Automatic SKODA FABIA 2003 1.G / 6Y Owner's Manual

Contents3
Contents
Layout of this Owner's
Manual
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
An overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments and Indicator/Warning LightsGeneral view of the instrument cluster . . . . . .
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer with counter for distance driven
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information display* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto Check Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the key battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synchronisation of the vehicle key code . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power windows* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric sliding/tilting roof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The windscreen wiper and washing system .
Rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and Stowage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Middle rear head restraints* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating the front seats* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net partition (Estate)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The roof luggage rack system* . . . . . . . . . . .
Drinks can holder* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray at the front* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray at the rear* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter* and power socket* . . . . . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating and air conditioning system . . . . .
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The air conditioning system* . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting-off and Driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting steering wheel position* . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting gear (on a manual gearbox) . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control system (CCS)* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-speed automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal telephone connection* . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems . .
The CD changer* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving the safe way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Requirements for maximum safety . . . . . . . .
Seat belts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The physical principle of a frontal collision . .
Important safety information regarding the use
of seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting
children! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX”
system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
9
11
11
12
12
13
13
14
14
15
16
17
21
23
27
37
37
38
39
39
39
40
44
45
46
47
49 52
52
56
58
59
62
63
63
65
66
66
67
69
69
73
76
78
78
79
79
80
81
87
87
90
95
95
95
96
98
99
100
100 103
103
108
108
109
109
111
111
111
111
11 2
11 2
11 3
11 4
11 5
11 8
120
120
122
124
127
130
130
134
138

Cockpit11
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Cockpit
An overview
This general view is designed to help you to quickly
become familiar with the instruments, gauges and
controls.
Electric exterior mirror adjustment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
−Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight
flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster: Instruments and indicator lights . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
− Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Windshield wiper/wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Switch for the ESP* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Switch for the TCS* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator light for a switched-off airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the front passenger seat* . . . . .
Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for:
− Central locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . −
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch, control dial for the instrument lighting and
control dial for the headlight beam range regulatiion . . . . .
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight flasher, driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for the air conditioning system* . . . .
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Selector lever (automatic gearbox*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio*
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
•Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
•Vehicles with factory-fitted radio, mobile phone, navigation system, CD
player etc. are supplied with separate instructions for operating such
equipment.
•The arrangement of the controls and switches and the location of
some items on right-hand drive models may differ from that shown in
⇒ page 10, fig. 2 . The symbols on the controls and switches are the same
as for left-hand drive models.
A162
A289
A3
54
100
A412
A5
17
59
A689
A766
A858
A9
141
142
A1054
A11128
A1266
A13122
A14
42 47
A1552, 53
A16171
A1781
A1895
A19122
A2095
A21
87
90
A2279
A23
98
104
A24
A2581

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights13
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Engine revolutions counter
The start of the red zone in the revolutions counter ⇒page 12, fig. 3
indicates the maximum permissible engine speed for all gears for an
engine which has been run in and operating at a normal temperature. You
should shift into the next higher gear before this red zone is reached, or
move the selector lever into position D if your car is fitted with an automatic
gearbox.
One should shift to the next lower gear at the latest when the engine is no
longer running smoothly.
Avoid high engine speeds during the running-in period ⇒page 147
Caution
The needle of the revolutions counter must on no account move into the
red zone of the scale: Risk of damage to the engine!
For the sake of the environment
Shifting up early helps you save fuel and reduce the operating noise of
your vehicle.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒ page 12, fig. 3 only operates when
the ignition is switched on.
Please pay attention to the following guidelines regarding temperature
ranges in order to avoid damage to the engine. Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid running at
high engine speeds, at full throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer
moves into the mid-range of the scale. The pointer may also move further
to the right at high engine loads and high outside temperatures. This is not
critical provided the warning symbol
 in the instrument cluster does not
flash.
If the symbol
 in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Please
refer to the guidelines ⇒page 31, “Coolant temperature/coolant level ”.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh
air inlet impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of
the engine overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine
loads!
A1
A2
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒page 172, “Working in the
engine compartment” before opening the bonnet and inspecting
the coolant level.

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights17
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Setting minutes
– Turn the reset button to the right.
Multi-functional indicator*
Introduction
The multi-functional indicator appears in the display of the revolutions
counter ⇒fig. 6 or in the information display ⇒page 21, fig. 9 depending
on the equipment fitted to your vehicle.
The multi-functional indicator offers you a range of useful information.
Note
In certain national versions the displays appear in the Imperial system of
measures.
Memory
The multi-functional indicator is equipped with two automatic memories.
You can see the memory which is currently being shown in the display
from the negatively displayed number ⇒fig. 6 . The data of the single-trip
memory (memory 1) is shown if a 1 appears in the display. A 2 shown in
the display means that data relates to the total distance memory (memory
2).
Switching of the memory takes place when the button ⇒page 18,
fig. 7 .
WARNING
The clock should not be adjusted while driving for safety reasons
but only when the vehicle is stationary.
The outside temperature⇒page 19
Range⇒page 19
Current fuel consumption⇒page 20
Average fuel consumption⇒page 20
Driving time⇒page 20
Distance driven⇒page 20
Average speed⇒page 20
Fig. 6 Display in
engine revolutions
counter Multi-func-
tional indicator
AB

