display SKODA FABIA 2009 2.G / 5J User Guide
Page 24 of 259
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights23
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Menu
– You can activate the menu by pressing the rocker switch   ⇒fig. 26 
for more than 1 second.
– You can select the menu through the rocker switch  . The selected 
information is displayed after pressing the button   for a short time 
or after releasing the rocker switch   (after about 4 seconds).You can select the following information (depending on the equipment installed on 
the vehicle):
After selecting the menu point DISPLAY OFF the display is switched off. Press the 
rocker switch   for more than 1 second to switch the display on again.
The text VEH. STATUS flashes in the menu if there is something which is not in 
proper order on the vehicle (e.g. warning of a low fuel level). After changing to VEH. 
STATUS the first of the warnings is shown and you can then also show other oper-
ating states with the rocker switch (e.g. washer fluid level low).
The operation of the factory-fitted navigation system* is described in separate 
operating instructions which you have received when purchasing the vehicle.
Menu
⇒page 23
Door, luggage compartment door and bonnet ajar 
warning
⇒page 24
Service Interval Display
⇒page 17
Phone
⇒page 114
Selector lever positions of the 6-speed automatic gear-
box
⇒page 107
Fig. 25  Information display: 
MenuFig. 26  Information display: 
Control elements
MFD (MFA)
⇒page 19
VEH. STATUS
⇒page 24
NAVIGATIONLANGUAGE
⇒page 22
DISPLAY OFF
AA
AAAB
AA
AA
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights 24Door, luggage compartment door and bonnet ajar warningThe door, luggage compartment and bonnet ajar warning lights up if at least one 
door, the luggage compartment or bonnet are not closed. The symbol indicates 
which door is still open or whether the luggage compartment door or bonnet is not 
closed ⇒fig. 27.
The symbol goes out as soon as the doors, luggage compartment door and bonnet 
are completely closed.
As an additional warning signal, a 3 time peep sounds if the car is driven at a speed 
o f  m o re  t h a n  6 k m /h o u r  a n d  i f  t h e  d o o r o r t h e  l u g g a g e  c o m p a r tm e n t d o o r  i s  o p e n .Auto Check ControlCar stateThe Auto Check Control carries out a check of certain functions and vehicle compo-
nents. The check is performed constantly when the ignition is switched on, both 
when the vehicle is stationary, as well as when driving.
Operational faults, urgent repairs, service work or other information appear in the 
display of the instrument cluster. The displays are shown with a red or yellow light 
symbol depending on the priority of the message.The red symbols indicate danger (priority 1) while the yellow symbols indicate a 
warning (priortity 2). Information for the driver may also appear in addition to the 
symbols ⇒page 26.
Investigate the displayed faults as soon as possible. If several operational faults exist 
at the same time, the symbols will appear one after the other and light up each for 
about 10 seconds.
The error messages are displayed and stored in the menu point VEH. STATUS.
There is at least one fault message to be read when the term VEH. STATUS is 
flashing in the menu. In the display STATUS 1/2 lights up, for example, if a number 
of error messages are present. This display indicates that the first of a total of two 
error messages should be displayed.
Actuate the rocker switch  , to call up the individual error messages.
If a fault occurs, a warning signal will also sound in addition to the symbol and text 
in the display:
•
Priority 1 - three warning signals;
•
Priority 2 - one warning signal.
Red symbols
A red symbol signals danger.Proceed as follows if a red symbol is displayed:
Fig. 27  Information display: 
Door warning
AA
Fig. 28  Information display: 
Oil pressure is low
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights25
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the functions indicated.
– Obtain professional assistance.Meaning of the red symbols:
Three successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 1 exist at the same time, the symbols appear 
one after the other and are each illuminated for about 5 seconds.Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol signals a warning.The meaning of the yellow symbols:One warning signal will sound if a yellow symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 2 exist at the same time, the symbols appear 
one after the other and are each illuminated for about 10 seconds.
Check the relevant function as soon as possible.
Coolant level too low/coolant temperature 
too high
⇒page 29
Engine oil pressure too low
⇒page 30
Fig. 29  Information display: 
Fuel level low
Fuel level low
⇒page 30
Check engine oil level, engine oil sensor faulty
⇒page 30
Washer fluid level low
⇒page 31
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights 28Low beam 
The warning light 
 comes on when low beam is selected ⇒page 51.
Rear fog light 
The warning light 
 comes on when the rear fog lights are operating ⇒page 53.
Alternator 
The warning light 
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should go 
out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes on when 
driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be discharged 
in this case so switch off all non-essential electrical components.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP!
Caution
If the warning light 
 comes on when driving and in addition the warning light 
 
(cooling system fault) also comes on in display, you must then stop the car imme-
diately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage!
Fog lights* 
The warning light 
 comes on when the fog lights are operating ⇒page 52.
Cornering lights* 
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.Further information ⇒page 52.
WARNING
f there is a fault in the cornering lights, the headlights are automatically 
lowered to the emergency position. Thus the illuminated length of the road 
is shortened. Drive carefully and have the car inspected immediately by a 
specialist garage.Electrohydraulic power steering 
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 contin-
uously, a fault exists in the electrohydraulic power steering.
•
If the yellow warning light lights up, this indicates a partial or total failure of the 
power steering and the steering forces can be greater.
Further information ⇒page 160.
WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective.
Note
•
If the yellow warning light 
 goes out after starting the engine again and a short 
drive, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.
