2009 SKODA FABIA coolant level

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights 16During the driving time and always before the engine has reached its operating
temperature, generally avoid high engine speeds ⇒page 163.
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 15, fig. 18 operates only when the igni-
tion 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 has
reached 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 29, “Coolant temperature/coolant level ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒page 185, “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 gaugeThe fuel gauge ⇒page 15, fig. 18 only operates when the ignition is switched
on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 45 litres. The warning symbol in the instrument
cluster lights up when the pointer drops to 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.
A4
A7
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights25
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the functions indicated.
– Obtain professional assistance.Meaning of the red symbols:
Three successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 1 exist at the same time, the symbols appear
one after the other and are each illuminated for about 5 seconds.Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol signals a warning.The meaning of the yellow symbols:One warning signal will sound if a yellow symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 2 exist at the same time, the symbols appear
one after the other and are each illuminated for about 10 seconds.
Check the relevant function as soon as possible.

Coolant level too low/coolant temperature
too high
⇒page 29

Engine oil pressure too low
⇒page 30
Fig. 29 Information display:
Fuel level low

Fuel level low
⇒page 30

Check engine oil level, engine oil sensor faulty
⇒page 30

Washer fluid level low
⇒page 31
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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
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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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Towing a trailer171
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical 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 53.
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/h for safety reasons. This also applies for countries
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 16.
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 189, “Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 29, “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
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Inspecting and replenishing189
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Cooling systemCoolant
The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.The cooling system does not require any maintenance under normal operating
conditions. The coolant consists of water with a concentration of coolant additive
of 40 %. This mixture not only provides antifreeze protection down to -25°C but
also protects the cooling and heating system from corrosion. It also prevents the
formation of scale and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant.
You must therefore not reduce the concentration of antifreeze agent in the coolant
by adding water, also not during the summer months or in countries with a warm
climate. The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must be at least
40%.
You can increase the amount of antifreeze in the coolant if a higher concentration
of antifreeze is necessary for climatic reasons but only up to 60% (antifreeze
protection down to approx. -40°C). The antifreeze protection tails off above that
concentration.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway, Finland)
are already factory-filled with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to
about -35°C. In these countries the concentration of coolant additive should be at
least 50 %.
Coolant
The cooling system is factory-filled with coolant (purple in colour), which complies
with the specification TL-VW 774 G.
We recommend that you use the antifreeze agent G12 PLUS - PLUS (purple in
colour) for topping up the system.
We recommend that you contact your Škoda Service Partner if you have any ques-
tions regarding the coolant or if you wish to fill up with a different coolant.
A specialist garage can also supply you with the correct coolant additives.
Caution
•
Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in partic-
ular, involves significantly reducing the anticorrosion effect.
•
Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of
coolant and, as a consequence of this, result in major engine damage.
Inspecting the coolant levelThe coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on
the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compartment” on
page 185.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒fig. 184.
The coolant level when the engine is cold must lie between the “MIN”
and “MAX” markings. The level may also rise slightly above the
“MAX” marking when the engine is warm.
Fig. 184 Engine compart-
ment: Coolant expansion
bottle
AB
AA
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