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights21
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anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Information display*
Introduction
The information display provides you with information in a convenient way
concerning the current operating state of your vehicle . The information
system also provides you with data (depending on the equipment installed
in the vehicle) relating to the radio, multi-functional indicator and naviga-
tion system and automatic gearbox.
Certain functions and operating conditions are always being checked on
the vehicle when the ignition is switched on and also while driving.
Functional faults, if required rapair work and other services are indicated
by red symbols ⇒page 24 and yellow symbols ⇒ page 25.
Lighting up of these symbols is combined with an acoustic warning signal.
Information and texts giving warnings are also shown in the display
⇒ page 27. The display of text is possible in the following languages:
Czech, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese.
You can have the relevant language set by a Škoda dealer.
The following information can be shown in the display (depending on the
equipment installed on the vehicle):
Fig. 9 Instrument
cluster: Information
display
Menu⇒ page 22
Door ajar warning, luggage compartment door
and bonnet ajar warning⇒page 23
Radio display⇒page 23
Service Interval Display⇒page 15
Selector lever position for an automatic gearbox⇒page 104

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
24
The red symbols indicate danger (priority 1) while the yellow symbols indi-
cate a warning (priortity 2). Information for the driver may also appear in
addition to the symbols ⇒page 27.
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 are each visible for about 2 seconds.
The error messages are faded out after 10 seconds or by actuating the
rocker switch ⇒page 22, fig. 11 and are stored under the information
CAR STATUS .
There is at least one error message to be read when the term CAR
STATUS is flashing in the main menu. The display will show STATUS 1/2
(for example) if a number of error messages are present. This display indi-
cates 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
Operational check of the automatic gearbox
When the ignition is switched on, the Auto Check Control automatically
carries out an operational check. The following text will appear first in the
display if the selector lever is the position P or N:
P LOCKED
or N LOCKED You must depress the brake pedal first and press the Shiftlock button at
the same time in order to move the selector lever out of these positions.
The text will disappear once you select a drive position (
R, D etc.), and the
Auto Check Control function is displayed.
Any faults existing will be displayed for about 15 seconds after starting the
engine in place of the text shown above. A warning signal sounds at the
same time.
Red symbols
A red symbol signals danger.
Proceed as follows if a red symbol is displayed:
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
AA
AA
Fig. 14 Information
display: Oil pressure is
low

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights31
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anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Coolant temperature/coolant level 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 1) when the ignition is
switched on.
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the
warning light
 does not go out after the engine is started or flashes 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.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under
the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch off the engine
and obtain professional assistance from a Škoda dealer.
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 of
the fan and insert a new fuse, if necessary ⇒page 210.
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 Škoda dealer to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 177, “Cooling
system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP CHECK COOLANT SERVICE MANUAL
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 igni-
tion key (for example the wrong ignition key) has been used. The engine
cannot be started ⇒page 39.
It is only possible to start the engine of the vehicle with a Genuine Škoda
key with the matching code.
Fuel reserve \f
The warning light \f comes on, if the fuel level is still about 7 litres.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
PLEASE REFUEL
1)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 coolant level is too
low.
WARNING
•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
automatically even if the ignition is off.

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 142.
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
The traction control system (TCS) is also part of the ESP system.
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 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 141.
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 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 Skoda
dealer as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving in the mean-
time 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 145.
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 143.

Unlocking and locking39
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anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Electronic immobiliser
The electronic immobiliser prevents the vehicle being
operated by an unauthorised person.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is
deactivated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition
lock. The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when you with-
draw the ignition key from the lock.
Note
It is only possible to start the engine of your car with a Genuine Škoda key
with the matching code ⇒page 31.
Locking
Valid for vehicles without a central locking system:
Locking from outside
The securing head will move upwards or downwards in the door when
unlocking or locking ⇒ page 42, fig. 23.
Locking from inside
All closed vehicle doors are locked by pressing in the securing knobs from
the inside. The doors cannot be opened from the outside when the
securing knobs have been pressed in. The vehicle doors can be opened
from the inside as follows:
•The door is unlocked by actuating the door-opening lever.
•The door opens upon actuating the door-opening lever again.
Note
•The opened door cannot be locked with the securing knob. This
prevents the possibility of forgetting the key in the locked vehicle.
•The opened side doors at the rear and the front passenger door are
locked by pressing in the securing knob and slamming the door closed.
•Please refer to the safety guidelines ⇒ in “Description” on
page 40.
Child safety locks
The child safety lock prevents the rear door from being
opened from the inside.
The rear doors are equipped with a child safety lock. You can
switch the child safety lock on and off using the vehicle key.
AA
Fig. 21 Child safety
locks on the rear doors

Unlocking and locking41
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Note
•After unlocking the vehicle see, if the securing knobs are located on all
doors at the bottom.
•The vehicle is unlocked automatically if an airbag is deployed.
•Only the front doors can be unlocked and locked using the key if the
central locking system fails.
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. 22 .
– Pull on the door handle and open the door.
•All doors are unlocked (the securing knobs must move upwards).
•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 posi-
tion.
•The indicator light in the driver's door stops flashing if the vehicle is not
fitted with an anti-theft alarm system* ⇒page 46.
WARNING
•If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing
system is activated, 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 emergency - hazard!
•Locking the doors prevents involuntary opening in an excep-
tional situation (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.
Fig. 22 Turning the key
for unlocking and
locking the vehicle
AA