2011 SKODA FABIA light

Bulb failure
The warning light
 comes on if a bulb is faulty:
● up to 2 seconds after the ignition is switched on;
● when switching on the defective light bulb.
The following text e.g will be displayed in the information display: Check front right dipped beam! (Check front right dipped beam!)
The rear side lights and the licence plate lighting require several light bulbs. The
indicator light  only lights up if all light bulbs of the licence plate lighting or the
parking light (in one rear light unit) are defective. Check regularly the function of
the light bulbs. 
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. 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 43. 
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 con-
tinuously, a fault exists in the electrohydraulic power steering. The power steering
operates with reduced steering assist or is completely without function.
Further information ⇒ page 133
. 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. 
EPC fault light 
 (petrol engine) The
 (Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light  flashes after starting the engine or flashes while driving, a
fault exists in the engine control system. The engine management system selects
an emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist ga-
rage by adopting a gentle style of driving. 
Glow plug system  (diesel engine) The indicator light
 lights up for a
cold engine when switching on the ignition
(pre-heat position) 2 ⇒ page 82. 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 ob-
tain assistance. £22
Instruments and warning lights

If the
warning light  begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. 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. 
Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity   The warning light
 lights up until the engine reaches operating temperature 1)
.
Avoid running at high engine speeds, at full throttle and at severe engine loads.
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the warning
light  lights up or flashes while driving.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level; top up
the coolant as necessary ⇒ page 158, Replenishing the coolant .
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the con-
ditions 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 of the coolant
fan, replace it if necessary ⇒ page 186, Fuse assignment at the battery (automatic
gearbox).
If the warning light  does not go out although the coolant is at the correct level
and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order, do not continue driving. Contact a
specialist garage to obtain assistance.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒ page 156, Cooling system.
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Check coolant! Owner's manual! Car documentation! 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 44, Switch for hazard warning lights 

. 
Fuel reserve  The warning light
 comes on, if the fuel level is less than 7 litres.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Please refuel! Range...km (Please refuel! (Range...km) 
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 155

.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the con-
ditions prevailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain pro-
fessional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe en-
gine 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 spe-
cialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Oil Pressure Engine off! Owner's manual! . Switch off the engine! Car docu-
mentation! £1)
Not valid for vehicles with information display.
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. 23
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

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 155 with engine
oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Check oil level! (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.
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 switch-
ed 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! (Oil sensor workshop!) WARNING
● If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system ⇒ page 44.
● The red oil pressure light
 is not an oil level indicator! One should there-
fore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refueling
stop.
● Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒ page 153, Working in the en-
gine compartment before checking the coolant fluid level and opening the
bonnet. 
Open door The warning light
 comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid
is opened. If one of the doors opens while driving, the warning light lights  up
and an audible signal sounds. The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
In vehicles with an information display, this warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol⇒ page 18

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 163.
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Top up wash fluid! (Top up washer fluid) 
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 near-
est specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving. 
Anti-spin regulation (ASR)  The warning light
 lights up if the TCS system is switched off.
Further information about the TCS ⇒ page 129. 
Tyre pressure monitoring

 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 164

.
An audible signal 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 the tyre pressure monitoring system ⇒ page 133.£24
Instruments and warning lights

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.Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  comes on after switch-
ing on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance. 
Selector lever lock (automatic gearbox)If the
green 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.
Further information about the selector lever lock ⇒ page 94.
Traction control system (TCS) The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light  lights up permanently if there is a fault in the TCS 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 129, Traction control system (TCS)
.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. Electronic stability programme (ESP)
 The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the ESP helps to stabilise the vehicle (for example when applying and releasing
a braking force to an individual wheel), then the indicator light  flashes.
The warning light  lights up permanently if there is a fault in the ESP 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.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP
system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESP system can
be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light
goes out, the ESP system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP ⇒ page 128,
Electronic stability programme (ESP). 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. 
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 switch-
ed 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 sys-
tem. Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately as you will not know how great the damage is.
Further information about ABS ⇒ page 131, 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 , there is a fault not only in the ABS but also in another part of the brake
system ⇒

  .
£ 25
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

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 159 ,
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.
● Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒ page 153, Working in the en-
gine compartment
before checking the brake fluid level and opening the bon-
net.
● 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 circum-
stances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk of skid-
ding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the fault recti-
fied. 
Brake system The warning light
 lights up when the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
if the warning light flashes  and an audible signal sounds three times,
stop and
check the brake fluid level ⇒  .
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Brake fluid Owner's manual .
If there is a fault in the ABS which also influences the function of the brake sys-
tem (e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS warning light  comes on and at
the same time the brake system warning light starts flashing . Be aware that
not only the ABS but also another part of th brake system is defective ⇒  .
An audible signal sounds three times as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, an extended free play of the brake ped-
al and long braking distances when carefully driving to the specialist garage.
For further information on the brake system ⇒ page 130, Brakes. WARNING
● Pay attention to the following instructions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet ⇒ page 153, Working in the engine compart-
ment.
● 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 159, Brake fluid

