stop start SKODA FABIA 2009 2.G / 5J Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: SKODA, Model Year: 2009, Model line: FABIA, Model: SKODA FABIA 2009 2.G / 5JPages: 259, PDF Size: 31.99 MB
Page 29 of 259

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.
s3f4.1.book  Page 28  Thursday, June 18, 2009  11:07 AM 
Page 30 of 259

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.
s3f4.1.book  Page 29  Thursday, June 18, 2009  11:07 AM 
Page 31 of 259

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.
s3f4.1.book  Page 30  Thursday, June 18, 2009  11:07 AM 
Page 32 of 259

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.
s3f4.1.book  Page 31  Thursday, June 18, 2009  11:07 AM 
Page 33 of 259

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights 32Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light 
 lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in 
one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the 
inflation pressure in the tyres ⇒page 198.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
If the warning light flashes 
, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist 
garage and have the fault rectified.
Further information about tyre pressure-control system ⇒page 160.
WARNING
•
When the warning light 
 lights up, immediately reduce the speed and 
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please stop the vehicle 
without delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their 
inflation pressures.
•
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or 
unpaved roads) the warning light 
 can be delayed or does not light up at 
all.
•
The tyre inflation pressure-control system does not take away the 
responsability from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pressure.Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light 
 comes on after switching 
on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Selector lever lock* 
 (automatic gearbox)
If the warning light 
 lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in order 
to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
The warning light 
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System (TCS), the 
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and the Antilock Brake System (ABS).
The warning light flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.
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 155, “Electronic stability programme 
(ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ESP warning light 
 in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected immediately by your 
specialist garage. Further information on the EDL ⇒page 157.Antilock brake system (ABS)* 
The warning light 
 shows the functionality of the ABS.
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 
within 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. Visit 
a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving to take 
account of the fault in the meantime since you will not know the extent of the fault 
and in how far the effect of the antilock brakes is affected.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the ABS.
s3f4.1.book  Page 32  Thursday, June 18, 2009  11:07 AM 
Page 37 of 259

Unlocking and locking 36Unlocking and lockingKeyDescriptionThe vehicle is supplied with two keys without remote control ⇒fig. 31 or with two 
keys with remote control* ⇒fig. 32. The keys fit in all vehicle locks.
Key ring
The key ring only has the key number on it which is essential for producing other 
keys. This number can be used to order replacement keys from specialist garages.The key ring with the number should be separately and securely kept in safe 
keeping since keys can only be replaced if they are lost or damaged by giving this 
number. You should also therefore hand over this key ring to the purchaser when 
selling the vehicle.
WARNING
•
Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle - even if it is 
only for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the 
vehicle. The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical 
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!
•
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle 
has come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise engage unintention-
ally - risk of accident!Caution
•
Each key contains electronic components; therefore protect them against mois-
ture and severe shocks.
•
Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean as impurities (textile fibres, dust 
etc.) have a negative effect on the proper operation of the locking cylinder and the 
ignition lock.Note
Please approach a specialist garage if you lose a key since he can obtain a new one 
for you.
Fig. 31  Set of keys without 
remote controlFig. 32  Remote control key
s3f4.1.book  Page 36  Thursday, June 18, 2009  11:07 AM 
Page 44 of 259

