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
Seats and Stowage81
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
– Fold the rear seats back into its original position.
WARNING
First check for yourself that the cross road is inserted into the
mounts in the front position!
Removing and installing net partition housing
Removing
– Fold the rear seats forwards ⇒page 71
– Open the right rear door.
– Push the net partition housing ⇒fig. 65 in the direction of
arrow and take it out of the mounts of the rear seat back-
rests in the direction of the arrow . Installing
– Position the net partition housing into the mounts of the seat
backrest.
– Push the net partition housing in the opposite direction of arrow as far as the stop.
– Fold the rear seats back into its original position.
The roof luggage rack system*
Description
Pay attention to the following points if you wish to transport luggage or
other items on the roof of your vehicle:
•A special roof luggage rack system was developed for the vehicle.
That is why you should only use one of the roof luggage rack which has
been released for use by Škoda Auto.
•The base carrier is the basis for a complete roof luggage rack system.
Separate additional holders are required for safety reasons for trans-
porting luggage, bikes, surfboards, skis and boats.
•The basic version of the roof luggage rack system and further compo-
nents are obtainable as accessories from Škoda dealers.
•The base carrier is fixed to the roof of the vehicle using special fixtures
which are located under the roof strip.
Caution
•If you use other roof rack systems or if the roof bars are not properly
fitted, then any damage which may result to your car is not covered by the
AC
Fig. 65 Rear seats: Net
partition housing
AB
A1
A2
A1
sqc.1.book Seite 81 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13
Seats and Stowage
82
warranty agreements. It is therefore essential to pay attention to the fitting
instructions supplied with the roof luggage rack system.
•On models fitted with a power sliding/tilting roof, ensure that the
opened sliding/tilting roof does not strike any items of luggage transported
on the roof.
•Ensure that the opened tailgate does not collide with the roof load.
For the sake of the environment
The increased aerodynamic drag results in a higher fuel consumption.
One should therefore take off the roof bar system after use.
Note
A roof rail is obtainable from a Skoda dealer if hasn't been fitted onto an
estate car at the works.
Attachment points
Fitting
– Remove the plastic caps ⇒fig. 66 carefully using a thin
screwdriver and while doing so do not damage the paintwork.
– The feet are inserted into the openings of the roof bars. Assembly is described by the manufacturer of the roof
luggage rack system.
Note
•The figure is not valid for an estate car.
•If you have any questions, please contact a Škoda dealer.
Roof load
Distribute weight evenly over the roof luggage rack system. The maximum
permissible roof load (including roof rack system) of 75 kg and the
maximum permissible total weight of the vehicle should not be exceeded.
You cannot make full use of the permissible roof load if you use a roof
luggage rack system with a lower load carrying capacity. The load trans-
ported on the roof luggage rack system must not exceed the weight limit
which is stated in the fitting instructions.
WARNING
•The items which you transport on the roof bar system must be
reliably attached - risk of accident!
•You must on no account exceed the permissible roof load, the
permissible axle loads and the pe rmissible gross weight of your
vehicle - risk of accident!
Fig. 66 Attachment
points for roof bars
sqc.1.book Seite 82 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13
Driving and the Environment169
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Avoid driving short distances
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel
consumption.
– Avoid driving a distance of no more than 4 km if the engine is
cold.
The engine and catalytic converter must first have reached their optimal
operating temperature in order to effectively reduce fuel consumption
and pollutant emissions.
The cold engine vehicle consumes approx. 15 - 20 litres/100 km of fuel
immediately after starting. Fuel consumption drops to 10 litres/100 km
after just 1 kilometre. The engine reaches its operating temperature
(outside temperature and engine dependent) only after about 4 to 10 kilo-
metres and the fuel consumption then stabilizes. You should therefore
avoid driving short distances whenever possible. An important factor in this connection is also the
ambient temperature.
The ⇒fig. 134 shows the different fuel consumptions for the same
distance, on the one hand at +20°C and on the other hand at -10°C. Your
vehicle has a higher fuel consumption in winter than in summer.
Checking tyre inflation pressures
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure at all
times. The rolling resistance will be increased if the tyre filling pressure is
too low. This will not only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and
the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the inflation pressure of the tyres when cold.
Do not drive with winter tyres all year round for this costs about 10 %
more fuel. Winter tyres are also louder.
No unnecessary ballast
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
The fact that every kilogram of extra weight increases your fuel
consumption means that it is worth taking a look in the luggage compart-
ment to avoid transporting any unnecessary ballast.
It is particularly in town trafffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that
the vehicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption.
