steering SKODA FABIA 2003 1.G / 6Y User Guide

Seats and Stowage
64
– Release the lever and push the seat further until the lock is heard to engage.
Adjusting height of seat*
– Lift the seat if required by pulling or pumping lever upwards.
– Lower the seat if required by pushing or pumping lever downwards.
Adjusting angle of backrest
– Relieve any pressure on the backrest (do not lean on it) and turn the handwheel to adjust the angle of the backrest.
The driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the pedals can be
pressed to the floor with slightly bent legs.
The backrest on the driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that
the upper point of the steering wheel can be easily reached with slightly
bent arms.
Caution
Vehicles in the Praktik version should not experience contact between the
backrest and the partition wall after adjusting the angle of the backrest
since there is danger of damage to the seat cover through rubbing when
driving.
WARNING
•Only adjust the driver seat when the vehicle is stationary - risk
of injury!
•Take care when adjusting the seat! Adjusting the seat without
care can lead to bruises or injuries.
•The backrests must not be angled too far back when driving
otherwise this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of
the airbag system - risk of injury!
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Cooling of storage compartment on front passenger
side*
The storage compartment is for vehicles fitted with an air-
conditioning system with a closable inlet for cooled air.
– You can switch the cooling system on or off using the control
dial ⇒ fig. 71.
Opening the air inlet when the air conditioning system is on causes fresh
or interior air to flow into the storage compartment.
The cooling of the storage compartment operates only if the air condi-
tioning system is switched on. We recommend that you switch off the
cooling (opening concealed) if it is operating in the heating mode or if you
are not using the cooling system for the storage compartment.
Storage compartments on the driver's side
- storage compartment below steering wheel.
The lockable storage compartment is opened by folding down the
cover in the direction of arrow ⇒fig. 72 .
Storage compartment is for vehicles fitted with an air conditioning
system with a closable inlet for thermally prepared air.
The air supply in the storage compartment is regulated through the pull
out cap . Pulling out the end cover in the direction of travel causes the
air inlet to open while pushing it in causes the air inlet to close.
At open air supply, air flows into the storage with a temperature which is
as high as the one out of the air outlet nozzles, depending on temperature
setting.
The air inlet in the storage compartment is connected to position

through adjustment of the control dial for air distribution. This position
causes the maximum amount of air to flow into the storage compartment
(depending on the rotary regulator position for the fan).
Fig. 71 Storage
compartment: Using
cooling system
Fig. 72 Dash panel:
Storage compartments
on the driver's side
AA
AB
AB
AC

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Starting-off and Driving
Setting steering wheel position*
You can set the height and the forward/back position of the
steering wheel to the desired position.
– Adjust the driver seat ⇒page 63.
– Pull the lever below the steering column ⇒fig. 82 down
⇒ .
– Set the steering wheel to the desired position (concerning height and forward/back position).
– Then push the lever up against the steering column until it locks into place.
Ignition lock
Petrol engines
- ignition switched off, engine off
- ignition switched on
Fig. 82 Adjustable
steering wheel: Lever
below steering column
WARNING
•Only adjust the steering wheel when the car is stationary!
•For safety reasons the lever must always be firmly pushed up
to avoid the steering wheel altering its position unintentionally
when driving - risk of accident!
Fig. 83 Ignition lock
positions
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Starting-off and Driving
96
- start engine
Diesel engines - fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine off
- heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
•You should not switch on any major electrical components during the
heating period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering
wheel until the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always
lock the steering as a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as
a deterrent against possible theft of your vehicle ⇒.
Position
Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot,
or cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the
steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At the same time switched on low
beam or main beam or other electrical components with major power
consumption are briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into
position when one releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before
starting the engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock
prevents the starter being engaged when the engine is running and thus
getting damaged. Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the
selector lever is in position
P.
Starting engine
General
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition
key.
•Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the
position P or N in the case of an automatic gearbox) and put on the hand-
brake firmly before starting the engine.
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WARNING
•When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position
(ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it
could result in unexpected locking of the steering wheel - risk of
accident!
•Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the
vehicle has come to a standstill (put on the handbrake or select the
selector lever position P). The steering lock might otherwise
engage unintentionally - risk of accident!
•Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the
vehicle, even for a short time. This is particularly important if chil-
dren are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise start the
engine or operate electrical equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk
of injury!
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The physical principle of a frontal
collision
The physical principle of a frontal accident can be explained quite simply: As soon as the vehicle is moving, so-called kinetic energy (the energy of
motion) is produced both in terms of the car as well as in terms of the
occupants. The magnitude of this kinetic energy depends essentially on
the speed at which the vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the vehicle
and the occupants. The greater the speed and weight increase, the
greater the amount of energy which has to be absorbed in the event of an
accident.
The speed of the vehicle is, nevertheless, the most important factor.
Doubling the speed of the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour
increases the kinetic energy four times.
The common opinion that it is possible to support your body in a minor
accident with your hands, is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low
speed, the forces acting on the body are such that it is no longer possible
to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed within the range from 30 km/hour to 50
km/hour, the forces which are produced on your body in the event of an
accident can easily exceed 10,000 N (Newton). This equals a weight of
one tonne (1.000 kg).
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the vehicle not wearing a
seat belt are thrown forward and strike parts of the interior of the vehicle,
such as the steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen in an uncontrolled
manner
⇒fig. 91. The occupants of a vehicle who have not fastened their
seat belts may even be thrown out of the vehicle. This can result in fatal
injuries.
It is also important that rear seat passengers fasten their seat belts as they
will otherwise be thrown through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner in
the event of an accident. A rear seat passenger who has not fastened the
seat belt is a danger not only to himself but also for those seated at the
front ⇒fig. 92 .
Fig. 91 The driver is
thrown forward if not
wearing a belt
Fig. 92 The rear seat
occupant is thrown
forward if not wearing a
belt

