2008 SKODA FABIA ignition

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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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 139, “Deactivating an airbag”.
Diesel particle filter*  (diesel engine)
If the warning light  comes on, this means that soot has accumulated in the diesel particle filter because of the frequent short distances.
In order to clean the diesel particle filter, the vehicle should be driven at an even speed of at least 60 km/h at engine speeds of 1 800 - 2 500 rpm for 15 minutes with the 4th or 5th gear engaged (automatic gearbox: position S) when the traffic situa-tion permits it.
Always pay attention to the valid speed limits ⇒.
The warning light  goes out after the successful cleaning of the diesel particle filter.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light  does not go out and the warning light  begins to flash. ENGINE FAULT WORKSHOP! is shown in the information display*. Afterwards the engine control unit shifts the engine into the emergency mode, which only has a reduced power output. After switching the igni-tion off and on again the warning light  comes on.
Have the vehicle inspected without delay by your specialist garage.
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning light coming on and the corre-sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in injuries or major vehicle damage.
•Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-tions. The route indicated by the warning light must not tempt you to disre-gard the national regulations for road traffic.
Caution
•As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an increased fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the engine.
Note
Further information about diesel particle filter ⇒page 158, “Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)”.
Seat belt warning light* 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder to fasten the seat belt.
If the seat belts are not fastened when the speed of the car increases to more than 25km/h, the warning light flashes and an acoustic warning signal sounds for approx. 90 seconds.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
FASTEN SEAT BELT
In case of a load on the front passenger seat e.g. a bag (this is not recommended for safety reasons) the warning light  indicates that the seat belt is not fastened.
Further information on the seat belts ⇒page 126, “Why seat belts?”.
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 locking34
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 automatically blocked. The indicator 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.
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.
WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is acti-vated, there must not be any person and animals in the vehicle as it is then not possible to open either a door or a window from the inside. The locked doors make it more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emer-gency - hazard!
Unlocking the vehicle using the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver's door to the left into the opening
position ⇒fig. 21.
– Pull on the door handle and open the door.
•All the doors are unlocked.
•The boot lid is then unlocked.
•The switched on interior lights come on over the door contact.
•The safe securing system is deactivated.
•The windows are opened provided the key is held in the opening position.
•The indicator light in the driver's door stops flashing if the vehicle is not fitted with an anti-theft alarm system* ⇒page 39.
Note
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system*, you must 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. The alarm will be triggered if you do not switch on the ignition within 15 seconds.
Fig. 21 Turning the key for unlocking and locking the vehicle
AA
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Unlocking and locking35
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Closing the vehicle with the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver door to the right into the closing
position ⇒page 34, fig. 21.
•All the doors and the boot lid are locked.
•The switched on interior lights go out over the door contact.
•The windows and the electric sliding/tilting roof* are closed provided the key is held in the locking position.
•The safe securing system is activated immediately.
•The indicator light in the driver door begins flashing.
Note
The opened front doors cannot be unlocked. It must be locked separately after closing it.
Button for the central locking system*
If the vehicle was not locked from outside, it can be unlocked or locked
with the buttons and , also if the ignition is switched off.
Locking all doors and the boot lid
–Press button ⇒fig. 22. The symbol  in the button comes on.
Unlocking all doors and the boot lid
–Press button ⇒fig. 22. The symbol  goes out in the button.
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 from the inside and open them by pulling the door opening lever.
•If the driver door is opened, it cannot be locked, 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 always operate if the safe securing system is activated.
AB
Fig. 22 Central locking switch
A1A2
A1
A2
A1
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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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