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

Introduction
2
The on-board literature
The on-board literature for your vehicle consists of this “ Owner's
Manual” as well as a “ Service plan”, “Te c h n i c a l d a ta ” and a
“Travelling assistant ”. There can also be a variety of other addi-
tional operating manuals and instructions on-board (e.g. an oper-
ating manual for the radio) depending on the vehicle model and
equipment.
If one of the publication s listed above is missing, please contact
a Škoda dealer immediately, where one will be glad to assist you
in such matters.
One should note that the details given in the vehicle's
papers always take precedence over those in the Owner's
Manual.
The Owner's Manual
In addition to information regarding all the controls and equip-
ment, the Owner's Manual also contains important information
regarding care and operation for your safety and also to retain the
value of your vehicle To provide you with valuable tips and aids.
You can learn how how you can operate your vehicle safely,
economically and in an environmentally conscious way.
For safety reasons, please also pay attention to the informa-
tion on accessories, modifications and replacement of parts
⇒ page 194.
The other chapters of the Owner's Manual are also important,
however, for proper treatment of your car - in addition to regular
care and maintenance - helps to retain its value and in many
cases is also one of the requirements for warranty claims. The Service Schedule
contains:
•Vehicle data
•Service intervals
•Overview of the service work
•Service proof
•Confirmation of mobility warranty
•important information on the warranty
The confirmation of the service work carried out is a requirement
for a warranty claim.
Please always present the Service Schedule when you take your
car to a Škoda dealer.
If the Service Schedule is missing or worn, please contact your
Škoda dealer, where your car is serviced regularly. You will
receive a duplicate, in which the previously carried out service
work are confirmed.
Assistance in Europe
contains the addresses and telephone numbers of Škoda
Importers.
Technical Data
includes the most important identification data of your vehicle.

Contents
4
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS)* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detachable towing device* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . .
Care and cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen Wiper and Washer System . . . . Spark plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
V-ribbed belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The dust and pollen filter* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* . . . . . . . .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spray for repairing a tyre* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabia Praktik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Praktik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The fold-away storage compartment . . . . . . .
Lashing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixing the loading area floor in place . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
141
141
141
144
145
146
147
147
148
149
153
154
155
155
157
159
159
159
159
164
166
167
167
167
169
171
171
174
177
179
181
185 186
186
186
187
187
194
194
195
195
195
195
196
196
197
197
198
203
205
209
209
212
223
223
223
225
225
225
225
226
227

9
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Using the system

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
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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 Lights15
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Service Interval DisplayThe Service Interval Display for vehicles with fixed service intervals
QG0
A key symbol appears in the trip counter display ⇒fig. 4 once the due
date for a service is reached and one of the following service work:
OIL (change the engine oil)
INSP (Inspection service)
The display disappears within 3 minutes after starting the engine. The trip
counter is also displayed after pressing the reset button for the trip counter
for more than 1 second. The key symbol remains even after the ignition
has been switched off.
The Service Interval Display for vehicles with extended service
intervals (QG1 and QG2)
A key symbol ⇒fig. 5 appears in the counter display for distance driven
about 30 days before reaching the due date for the service. The remaining
distance to be driven will be indicated for 10 seconds next to the key
symbol and then the remaining number of days to the due date for the
service inspection.
The following will be displayed in the information display*:
SERVICE DUE IN ... KM OR ... DAYS
The kilometre indicator or the days indicator reduces in steps of 100 km.
or days until the service due date is reached.
The following text appears as a flashing key symbol as soon as the due
date for the service is reached.
The following will be displayed in the information display*: SERVICE NOW
The display disappears within 20 seconds after switching on the ignition.
The trip counter is also displayed after pressing the reset button for the trip
counter (for more than 1 second).
Fig. 4 Service Interval
Display QG0
Fig. 5 Resetting
service interval
displays QG1 and QG2

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 Lights19
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The following readouts will be set to zero by button :
•Average fuel consumption
•distance driven
•Average speed
•Driving time
You can only operate the multi-functional indicator when the ignition is
switched on. After the ignition is switched on, the function displayed is the
one which you last selected before switching off the ignition.
The outside temperature indicator will appear with a snowflake symbol
when the outside temperature lies between +5°C and -5°C. The symbol
warns the driver of the possible danger of ice on the road. After the rocker
switch is actuated, the function displays the one which you last
selected before switching off the ignition.
The outside temperature
The outside temperature appears in the display when the ignition is
switched on.
The correct outside temperature will be indicated with a delay of 5
minutes. If the vehicle is stationary (or driven at a very low speed) the
temperature indicated may be slightly higher than the actual outside
temperature because of heat radiated by the engine.
An ice crystal symbol appears in the temperature display if the outside
temperature is between about +5°C and -5°C ⇒fig. 8.
Note
The outside temperature is not indicating when showing navigation data
(guidance to the destination). It must be called up over the menu (valid for
vehicles which have a navigation and information display).
Range
The estimated range in kilometres is shown on the display. It indicates the
distance you can still drive with your vehicle based on the present level of
fuel in the tank for the same style of driving. The readout is shown in steps
of 5 km.
The fuel consumption for the last 50 km is taken as a basis for calculating
the range. If you drive in a more economical manner from this moment on,
the range will be increased accordingly.
You first drive 50 km if the readout is reset (after disconnecting and recon-
necting the battery) before a new readout for the range is displayed.
AB
AA
Fig. 8 Multi-functional
indicator: The outside
temperature
WARNING
Please note that black ice may also be present on the road surface
even at temperatures around +5°C - warning, drive with care!

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights21
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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 Lights23
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Door ajar warning, luggage compartment door and
bonnet ajar warning
The door, luggage compartment door and bonnet ajar warning lights up
when at least one of the three items door, luggage compartment or bonnet
are not closed when the ignition is turned on. The symbol indicates which
door is still open or whether the luggage compartment door or bonnet is
not closed ⇒fig. 12 .
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 of more than 6km/hour and if the door or luggage compartment
door is open.
Radio display
These displays appear in addition to the normal information in the radio
display.
Auto Check Control
Vehicle condition
The Auto Check Control carries out a check of certain functions and
vehicle components. 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.
Fig. 12 Information
display: Door warning
Fig. 13 Information
display: Radio display