2005 SKODA FABIA airbag

Contents5
Contents
Layout of this Owner's Manual
(explanations)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
An overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments and Indicator/Warning LightsGeneral view of the instrument cluster . . . . . .
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer with counter for distance driven
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-functional indicator* (onboard computer)
Information display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto Check Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power windows* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric sliding/tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and Visibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . .
Rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and Stowage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Middle rear head restraint* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating the front seats* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net partition (Estate)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The roof luggage rack system* . . . . . . . . . . .
Drinks can holder* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear drinks can holder * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray at the front* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray at the rear* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter* and power socket* . . . . . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating and air conditioning system . . . . .
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The air conditioning system* . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting-off and Driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting steering wheel position* . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switching the engine off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control system (CCS)* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-speed automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal telephone connection* . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems . .
The CD changer* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The physical principle of a frontal collision . .
Important safety information regarding the use
of seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting
children! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX”*
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
9
11
11
13
13
14
14
14
15
16
17
18
22
24
28
38
38
40
41
41
46
49
50
52
55
55
60
62 63
66
67
67
69
70
70
71
74
74
79
81
83
83
84
84
85
85
87
93
93
96
102
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109 11 2
11 2 11 7
11 7
11 8
11 9
123
123
123
125
129
129
130
131
132
135
137
137
139
141
144
147
147
151
155
sqc.1.book Seite 5 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 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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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights37
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
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.
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 using the vehicle system tester:
•the warning light  lights up for 3 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes again for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second inter-
vals.
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 145.
WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist
garage if a fault exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not
being activated in the event of an accident.
Note
Further information about switching off airbags ⇒page 144, “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 129, “Why seat belts?”.
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Unlocking and locking
42
Convenience operation of windows
One can open and close the electrically powered windows when opening
and closing the vehicle ⇒page 51, “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 45.
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 44, 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
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Unlocking and locking
44
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 50 with the window convenience operation*.
Fig. 23 Buttons for
central locking
A1A2
A1AA
A2
A1
sqc.1.book Seite 44 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13

Seats and Stowage67
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Seats and Stowage
Front seats
Basic information
The front seats have a wide range of different settings and can thus be
matched to the physical characteristics of the driver and front passenger.
Correct adjustment of the seats is particularly important for:
•safely and quickly reaching the controls,
•a relaxed, fatigue-free body position,
•achieving the maximum protection offered by the seat belts and
the airbag system.
The chapters which follow describe the procedure which you should adopt
for adjusting the seats.
WARNING
•Never transport more occupants than the maximum seating in
the vehicle.
•Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to
the seat. Children must be fastened ⇒page 147, “Transporting
children safely” with a suitable restraint system.
•The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted
to match the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts
must always be correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal
protection for you and your occupants.
•Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being
driven - never place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the
window or on the surfaces of the seats. This is particularly impor- tant for the front seat passenger. You will be exposed to increased
risk of injury if it becomes necessary to apply the brake or in the
event of an accident. If an airbag is deployed, you may suffer fatal
injuries when adopting an incorrect seated position!
•It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a
distance of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel.
Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag
system will not be able to properl y protect you - hazard! The front
seats and the head restraints must always also be correctly
adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
•Ensure that there are no objects in the footwell as any objects
may get behind the pedals during a driving or braking manoeuvre.
You would then no longer be able to operate the clutch, to brake or
accelerate.
WARNING (continued)
sqc.1.book Seite 67 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13