of the switch in the driver's door down to the stop will cause the window to be opened completey, automatically.
Renewed pressing of the switch causes the window to stop
immediately. Closing a window
– A window is closed through pulling lightly on the respective
switch in the door. The closing process stops when one
releases the switch.
– Pulling of the switch in the driver's door to the stop will cause the window to be closed completey, automatically. Renewed
pulling of the button causes the window to stop immediately.
The switch for the individual windows is located in the armrest of the
driver's door ⇒fig. 29 , front passenger door and in the rear doors*.
Switch for the power window in the armrest of the driver's door Switch for the power window in the driver's door
Switch for the power window in the front passenger's door
Switch for the power window in the rear door on the right*
Switch for the power window in the rear door on the left*
Safety pushbutton*
Safety pushbutton*
You can deactivate the switches for power windows at rear doors by
pressing the safety pushbutton ⇒fig. 29 . The switches for power
windows at rear doors are activated again by pressing the safety push-
button again.
WARNING
•If you lock the vehicle from the outside, do not leave any person
in the vehicle since it is no longer possible to open the windows
from the inside in an emergency.
•The system is fitted with a force limiter. The closing process will
be stop if an obstruction is detected and the window will open
Fig. 29 Switch on the
driver's door
AA
AB
AC
AD
AS
AS
AS
sqc.1.book Seite 50 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13

Lights and Visibility57
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Instrument lighting* 
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting.
Switch on the light.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 33 to the desired intensity of the
instrument lighting.
Headlight range adjustment 
Once the low beam is switched on you can then adapt the
range of the headlights to the load of the vehicle.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 34 until you have adjusted the low
beam so that oncoming traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following vehicle loads:
Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Caution
Set the headlight beam adjustment in such a way as to avoid dazzling
oncoming traffic.
Fig. 33 Dash panel:
Instrument lighting
Fig. 34 Dash panel:
Lights and Visibility
A-
A1
A2
A3
sqc.1.book Seite 57 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13