
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
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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
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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 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

Lights and Visibility
58
Note
Headlights fitted with Xenon bulbs* adapt automatically to the load and
driving state of the vehicle (e.g. accelerating, braking) when the ignition is
switched on and when driving.
Switch for hazard warning lights
– Press switch ⇒ fig. 35 to switch the hazard warning light
system on or off.
All the turn signal lights on the vehicle flash at the same time when the
hazard warning light system is switched on. The indicator light for the turn
signals and the indicator light in the switch also flash at the same time. You
can also switch on the hazard warning light system if the ignition is
switched off. Please comply with any legal requirements when using the hazard
warning light system.
Note
Switch on the hazard warning light system if, for example:
•you encounter traffic congestion,
•your vehicle breaks down or an emergency situation occurs.
Turn signal and main beam lever
The parking lights and headlight flasher are also switched
on and off using the turn signal and main beam lever.
The turn signal and main beam lever perform the following func-
tions:
Fig. 35 Dash panel:
Switch for hazard
warning lights
Fig. 36 Turn signal and
main beam lever
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Lights and Visibility61
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Interior lighting at the rear* (estate vehicle, sedan)
The lights ⇒fig. 38 are actuated by pressing the glass on the symbol ,
O or by switching to the middle position .
The same principles apply for the interior lighting at the rear as for the for
the interior lighting at the front ⇒page 60.
Note
We recommend having these bulbs replaced by a Škoda dealer.
Front door warning light*
The warning light is located in the door trim panel below ⇒fig. 39 .
The warning light goes on every time the door is opened.
If a door remains open, the battery will discharge.
There is a reflector installed on some vehicles instead of the warning
light.
Luggage compartment light*
The lighting comes on automatically when the boot lid is opened. The
luggage compartment lighting will switch off again automatically if the boot
lid remains open for more than about 30 minutes.
Fig. 38 Roof liner light
at the rearFig. 39 Front door:
Warning light
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Inspecting and Replenishing
202
Melting of lead struts, explosion and burning of the battery, jets of
acid spurting out.
•It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or
to carry out any activities which produce sparks. Avoid creating
sparks when working with cables and electrical devices. Strong
sparking represents a risk of injury.
•Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch
off the engine, the ignition as well as all electrical components and
disconnect the negative cable (-) on the battery. If you wish to
replace a bulb it is sufficient to switch off the appropriate light.
•Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and
caustic burns! Replace a frozen battery.
•Never use a battery which is damaged - risk of explosion! Imme-
diately replace a damaged battery.
Caution
•You must only disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched off,
otherwise the electrical system (electronic components) of the vehicle
may be damaged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical
system of the vehicle, first disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the
battery. Then disconnect the positive terminal (+).
•When reconnecting the battery, first connect the positive terminal (+)
and only then the negative terminal (-) of the battery. You must on no
account connect the cables wrongly - risk of a cable fire.
•Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the vehicle
body otherwise damage could occur to the paintwork.
•Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the battery
housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
For the sake of the environment
A removed battery is a special type of waste which is harmful to the envi-
ronment - we recommend that you contact your Škoda dealer regarding
disposing of the battery.
Note
•Some vehicles are fitted with another battery cover ⇒ page 203,
“Opening the battery cover*”.
•Please also refer to the guidelines ⇒page 205, “Disconnecting and
reconnecting the battery”, also after connecting the battery.
WARNING (continued)
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Fuses and light bulbs
232
Fuses and light bulbs
Electric fuses
Replacing fuses in the dash panel
Defect fuses must be replaced.
Individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses. The fuses are
located on the left side of the dash panel behind the safety cover.
– Switch the ignition off and also the electrical component
affected.
– Set the screwdriver under the safety cover (on the recess in the safety cover), lever it up carefully in the direction of the
arrow and take it out in the direction of the arrow
⇒fig. 167. – Find out which fuse belongs to the component which is not
operating ⇒page 233, “Fuse assignment in the dash panel”.
– Take the plastic clip out of its fixture in the fuse cover, insert it onto the respective fuse and pull out this fuse.
– Defect fuses can be detected by their melted metal strips. Replace the defect fuse by a new fuse of the same ampere
number.
– First shift the safety cover into the dash panel in the direction of arrow then press the safety cover in the direction of the
arrow in such a way that the guide lug locks into the
opening of the dash panel.
We recommend that you carry the box of replacement fuses with you
which was delivered in your vehicle. Replacement fuses 6) are available
at Škoda dealers.
Colour coding of fuses
Fig. 167 Left side of
the dash panel: fuse
cover
AAAB6)Replacement fuses are, on the other hand, part of the basic equipping of the ve-
hicle in some countries.
ColourMaximum amperage
light brown5
brown7,5
red10
blue15
AB
AA
sqc.1.book Seite 232 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13