Airbag system
122
Front airbags
Description
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belt!
Vehicles with an airbag system for the driver and front passenger* are
recognisable by the lettering “AIRBAG” on the padded centre of the
steering wheel ⇒ fig. 99 and on the right hand side of the dash panel
⇒ fig. 100 .
The front airbag system, in combination with three-point safety belts,
offers additional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and
front passenger in the event of a frontal collision of major severity ⇒
in “Important safety information regarding the front airbag system” on
page 123.
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but is part of the complete
passive vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only
offer you optimal protection in combination with a seat belt which is
fastened. .
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts
is to also hold the driver and front passenger in a correct seated position
in the event of a frontal collision so as to enable the front airbags to offer
the maximum protection.
You should therefore always fasten ⇒ page 112, “Why seat belts?” the
seat belts, not only because this is required by law, but also for safety
reasons and for your own protection.
Note
The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has
been deployed.
Fig. 99 Driver airbag in
the steering wheel
Fig. 100 Front
passenger airbag in the
dash panel

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Function of the front airbags
Risk of injury to the head and chest area is reduced by fully
inflated airbags.
The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and the front
passenger airbag* are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major
severity.
It is also possible under certain special accident situations that the front
as well as the side airbags are deployed.
If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and
inflated in front of the driver and front passenger ⇒fig. 101. The airbags
inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able to
offer that additional protection in the event of an accident. The forward
movement of the driver and of the front passenger is cushioned when they
make contact with the fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury to head and
chest is thus reduced. The specially developed airbag allows the gas to flow out of the inflated
airbag in a controlled manner under the load of the vehicle occupant's
body in order to cushion the head and chest areas. The airbag then
deflates subsequently to such an extent, after an accident, to again
provide a clear view forward.
A fine dust is produced when airbag inflated. This is perfectly normal and
is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to
injuries if the sitting position or seated position is not correct
⇒ in
“Important safety information regarding the front airbag system”.
Important safety information regarding the front
airbag system
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the
risk of injury!
Fig. 101 Deployed
airbags
Fig. 102 Safe distance
to steering wheel

Airbag system
124
Side airbags*
Description of side airbags
The side airbag increases protection of the passenger
concerned in the case of a side impact.
WARNING
•For the driver and front passenger it is important to maintain a
distance of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel
⇒ page 123, fig. 102 . Not maintaining this minimum distance will
mean that the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you
- hazard! The front seats and the head restraints must always also
be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
•Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without
using a proper restraint system. If the airbag system is deployed in
the event of an accident, the child might suffer severe or even fatal
injuries.
•It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 127 the front
passenger airbag when attaching a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in
direction of travel (in some countries also when the child is facing
the direction of travel). If this is not done, there is a risk of the child
suffering severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag
is deployed. In certain countries national legal provisions also
require that the side passenger airbags be deactivated. When
transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply
with the appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child
safety seats.
•There must not by any further persons, animals or objects posi-
tioned between the front seated occupants and the deployment
area of the airbag.
•The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the
dash panel on the passenger side must not be stuck onto, covered
or modified in any other way. These parts should only be cleaned
with a dry cloth or a cloth moistened with water. No objects such
as cup holders, mobile phone mounts, etc. may be attached to the
covers of the airbag modules or be located within the immediate
area.
WARNING (continued)
•No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag
system. Any work on the airbag system including installing and
removing system components because of other repair work (e.g.
removing the steering wheel) must only be carried out by a Škoda
dealer.
•Never place any objects on the surface of the front passenger
airbag in the dash panel.
Fig. 103 Driver seat:
Installed position of the
airbag

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Deactivating an airbag
Deactivating airbags
If any airbags have been deactivated, switch them on
again as soon as possible so that they are able to again
provide their proper protection.
There is the technical means installed within your vehicle to switch off the
front passenger airbag or side airbag (take out of commission).
Have the airbags and also the side airbags deactivated by a Škoda
Dealer.
On Vehicles equipped with the switch for deactivation of the airbags, you
can deactivate the front passenger airbag or the front passenger side
airbag be means of this switch ⇒page 128.
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances,
such as if:
•You must in exceptional cases use a child seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back to the direction of
travel (in some countries this must be in the direction of travel due to other
legal regulations applying) ⇒ page 130, “Important safety information on
using child safety seats”.
•You are not able to maintain the distance of at least 25 cm between
middle of steering wheel and chest, despite the driver seat being correctly
adjusted.
•Special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel
because of a physical disability.
•You have installed other seats (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side
airbags). Your Škoda dealer will be able to advise you whether national legislation
in your country allows airbags in your vehicle to be deactivated, and which
ones.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically, also
when the airbags have been switched off
An airbag which has been switched off by a Škoda dealer using the
vehicle system tester:
•The airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster lights up for about 3
seconds after switching on the ignition and then flashes after that for about
12 seconds.
Front passenger airbags switched off using the switch for front
passenger airbags* in stowage compartment on the front passenger
side:
•The airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster comes on for about
3 seconds each time the ignition is switched on.
•Switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the
lighting up of the indicator light   ⇒ page 128.
Note
Your Škoda dealer can provide you with further information regarding the
possibility of deactivating airbags.

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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 and reduce the engine speed.
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 145. If there is a
fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light ⇒page 34 lights up in the instrument cluster when
there is a fault on the ESP.
Fig. 115 ESP switch