warning lights SKODA FABIA 2008 2.G / 5J Owner's Guide

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights27
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Selector lever lock*  (automatic gearbox)
If the warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N.
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 activated.
The warning light will come on and 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)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ESP warning light  in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected immediately by your specialist garage. Further information on the EDL ⇒page 153.
Antilock brake system (ABS)* 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS.
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. Visit a specialist garage 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 OWNER'S MANUAL!
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the ABS warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒page 188, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 181, “Working in the engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level and opening the bonnet.
•If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function has failed. The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when braking. In certain circumstances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk of skidding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights28
Brake system 
The warning light  flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low, if there is a fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light  flashes (handbrake is not applied), stop and check the brake fluid level ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FLUID SERVICE MANUAL
If there is a fault in the ABS which also influences the function of the normal brake system (e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS warning light  comes on together with the brake system warning light . Be aware that not only the ABS but also another part of th brake system is defective ⇒.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long free play of the brake pedal when driving to the next specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FAULT OWNER'S MANUAL!
For further information on the brake system ⇒page 154, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied
The warning light  also 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 text will be displayed in the information display*:
HANDBRAKE ON
WARNING
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 181, “Working in the engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level and opening the bonnet.
•If the brake system warning light  does not go out a few seconds after switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and check the brake fluid in the reservoir ⇒page 188, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
Airbag system 
Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warning light does not go out or comes on or flashes while driving ⇒. This also applies if the warning light does not come on after the ignition is switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
AIRBAG FAULT
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically, when one airbag has been switched off
The passenger front airbag and also possibly the passenger side airbag which have been switched off using the vehicle system tester:
•The warning light  lights up for 3 seconds after switching on the ignition and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The passenger front airbag and also possibly the passenger side airbag which have been switched off using the switch (for switching off airbags)* in the end face of the dash panel on the front passenger side:
•The warning light  comes on for 3 seconds after the ignition has been switched on.
•Switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the lighting up of the indicator light   (airbag switched off) ⇒page 140.
WARNING (continued)
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist garage if a fault exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the event of an accident.
Note
Further information about switching off airbags ⇒page 139, “Deactivating an airbag”.
Diesel particle filter*  (diesel engine)
If the warning light  comes on, this means that soot has accumulated in the diesel particle filter because of the frequent short distances.
In order 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 15 minutes with the 4th or 5th gear engaged (automatic gearbox: position S) when the traffic situa-tion permits it.
Always pay attention to the valid speed limits ⇒.
The warning light  goes out after the successful cleaning of the diesel particle filter.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light  does not go out and the warning light  begins to flash. ENGINE FAULT WORKSHOP! is shown in the information display*. Afterwards the engine control unit shifts the engine into the emergency mode, which only has a reduced power output. After switching the igni-tion off and on again the warning light  comes on.
Have the vehicle inspected without delay by your specialist garage.
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning light coming on and the corre-sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in injuries or major vehicle damage.
•Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-tions. The route indicated by the warning light must not tempt you to disre-gard the national regulations for road traffic.
Caution
•As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an increased fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the engine.
Note
Further information about diesel particle filter ⇒page 158, “Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)”.
Seat belt warning light* 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder to fasten the seat belt.
If the seat belts are not fastened when the speed of the car increases to more than 25km/h, the warning light flashes and an acoustic warning signal sounds for approx. 90 seconds.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
FASTEN SEAT BELT
In case of a load on the front passenger seat e.g. a bag (this is not recommended for safety reasons) the warning light  indicates that the seat belt is not fastened.
Further information on the seat belts ⇒page 126, “Why seat belts?”.
WARNING (continued)
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Unlocking and locking33
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Central locking system*
Description
Unlocking or locking the vehicle causes all doors to be unlocked or locked at the same time by the central locking system. The boot lid is unlocked when opening. It can be opened by pressing the hand grip above the licence plate.
Operation of the central locking system is possible:
•from the outside using the vehicle key ⇒page 34,
•using the buttons for the central locking system ⇒page 35,
•by using the remote control ⇒page 37.
