2008 SKODA FABIA warning lights

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights23
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
If 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 immediately 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 the ignition or when driving lights up contin-uously, a fault exists in the 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 156.
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 ignition. 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 however. 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 warning light  lights up for a cold engine when switching on the ignition (pre-heat position) 2 ⇒page 95. 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 engine management system selects an emer-gency 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!
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer* 
The indicator light  on vehicles towing a trailer flashes together with the respec-tive indicator light for the turn signal system.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights24
The indicator light  does not flash if a turn signal light on the trailer or on the vehicle is not operating.
Coolant temperature/coolant level 
After the ignition is switched on the warning light  lights up blue until the engine reaches operating temperature 1). Avoid running at high engine speeds, at full throttle and at severe engine loads. The blue warning light goes out once the oper-ating temperature has been reached .
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the warning light  lights up red or flashes red while driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level; top up the coolant as necessary ⇒page 187, “Replenishing the coolant”.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine switched off and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine damage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant fan, replace it if necessary ⇒page 216, “Fuse assignment at battery”.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the fluid is at the correct level and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order. Contact a specialist garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 186, “Cooling system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP CHECK COOLANT OWNER'S MANUAL!
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 48, “Switch for hazard warning lights ”.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 181, “Working in the engine compartment” before checking the coolant fluid level and opening the bonnet.
•Take care when opening the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding. It is best to allow the engine to cool down before removing the cap.
•Do not touch the coolant fan! The coolant fan may switch on automati-cally even if the ignition is off.
Electronic immobiliser 
Data is compared between the ignition key and the control unit when switching on the ignition. The indicator light  will light up for a few seconds when ignition key authorisation is confirmed.
The warning light will start flashing continuously if a non-authorised ignition key (for example the wrong ignition key) has been used. The engine cannot be started ⇒page 31.
It is only possible to start the engine of your car with a Genuine Škoda key with the matching code.
Fuel reserve 
The warning light  comes on, if the fuel level is still about 7 litres.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
PLEASE REFUEL
1)Not valid for vehicles with information display.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights25
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Engine oil 
The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The warning light comes on for a few seconds 2) when the ignition is switched on.
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 184.
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. ENGINE OFF! 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 probably too low. Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒page 184 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!
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 48.
•The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refu-eling stop.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 181, “Working in the engine compartment” before checking the coolant fluid level and opening the bonnet.
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 PAD
Open door* 
The warning light  comes on if one or several doors, the bonnet or boot lid is opened.2)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on afterswitching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights26
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning light goes out 5 minutes after switching off the ignition if one or several doors, the bonnet or boot lid is opened. The warning light goes out after closing the doors.
Windshield washer fluid level*
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if there is insuffi-cient fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with liquid ⇒page 193.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
REFILL WASHER LIQUID
Control system for exhaust 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the engine or it lights up or flashes when driving, a fault exists in an exhaust relevant component. The engine manage-ment 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*:
EXHAUST WORKSHOP!
Traction control system (TCS) *
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS system can be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the TCS system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 152.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the inflation pressure in the tyres ⇒page 194.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
Further information about tyre pressure-control system ⇒page 156.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please stop the vehicle without delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their inflation pressures.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at all.
•The tyre inflation pressure-control system does not take away the responsability from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pressure.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights27
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Selector lever lock*  (automatic gearbox)
If the warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and the Antilock Brake System ABS (ABS).
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the ESP is switched off or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
Further information on the ESP ⇒page 151, “Electronic stability programme (ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ESP warning light  in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected immediately by your specialist garage. Further information on the EDL ⇒page 153.
Antilock brake system (ABS)* 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switched on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after an automatic check sequence has been completed.
A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the ABS warning light  does not go out within a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not light up at all or lights up while driving. The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system. Visit a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving in the meantime since you will not know how great the damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the ABS.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 155, “Antilock brake system (ABS)*”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light  comes on together with the brake system warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in the ABS but also in another part of the brake system ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FAULT OWNER'S MANUAL!
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the ABS warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid level 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.
•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 fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function has failed. The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when braking. In certain circumstances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk of skidding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
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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 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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