The ŠKODA Fabia was first manufactured in 1999 and with increasing popularity seeing theCzech car maker releasing the third generation in 2015. Thought highly reliable, theŠKODA Fabia can develop faults and when a fault is detected by the car’s computer (ECU), a dashboard warning light is illuminated.
The colour of the light / symbol typically indicates how urgent or hazardous the fault is. Blue and green lights simply indicate a utility is active, amber indicates a minor fault or something that requires attention soon and red, or particularly flashing red indicates a fault that requires immediate attention.
It’s important that fault lights, particularity red are not ignored as this may result in damage to the vehicle or risk to driver and passenger safety. Warning lights may be accompanied with a message in the MAXI DOT display. Detailed are the dashboard warning lights, symbols, meanings and appropriate action for the ŠKODA Fabia first generation 1999-2007, second generation 2007-2014 and third generation 2015 to present – MPI, TSI and TDI versions.
ŠKODA Fabia Service Due Symbol
The spanner / wrench symbol will appear in the instrument cluster /MAXI DOT display when a service or vehicle inspection is due. If you are servicing theŠKODA Fabia yourself, or you have already had it serviced by the engineer has forgotten to reset the service interval reminder, seeŠKODA Fabia service reset for all Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 Fabias.
ŠKODA Fabia Danger / Warning Lights
Newer models of theŠKODA Fabia use warning triangles that contain an exclamation mark to accompany certain other warning lights. If a warning light illuminates and is accompanied by the red triangle, this indicates danger and immediate action is required. This could be danger to vehicle occupant safety and/or a risk of vehicle damage. An amber triangle indicates warning and requires attention as soon as possible.
ŠKODA Fabia Transmission / Gearbox Fault Light (Red)
The cog containing an exclamation mark indicates a transmission / gearbox fault and is only displayed in theMAXI DOT display. If the icon is illuminated with a red danger triangle, see messages: 1.STOP VEHICLE GEARBOX OVERHEAT – Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. You can continue your journey once the warning light has gone out. 2.GEARBOX FAULTY WORKSHOP – Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. Seek assistance as you are unable to continue your journey.
ŠKODA Fabia Transmission / Gearbox Fault Light (Amber)
If the icon is illuminated with a amber danger triangle, see messages: 1.GEARBOX OVERHEATED – You can continue your journey, drive cautiously. 2.GEARBOX ERROR REV_ GEAR NOT AVAIL – You can continue your journey. Reverse gear is not available. 3.GEARBOX ERROR – You can drive on. Seek assistance from engineer as soon as possible.
ŠKODA Fabia Generator Warning Light
The generator / battery warning light will come on when a fault has been detected and the system is unable to charge the battery. Immediately turn off any unessential electrical utilities to conserve power and gain help from an authorisedŠKODA garage. If the light comes on (see coolant temperature below) at the same time as the generator light, stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and do not continue to drive as there’s a risk of engine damage. See why is the battery light on for further help.
Coolant Temperature / Levels Warning Light
Red: TheŠKODA Fabia engine coolant is either too hot or too low. Stop and turn off engine as soon as safely possible and allow at least 20 minutes for the engine to cool. Check coolant levels and top up if required. If light comes on again and coolant levels are adequate, seek assistance immediately. On newer generations of the ŠKODA Fabia, the engine coolant light may appear in the MAXI DOT display along with the red warning triangle .
Blue: Engine coolant is cold, engine has not reached optimal running temperature. Avoid high engine loads and excessive throttle. See engine temperature warning light explained for further help.
ŠKODA Fabia Seat Belt Warning Light
The ŠKODA Fabia seat belt warning light comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belt. A warning sound is signalled at speeds greater than 12 mph (20 km/h) the warning light will begin to flash. After 90 seconds, the warning light is permanently lit and the audible warning is switched off. For issues with the light not going out, see seat belt warning light staying on.
ŠKODA Fabia Parking Brake Warning Light
This red ‘P’ in a circle warning light comes on if the handbrake / parking brake is applied. If you attempt to drive the vehicle while the handbrake is applied, an audible warning is given if driven for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 4 mph (6 km/h). Release parking brake immediately. See parking brake stays on while driving for further help.
ŠKODA Fabia Brake System Warning Light
This red exclamation mark in a circle comes on indicating that either the brake fluid level is too low, or that there’s a fault with the ABS system (see below). As soon as safe to do so, stop your vehicle, turn off the engine and check brake fluid levels. Driving with excessively low brake fluid levels can decrease braking performance. If the brake system and ABS warning lights illuminate simultaneously, stop your vehicle, switch off the engine and do not continue to drive. Seek assistance from qualified engineers. See why is the brake warning light on for further help.
ŠKODA Fabia ABS Warning Light
ABS or ‘Anti-lock Braking System’ is an additional technology that works alongside your normal brakes to help prevent wheels becoming locked. This prevents skidding and allows for greater control whilst under heaving braking. If the ABS light comes on and stays on, there is a fault with the system. Normal brakes will continue to work but gain help from qualified persons as soon as possible. For additional help, see why is the ABS light on in my car?If the ABS light comes on along with the brakelight, do not continue to drive.
