2013 SKODA FABIA ignition

The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on 1)
.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level » page 165.
Even if the oil level is correct,  do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The warning light  lights up yellow (oil quantity too low)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check oil level!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level » page 165.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
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)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil sensor workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes 
several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek help from a specialist garage.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights
system » page 47 .
CAUTION
The red oil pressure light 
is not an oil level indicator! One should therefore
check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refuelling stop.  Coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 20.
The indicator light  lights up until the engine reaches operating temperature 2)
.
Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light  lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is too
high or the coolant level is too low.
An audible signal sounds as a warning tone.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Check coolant. Read manual.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant » page 167,
and refill the coolant if necessary » page 168.
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 194, 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 specialist garage.
WARNING■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning light system » page 47 .■
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.

1)
The  warning light does not light up in vehicles fitted with the MAXI DOT display when the ignition
is switched on, but only if there is a fault or the engine oil level is too low.
2)
Not on vehicles with the MAXI DOT display.
22Using the system

 Power steeringFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
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 specialist garage.
Further information » page 95.
Note
■
If the yellow warning light  goes out after the engine is restarted and a short
drive, it is not necessary to visit a 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 toturn the steering wheel.

 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
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. The ESC is fully functional again if the 
warning light does not light up
after you switch the engine back on.
There is a fault in the ESC system if the 
warning light lights up.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Fault: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The ESC system cannot be turned off, the  » page 112 button only switches the
TCS off, 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 111, Stabilisation control (ESC) .
Note
The  warning light comes on after the ignition is switched on if the vehicle's
battery has been disconnected and reconnected. The warning light should go out
after the vehicle has driven a short distance.
 Traction Control System (ASR)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
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.
The TCS is fully functional again if the 
warning light does not light up after you
switch the engine back on.
If the warning light 
lights up, there is a fault in the ASR.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Fault: Traction control (TCS)
Seek help from a 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 112, Traction Control System (ASR) .
Note
The 
warning light comes on after the ignition is switched on if the vehicle's
battery has been disconnected and reconnected. The warning light should go out
after the vehicle has driven a short distance.
23Instruments and Indicator Lights

 Antilock brake system (ABS)First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Fault: ABS
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek help from a 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 47.■
If the warning light  » page 20 is displayed simultaneously with the ABS
warning light ,  do not continue your journey! Seek help from a specialist
garage.
■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – there is a risk of accident.

 The rear fog light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
The warning light 
comes on when the rear fog lights are operating » page 46.

 Bulb failure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
The warning light 
comes on if a bulb is faulty:
› within a few seconds of the ignition being switched on;
› when a light with a defective bulb is switched on.
The following message may be shown in the MAXI DOT display, for example.
INFORMATION Check front right low 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.
 Exhaust inspection system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
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 specialist garage.

 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
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 specialist garage.
24Using the system

 ECU fault light (petrol engine)First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
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 specialist garage.

 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
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.
The 
warning light comes on if soot has accumulated in the filter.
In order to clean the filter, and where traffic conditions permit »
, the vehicle
should be driven for at least 15 minutes or until the warning light goes out at an
steady speed of at least 60 km/h at engine speeds of 1800 - 2500 rpm with 4th
or 5th gear engaged (automatic gearbox: position S).
The 
warning light only goes out once 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 message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Diesel particulate filter: Read 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 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 – there is the 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
■ We recommend avoiding regularly driving short distances to assist the combus-
tion process of the soot particles in the filter.■
Using diesel fuel with an increased sulphur content can considerably reduce the
service life of the filter. A ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to tell you which countries use diesel fuel with a high sulphur content.
■
If the engine is turned off during the filter cleaning process or shortly after-
wards, the cooling fan may turn on automatically for a few minutes.

 Fuel reserve
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
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 message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Please refuel. Range: ... km
Note
The text in the MAXI DOT display only goes out after the vehicle has been refuel-
led and driven a short distance.
25Instruments and Indicator Lights

 Airbag systemFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the airbag system.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Fault: Airbag
The operational capability of the airbag system is monitored electronically, even if one of the airbags is switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using the vehicle system tester:
› The

warning light comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition is switch-
ed on and then flashes for approximately another 12 seconds at 2 second inter-
vals.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated.
If the front passenger's front 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 around 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched 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 138 .
WARNINGIf there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist
garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the
event of an accident.

 Tyre pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
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.
The  warning light coming on indicates a fault in the system.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Further information » page 176, Tyre pressure monitor .
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.
 Windscreen washer fluid level
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light 
comes on.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Top up wash fluid!
Top up with liquid » page 163.

 Traction control (TCS) switched off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
The ASR is switched off by pressing the button » page 112 and the warning light
 illuminates.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Traction control (ASR) deactivated.

  Turn signal system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
Either the left 
or right 
warning light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever. 
26Using the system

Unlocking and locking
Unlocking and locking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Vehicle key
28
Replacing the battery in the remote control key
29
Child safety lock
29
Opening/closing the door
30
Locking/unlocking the vehicle without central locking
30
Emergency locking of the doors
31
Vehicle key
Fig. 8
Key: without/with remote control
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 28.
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. power windows) – risk of injury.■
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle has
come to a stop. You might otherwise unintentionally engage the steering lock
– there is the risk of an 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.
■
Operation of the remote control may temporarily be affected by interference
from transmitters close to the car operating in the same frequency range (e.g.
mobile phone, TV transmitter).
■
The battery must be replaced if the central locking only reacts to the remote
control at less than 3 metres away » page 29.
Note
Please contact a specialist garage if you lose a key as they can obtain a new one
for you.
28Using the system

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.

Emergency locking of the doors
Fig. 13
Rear door: Emergency locking of
the door
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 28.
An emergency locking mechanism is located on the end face of the doors which
have no locking cylinder, it is only visible after the door is opened.
Locking
›
Remove the cover
A
» Fig. 13 .
›
Insert the key into the slot
B
and turn it into the horizontal position in the di-
rection of the arrow (mirror-inverted on the right doors).
›
Replace the cover.
After closing the door, it no longer be opened from the outside. The door can be
unlocked from the inside by pulling on the door handle again, and then opened
from the outside.

Central locking system
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Individual settings
32
Safe securing
32
Unlocking the vehicle using the key
33
Locking the vehicle with the key
33
Vehicle locking/unlocking from the inside
33
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 37, 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 32 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 36.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Convenience operation of windows
The windows can be opened and closed when unlocking and locking the vehi-
cle » page 40 .
WARNING■
Locked doors prevent unwanted entry into the vehicle from outside, for ex-
ample at road crossings.■
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. Doors locked
from the inside make it difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emer-
gency – danger to life! 
31Unlocking and locking

CAUTIONIf the safe securing system is activated» page 32, the door opening lever and
the central locking buttons do not operate.
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 driver's door can be locked or unlocked with the key if the central lock-
ing system fails. The other doors and the tailgate can be locked or unlocked man-
ually. ■ Emergency locking of the door » page 31.
■ Emergency unlocking of the boot lid » page 38.

Individual settings
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 31.
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 33 .
The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by a single pull on the
opening lever of the respective door.
Note
Individual settings can be applied in a specialist workshop.
Safe securing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 31.
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 withthe 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.
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.
WARNINGIf 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 – risk of death.
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.■
You will be informed that the safe securing system is activated after the vehicle
is locked by the CHECK DEADLOCK message on the instrument cluster display. On
vehicles equipped with the MAXI DOT display, the display shows Check deadlock.
Read manual. 
32Using the system