•
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warning light 
 comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must 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 to turn 
the steering wheel.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
EPC fault light 
 (petrol engine)
The 
 (Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few seconds when 
the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the engine control system if the warning light 
 does not go out 
or comes on or flashes while driving. The engine management system selects an 
emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage 
by adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ENGINE FAULT WORKSHOP!
Glow plug system 
 (diesel engine)
The warning light 
 lights up for a cold engine when switching on the ignition 
(pre-heat position) 2 ⇒page 100. Start the engine after the indicator light goes out.
The glow plug indicator light will come on for about 1 second if the engine is at a 
normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature is above +5°C. This 
means that you can start the engine right away.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light 
 does not come on or 
lights up continuously, contact a specialist garage as soon as possible to obtain 
assistance.
There is a system fault in the engine control system if the warning light 
 has 
started to flash while driving. The engine management system selects an emer-
gency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by 
adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ENGINE FAULT WORKSHOP!
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer* 
Only if a trailer is attached to the vehicle, the indicator light 
 flashes together with 
the turn signals.The indicator light 
 does not flash if a turn signal light on the trailer or on the 
vehicle is not operating.
Coolant temperature/coolant level 
After the ignition is switched on the warning light  lights up blue until the engine 
reaches operating temperature 
1). Avoid running at high engine speeds, at full 
throttle and at severe engine loads. The blue warning light goes out once the oper-
ating temperature has been reached .
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the warning light 
 lights up red or flashes red while driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level; top up the 
coolant as necessary ⇒page 190, “Replenishing the coolant”.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the 
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine switched off and 
obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to 
severe engine damage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be 
caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant 
fan, replace it if necessary ⇒page 221, “Fuse assignment at the battery (automatic 
gearbox)”.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the fluid is at 
the correct level and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order. Contact a specialist 
garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 189, “Cooling system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP CHECK COOLANT OWNER'S MANUAL!1)Not valid for vehicles with information display.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights 30
WARNING
•
If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe 
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard 
warning light system ⇒page 54, “Switch for hazard warning lights ”.
•
Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 185, “Working in the 
engine compartment” before checking the coolant fluid level and opening 
the bonnet.
•
Take care when opening the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, 
the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding. It is best to allow the 
engine to cool down before removing the cap.
•
Do not touch the coolant fan! The coolant fan may switch on automati-
cally even if the ignition is off.
Electronic immobiliser 
Data is compared between the ignition key and the control unit when switching on 
the ignition. The indicator light 
 will light up for a few seconds when ignition key 
authorisation is confirmed.
The warning light will start flashing continuously if a non-authorised ignition key 
(for example the wrong ignition key) has been used. The engine cannot be started 
⇒page 37.
It is only possible to start the engine of your car with a Genuine Škoda key with the 
matching code.
Fuel reserve 
The warning light 
 comes on, if the fuel level is less than 7 litres.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
PLEASE REFUEL
Engine oil 
The warning light 
 lights up red (low oil pressure)
The warning light comes on for a few seconds 
2) when the ignition is switched on.
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off if the warning light does not go off 
after the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil level and top up 
with oil as necessary ⇒page 187.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the 
conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain 
professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe 
engine damage.
Do not drive any further if the warning light flashes even if the oil is at the correct 
level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact the nearest specialist 
garage to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP OIL PRESS. ENGINE OFF! OWNER'S MANUAL!
The warning light 
 lights up yellow* (oil quantity too low)
If the warning light lights up yellow, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably too 
low. Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒page 187 with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
CHECK OIL LEVEL
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.
2)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights31
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data The warning light 
 flashes yellow* (engine oil level sensor faulty)
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible signal 
and the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has been switched 
on.
In this case have the engine inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP!
WARNING
•
If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe 
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard 
warning light system ⇒page 54.
•
The red oil pressure light 
 is not an oil level indicator! One should 
therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refu-
eling stop.
•
Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 185, “Working in the 
engine compartment” before checking the coolant fluid level and opening 
the bonnet.
Open door* 
The warning light 
 comes on if one or several doors, the bonnet or boot lid is 
opened.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning 
light goes out 5 minutes after switching off the ignition if one or several doors, the 
bonnet or boot lid is opened. The warning light goes out after closing the doors.
Windshield washer fluid level*
The warning light 
 comes on when the ignition is switched on if there is insuffi-
cient 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*:
REFILL WASHER LIQUID
Control system for exhaust 
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 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 
specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
EXHAUST WORKSHOP!
Traction control system (TCS) *
The warning light 
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off or if there 
is a fault in the system.
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.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS 
system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS system can 
be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes 
out, the TCS system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 156.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light 
 comes 
on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short 
distance.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights33
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data Further information about ABS ⇒page 159, “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 191, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped 
below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Obtain 
professional assistance.
•
Pay attention to the following instructions before checking the brake 
fluid level and opening the bonnet ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine 
compartment”.
•
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.
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 MANUALIf 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, an extended free play of the brake pedal 
and long braking distances when carefully driving to the 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 158, “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 before checking the brake 
fluid level and opening the bonnet ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine 
compartment”.
•
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 191, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid 
level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of 
accident! Obtain professional assistance.
Airbag system 
Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light 
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights 34There 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 diagnostic equipment:•
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 the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the 
lighting up of the indicator light 
  (airbag switched off) ⇒page 146.
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 145, “Deactivating 
airbags”.
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. Im In the information display* is shown ENGINE 
FAULT WORKSHOP!. 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.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights35
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Note
Further information about diesel particle filter ⇒page 162, “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 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 132, “Why seat belts?”.
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