Indicator light in the driver's door on vehicles without anti-theft alarm system
After the car is locked, the indicator light flashes after 2 seconds.
After the car is locked with the deactivated safe securing system, the indicator light flashes only after 30 seconds.
Indicator light in the driver's door on vehicles with anti-theft alarm system
After locking the vehicle the indicator light flashes for 2 seconds fast, then more slowly.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system ⇒page 34 is not operating, the indicator light in the driver door flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and starts to flash slowly after about 30 seconds.
If the indicator light first of all flashes fast for about 2 seconds, afterwards lights up for about 30 seconds and then flashes slowly, there is a fault in the system of the central locking or the interior monitor* ⇒page 40. Contact a specialist garage to obtain assistance.
Convenience operation of windows
One can open and close the electrically powered windows when unlocking and locking the vehicle ⇒page 42, “Window convenience operation”.
Opening a single door*
This function allows one to just unlock the driver's door. The other doors remain locked and are only unlocked when the command is repeated. The single door opening function can be first activated by recoding the control unit of the central locking system. This work is undertaken by a Škoda Service Partner can give you more information.
Automatic locking*
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 to unlock the car by pressing the central locking button  or by pulling the door opening lever.
If you wish, your Škoda Service Partner can convert the central locking system of your car to the automatic locking mode.
WARNING
•Locking the doors prevents involuntary opening in an exceptional situa-tion (an accident). Locked doors prevent unwanted entry into the vehicle from outside, for example at road crossings. Locked doors do, however, make it more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - danger to life!
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 vehicle.
•Only the front doors can be unlocked and locked using the key if the central locking system fails. You can operate the rear door manually.
−Emergency locking of the door ⇒page 36.
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Unlocking and locking34
Safe securing
The central locking system is equipped with a safe securing system. Locking the vehicle from the outside causes the door locks to be automatically blocked. The indicator light in the driver's door flashes. It is not possible to open the doors with the door handle either from the inside or from the outside. This acts as an effective deterrent for attempts to break into your vehicle.
You can deactivate the safe securing system. This is done by locking the vehicle with the key or radio-operated key twice within 2 seconds.
The safe securing system is again activated the next time the vehicle is unlocked and locked again.
The doors can be opened from the inside if the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system is deactivated:
•The door is unlocked by actuating the door-opening lever.
•The door opens upon actuating the door-opening lever again.
WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is acti-vated, there must not be any person and animals in the vehicle as it is then not possible 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 emer-gency - hazard!
Unlocking the vehicle using the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver's door to the left into the opening
position ⇒fig. 21.
– Pull on the door handle and open the door.
•All the doors 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 are opened provided the key is held in the opening position.
•The indicator light in the driver's door stops flashing if the vehicle is not fitted with an anti-theft alarm system* ⇒page 39.
Note
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system*, you must unlock the vehicle by inserting the key into the driver door you then have to insert the key into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15 seconds after unlocking the door. The alarm will be triggered if you do not switch on the ignition within 15 seconds.
Fig. 21 Turning the key for unlocking and locking the vehicle
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Unlocking and locking35
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Closing the vehicle with the key
– Turn the key in the lock of the driver door to the right into the closing
position ⇒page 34, fig. 21.
•All the doors and the boot lid are locked.
•The switched on interior lights go out over the door contact.
•The windows and the electric sliding/tilting roof* are closed provided the key is held in the locking position.
•The safe securing system is activated immediately.
•The indicator light in the driver door begins flashing.
Note
The opened front doors cannot be unlocked. It must be locked separately after closing it.
Button for the central locking system*
If the vehicle was not locked from outside, it can be unlocked or locked
with the buttons and , also if the ignition is switched off.
Locking all doors and the boot lid
–Press button ⇒fig. 22. The symbol  in the button comes on.
Unlocking all doors and the boot lid
–Press button ⇒fig. 22. The symbol  goes out in the button.
