2013 SKODA FABIA Owner's Manual

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

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 45, Turn signal and main beam lights .
 Low beam
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light  comes on when low beam is selected » page 43.

 Fog lights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light 
comes on when the fog lights are operating » page 46.

 Cruise control system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light 
comes on when the cruise control is operating » page 114.

 Selector lever lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
If the warning light 
lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary to be
able to move the selector lever from position P or N » page 101 .

 Main beam
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
The warning light  comes on when the main beam or headlight flasher are se-
lected » page 45 .

27Instruments and Indicator Lights

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

Replacing the battery in the remote control keyFig. 9
Remote control key: Remove cover/remove battery
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 28.
Each remote control key contains a battery located under the cover
A
» Fig. 9 .
The battery needs replacing if red indicator light » Fig. 8 on page 28 - 
does not
go on when you press a button on the remote control key. We recommend having
key battery replaced by a specialist garage. 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.
CAUTION
■ Pay attention to the correct polarity when changing the battery.■The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original bat-
tery.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the used battery in accordance with national legal provisions.Note■ The system has to be synchronised, if the vehicle cannot be unlocked or locked
with the remote control key after replacing the battery » page 35.■
Replacing the battery in the key a glued decorative cover requires the cover to
be destroyed. A replacement cover can be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.

Child safety lock
Fig. 10
Switching child safety lock on: for vehicles without or with central
locking system
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 28.
The child safety lock prevents the corresponding rear door from being openedfrom the inside. The door can only be opened from the outside.
You can switch the child safety lock on and off using the vehicle key.
Switching on
›
On vehicles without central locking, turn the slot of the lock in the left-hand door anti-clockwise » Fig. 10 - 
and clockwise in the right-hand door.
›
On vehicles with central locking, turn the slot of the lock in the left-hand door
clockwise » Fig. 10 - 
and anti-clockwise on the right-hand door.
Switching off
›
On vehicles without central locking, turn the slot of the lock on the left-hand door clockwise and anti-clockwise on the right-hand door.
›
On vehicles with central locking, turn the slot of the lock on the left-hand door
anti-clockwise and clockwise on the right-hand door.

29Unlocking and locking