2012 SKODA FABIA ignition

An audible signal sounds as a warning tone.
The following is displayed in the information display: Check coolant! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant » page 143,
and refill the coolant if necessary » page 143.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the radia-
tor fan, replace if necessary » page 170, Fuses in the engine compartment .
Do not continue driving if the warning light   does not go off even though the
coolant level is correct and the fuse for the fan is in working order!
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 42.
■ Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cooling
system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the engine
to cool down before removing the cap.
■ Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off. ÐElectrohydraulic 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 steer-
ing operates with reduced steering assist or does not function at all.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 80. Note
■ If the yellow warning light  goes out when you restart the engine and drive
for a short distance, it is not necessary to visit a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warn-
ing light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should 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. Ð Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after you start the engine, the ESC
might be switched off due to technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on
again. If the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on,
the ESR is fully functional again.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ESC.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
The ESC cannot be switched off, the button  » page 84
only deactivates the
TCS system and the warning light  in the instrument cluster lights up.
As the ESC operates in conjunction with the ABS, the ESP indicator light will also
come on if the ABS system fails.
Further information » page 83, Stabilisation control (ESC) . Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. Ð
20 Using the system

Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ASR
can be switched off for technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on again. If
the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on, the ASR
is fully functional again.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ASR.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: traction control (ASR)
Seek help from a ŠKODA
specialist garage.
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.
Further information » page 84, Traction control system (TCS). Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. ÐAntilock brake system (ABS) 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: ABS
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 42.
■ If the warning light  » page 18 is displayed simultaneously with the ABS
warning light ,  do not continue your journey! Seek help from a

ŠKODA
specialist garage. ■ A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance - risk of accident! Ð The rear fog light 
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog lights are operating » page 41.Ð Bulb failure 
The warning light  comes on if a bulb is faulty:
› within 2 seconds of the ignition being switched on;
› when switching on the defective light bulb.
The following is displayed in the information display: Check front-right dipped beam! Note
The rear side lights and the licence plate lighting have several light bulbs. The in-
dicator light  only lights up if all light bulbs of the licence plate lighting or the
parking light (in one rear light) are defective. For this reason, regular check that
these light bulbs are working correctly. Ð Exhaust inspection system 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the exhaust inspection system.
The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð
21
Instruments and Indicator Lights

Glow plug system 
(diesel engine)
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine can be started immediately after the pre-glow warning light goes out.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light  does not come on
at all or lights up continuously .
If the warning light  begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐEPC 
fault light (petrol engine)
If the warning light 

 comes on or begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in
the engine control unit. The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emer-
gency mode.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐDiesel particulate filter 
(diesel engine)
The diesel particulate filter separates the soot particles from the exhaust. The
soot particles collect in the diesel particulate filter where they are burnt on a reg-
ular basis.
If the warning light  lights up, soot has accumulated in the diesel particulate
filter.
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 at least 15 mi-
nutes or until the warning light goes out with the 4th or 5th
gear engaged (auto-
matic gearbox: position S) when the traffic situation permits it.
The warning light  only goes out after the diesel particulate filter has been
successfully cleaned.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light  does not go out and the
warning light  begins to flash.
The following is displayed in the information display: Diesel particulate filter: Owner's manual The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode. After
switching the ignition off and on again the indicator light, the indicator light

also lights up.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ The diesel particle filter achieves very high temperatures. Therefore do not
park in areas where the hot filter can come into direct contact with dry grass
or other combustible materials - risk of fire!
■ Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The recommendations indicated by the warning light must not tempt
you to disregard the national regulations for road traffic. CAUTION
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an in-
creased fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the
engine. Note
■ To assist the combustion process of the soot particles, we recommend that reg-
ularly driving over short distances should be avoided. ■ Using diesel fuel with an increased sulphur content can considerably reduce the
life of the diesel particle filter. A
ŠKODA specialist garage will be able to tell you
which countries use only diesel fuel with high sulphur content. Ð Fuel reserve 
The indicator light  will come on if the fuel level is less than 7 litres.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
The following is displayed in the information display: Please refuel! Range ...

km Note
The text in the information display goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance. Ð
22 Using the system