. If the fluid level
has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of acci-
dent! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance. 
Handbrake  The warning light
 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:
Release parking brake! (Release parking brake!) 
Cruise control  The warning light
 lights up, when operating the speed regulating system. 
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:
Error: Airbag (Error: Airbag)
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off. £26
Instruments and warning lights

The following situation applies if the front, side and head airbags or belt ten-
sioner 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 following text will be displayed in the information display:
Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated! .
If the passenger front airbag has been switched off using the switch (for switch-
ing off airbags) in the end face of the dash panel on the front passenger side:
● the warning light  comes on for 4 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 yellow indicator light in display   
   ⇒ page 120. 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 119,
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 particlulate 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 at least
15 minutes or until the warning light goes out with the 4th or 5th gear engaged
(automatic gearbox: position

S) when the traffic situation permits it. This increa-
ses the exhaust temperature and the soot deposited in the diesel particle filter is
burnt.
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. In the information display Diesel-particle filter
owner's manual appears. Afterwards the engine control unit shifts the engine in-
to the emergency mode, which only has a reduced power output. After switching
the ignition 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 134
, Diesel particle filter
(diesel engine). 
Seat belt warning light  The warning light
 comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes
out if the driver or front passenger has fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver or front passenger, a perma-
nent warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and simulta-
neously the warning light  flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next 90
seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light  lights up per-
manently.
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.
For further information on the seat belts ⇒ page 109, Why seat belts?. 27
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Unlocking and locking
Vehicle key
Description Fig. 9 Set of keys without remote control/Keys with remote control key
Two keys are provided with the vehicle. Depending on the equipment, your vehi-
cle can be equipped with keys without radio remote control ⇒ fig. 9 - left, or with
radio remote control ⇒ fig. 9 - right. 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 unintentionally
- risk of accident! CAUTION
● Each key contains electronic components; therefore protect them against
moisture 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 an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner if you lose a key since he
can obtain a new one for you. 
Changing the battery in the remote control key Fig. 10 Remote control key - remove cover/remove battery
Each remote control key contains a battery which is housed under the cover
B ⇒ fig. 10
. If the battery is discharged, the red warning light A does not flash after
you press a button on the remote control key ⇒ fig. 9 . We recommend that you
have the batteries of the key replaced by an authorised
ŠKODA Service Partner.
You should, however, proceed as follows if you wish to replace the discharged
battery yourself:
– Fold open the key.
– Press off the battery cover with your thumb or using a flat screwdriver at the
points of the arrows 1 .
– Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery down-
wards at the point of the arrow 2 ⇒
 fig. 10
.
– Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing up-
wards. The correct polarity is shown on the battery cover.
– Position the battery cover on the key and press on it until it is heard to lock in
place. £28
Unlocking and locking

Switching child safety lock off
–
On vehicles without central locking system, turn the slot of the safety lock on
the left door to the right, on the right door turn it to the left.
– On vehicles with central locking system, turn the slot of the safety lock on the
left door to the left, on the right door turn it to the right.
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. 
Central locking system Description Unlocking 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 ⇒ page 33.
Operation of the central locking system is possible:
● from the outside using the vehicle key ⇒ page 31 ;
● using the buttons for the central locking system ⇒ page 32;
● with a remote control key ⇒ page 34,
Indicator light in the driver's door
After locking the vehicle, the warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick
succession, afterwards it begins to flash evenly at longer intervals.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system ⇒

 page 30 is not operating,
the indicator light in the driver door flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and
starts to flash evenly at longer intervals 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 36. 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 37. 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.
This function can be activated/deactivated by a specialist garage.
Automatic locking and unlocking
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. The
driver can also unlock the vehicle by pressing the button
 of the central locking
system.
This function can be activated/deactivated by a specialist garage. WARNING
Locking the doors prevents that doors open on their own in an exceptional sit-
uation (accident). Locked doors also prevent unauthorised entry into the vehi-
cle 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 vehi-
cle.
● Only the front door which is fitted with a locking cylinder can be unlocked and
locked using the key if the central locking system fails. You can lock or unlock
manually the other doors and the boot lid.
–Emergency locking of the door ⇒ page 32
.
– Emergency unlocking of the boot lid ⇒ page 33. 
Safe securing The central locking system can be equipped with a
safe securing system. Locking
the vehicle from the outside causes the door locks to be automatically blocked.
The warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick succession, afterwards it
begins to flash evenly at longer intervals. It is not possible to open the doors with
the door handle either from the inside or from the outside. This acts as an effec-
tive deterrent for attempts to break into your vehicle. £30
Unlocking and locking