traction control SKODA FABIA 2004 1.G / 6Y Owner's Manual

Page 29 of 247

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
28
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and
the corresponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result
in severe body injuries or major vehicle damage.
•The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There
is a risk of injuries, scalding, accid ents and fire when working in the
engine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other
fluids. It is also essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 183.
Note
•Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model
version. The symbols shown in the following functional description are to
be found as indicator lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols
(priority 1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Power steering*⇒ page 30
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒page 30
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 30
Turn signal system for vehicles towing
a trailer*⇒page 30
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 31
Electronic immobiliser⇒page 31
Fuel reserve⇒page 31
Engine oil⇒page 32
Brake pad wear*⇒page 32
Bulbs*⇒page 33
Open door*⇒page 33
Fluid level in windshield washer sys-
tem*⇒page 33
Boot lid*⇒page 33
Control system for exhaust⇒page 33
Traction control system (TCS)*⇒page 33
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 34
Antilock brake system (ABS)*⇒page 34
Brake system⇒page 35
Airbag system⇒page 35
Seat belt warning light*⇒page 36

Page 34 of 247

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights33
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Light bulbs* 
The warning light  comes on if a light bulb is damaged:
•brakes applied (brake light)
•in lighting (low beam and/or rear light)
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: LIGHTS FAILURE
or BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE
Open door* 
The warning light  comes on, if one or several doors are opened.
Windshield washer fluid level* 
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if there is
insufficient fluid in the windshield washer system. Top up with liquid
⇒ page 197.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
TOP UP WASH FLUID
Luggage compartment door* 
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if the tail-
gate is open.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Control system for exhaust gases 
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
or flashes 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 nearest Škoda dealer while adopting a
gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
EMISSIONS WORKSHOP! (EMISSIONS WORKSHOP)!
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 acti-
vated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off
or if there is a fault in the system.

Page 35 of 247

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
34
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 about the TCS ⇒page 152, “Traction control system
(TCS)*”.
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System
(TCS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and the Antilock Brake System
ABS (ABS).
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning lig ht will come on an d remains on if the ESP is switched off
or if there is a fault in the 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.
Further information on the ESP ⇒page 151, “Electronic stability
programme (ESP)*”.
Antilock brake system (ABS)* 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS and the Electronic
Differential Lock (EDL). The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been
switched 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 system without the effect of the ABS function. Visit a
Škoda dealer as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving in the
meantime since you will not know how great the damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the
ABS.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 155, “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  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in
the ABS but also in another part of the brake system ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ABS. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ABS
warning light
 in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected
without delay by a Škoda dealer. Further information on the EDL
⇒ page 153.
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the
ABS warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the

Page 152 of 247

Intelligent Technology151
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Driving Tips
Intelligent Technology
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
General
General
The ESP aids you maintain control of your vehicle in situations in border-
line driving situations such as when negotiating a curve too fast. The risk
of skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability
depending on the conditions of the road surface. This occurs at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability
programme:
•Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
•Traction control system (TCS)
•Antilock brake system (ABS)
Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then
conducts a self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the indi-
vidual systems. It also processes additional measurement data which are
supplied by highly sensitive sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehicle
about its vertical axis, the lateral acceleration of the vehicle, the braking
pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the
steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the
car beginning to skid, the ESP will automatically brake the appropriate
wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel
is braked. Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the
outer front wheel of a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the
rear of the vehicle to break away) while occurs this is on the inner rear
wheel of a vehicle which tends to understeer (tendency to shift out of the
curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied by noises.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 155, “Antilock
brake system (ABS)*”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also
does not operate.
Fig. 126 ESP switch

Page 153 of 247

Intelligent Technology
152
The ESP warning light ⇒page 34 lights up in the instrument cluster when
there is a fault on the ESP.
Switching off
You can switch the ESP off and on again as you wish, by pressing the
button ⇒page 151, fig. 126 . The ESP warning light ⇒ page 34 lights up
in the instrument cluster when the ESP is switched off.
The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice
in certain exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip,
to switch off the system.
Examples:
•when driving with snow chains
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface
•when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck
then you should switch on the ESP again.
WARNING
It is also not possible for the E SP to overcome the physical limits
of the vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still
always adapt your style of driving to the condition of the road
surface and the traffic situation. This particularly applies when
driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety offered
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an
accident!
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve
problem-free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the
tyres can lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other
assignment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP
⇒ page 206.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels
from spinning when accelerating.
General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off,
accelerate and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface
are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when the engine is started and then
conducts a self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels
with the aid of the ABS sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force trans-
Fig. 127 TCS switch

Page 244 of 247

Index243
Safety instructions
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Safety wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Saving electrical energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Seat belt height adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Seat belt warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
fasten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
taking off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Selector lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Service Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setting temperature Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Shifting of gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Stability programme (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Starting engine Petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Diesel engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Steering force assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Storage compartment Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Storage facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Switch on the driver's door Power windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Switching lights on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
T
Taking care of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Temperature Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
The automatic wiper/washer system . . . . . . . 61
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 193 changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Inspecting the electrolyte level . . . . . . . . 195
Operation in winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
The electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . 31, 39
The outside temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The radiator fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 The roof luggage rack system . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Thickness of brake pads
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Towing a vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Towing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Towing eye at the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
at the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Tow-starting a vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Traction control system (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Transporting children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Two-way radio systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Type plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204