Airbag system 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the airbag system.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Airbag
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using the
vehicle system tester:
› The warning light
 lights up for 4 seconds after switching on the ignition and
then flashes again for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The following is displayed in the information display: Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated!
If the airbag was switched off using the key-operated switch on the side of the
dash panel on the passenger side:
› The warning light
 comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been switch-
ed on.
› switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the light-
ing up of the yellow indicator light in display

     » page 115. WARNING
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident. ÐTyre control display 
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the system.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information »

page 155, Tyre control display . Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  illuminates after the ig-
nition is switched on. The warning light should go out after driving a short dis-
tance. Ð Windscreen washer fluid level 
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light  comes on. Top
up with liquid » page 145.
The following is displayed in the information display: Top up wash fluid! Ð Switching off traction control system (TCS) 
The ASR is switched off by pressing the button » page 84 and the warning light
 illuminates.
The following is displayed in the information display: Traction control (ASR) deactivated. Ð Turn signal system 

Either the left  or right  warning light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
If a turn signal light fails, the warning light flashes at twice its normal rate.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Further information » page 42, Turn signal and main beam lever .Ð Low beam 
The warning light  comes on when low beam is selected » page 38.Ð
23
Instruments and Indicator Lights

Unlocking and locking
Vehicle key
Introductory information
Fig. 8
Key without remote control/key with remote control (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. 8 -  or with
radio remote control»
Fig. 8 -  . 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. electrical 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 it must be protected
against moisture and severe shocks.
■ Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean. Impurities (textile fibres, dust,
etc.) have a negative effect on the functionality of the locking cylinder and igni-
tion lock. Note
Please contact a ŠKODA Service Partner if you lose a key as they can obtain a new
one for you. Ð Replacing the battery in the remote control key
Fig. 9
Remote control key: Remove cover/remove battery
Each remote control key contains a battery that is located under the cover A
» Fig. 9. The battery needs replacing if red warning light
» Fig. 8 on page 25 -
 does not go on when you press a button on the remote control key. We recom-
mend that you ask a ŠKODA

Service Partner to replace the key battery. However,
if you would like to replace the discharged battery yourself proceed as follows.
› Flip out the key.
› Press off the battery cover with your thumb or using a flat screwdriver in the
region of arrows 1
» Fig. 9.
› Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery down-
wards in the region of arrow 2
.
› Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing up-
wards. The correct polarity is shown on the battery cover.
› Place the battery cover on the key and press it down until it clicks into place.
£
25
Unlocking and locking

Note
■ Lock the opened rear doors and front passenger door by closing them and
pressing the securing knob. ■ It is not possible to lock the opened driver's door using the securing knob. This
prevents against inadvertently locking the key in the vehicle. ÐCentral locking system
Introductory information
When using central locking or unlocking, all doors are locked or unlocked simulta-
neously. The boot lid is unlocked when opening. It can be opened by pressing the
handle above the licence plate » page 33, Opening/closing .
Warning 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 27 is not operating,
the warning 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 flashes fast for about 2 seconds, then lights up for about
30 seconds continuously and then flashes slowly, there is a fault in the central
locking system or in the interior monitor and in the towing protection » page 31.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Convenience operation of windows
The windows can be opened and closed when unlocking and locking the vehi-
cle » page 35. ÐIndividual settings
Opening a single door
This selection function makes it possible to only unlock the driver's door. The oth-
er doors remain locked and are only unlocked when the command is repeated.
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. In
addition, it is possible for the driver or front passenger to unlock the car by press-
ing the central locking button  » page 29.
The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by a single pull on the
opening lever of the respective door. WARNING
Locked doors prevent unwanted entry into the vehicle from outside, for exam-
ple at road crossings. Locked doors do, however, make it more difficult for res-
cuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - danger to life! Note
■ Upon request you can have custom settings activated by a
ŠKODA Service Part-
ner. ■ 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 driver's door can be unlocked or locked using the key if the central
locking system fails » page 28. The other doors and the boot lid can be manually
locked or unlocked. ■ Emergency locking of the door »

page 32.
■ Emergency unlocking of the boot lid » page 33. Ð Safe securing system
The central locking system is equipped with a safe securing system. The door
locks are blocked automatically if the vehicle is locked from the outside. The
warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick succession, afterwards it be-
gins 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.
The safe securing system can be deactivated within 2

seconds by double locking
the vehicle.
If the safe securing system is not operating, the warning light in the driver door
flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and starts to flash evenly at longer in-
tervals after about 30 seconds. £
27
Unlocking and locking

