2008 SKODA FABIA service

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights28
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 SERVICE 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 specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FAULT OWNER'S MANUAL!
For further information on the brake system ⇒page 154, “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 181, “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 ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and check the brake fluid in the reservoir ⇒page 188, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - 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.
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 after 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 ignition and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
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 end face of the dash panel 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 140.
WARNING (continued)
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Unlocking and locking30
Unlocking and locking
Key
Description
The vehicle is supplied with two keys without remote control ⇒fig. 16 or with two keys with remote control* ⇒fig. 17. The keys fit in all vehicle locks.
Key ring
The key ring only has the key number on it which is essential for producing other keys. This number can be used to order replacement keys from the Škoda Service Par tners.
The key ring with the number should be separately and securely kept in safe keeping since keys can only be replaced if they are lost or damaged by giving this number. You should also therefore give this key ring to the purchaser when selling the vehicle.
WARNING
•Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle - even if it is only for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!
•Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle has come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise engage unintention-ally - risk of accident!
Caution
•Each key contains electronic components; therefore protect them against mois-ture and severe shocks.
•Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean as impurities (textile fibres, dust etc.) have a negative effect on proper operation of the keys and the ignition lock.
Note
Please approach a Škoda Service Partner if you lose a key since he can obtain a new one for you.
Fig. 16 Set of keys without remote control
Fig. 17 Radio-operated key
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Unlocking and locking31
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Changing the key battery
Each radio-operated key contains a battery which is housed in the cover
of the transmitter housing ⇒fig. 18. We recommend that you have
the batteries of the key replaced by a Škoda Service Partner. You should,
however, proceed as follows if you wish to replace the battery yourself:
– Fold open the key.
– Use a screwdriver to carefully lever off the front part of the key
⇒fig. 18 from the transmitter housing .
– Take off the cover of the transmitter housing ⇒fig. 19 in direction of
arrow.
– Take the used battery out of the housing cover.
– Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is
facing downwards. The correct polarity is also shown on the cover of
the transmitter housing.
– Insert cover with battery in place at the rear of the transmitter housing
and press both parts together.
– Insert the transmitter housing into the front part of the key so that the
two parts lock into each other.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of an old battery in accordance with environmental regulations.
Note
•The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original battery.
•If it is still not be possible to unlock or lock the vehicle with the remote control even after replacing the battery this means that the system has to be synchronised ⇒page 39.
Electronic immobiliser
The electronic immobiliser prevents the vehicle being operated by an
unauthorised person.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The elec-tronic immobiliser is automatically activated when you withdraw the ignition key from the lock.
Note
It is only possible to start the engine of your car with a Genuine Škoda key with the matching code ⇒page 24.
Fig. 18 Disconnect key with radio remote control
Fig. 19 Cover of the trans-mitter housing
AB
AA
AB
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Unlocking and locking33
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Central locking system*
Description
Unlocking or locking the vehicle causes all doors to be unlocked or locked at the same time by the central locking system. The boot lid is unlocked when opening. It can be opened by pressing the hand grip above the licence plate.
Operation of the central locking system is possible:
•from the outside using the vehicle key ⇒page 34,
•using the buttons for the central locking system ⇒page 35,
•by using the remote control ⇒page 37.
Indicator light in the driver's door on vehicles without anti-theft alarm system
After the car is locked, the indicator light flashes after 2 seconds.
After the car is locked with the deactivated safe securing system, the indicator light flashes only after 30 seconds.
Indicator light in the driver's door on vehicles with anti-theft alarm system
After locking the vehicle the indicator light flashes for 2 seconds fast, then more slowly.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system ⇒page 34 is not operating, the indicator light in the driver door flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and starts to flash slowly after about 30 seconds.
If the indicator light first of all flashes fast for about 2 seconds, afterwards lights up for about 30 seconds and then flashes slowly, there is a fault in the system of the central locking or the interior monitor* ⇒page 40. Contact a specialist garage to obtain assistance.
Convenience operation of windows
One can open and close the electrically powered windows when unlocking and locking the vehicle ⇒page 42, “Window convenience operation”.
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 Service Partner 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 Service Partner can convert the central locking system of your car to the automatic locking mode.
WARNING
•Locking the doors prevents involuntary opening in an exceptional situa-tion (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
•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 36.
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Unlocking and locking37
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•Do not press on the rear window when closing the boot lid, it could crack - risk of injury!
Note
•After closing the boot lid, it is automatically locked within 1 seconds and the anti-theft alarm system* is activated. This applies only if the vehicle was locked before closing the boot lid.
•The function of the hand grip above the licence plate is deactivated when starting off or as of a speed of more than 5 km/hour for vehicles with central locking. The function of the hand grip is activated again when the vehicle has stopped and a door is opened.
•Hold the boot lid when opening.
Emergency unlocking of the boot lid
If there is a fault in the central locking, you can open the boot lid as
follows:
– Fold one of the outer rear seats forwards.
– Move the operating lever A with the aid of a narrow object e.g. screw-
driver up to the stop in the direction of arrow; the boot lid is then
unlocked.
– Open the boot lid/luggage compartment door from outside.
Remote control*
Description
You can use the remote control:
•to unlock and lock the car,
•unlocking boot lid.
The transmitter with the battery is housed in the handle of the master key. The receiver is located in the interior of the car. The operating range of the remote control is approx. 10 m. But this range of the remote control can be reduced if the batteries are weak.
The master key has a fold-open key bit which can be used for unlocking and locking the car manually and also for starting the engine.
