2008 SKODA FABIA headlights

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights10
Avoid high engine speeds during the driving time and always if the engine has not yet reached its operating temperature ⇒page 159.
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 to a higher gear in good time helps to reduce the fuel consumption, mini-mises operating noise levels, protects the environment and contributes to a longer life and reliability of the engine.
Coolant temperature gauge*
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 9, fig. 2 operates only when the ignition is switched on.
In order to avoid any damage to the engine, please pay attention to the following notes regarding the temperature ranges:
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 temperature 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 temperatures. 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. Observe the guidelines ⇒page 24, “Coolant temperature/coolant level ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒page 181, “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 the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine over-heating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads!
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge ⇒page 9, fig. 2 only operates when the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 45 litres. The warning symbol  in the instru-ment cluster lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve marking. There are now about 7 litres of fuel remaining in the tank. This symbol is a reminder for you, that you must refuel.
The following will be displayed in the information display*:
PLEASE REFUEL
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
Caution
Never run the fuel tank completely empty! An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
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NKO A05F 20.book Page 10 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:02 PM

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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Lights and Visibility46
WARNING
Never drive with side lights on - risk of accident! The side lights are not bright enough to light up the road sufficiently 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 withdraw 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 the car is parked for a lengthy period, we recommend switching off all lights, or leaving only the parking lights switched on.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-ance with the legal requirements.
•In the event of cool or humid weather conditions, the headlights can be misted up from inside.
−The temperature difference between interior and external area of the head-light 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 lights are automatically lowered to the emergency position, which prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming traffic. Thus the illuminated length of the road is shortened. Drive carefully and have the car inspected immediately by a specialist garage.
Fog lights* 
Switching on the fog lights 
– First of all turn the light switch into position  or  ⇒fig. 35.
– Pull the light switch out to the first detent .
The rear fog light warning light  ⇒page 20 lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog light is switched off.
Fig. 35 Dash panel: Light switch
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Lights and Visibility47
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Fog lights with integrated function “Corner”*
The turning light is intended for a better illumination of the vehicle
close range when turning, parking etc.
The fog lights with the function “Corner” are regulated according to the steering angle or after switching on the turn signal light3) in the following circumstances:
•the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running or it moves with a speed of maximum 40 km/h;
•the daylight driving lights are not switched on
•low beam switched on,
•no reverse gear engaged,
•no hazard warning light system switched on.
A fault in the turning light is indicated by the warning light  lighting up or flashing.
Note
If the fog lights are switched on, the function of the turning light is not active.
Rear fog light 
Switching on the rear fog light 
– First of all turn the light switch into position  or  ⇒page 46,
fig. 35.
– Pull the light switch out to the second detent . The fog lights* light
up at the same time.
If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights*, the rear fog light is switched on by turning the light switch to the position  and is pulled out directly to the position . This switch does not have two positions, but only one position.
The rear fog light warning light  ⇒page 20 lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog light is switched off.
Only the rear fog light of the trailer lights up if the vehicle is fitted with a towing device from Škoda original accessoriesand when you are towing a trailer which is fitted with the rear fog light.
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. 36 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.3)If both switch on versions are conflicting, for example if the steering wheel is turned to theleft and the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
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Fig. 36 Dash panel: Lights and Visibility
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Lights and Visibility53
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The windscreen wipers and the windscreen washer system only operate if the igni-tion 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 193.
WARNING
•Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visi-bility and safe driving ⇒page 53.
•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 172 and then operate the windscreen wiper otherwise the wind-screen 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 windscreen 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 52, fig. 45 for about 1 second.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the headlight lenses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 172, “The headlight lenses”.
You should remove any snow from the fixtures of the washer nozzles and clear ice in winter with a de-icing spray in order to ensure proper operation of the cleaning system.
Replacing wiper blades for the windscreen wipers
Taking off the wiper blade
– Fold windscreen wiper arm away from the windscreen.
– Press the locking button, in order to unlock the wiper blade and pull
off in the direction of arrow.
Attaching a wiper blade
– Push the wiper blade until it locks up to the stop.
– Check whether the wiper blade is correctly attached.
– Fold the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.
Wiper blades in proper condition are essential to obtain good visibility. Wiper blades should not be allowed to become dirtied by dust, insect remains and preserving wax.
Juddering or smearing of the wiper blades could then be due to wax residues left on the windscreen by vehicle washing in automatic vehicle wash systems. It is
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Fig. 46 Wiper blade for the windscreen wiper
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Driving and the Environment164
•Minimum fuel leakage during accidents
•Reduced noise
Choice of materials
•extensive use of recyclable material
•Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant
•no cadmium
•no asbestos
•Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics
Manufacture
•solvent-free cavity protection
•solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production plant to the customer
•The use of solvent-free adhesives
•No CFCs used in the production process
•without use of mercury
•Use of water-soluble paints
•no use of hexavalent chromium
Trade-in and recycling of old cars
Škoda Auto meets the requirements of the brand and its products regarding envi-ronment and ressource protection. All new Škoda vehicles can be utilized up to 95 % and always 5) be returned. In a lot of countries sufficient trade-in networks have been created, where you can trade-in your vehicle. After you trade-in your vehicle, you will receive a confirmation stating the recycling in accordance with environmental regulations.
Vehicles with special built-on types
Technical documents regarding changes carried out on the vehicle must be kept by the vehicle user, in order to hand over later to the old car user. This ensures the recycling in accordance with environmental regulations.
Note
Detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old cars is available from your Škoda Service Partner.
Motoring abroad
General
Other circumstances may exist abroad.
It is also possible, in certain countries, that the Škoda Service Partner network is limited or has not been established yet. This is the reason why obtaining certain spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garage personnel may only be able to ma ke li mite d re pa irs. Škoda Auto a.s. i n the Czech Republic and rele -vant importers are happy to provide information about technical aspects of the vehicle, required maintenance work and possibilities for getting repairs done.
Unleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded petrol ⇒page 160. The automobile associations can provide you with information regarding the locations of filling 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 greater 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 Partners.
Headlights with module are designed for driving in countries with traffic on the right or on the left. Have this done always at a Škoda Service Partner.5)subject to fulfilment of the national legal regulations
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Towing a trailer167
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 the aid of the headlight beam adjuster ⇒page 47.
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 instructions in the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your 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 legal 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 temper-
ature 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 coun-tries 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, weather or wind conditions, particularly near accident black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediately 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 down-hill 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 temperature is very high ⇒page 10.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or even the red area of the scale, reduce your speed immediately. Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light  in the instrument cluster begins flashing. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒page 186, “Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 24, “Coolant temperature/coolant level ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent
NKO A05F 20.book Page 167 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 1:02 PM

Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle172
Plastic parts
External plastic parts are cleaned by normal washing. Plastic parts and synthetic leather can also be treated with special solvent-free plastic cleaning agents if a damp cloth is not sufficient. Paint care products are not suitable for plastic parts.
Caution
Solvent-free cleaners attack the material and can damage it.
Windows
Only use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mirrors. You should not move the ice scraper forward and backward but in one direction on the window which you are cleaning in order to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.
You can best remove residues of rubber, oil, grease, wax or silicone by using a special window cleaner or a special silicone remover.
You should also clean the windows regularly from the inside.
Do not use window leathers which you have used to polish the vehicle body to dry off the windows. Residues of preservatives in the window leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility.
Do not affix any stickers over the inside of the rear window to avoid damage to the heating elements of the rear window heater.
We recommend using a preservative from Škoda genuine accessories offered by your Škoda dealer.
Caution
•Never remove snow or ice from the glass parts with warm or hot water - risk of formation of cracks in the glass!
•When removing snow or ice from the windows and mirror lenses make sure not to damage the paintwork of the vehicle.
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 damage to the protective paintwork and conse-quently in formation of cracks on the headlight lenses, e.g through effect of chem-ical products.
Door and window seals
The rubber seals on the doors, boot lid, bonnet and windows remain supple and last longer if you treat them from time to time with a rubber care product (e.g. with a spray with silicone-free oil). 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 from 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.
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