2006 SKODA FABIA headlights

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights14
Engine revolutions counter
The start of the red zone in the revolutions counter ⇒page 13, fig. 2 indi- cates the maximum permissible engine speed for all gears for an engine which has been run in and operating at a normal temperature. You should shift into the next higher gear before this red zone is reached, or move the selector lever into position D if your car is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
One should shift to the next lower gear at the latest when the engine is no longer running “smoothly”.
Avoid high engine speeds du ring the running-in period ⇒page 173.
Caution
The needle of the revolutions counter must on no account move into the red zone of the scale - risk of engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Shifting up early helps yo u save fuel and reduce the operating noise of your vehicle.
Coolant temperature gauge*
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 13, fig. 2 operates only when the ignition is switched on.
Please pay attention to the following gu idelines regarding temperature ranges in order to avoid damage to the engine.
Cold range
If the pointer is in the left-hand area of the scale* it means that the engine has not yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid running at high engine speeds, at full throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temp erature as soon as the pointer moves into the mid-range of the scale*. The pointer may also move further to the right at high engine loads and high outside temp eratures. This is not critical provided the warning symbol  in the instrument cluster does not flash.
If the symbol  in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Please refer to the guidelines ⇒page 30, “Coolant temperature/coolant level ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒page 198, “Working in the engine compartment” before opening the bonnet and inspecting the coolant level.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air inlet impair the cooling efficiency of th e coolant. There is then a risk of the engine overheating at hi gh outside temperatures and high engine loads!
Fuel gauge*
The fuel gauge ⇒page 13, fig. 2 only operates when the ignition is switched on.
A1
A4
A7
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 14 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
f there is a fault in the cornering lights, the headlights are automatically lowered to the emergency position. Thus the illuminated length of the road is shortened. Drive carefully and have the car inspected immedi-ately by a specialist garage.
Electrohydraulic power steering 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light after switching on th e ignition or when driving lights up continuously, a fault exists in th e electrohydraulic power steering.
•If the yellow warning light lights up, this indicates a partial or total failure of the power steering and the steering forces can be greater.
Further information ⇒page 170.
WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective.
Note
•If the yellow warning light  goes out after starting the engine again and a short drive, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.
•If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warning light  comes on after switching on the igni tion. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
•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 ho wever. 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 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 FAULT WORKSHOP!
Glow plug system  (diesel engine)
The indicator light  lights up for a cold engine when switching on the ignition (pre-heat position) 2 ⇒page 104. Start the engine after 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 engi ne management system selects an emer-
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 29 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Lights and Visibility57
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Turn the light switch into position O ⇒page 56, fig. 34.
– Switch on the switch for daylight driving lights ⇒page 56, fig. 35.
– After switching on the ignition the side lights are switched on.
– After starting the engine the low beam is switched on.
Switching off daylight driving lights*
– Switch off the switch for daylight driving lights ⇒page 56, fig. 35.
– Turn the light switch to the position side lights  or low beam 
⇒ page 56, fig. 34.
Low beam comes on only if the ignition is switched on. The low beam is switched off automatically when the engine is started and after switching the ignition off; only the side lights come on.
On models fitted with right-hand steering* the position of certain switches differs from that shown in ⇒page 56, fig. 34. The symbols which mark the switch positions are identical, however.
WARNING
Never drive with side lights on - risk of accident! The side lights are not bright enough to light up the road suffic iently in front of you or to be seen by other oncoming traffic. In this case, always switch on the low beam when it is dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
•An audible warning will sound if you wi thdraw the ignition key and open the driver's door when the vehicle lights are still on.
•The acoustic warning signal is switched off over the door contact when the driver's door is closed (ignition off). The vehicle can be parked with the side lights on.
•If you park the car for a lengthy pe riod, we recommend switching off all lights, or leaving only the side lights switched on.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accordance with the legal requirements.
•In the event of cool or humid weathe r conditions, the headlights can be misted up from inside.
− The temperature difference between interior and external area of the headlight lenses is decisive.
− When the driving lights are switched on, the light outlet surfaces are free from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly mist up at the border areas.
− It also concerns reverse light and turn signal lights.
− This mist has no influence on the life of the lighting system.
Cornering lights* 
For a better cornering illumination the cornering lights are controlled in the optimal position in line with the vehicle speed and the steering angle.
If the warning light  flashes for 1 minute while driving or after switching on the ignition and a warning signal sounds, a fault is confirmed.
WARNING
If there is a fault in the cornering lights, the warning light  flashes in the instrument cluster. The cornering li ghts are automatically lowered to the emergency position, whic h prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming traffic. Thus the illuminated length of the road is shortened. Drive care- fully and have the car inspected i mmediately by a specialist garage.
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 57 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Lights and Visibility59
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Caution
The rear fog light should only be switched on if visibility is particularly poor (conform with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles behind your vehicle.
Headlamp 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. 37 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.