The following applies if you have locked your vehicle using the button :
•It is not possible to open the doors or the boot lid from the outside (safety feature, e.g. when stopping at traffic lights etc.).
•You can unlock the doors from the inside and open them by pulling the door opening lever.
•If the driver door is opened, it cannot be locked, in order to avoid inadvertently being locked out of the vehicle You then have to lock a door separately after closing it.
•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. All the doors and the boot lid are locked. Children should never be left unattended in the vehicle since it is difficult to provide 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
•The door opening lever and the buttons for the central locking system do not always operate if the safe securing system is activated.
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Fig. 22 Central locking switch
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Unlocking and locking38
Unlocking and locking car
The radio-operated key differs according to the equipment installed on
the vehicle.
Unlocking the vehicle 
– Press button for about 1 second.
Locking the vehicle 
– Press button for about 1 second.
Deactivating safe securing system
– Press button twice in 2 seconds. Further information ⇒page 33.
Boot lid remote release 
– Press button for about 1 second ⇒fig. 26.
Folding out of the key
– Press button .
Folding up of the key
– Press button and collapse the key bit in the housing.
The turn signal lights flash twice as confirmation that the vehicle has been unlocked. The vehicle will lock again automatically if you unlock the vehicle using button but do not open a door or the boot lid within the next 30 seconds. This function is intended to prevent the car being unlocked unintentionally.
The safe securing system along with the anti-theft alarm system* are, however, deactivated during these 30 seconds.
When the vehicle is unlocked or locked, the interior lights in the door contact are automatically switched on or off.
The turn signal lights flash once to confirm that the vehicle has been correctly locked.
If the turn signal lights do not flash, check the doors, bonnet and boot lid again to ensure that they are closed. If the doors, the bonnet or the boot lid remain open when the anti-theft alarm system* is activated, the turn signal lights do not flash until after they have been closed.
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 not possible 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
•Operate the radio remote control only when the doors and boot lid are closed and you have visual contact with the vehicle.
•Once in the car, you must not press the lock button  of the master key before inserting the key into the ignition lock in order to avoid the car being inadvertently locked and, in addition, the anti-theft alarm system* being switched on. Should this happen, press the unlock button  of the master key.
Fig. 26 Radio-operated key
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Unlocking and locking41
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The power windows operate only when ignition is switched on.
Opening a window
– A window is opened by pres sing lightly on the respective butto n in the
door. The process stops when one releases the button.
– Additionally you can open the window automatically (fully opened) by
pressing the button up to the stop. Renewed pressing of the button
causes the window to stop immediately.
Closing a window
– A window is closed through pulling lightly on the respective button in
the door. The closing process stops when one releases the button.
– Additionally you can close the window automatically (fully closed) by
pulling the button up to the stop. Renewed pulling of the button
causes the window to stop immediately.
The switches for the individual windows are located in the operating part in the driver's door ⇒page 40, fig. 28, front passenger door and in the rear doors*.
If the buttons for the rear doors are deactivated, the indicator light  in the safety switch lights up.
The switch for the power window in the operating part in the driver's door
Button for the power window in the driver's door
Button for the power window in the front passenger's door
Button for the power window in the rear door on the right*
Button for the power window in the rear door on the left*
Safety pushbutton*
Safety pushbutton*
You can deactivate the switches for power windows at rear doors by pressing the safety pushbutton ⇒page 40, fig. 28. The buttons for power windows at rear doors are activated again by pressing the safety pushbutton again.
WARNING
•If you lock the vehicle from the outside, do not leave any person in the vehicle since it is no longer possible to open the windows from the inside in an emergency.
•The system is fitted with a force limiter. The closing process will be stop if an obstruction is detected and the window will open again. You should then take particular care when closing the windows! You may otherwise suffer severe injuries as a result of getting an arm, for example, jammed in the window!
•It is recommended to deactivate the electrically operated power windows in the rear doors (safety pushbutton) ⇒page 40, fig. 28 when children are being transported on the rear seats.
•In the event of a freezing up of the windscreen, first of all eliminate the ice ⇒page 172 and then operate the power windows otherwise the power window mechanism could be damaged.
