2009 SKODA FABIA engine

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights 26Warning lightsOverview
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Fig. 30 Instrument cluster with warning lights

Turn signal lights (to the left)
⇒page 27

Turn signal lights (to the right)
⇒page 27

Main beam light
⇒page 27

Low beam light
⇒page 28

Rear fog light
⇒page 28

Dynamo
⇒page 28

Fog lights*
⇒page 28

Cornering lights*
⇒page 28

Electrohydraulic power steering
⇒page 28

EPC fault light (petrol engine)
⇒page 29

Glow plug system (diesel engine)
⇒page 29

Turn signal system for vehicles towing a
trailer*
⇒page 29
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights27
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING
•
If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body
injuries or major vehicle damage.
•
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk
of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine
compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is also
essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 185.Note
•
Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model version.
The symbols shown in the following functional description are to be found as indi-
cator lights in the instrument cluster.
•
Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority
1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system

Either the left
 or right
 indicator light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails. This does
not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
Further information about the turn signal system ⇒page 54.
Main beam

The indicator light
 comes on when the main beam is selected or also when the
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information about the main beam ⇒page 54.

Coolant temperature/coolant level
⇒page 29

Electronic immobiliser
⇒page 30

Fuel reserve
⇒page 30

Engine oil pressure
⇒page 30

Engine oil level
⇒page 30

Open door*
⇒page 31

Fluid level in windshield washer system*
⇒page 31

Control system for exhaust
⇒page 31

Traction control system (TCS)*
⇒page 31

Tyre pressure*
⇒page 32

Selector lever lock* (automatic gearbox)
⇒page 32

Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
⇒page 32

Antilock brake system (ABS)*
⇒page 32

Brake system
⇒page 33

Airbag system
⇒page 33

Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)
⇒page 34

Seat belt warning light*
⇒page 35
s3f4.1.book Page 27 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights 28Low beam

The warning light
 comes on when low beam is selected ⇒page 51.
Rear fog light

The warning light
 comes on when the rear fog lights are operating ⇒page 53.
Alternator

The warning light
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should go
out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes on when
driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be discharged
in this case so switch off all non-essential electrical components.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP!
Caution
If the warning light
 comes on when driving and in addition the warning light

(cooling system fault) also comes on in display, you must then stop the car imme-
diately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage!
Fog lights*

The warning light
 comes on when the fog lights are operating ⇒page 52.
Cornering lights*

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.Further information ⇒page 52.
WARNING
f 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 160.
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 however increased force required to turn
the steering wheel.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 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 100. 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 warning light
 does not come on or
lights up continuously, contact a specialist garage as soon as possible to obtain
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*

Only if a trailer is attached to the vehicle, the indicator light
 flashes together with
the turn signals.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 190, “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 221, “Fuse assignment at the battery (automatic
gearbox)”.
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 189, “Cooling system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP CHECK COOLANT OWNER'S MANUAL!1)Not valid for vehicles with information display.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights 30
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 54, “Switch for hazard warning lights ”.
•
Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 185, “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 37.
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 less than 7 litres.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
PLEASE REFUEL
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 187.
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 187 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.
2)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching 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 Lights31
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data 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 54.
•
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 185, “Working in the
engine compartment” before checking the coolant fluid level and opening
the bonnet.
Open door*

The warning light
 comes on if one or several doors, the bonnet or boot lid is
opened.
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 197.
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 when
driving, a fault exists in an exhaust relevant component. 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*:
EXHAUST WORKSHOP!
Traction control system (TCS) *

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.
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 156.
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.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights 32Tyre 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 198.
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 160.
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.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), the
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and the Antilock Brake System (ABS).
The warning light flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.
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 155, “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 157.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 to take
account of the fault in the meantime since you will not know the extent of the fault
and in how far the effect of the antilock brakes is affected.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the ABS.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights33
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data Further information about ABS ⇒page 159, “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 191, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped
below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Obtain
professional assistance.
•
Pay attention to the following instructions before checking the brake
fluid level and opening the bonnet ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine
compartment”.
•
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.
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 MANUALIf 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, an extended free play of the brake pedal
and long braking distances when carefully driving to the 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 158, “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 before checking the brake
fluid level and opening the bonnet ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine
compartment”.
•
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 191, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid
level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of
accident! Obtain professional assistance.
Airbag system

Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
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