Switch for hazard warning lights 
– Press switch  ⇒fig. 38 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
Fig. 37 Dash panel: Lights and Visibility
A-
A1
A2
A3
Fig. 38 Dash panel: Switch for hazard warning lights
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 59 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Lights and Visibility65
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Slow wipe
– Position the lever up into position .
Fa st w i p e
– Position the lever up into position .
Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel into position and the
widescreen wiper and wash system will operate - in the sprung
position.
– Release the lever. The windscreen wash system stops and the
wiper continues for another 1 - 3 wiper strokes (depending on the
period of spraying of the windscreen).
Wiping the rear window pane*
– Push the lever away from the steering wheel into position
⇒ page 64, fig. 45, the widescreen wiper will operate every 6
seconds.
Automatic wipe/wash for the rear window pane*
– Push the lever away from the steering wheel into position - the
widescreen wiper and wash system will operate - in the sprung
position.
– Letting go of the leve r will cause the windscreen wash system to
stop and the wiper to continue for another 1 - 3 wiper strokes
(depending on the period of spraying of the windscreen). The
lever will stay in position after releasing it .
Switching windscreen wipers off
– Move the lever back into its home position .
The windscreen wipers and the windscreen washer system only operate if the ignition is switched on.
The rear window will be wiped again if the front window wipers are on when reverse gear is selected.
The windscreen washer nozzles are heated* when the ignition is switched on.
Top up with wash liquid ⇒page 211.
WARNING
•Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visibility and safe driving ⇒page 66.
•Do not use the windscreen washer system at low temperatures, without heating the windscreen beforehand. Otherwise the window cleaner could freeze on the windscreen and restrict the view to the front.
•In the event of a freezing up of the windscreen, first of all eliminate the ice ⇒page 188 and then operate the windscreen wiper otherwise the windscreen wiper blades could be damaged.
Caution
In frosty weather, please first of all check whether the windscreen wiper blades are not frozen to the windscreen before switching them on. Switching on wind- screen wipers when the blades are frozen to the windscreen may result in damage both to the blades and the motor of the windscreen wipers!
Headlight cleaning system*
The headlights are being cleaned after the windscreen washer system has been operated for the fifth time, the low beam or main beam are switched on as well as the windscreen wiper lever is held in the position ⇒page 64, fig. 45 for about 1 second.
A2
A3
A5
A6
A7
A6
A0
A5
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 65 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Driving and the Environment180
Unleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded petrol ⇒page 174. The automobile associations can provide you with informa- tion regarding the locations of fillin g stations which offer unleaded petrol.
Headlights
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side of the road on which you are driving to a gr eater extent. If you drive abroad on the other side of the road, you will dazzle oncoming traffic.
It is necessary in order to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic to stick a sticker over a certain part of the headlights.
Headlight stickers can be obtained as a spare part from the Skoda Service Part- ners.
Headlights with module are designed for dr iving in countries with traffic on the right or on the left. Have this done always at a Škoda Service Partner.
Note
You can obtain further information rega rding masking over or converting the headlights from your Škoda Service Partner.
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
When driving on poor roads and lanes or when driving over kerbstones, steep ramps etc., you must pay particular atte ntion to ensuring that any low-slung parts of the vehicle, such as spoiler an d exhaust, do not touch the ground and get damaged.
This particularly applies to models with a lowered suspension (sport suspen- sion) and also when your vehicle is fully laden.
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 180 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Towing a trailer182
Exterior mirrors
You have to have addi tional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exterior mirrors should be attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that they provide you with an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights. Alter the setting as necessary with th e aid of the headlight beam adjuster ⇒ page 59.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles with towing device and suppliable from Škoda original accessories. It is stowed together with separate fitting instruc- tions in the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Note
•We recommend that you also have yo ur vehicle inspected between service intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decoupling the trailer.
•Keep the mechanism of the ball head of the towing device clean and take proper care of it with a suitable preservative.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the
trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the lega l maximum speeds. This applies in
particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside
temperature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for countries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed should not be used when there are unfavourable road, weat her or wind conditions, particularly near accident black spots.
You must always reduce your speed imme diately as soon as you detect even just the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying ” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a downhill section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temper- ature is very high ⇒page 14.
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 182 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle189
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 da mage 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 and windows remain supple and last longer if you trea t them from time to time with a rubber care product (e.g. with a silicone-free oil in the 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 fr om 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 an y brake dust, dirt and road salt from sticking to the wheel hubs. You can remo ve stubborn brake abrasion adhering to the wheels with an industrial cleane r. 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 decorative 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 th en 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 ca use 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 fr om Škoda genuine accessories offered by your Škoda dealer.
WARNING
One should remember when cleaning the wheels that moisture, ice and road salt may adversely affect brakin g efficiency - risk of an accident!
Note
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may show itself in the form of a wheel vibrat ion which is transmitted to the steering wheel which, in certain circumstance s, can cause premature wear of the steering. This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 189 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM