2008 SKODA FABIA airbag off

Cockpit8
Cockpit
General view
This general view is designed to help you to quickly become familiar
with the instruments, gauges and controls.
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric exterior mirror adjustment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-functional module* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
−Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher
−Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight flasher, driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster: Instruments and indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
−Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
−Switch for the ESP* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Switch for the TCS* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
−Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Operating controls for Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Operating controls for Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartments on the front passenger side* . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for the front seat passenger airbag(s)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch depending on equipment fitted:
−Unlocking the boot lid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Interior monitor* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse box in the dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch and control dial for the headlight beam range regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio*
Rocker switch for heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buttons for central locking* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
−Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Selector lever (6-speed automatic gearbox)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rocker switch for heating on the front passenger seat* . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
−Ashtray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD changer* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
•Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
•Vehicles with factory-fitted radio, mobile phone, navigation system, CD player etc. are supplied with separate instructions for operating such equipment.
•The arrangement of the controls and switches and the location of some items on right-hand drive models may differ from that shown in ⇒page 7, fig. 1. The symbols on the controls and switches are the same as for left-hand drive models.
A140
A254
A385
A4107
A5
48
99
A6133
A79
A8
13
52
A951
A10
151
152
A1185
A1248
A13140
A14
83
85
89
A1578
A16133
A17140
A18
36
40
A19213
A2045, 47
A21180
A2294
A2395
A24
A2558
A2635
A27
97
103
A2858
A29
76
79
A30118
NKO A05F 20.book Page 8 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:02 PM

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)
NKO A05F 20.book Page 28 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:02 PM

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)
NKO A05F 20.book Page 29 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:02 PM

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
NKO A05F 20.book Page 35 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:02 PM

Lights and Visibility52
WARNING
The sun visors must not be swivelled to the side windows into the deploy-ment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens etc. are attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head airbag is deployed.
Windshield wiper and wash system
Windshield wiper
You can operate the windscreen wipers and automatic wipe/wash
using the windscreen wiper lever.
The windscreen wiper lever ⇒fig. 45 has the following positions:
Finger-operated wiping
– Position the lever down into position if you wish to wipe the wind-
screen only for a single wipe - spring-tensioned position.
Intermittent wiping
– Position the lever up into position .
– Set with the switch the desired break between the individual wiper
strokes
Slow wipe
– Position the lever up into position .
Fast wipe
– 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 posi-
tion.
– 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
⇒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 posi-
tion.
– Letting go of the lever 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 .
Fig. 45 Windscreen wiper lever
A4
A1
AA
A2
A3
A5
A6
A7
A6
A0
NKO A05F 20.book Page 52 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:02 PM

Seats and Stowage56
Seats and Stowage
Front seats
Basic information
The front seats have a wide range of different settings and can thus be matched to the physical characteristics of the driver and front passenger. Correct adjustment of the seats is particularly important for
•safely and quickly reaching the controls,
•a relaxed, fatigue-free body position,
•achieving the maximum protection offered by the seat belts and the airbag system.
The chapters which follow describe the procedure which you should adopt for adjusting the seats.
WARNING
•Never transport more occupants than the maximum seating in the vehicle.
•Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat. Children must be fastened ⇒page 142, “Transporting children safely” with a suitable restraint system.
•The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your occupants.
•Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven - never place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the surfaces of the seats. This is particularly important for the front seat passenger. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it becomes necessary to apply the brake or in the event of an accident. If an airbag is deployed, you may suffer fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect seated position!
•It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to prop-erly protect you - hazard! The front seats and the head restraints must always also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
•Ensure that there are no objects in the footwell as any objects may get behind the pedals during a driving or braking manoeuvre. You would then no longer be able to operate the clutch, to brake or accelerate.
Adjusting the front seats
Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction
– Pull the lever ⇒fig. 49 up and push the seat into the desired posi-
tion.
– Release the lever and push the seat further until the lock is heard
to engage.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 49 Controls at seat
A1
A1
NKO A05F 20.book Page 56 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:02 PM

Seats and Stowage61
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Removing
– Fold the rear seat forwards.
– Press the wire clamps in the direction of the arrow ⇒fig. 56 and
remove the rear seat from its holder.
Installing
– Press the wire clamp in the direction of the arrow and place the seat
upholstery in its holder.
– Fold the rear seat back into its original position.
Pedals
You should use only footmats which do not obstruct the movement of the pedals and have an anti-slip protection.
We recommend only to use footmats from Škoda genuine accessories offered by your Škoda dealer.
Operation of the pedals must not be hindered!
WARNING
•Greater pedal distances may be needed when there is a fault in the brake system.
•Do not place any footmats or other additional floor coverings in the area of the pedals in order to ensure that all the pedals can be fully depressed and are able to return unobstructed to their initial position - risk of accident!
•There must be no objects on the floor which could roll under the pedals. You would then no longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or accelerator - risk of accident!
luggage compartment
Loading the luggage compartment
Please observe the following in the interest of having good handling char-
acteristics of your vehicle:
– Distribute the items of luggage as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.
– Attach the items of luggage to the lashing eyes or the safety net*
⇒page 62.
In the event of an accident, there is such a high kinetic energy which is produced by small and light objects that they can cause severe injuries. The magnitude of the kinetic energy depends on the speed at which the vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the object. The speed at which the vehicle is travelling is in this case the more significant factor.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, an unsecured object with a weight of 4.5 kg produces an energy, which corresponds to 20 times its own weight. This means that it results in a weight of approx. 90 kg. You can imagine the injuries that can occur, if this “bullet” is flying through the interior compartment and hits an occupant.
WARNING
•Store the objects in the luggage compartment and attach them to the lashing eyes.
•Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be thrown forward during a sudden manoeuvre or in case of an accident and can injure the occupants or other oncoming traffic. This risk is still increased, if the objects which are flying around are hit by a deployed airbag. In this case, the objects which are thrown back can injure the occupants - hazard.
•Please note that the handling properties of your vehicle may be affected when transporting heavy objects as a result of the displacement of the
NKO A05F 20.book Page 61 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:02 PM

Starting-off and Driving94
Starting-off and Driving
Setting steering wheel position*
You can set the height and the forward/back position of the steering
wheel to the desired position.
– Adjust the driver seat ⇒page 56.
– Pull the lever below the steering column ⇒fig. 111 down ⇒.
– Set the steering wheel to the desired position (concerning height and
forward/back position).
– Then push the lever up against the steering column until it locks into
place.
WARNING
•You must not adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving!
•The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel ⇒fig. 112. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
•For s afe ty re a so ns t he le ve r m ust al wa y s b e fi rm ly pus he d up to a voi d the steering wheel altering its position unintentionally when driving - risk of accident!
•If you adjust the steering wheel further towards the head, you will reduce the protection offered by the driver airbag in the event of an accident. Check that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.
•When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another way (e.g. in the middle of the steering wheel or at the inner steering wheel edge). In such cases, injuries to the arms, the hands and the head can occur when the driver airbag is deployed.
Fig. 111 Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below steering column
Fig. 112 Safe distance to steering wheel
NKO A05F 20.book Page 94 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:02 PM