service interval 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.

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

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
12
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
General view of the instrument cluster
Fig. 3 Instrument cluster
Engine revolutions counter ⇒page 13
Coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 13
Fuel gauge ⇒page 14
Speedometer
− with counter for distance driven ⇒page 14
− with trip counter for distance driven ⇒page 14 −
with Service Interval Display ⇒page 15
Digital clock ⇒page 16 and multi-functional indicator* ⇒page 17
Information display* ⇒page 21
When the lights are switched on, the instrument cluster is illuminated.A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights15
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
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 Lights
16
Resetting Service Interval Display
We recommend having this resetting performed by a Škoda Dealer.
Škoda dealer:
•resets the memory of the display after the appropriate inspection;
•makes an entry in the Service Schedule;
•affix the sticker to the side of the dash panel on the driver's side, where
the following service interval is shown.
The service interval displays can also be reset as follows by using the
reset button for the counter for distance driven:
Models with fixed service intervals (QG0)
Switch off the ignition, press the reset button of the trip counter for
distance driven and hold it down.
Switching the ignition on causes a service interval to appear in the display.
Holding the reset button down for 10 seconds will cause the counter to be
reset (the display shows “- - -” and then the trip counter readout).
The readout OIL will appear in the display after resetting the indicator
INSP and releasing the reset button when both service intervals (INSP
and OIL) were reached together.
Repress the reset button and hold it down for 10 seconds to also reset this
interval.
Vehicles with extended service intervals (QG1 and QG2)
Switch off the ignition, press the reset button of the trip counter for
distance driven and hold it down.
Switch the ignition on and release the reset button. Now turn the reset
button to the right. All counters will be reset to 0.
Caution
We recommend that you do not reset the Service Interval Display yourself
otherwise this can result in the service interval display being incorrectly
set, which may also result in problems with operation of your vehicle.
Note
•Information is retained in the Service Interval Display also after the
battery of the vehicle is disconnected.
•It is necessary to re-code the Service Interval Display if a new instru-
ment cluster is installed during repair work. this work is carried out by a
Škoda dealer.
•Never reset the display between service intervals otherwise this may
result in incorrect readouts.
•The data displayed is the same after resetting the display with flexible
service intervals (QG1) using the reset button as that for a vehicle with
fixed service intervals (QG2).
•We therefore recommend having the Service Interval Display reset
only by a Škoda dealer who is familiar with the procedure for resetting the
display with a vehicle system tester.
•Please refer to the brochure Service Plan for extensive information
about the service intervals.
Digital clock
A reset button is installed on the left below beside the speedom-
eter for adjusting the clock ⇒page 12, fig. 3 .
Set hours
– Turn the reset button to the left.

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights21
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
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
32
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 175.
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. Switch off the engine and
obtain professional assistance from a Škoda dealer.
Do not drive any further if the warning light blinks even when the oil is at
the correct level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact
the nearest Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP! OIL PRESS. STOP MOTOR! SERVICE 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 too
low. Check oil level as soon as possible or top up ⇒page 175 with oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
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. The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
CHECK OIL LEVEL
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 Škoda
dealer.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
OIL SENSOR WORKSHOP!
Thickness of the brake pads* 
If the warning light  comes on, contact a Škoda dealer immediately and
have the brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: CHECK BRAKE PADS
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.
WARNING
The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One
should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably
after every refueling stop.

Driving and the Environment151
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
You should avoid fully exploiting the top speed of your vehicle wherever
possible. Fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises
increase disproportionally at high speeds.
The ⇒
page 150, fig. 118 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the
speed of your vehicle. You will cut your fuel consumption by half if you
only make use three-quarters of the possible top speed of your vehicle.
Reducing idling
Idling also costs fuel.
It is worthwhile switching off the engine in a traffic jam or when waiting at
a level crossing or at traffic lights with a lengthy red phase. Even after just
30 - 40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than the extra that is
needed when you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal
operating temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though,
are particularly high in the warming-up phase. This is why you should
drive off right after starting the engine. Do avoid high engine revolutions
at this time, however.
Regular servicing
A poorly tuned engine consumes an unnecessarily high
amount of fuel.
Having your vehicle serviced regularly at a Škoda Dealer enables you to
satisfy one of the requirements for economical motoring even before you
set off on your journey. Keeping your vehicle properly serviced not only
has a positive effect on the safety of your vehicle and maintaining its
value, but also saves on fuel. A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10%
higher than normal.
The foreseen maintenance work should be undertaken exactly according
to the service plan by a Škoda dealer.
Also check the
oil level after refueling. Oil consumption is dependent to
a considerable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consump-
tion could be as high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of
driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first,
and reaches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. It is there-
fore not possible to correctly assess the oil consumption of a new vehicle
until after you have driven about 5.000 km.
For the sake of the environment
•You can achieve additional improvements in your fuel economy by
using high-lubricity oils.
•Check the ground below your car at regular intervals to detect any
leakages in good time. Please have your vehicle inspected by a Škoda
dealer if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the floor.

Towing a trailer
156
Tyre inflation pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
⇒ page 187. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust
in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exte-
rior mirrors should be attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that
they provide you with an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the head-
lights. Alter the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam
adjuster ⇒page 53.
Detachable ball head
On a car which features a factory-fitted towing device, the ball rod is
detachable. It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the
spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device ⇒page 157.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between
service intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling
and decoupling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and
the trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid
driving with this combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies
for countries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination
reduces with increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed
should not be used when there are unfavourable road, weather or wind
conditions, particularly near accident black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediately as soon as you detect
even just the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to
stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake,
apply the brakes gently at first then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts
resulting from the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time

Inspecting and Replenishing
174
Engine oil
Engine oil specifications
The grade of engine oil should be selected in accordance
with precise specifications.
The engine of your vehicle has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil
which you can use throughout the year - except in extreme climatic
regions.
You can mix various oils together with each other when refilling with oil.
This does not, however, apply for models with extended flexible service
intervals (QG1).
Engine oils are, of course, undergoing continuous further development.
Thus the information stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the
time of publication.
Škoda dealers are constantly informed by Škoda Auto about current
changes. This why you should always have engine oil changed by your
Škoda dealer.
Engine oil specifications for vehicles with fixed service intervals
(QG0, QG2) Engine oil specifications for models with flexible service intervals
(QG1).
Caution
Only the above-mentioned oils may be used on vehicles with flexible
service intervals (QG1). We recommend always refilling with oil of the
same specification since this will maintain the properties of the oil. In
exceptional cases, you must top up only once engine oil complying with
Specification VW 502 00 (only for petrol engines) or Specification VW 505
01 (only for diesel engines) to maximum 0.5 litres. You must not use other
engine oils - risk of engine damage!
Note
•We recommend using a preservative from the range of accessories
offered by your Skoda dealer.
•See the Service Schedule for further information.DenominationPetrol engineDiesel engine
Multigrade high- lubricity oilsVW 500 00
VW 502 00VW 505 01
VW 505 00a)
a)This does not apply for PD engines (a unit injection engine). Further information
can be obtained from the technical data sheets.
Multigrade oilsVW 501 01
ACEA A2b) or A3b)
b)Only to be used in exceptional cases if the oils specified are not available.
ACEA B3b) or B4b)
Engine oil specifications
Petrol enginesVW 503 00
Diesel enginesVW 506 01
VW 506 00a)
a)This does not apply for PD engines (a unit injection engine). Further information
can be obtained from the technical data sheets.