2009 SKODA FABIA Owner's Manual

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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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights 34There 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 diagnostic equipment:•
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 the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the
lighting up of the indicator light
  (airbag switched off) ⇒page 146.
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 145, “Deactivating
airbags”.
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. Im In the information display* is shown ENGINE
FAULT WORKSHOP!. 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.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights35
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Note
Further information about diesel particle filter ⇒page 162, “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 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 132, “Why seat belts?”.
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Unlocking and locking 36Unlocking and lockingKeyDescriptionThe vehicle is supplied with two keys without remote control ⇒fig. 31 or with two
keys with remote control* ⇒fig. 32. 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 specialist garages.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 hand over 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 the proper operation of the locking cylinder and the
ignition lock.Note
Please approach a specialist garage if you lose a key since he can obtain a new one
for you.
Fig. 31 Set of keys without
remote controlFig. 32 Remote control key
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Unlocking and locking37
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Changing the key batteryEach remote control key contains a battery which is housed in the cover
of the transmitter housing ⇒fig. 33. We recommend having the
battery of the key replaced by a specialist garage. 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. 33 from the transmitter housing .
– Take off the cover of the transmitter housing ⇒fig. 34 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 45.
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 30.
Fig. 33 Disconnect key with
radio remote controlFig. 34 Cover of the trans-
mitter housing
AB
AA
AB
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Unlocking and locking 38LockingValid for vehicles without a central locking system:
Locking from outside
The securing knob will move upwards or downwards in the door when unlocking
or locking.
Locking from inside
All closed vehicle doors are locked by pressing in the securing knobs from the
inside. The doors cannot be opened from the outside when the securing knobs
have been pressed in. The vehicle doors can be opened from the inside as follows:•
the door is unlocked by actuating the door-opening lever;
•
The door opens upon actuating the door-opening lever again.Note
•
The opened door cannot be locked with the securing knob. This prevents the
possibility of forgetting the key in the locked vehicle.
•
The opened side doors at the rear and the front passenger door are locked by
pressing in the securing knob and slamming the door closed.
•
Please refer to the safety guidelines ⇒ in “Description” on page 39.
Child safety lockThe child safety lock prevents the rear door from being opened from
the inside.The rear doors are equipped with a child safety lock. You can switch the
child safety lock on and off using the vehicle key.
Switching child safety lock on
– Use the vehicle key to turn the slit in the rear door to the left in the
direction of the arrow ⇒fig. 35.
Switching child safety lock off
– Use the vehicle key to turn the slit to the right against the direction of
the arrow.So long as the child safety lock is switched on it is not possible to open the door
from the inside with the door opening lever. In this case the door can be opened
only from the outside.
Fig. 35 Child safety locks on
the rear doors
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Unlocking and locking39
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Central locking system*DescriptionUnlocking 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 40;
•
using the buttons for the central locking system ⇒page 41;
•
by using the remote control ⇒page 43.
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 40 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 46. Visit 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 48.Opening a single door*
This function makes it possible to only 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 specialist garage which 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 Dealer can activate the function of 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 which are fitted with a locking cylinder can be unlocked
and locked using the key if the central locking system fails. You can operate the rear
doors manually.
−Emergency locking of the door ⇒page 42.
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