ŠKODA Fabia Electronic Stability Control Warning Light
Flashes: The amber skidding car symbol indicates that electronic stability control (ESC) is active when the light flashes. Stable: There is a fault with the ESC system. Switch off the ignition and turn it back on again. If the light remains on (stable), seek assistance from authorised engineer. The same symbol also flashes when the traction control system (TCS) andAnti Slip Regulation (ASR) are active. A stable symbol will also indicate a fault with TCS / ASR. ESC, TCS and ASR operates in conjunction with ABS (see above), the this indicator light will also come on if the ABS system fails.
ŠKODA Fabia Oil Pressure Warning Light
The red oil can dash light indicates low oil pressure. Low oil pressure may result with engine oil inadequately lubricating engine components potentially causing significant damage. It is normal for the red oil can light to come on briefly when the engine has started. If the light comes on while driving or stays on after ignition, stop and switch off the engine as quickly as possible. Check oil levels. If oil levels are correct, do not start the engine and seek help fromŠKODA engineer.On newer generations of the ŠKODA Fabia, the engine oil pressure icon may appear in the MAXI DOT display along with the red warning triangle . See why is the oil pressure light on for further help.
ŠKODA Fabia Oil Level Warning Light
Steady light: The amber / orange oil can dash light indicates low oil level. Stop as soon as possible, turn off engine, check oil level and top up. Flashing light: A flashing amber oil can indicates that the engine oil level sensor is faulty. Seek help from specialist engineer. Both steady and flashing lights will be accompanied with an audible signal.On newer generations of the ŠKODA Fabia, the engine oil level icon may appear in the MAXI DOT display along with the amber warning triangle . On newer models, this can indicate either a faulty sensor or oil levels are too high.
ŠKODA Fabia Power Steering Warning Light
The amber steering wheel with an exclamation mark indicates a fault with the electrohydraulic power steering. Power steering enables easier turning of the wheel. When a fault occurs, you will notice a greater exertion is required to turn the steering wheel, particularity at slow speeds. Seek help from qualified persons. If you have disconnected and reconnected the battery, the warning light may stay on, but should go out after a short drive. On certain Fabia models, you may receive a red power steering fault light . This indicates a total failure of the system.
ŠKODA Fabia EPC Warning Light
TheŠKODA Fabia utilises a system calledElectronic Power Control (EPC) which has many vehicle utilities associated to it. If the warning light comes on or begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU may enter the vehicle into emergency mode, otherwise known as limp mode. For further information on what EPC does, see EPC dashboard light meaning.
ŠKODA Fabia Exhaust Inspection System Warning Light
This dashboard symbol indicates a fault with the exhaust inspection system. This is often a fault with a sensor and will require diagnostic equipment to locate. The engine control unit (ECU) may possibly enter the vehicle into emergency mode / limp mode to reduce the potential for damage. This symbol is also referred to the engine management light. For further help, see why is the engine management light on?
ŠKODA Fabia Glow Plug System Warning Light
The glow plug symbol comes on after the ignition has been switched on (diesel vehicle only). Engine can be started once the light goes out. There is a fault within the glow plug system if the warning light does not come on at all, or stays on continuously. There is a fault with engine control if the light begins to flash. This is often a sensor fault, particularly theEGR valve / sensor. Depending of the fault, vehicle may enter emergency / limp mode. Blown brake lights and fault brake pedal switch can also cause the glow plug light to flash.
ŠKODA Fabia Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Light
This filter separates the soot particles from the exhaust. Soot particles are collected in the diesel particulate filter where they are burnt regularly. The warning light comes on when soot has accumulated in the filter and required cleaning. To clean the filter; drive at a speed of at least 37 mph (60 km/h), engine speed of 1800 – 2 500 rpm, for at least 15 minutes with gear 4 or 5 engaged, (automatic ‘S’) until light goes out.
If the warning light stays on or flashes, try the cleaning process again. Regularly driving for short distances only can increase soot particles and will requires more frequent cleaning.On newer generations of the ŠKODA Fabia, the diesel particulate filter icon may appear in the MAXI DOT display along with the amber warning triangle . The same procedure is required for cleaning.
ŠKODA Fabia Airbag Dashboard Warning Light
If the airbag light illuminates permanently (it has not been manually switched off), there is a fault with the airbag system. If there is a fault with the airbag system, there is a risk that airbags may not be deployed and triggered in the event of an accident. The system should be checked by an authorised engineer as soon as possible. For further help, see why is the airbag light on?
ŠKODA Fabia Tyre Pressure Dashboard Warning Light
The tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light illuminates with an audible sound when a pressure change has been detected in one or more of the tyres. In this instance, stop to check pressures as soon as possible. Correct pressures are located on the tyre pressure sticker. If the light flashes, there is a fault with the TPMS. Stop the vehicle, turn off the ignition and start the engine again. If the light continues to flash, have the vehicle checked soon. There are many occasions where you may need to reset the system. See resetŠKODA Fabia tyre pressure monitoring light for help.
Additional Help for the ŠKODA Fabia
Guide for changing the key fob battery on allŠKODA Fabia models including details for synchronising the remote if it doesn’t open doors.
- How to changeŠKODA Fabia key fob battery
