2013 SKODA FABIA warning light

Winter tyres
Here, you can set the speed at which an audible signal should sound. This func-
tion is, for example, used for winter tyres where the maximum permissible speed
is lower than the maximum speed of the vehicle.
The following is shown on the information display if this speed is exceeded: Winter tyres: maximum ... km/h.
Units of measurement
The units for the temperature, consumption and distance driven can be set here.
Alt. speed dis.
Display of the second speed in mph 1)
can be activated here.
Service
The days and kilometres remaining until the next service can be displayed here.
Factory setting
The display can be restored to its factory settings here.
Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 18.
If at least one door is open, or the boot or bonnet is open, the MAXI DOT display
shows the vehicle with the corresponding door or boot/bonnet open.
An audible signal also sounds if the vehicle is travelling at more than 6 km/h.

Auto Check Control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 18.
Vehicle condition
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked contin-
uously when the ignition is switched on and also while driving.
Some error messages and other information are displayed in the MAXI DOT dis-
play. The messages are displayed simultaneously with the icons in the MAXI DOT
display or with the warning lights in the instrument cluster » page 20.
The Vehicle status menu item is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT dis-
play whenever at least one fault message is present. The first of the fault mes-
sages is displayed after this menu item is selected. Several error messages are
shown on the display under the message e.g. 1/3. This indicates that the first of a
total of three error messages is being displayed.
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indica- ted again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Warning symbolsEngine oil pressure too low» page 21Clutches in the automatic gearbox are too
hot» page 19Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor defective» page 21
 Clutches in the automatic gearbox are too hot
The 
symbol in the MAXI DOT display indicates that the temperature of the au-
tomatic gearbox clutches is too high.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Gearbox overheating. Stop. Read manual.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the 
icon goes out – there
is a risk of gearbox damage. You can continue your journey as soon as the icon
disappears.
WARNINGIf 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 . 1)
On models on which the speedometer indicates mph, the second speed is displayed in km/h.
19Instruments and Indicator Lights

Note■Warning messages shown in the MAXI DOT display must be confirmed with but-
ton B » Fig. 7 on page 18 to call up the main menu.■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indi-
cated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver.

Warning lights
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
20
 Brake system
20
 Seat belt warning light
21

Alternator
21
 Door open
21
 
Engine oil
21
 
Coolant
22
 Power steering
23

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
23
 Traction Control System (ASR)
23
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
24
 The rear fog light
24
 Bulb failure
24
 Exhaust inspection system
24
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
24
 ECU fault light (petrol engine)
25
 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
25
 Fuel reserve
25
 Airbag system
26

Tyre pressure
26
 Windscreen washer fluid level
26
 Traction control (TCS) switched off
26
 
Turn signal system
26
 Low beam
27 Fog lights27 Cruise control system27
 Selector lever lock
27
 Main beam
27
The warning lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
WARNING■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, this may result in severe 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 compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes » page 160, Engine compartment .

 Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
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 message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Release parking brake!

 Brake system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The 
indicator light comes on if the brake fluid level in the braking system is too
low or there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Brake fluid: Read manual. 
20Using the system

Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 168 .
Further information » page 98, Brakes .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.■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 160, Engine compartment .
■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 24 ,  Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! 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.

 Seat belt warning light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
The 
indicator light comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belt. The indicator light only
goes out once the driver and front passenger have fastened their seat belt.
A steady warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and the 
flashes if the driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat belts.
The warning signal is switched off and the 
indicator light is permanently lit if
the driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat belts within the next 90 seconds.
Further information » page 128.

 Alternator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
If the warning light lights up 
when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek help from a specialist garage. The electrical system requires checking.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
 Do not continue driving if the  warning light (coolant system fault) lights up
in addition to the  warning light while you are driving. Stop the engine - there is
a risk of engine damage.
 Door open
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light 
comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid
is opened.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
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 .

  Engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 20.
The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil pressure: Engine off! Read manual. 
21Instruments and Indicator Lights

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