The safe securing system is activated again the next time the vehicle is unlocked
and locked.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system is deactivated, the door can
be opened from the inside by a single pull on opening lever of the respective
door.
WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is acti-
vated, there must not be any person in the vehicle as it is then no longer pos-
sible to open either a door or a window from the inside. The locked doors
make it more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency -
hazard! Note
■ The anti-theft alarm system is activated when the vehicle is locked even if the
safe securing system is deactivated. The interior monitor is however not activa-
ted. ■ After locking the vehicle, you will be informed that the safe securing system is
activated by means of the message CHECK DEADLOCK on the instrument cluster
display. On vehicles that are equipped with an information display, the following
message will appear Check deadlock! Owner's manual! appears.ÐUnlocking the vehicle using the key
Fig. 12
Turning the key for unlocking
and locking the vehicle
› Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the direction of travel
(unlocking position) A
» Fig. 12.
› Pull the door handle and open the door. ›
All the doors (only the driver's door on vehicles with anti-theft alarm system)
are unlocked.
› The boot lid is then unlocked.
› The switched on interior lights come on over the door contact.
› The safe securing system is deactivated.
› The windows open while the key
is held in the unlock position.
› The warning light in the driver door stops flashing if the car is not fitted with an
anti-theft alarm system » page 31. Note
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system, you must insert the key
into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15 seconds after unlocking
the door in order to deactivate the anti-theft alarm system. The alarm is trig-
gered if the ignition is not switched on within 15 seconds. Ð Locking the vehicle with the key
› Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the opposite direction
of travel (lock position) B
» Fig. 12 on page 28.
› All the doors and the boot lid are locked.
› The switched on interior lights will switch off over the door contact.
› The windows and the electric sliding/tilting roof close while the key
is held in
the lock position.
› The safe securing system is immediately activated.
› The warning light in the driver door begins flashing. Note
If the driver's door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked. Ð
28 Using the system

Vehicle locking/unlocking from the inside
Fig. 13
Centre console: Central locking
button
If the vehicle was not locked from the outside, you can also unlock and lock it
with the rocker switch » Fig. 13 without the ignition switched on.
Locking all doors and the boot lid › Press the button in the area
 » Fig. 13. The symbol  in the button comes
on.
Unlocking all doors and the boot lid
› Press the button in the area
 » Fig. 13. The symbol  in the button is no lon-
ger illuminated.
The following applies if your vehicle has been locked using the central locking
button.
› It is not possible to open the doors or the boot lid from the outside (safety fea-
ture, e.g. when stopping at traffic lights etc.).
› The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by a single pull on the
opening lever of the respective door.
› If at least one door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked.
› In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked from the inside in order to enable rescuers to gain
access to the vehicle. WARNING
The central locking system also operates if the ignition is switched off. Chil-
dren should never be left unattended in the vehicle since it is difficult to pro-
vide assistance from the outside when the doors are locked. Locked doors
make it difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - hazard! Note
If the safe securing system is activated » page 27, the door opening lever and the
central locking buttons do not operate. Ð Remote control
Introductory information
You can use the remote control key to:
› unlock and lock the vehicle,
› unlocking boot lid;
› open and close the windows
» page 35, Window convenience operation .
The transmitter with the battery is housed in the handle of the remote control
key. The receiver is located in the interior of the vehicle. The operating range of
the remote control key is approx. 30 m. But this range of the remote control can
be reduced if the batteries are weak.
The key has a fold-open key bit which can be used for unlocking and locking the
car manually and also for starting the engine.
If a lost key is replaced or if the receiver unit has been repaired or replaced, the
system must be initialised by a ŠKODA Service Partner. Only then can the remote
control key be used again. Note
■ The remote control is automatically deactivated when the ignition is switched
on. ■ The operation of the remote control may temporarily be affected by interfer-
ence from transmitters close to the car and which operate in the same frequency
range (e.g. mobile phone, TV transmitter).
■ The battery must be replaced if the central locking or anti-theft alarm system
does react to the remote control at less than 3 metres away » page 25.
■ If the driver door is open, the vehicle cannot be locked using the remote control
key. Ð
29
Unlocking and locking