If a lost key is replaced or if the receiver unit has been repaired or a new unit installed, it is then necessary for a Škoda Service Partner to initialise the system. Only after this is it possible to again use the remote control.
Note
•The remote control is automatically deactivated when the ignition is switched on.
•The operation of the remote control may temporarily be affected by interfer-ence from transmitters close to the car and which operate in the same frequency range (e.g. mobile phone, TV transmitter).
•The battery must be replaced if the central locking or anti-theft alarm system does react to the remote control at less than 3 metres away. We recommend having the battery replaced by a Škoda Service Partner.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 25 Emergency unlocking of the boot lid
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Unlocking and locking39
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Synchonisation of the remote control
If the vehicle cannot be unlocked by actuating the remote control system then it is possible that the code in the key and the control unit in the vehicle are no longer synchronised. This can occur when the buttons on the radio-operated key are actu-ated a number of times outside of the operative range of the equipment or the battery on the remote control was replaced.
This means it is necessary to synchronise the code as follows:
•Press any button on the remote control.
•pressing of the button means that the door will unlock with the key within 1 minute.
Anti-theft alarm system*
The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against people seeking to break into the vehicle. The system triggers audible and visual warning signals if an attempt is made to break into the vehicle.
How is the alarm system switched on?
The anti-theft alarm system is activated automatically when the vehicle is locked with the key on the closed driver's door or by using the remote control. It is acti-vated 30 seconds after closing the door.
How is the alarm system switched off?
The anti-theft alarm system is switched off if the vehicle is unlocked by only using the remote control. The vehicle is automatically locked again if the vehicle is not opened within 30 seconds after reactivating the anti-theft alarm system.
Once you unlock the vehicle by inserting the key into the driver door you then have to insert the key into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15 seconds after unlocking the door in order to deactivate the anti-theft alarm system. The alarm will be triggered if you do not switch on the ignition within 15 seconds.
When is the alarm triggered?
The following security areas of the locked vehicle are monitored:
•Bonnet,
•Boot lid,
•Doors,
•Ignition lock,
•Vehicle interior* ⇒page 40,
•Angle of the vehicle*,
•A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply.
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is discon-nected while the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
How is the alarm switched off?
You switch the alarm off if you unlock the car with the radio remote control in the key or if you switch the ignition on.
Note
•The working life of the alarm siren is 5 years. More detailed information is avail-able from your Škoda Service Partner.
•Before leaving the car, check that all the doors, windows and the electric sliding/tilting roof* are properly closed in order to ensure that the anti-theft alarm system is fully operational.
•Coding of the radio remote control and the receptor part precludes the use of the radio remote control from other vehicles.
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Lights and Visibility54
therefore important to degrease the lips of the wiper blades after every pass through an automatic vehicle wash system.
WARNING
•If the windscreen wipers are handled carelessly, there is a risk of damage to the windscreen.
•You should clean the wiper blades regularly with a windscreen cleaner in order to avoid any smears. Clean a wiper blade with a sponge or cloth if it is very dirty, for example from insect residues.
•Replace the wiper blades once or twice a year for safety reasons. The wiper blades are available from Škoda Service Partners.
Replacing the wiper blade on the rear window wiper
Taking off the wiper blade
– Fold windscreen wiper arm out from the windscreen and position the
wiper blade at right angles to the wiper arm ⇒fig. 47.
– Hold the window wiper arm at the top end with one hand.
– With the other hand unlock the locking button in the direction of
arrow and remove the wiper blade.
Attaching a wiper blade
– Position the wiper blade onto the wiper arm and lock the locking
button .
– Check whether the wiper blade is correctly attached.
The same remarks apply here as for ⇒page 53.
Rear mirror
You can adjust the exterior mirrors electrically*.
Adjust the rear mirror before commencing to drive so that there is a clear
view to the rear.
Dimming the interior mirror
– Pull the lever on the bottom edge of the mirror toward rear (the lever
on the interior mirror must point forwards in it home position).
Heating of the external mirror*
– Turn the rotary knob to position  ⇒fig. 48.
Fig. 47 Wiper blade for rear window
AA
AA
Fig. 48 Inner part of door: Rotary knob
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Seats and Stowage73
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– When transporting two bicycles tension the strap ⇒fig. 82 between
the saddle rods, by pushing the bicycles apart.
– Hang the carabines at the ends of the strap into the lashing eyes
behind the rear seats.
– Pull the strap through the tensioning clasp, first of all on the one side
and then on the other side.
– If it is necessary, the position of the bicycles in the vehicle can be addi-
tionally rectified.
WARNING
•When transporting passengers and objects, which require the seats to be folded forwards, ensure the safety of the passengers being transported.
•Place the bicycles in the bicycle carrier in such a position that no collision between the steering arm and the rear window can occur.
The roof rack*
Roof rail*
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 a roof luggage rack which has been released for use by Škoda Auto a.s.
•The roof rail is the basis for a complete roof luggage rack system. Separate addi-tional holders are required for safety reasons for transporting luggage, bikes, surf-boards, skis and boats.
•The basic version of the roof luggage rack system and further components are obtainable as accessories from Škoda Service Partners.
Caution
•Ensure that the opened boot lid does not collide with the roof load.
For the sake of the environment
The increased aerodynamic drag results in a higher fuel consumption.
Note
A roof rail is obtainable from a Skoda Service Partner if hasn't been fitted onto a vehicle at the works.
Fig. 84 Roof rail
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