Unlocking and locking43
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
•
Do not press on the rear window when closing the boot lid, it could crack 
- risk of injury!Note
•
After closing the boot lid, it is automatically locked within 1 seconds and 
the anti-theft alarm system* is activated. This applies only if the vehicle was 
locked before closing the boot lid.
•
The function of the hand grip above the licence plate is deactivated when 
starting off or as of a speed of more than 5 km/hour for vehicles with central 
locking. The function of the hand grip is activated again when the vehicle has 
stopped and a door is opened.
•
Hold the boot lid when opening.
Emergency unlocking of the boot lidIf there is a fault in the central locking, you can open the boot lid as 
follows:
– Fold one of the outer rear seats forwards.– Move the operating lever A with the aid of a narrow object e.g. screw-
driver up to the stop in the direction of arrow; the boot lid is then 
unlocked.
– Open the boot lid/luggage compartment door from outside.
Remote control*DescriptionYou can use the remote control:•
to unlock and lock the vehicle;
•
unlocking boot lid.
The transmitter with the battery is housed in the handle of the master key. The 
receiver is located in the interior of the car. The operating range of the remote 
control is approx. 10 m. But this range of the remote control can be reduced if the 
batteries are weak.
The master key has a fold-open key bit which can be used for unlocking and locking 
the car manually and also for starting the engine.
If a lost key is replaced or if the receiver unit has been repaired or a new unit 
installed, it is then necessary for a specialist garage to adapt the system. Only after 
this is it possible to again use the remote control.Note
•
The remote control is automatically deactivated when the ignition is switched 
on.
•
The operation of the remote control may temporarily be affected by interfer-
ence from transmitters close to the car and which operate in the same frequency 
range (e.g. mobile phone, TV transmitter).
•
The battery must be replaced if the central locking or anti-theft alarm system 
does react to the remote control at less than 3 metres away. We recommend having 
the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 40  Emergency 
unlocking of the boot lid
s3f4.1.book  Page 43  Thursday, June 18, 2009  11:07 AM 
Page 101 of 259

Starting-off and Driving 100Ignition lockPetrol engines
 - ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked.
 - ignition switched on
 - start engine
Diesel engines
 - interruption of fuel supply, ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can 
be locked.
 - 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.
WARNING
•
When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position   (igni-
tion 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 unex-
pected locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident!
•
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the lock until the vehicle has come 
to a stop. The steering lock can engage immediately - 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 children are left in the 
vehicle. The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical 
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!
Starting the engineGeneral
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 handbrake firmly before 
starting the engine.
Fig. 124  Ignition lock posi-
tions
A1A2A3A1A2A3
A1A2
A3
A2
A1
A2
s3f4.1.book  Page 100  Thursday, June 18, 2009  11:07 AM 
Page 103 of 259

Starting-off and Driving 102•
The glow plug warning light will come on for about one 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.
•
Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start 
right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•
It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the engine 
still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 216.
•
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel tank has 
run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel system must first of 
all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from posi-
tion  into ⇒page 100, fig. 124.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent!
•
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater 
physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because 
if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey after the 
engine has been operated for a lengthy period at high loads but should be allowed 
it to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This prevents any accumulation of heat 
when the engine is switched off.
Note
•
The radiator fan may continue running for a further 10 minutes or so after the 
engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, also 
switch on again after some time if the coolant temperature rises because of an 
accumulation of heat in the engine or if the engine is warm and the engine 
compartment is additionally heated by strong sunlight.
•
This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine 
compartment ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)Shift into reverse only when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and 
hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before engaging reverse gear in order to 
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing light will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the ignition 
is on.
WARNING
Never engage the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident!
A1
Fig. 125  Shift pattern on 
models fitted with 5-speed 
manual gearbox
s3f4.1.book  Page 102  Thursday, June 18, 2009  11:07 AM 
Page 104 of 259

Starting-off and Driving103
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Note
•
One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle. The 
pressure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This 
can, over a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift forks.
•
Depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gears, in order to avoid unneces-
sary wear and damage.
HandbrakeApplying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the 
locking button ⇒fig. 126.
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully 
⇒.The handbrake warning light 
 lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided 
the ignition is on.A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have 
inadvertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
HANDBRAKE ON
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for 
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
•
Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake 
which is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating 
which will have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk 
of accident! In addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake 
pads.
•
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for 
example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle 
might then move off - risk of accident!Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always first of all apply the handbrake firmly before 
then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector lever 
into position P (automatic gearbox).
Fig. 126  Centre console: 
Handbrake
s3f4.1.book  Page 103  Thursday, June 18, 2009  11:07 AM