Note
•After switching the ignition off, it is still possible to open or close the windows for a further 10 minutes. The automatic closing and opening functions will not operate during this time. The power windows are switched off completely once you open the driver or front passenger door.
•When driving always use the existing heating, air conditioning and ventilation system for ventilating the interior of the vehicle. If the windows are opened, dust as well as other dirt can get into the vehicle and in addition the wind noise is more at certain speeds.
Force limiter of the power windows
The electrically operated power windows are fitted with a force limiter. It reduces the risk of bruises or injuries when closing the windows.
If there is an obstacle, the closing process is stopped and the window goes down by several centimeters.
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Lights and Visibility46
WARNING
Never drive with side lights on - risk of accident! The side lights are not bright enough to light up the road sufficiently in front of you or to be seen by other oncoming traffic. In this case, always switch on the low beam when it is dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
•An audible warning will sound if you withdraw the ignition key and open the driver's door when the vehicle lights are still on.
•The acoustic warning signal is switched off over the door contact when the driver's door is closed (ignition off). The vehicle can be parked with the side lights on.
•If the car is parked for a lengthy period, we recommend switching off all lights, or leaving only the parking lights switched on.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-ance with the legal requirements.
•In the event of cool or humid weather conditions, the headlights can be misted up from inside.
−The temperature difference between interior and external area of the head-light lenses is decisive.
−When the driving lights are switched on, the light outlet surfaces are free from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly mist up at the border areas.
−It also concerns reverse light and turn signal lights.
−This mist has no influence on the life of the lighting system.
Cornering lights* 
For a better cornering illumination the cornering lights are controlled in the optimal position in line with the vehicle speed and the steering angle.
If the warning light  flashes for 1 minute while driving or after switching on the ignition and a warning signal sounds, a fault is confirmed.
WARNING
If there is a fault in the cornering lights, the warning light  flashes in the instrument cluster. The cornering lights are automatically lowered to the emergency position, which prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming traffic. Thus the illuminated length of the road is shortened. Drive carefully and have the car inspected immediately by a specialist garage.
Fog lights* 
Switching on the fog lights 
– First of all turn the light switch into position  or  ⇒fig. 35.
– Pull the light switch out to the first detent .
The rear fog light warning light  ⇒page 20 lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog light is switched off.
Fig. 35 Dash panel: Light switch
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Lights and Visibility47
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Fog lights with integrated function “Corner”*
The turning light is intended for a better illumination of the vehicle
close range when turning, parking etc.
The fog lights with the function “Corner” are regulated according to the steering angle or after switching on the turn signal light3) in the following circumstances:
•the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running or it moves with a speed of maximum 40 km/h;
•the daylight driving lights are not switched on
•low beam switched on,
•no reverse gear engaged,
•no hazard warning light system switched on.
A fault in the turning light is indicated by the warning light  lighting up or flashing.
Note
If the fog lights are switched on, the function of the turning light is not active.
Rear fog light 
Switching on the rear fog light 
– First of all turn the light switch into position  or  ⇒page 46,
fig. 35.
– Pull the light switch out to the second detent . The fog lights* light
up at the same time.
If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights*, the rear fog light is switched on by turning the light switch to the position  and is pulled out directly to the position . This switch does not have two positions, but only one position.
The rear fog light warning light  ⇒page 20 lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog light is switched off.
Only the rear fog light of the trailer lights up if the vehicle is fitted with a towing device from Škoda original accessoriesand when you are towing a trailer which is fitted with the rear fog light.
Caution
The rear fog light should only be switched on if visibility is particularly poor (conform with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles behind your vehicle.
Headlamp range adjustment 
Once the low beam is switched on you can then adapt the range of
the headlights to the load of the vehicle.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 36 until you have adjusted the low beam
so that oncoming traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following vehicle loads:
Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.3)If both switch on versions are conflicting, for example if the steering wheel is turned to theleft and the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
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Fig. 36 Dash panel: Lights and Visibility
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