A rule of thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will
cause an increase in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
You may frequently also leave a roof rack fitted on just out of conven-
ience, although you no longer need it. The increased aerodynamic drag of
Fig. 134 Fuel
consumption in
litres/100 km at
different temperatures
sqc.1.book Seite 169 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13
Driving and the Environment
170
your vehicle causes it to use about 1 l more fuel than normal at a speed
of 100 - 120 km/h, even when you are not carrying a load on the roof
rack.
Saving electricity
Generating electricity costs fuel.
– Switch off electrical components as soon as you no longer
need them.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies elec-
trical power. The greater the load on the alternator as a result of having a
large number of electrical components switched on, the more fuel will be
consumed for operating the alternator.
Keeping a log of your fuel consumption
If you really wish to keep a close check on your fuel consumption, it is
best to enter the figures in a logbook. This does not take much time but is
a very worthwhile exercise. It enables you to detect any change (positive
and negative) at an early stage and to take any appropriate action.
If you find that your fuel consumption is too high, you should reflect on
how, where and in what conditions you have driven the vehicle since you
last refuelled.
Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection
of materials and manufacture of your new Škoda. Particular emphasis has
been paid to a number of aspects, including:
Design measures
•joints designed to be easily detached
•simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system
•improved purity of different classes of materials
•Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommen-
dation 260
•Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO2
•Minimum fuel leakage during accidents
•Reduced noise
Choice of materials
•extensive use of recyclable material
•Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant
•no cadmium
•no asbestos
•Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics
Manufacture
•solvent-free cavity protection
•solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the
production plant to the customer
•The use of solvent-free adhesives
•No CFCs used in the production process
•without use of mercury
•Use of water-soluble paints
sqc.1.book Seite 170 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 cleaning181
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Caution
Never remove snow or ice from the glass parts with warm or hot water -
risk of formation of cracks in the glass!
The headlight lenses
Please do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products
- risk of damage to the plastic lenses Please use soap and clean warm
water.
Caution
Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects for
cleaning the plastic lenses, this may result in damage to the protective
paintwork and consequently in formation of cracks on the headlight
lenses, e.g through effect of chemical products.
Door and window seals
The rubber seals on the doors, boot lid, bonnet, sliding roof and windows
remain supple and last longer if you treat them from time to time with a
rubber care product (e.g. silicone spray). You also avoid premature wear
of the seals and prevent leakages in this way. It is also easier to open the
doors. Rubber seals which are well cared for also do not stick together in
cold winter weather.
Locks
We recommend that you use the spray from Škoda original accessories
with regreasing and anticorrosive effect for de-icing locks.
Note
When washing your vehicle, ensure that as little water as possible gets
into the locks.
Wheels
Steel wheels
You should also thoroughly wash the wheels and wheel trims when giving
your vehicle its regular wash. This prevents any brake dust, dirt and road
salt from sticking to the wheel hubs. You can remove stubborn brake abra-
sion adhering to the wheels with an industrial cleaner. Touch up any
damage to the paintwork on the wheels before rust is able to form.
Light alloy wheels
Regular care of light alloy wheels is necessary in order to retain their deco-
rative appearance over long periods. It is particularly important to remove
any road salt and brake abrasion from light alloy wheels every two weeks,
otherwise the surface will suffer. Wash thoroughly and then treat the
wheels with a protective product for light alloy wheels which does not
contain any acidic components. You should provide the wheel hubs with a
hard wax layer every three months. You must not use any products which
cause abrasion when treating the wheel hubs. Any damage to the paint
layer on the wheel hubs must be touched up immediately.
We recommend using a preservative from Škoda genuine accessories
offered by your Škoda dealer.
sqc.1.book Seite 181 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13
Index255
S
Safe securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Safety instructions
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Safety wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Saving electrical energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Seat belt height adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Seat belt warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
fasten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
taking off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Selector lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Service Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Setting temperature Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Shifting of gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Stability programme (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Starting engine
Petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Diesel engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Steering force assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Storage compartment Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Storage facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Switch on the driver's door Power windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Switching lights on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
T
Taking care of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Temperature Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
The automatic wiper/washer system . . . . . . . 63
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 201 changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Inspecting the electrolyte level . . . . . . . . 204
Operation in winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 The CD changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
The electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 40
The outside temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The radiator fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
The roof luggage rack system . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Thickness of brake pads
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Towing a vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Towing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Towing eye at the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
at the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Tow-starting a vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Traction control system (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Transporting children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Two-way radio systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Type plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
sqc.1.book Seite 255 Mittwoch, 13. April 2005 1:09 13