ŠKODA Fabia Dashboard Warning Lights

The ŠKODA Fabia was first manufactured in 1999 and with increasing popularity seeing the Czech car maker releasing the third generation in 2015. Thought highly reliable, the ŠKODA 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 spanner wrench symbol
Service Due

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 the ŠKODA Fabia yourself, or you have already had it serviced by the engineer has forgotten to reset the service interval reminder, see ŠKODA Fabia service reset for all Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 Fabias.


ŠKODA Fabia red danger triangle dashboard warning light
Danger
ŠKODA Fabia amber warning triangle dashboard light
Warning

ŠKODA Fabia Danger / Warning Lights

Newer models of the ŠKODA 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 cog dashboard warning light
Transmission
ŠKODA Fabia red danger triangle dashboard warning light
Danger

ŠKODA Fabia Transmission / Gearbox Fault Light (Red)

The cog containing an exclamation mark indicates a transmission / gearbox fault and is only displayed in the MAXI 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 cog dashboard warning light
Transmission
ŠKODA Fabia amber warning triangle dashboard light
Warning

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 battery / generator dashboard warning light symbol
Generator

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 authorised ŠKODA garage. If the ŠKODA Fabia coolant temperature high / too low dashboard warning light 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.


ŠKODA Fabia coolant temperature high / too low dashboard warning light symbol
Red Engine Coolant
ŠKODA Fabia blue low coolant temperature dashboard warning light symbol
Blue Engine Coolant

Coolant Temperature / Levels Warning Light

Red: The ŠKODA 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 ŠKODA Fabia red danger triangle dashboard warning light.
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 dashboard warning light symbol
Seat Belt

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 dashboard warning light symbol
Parking Brake

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 (exclamation mark) dashboard warning light symbol
Brake System

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 ŠKODA Fabia brake system (exclamation mark) dashboard warning light and ABS ŠKODA Fabia anti-lock brake system (ABS) dashboard warning light 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 anti-lock brake system (ABS) dashboard warning light symbol
ABS

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 brake ŠKODA Fabia brake system (exclamation mark) dashboard warning light light, do not continue to drive.


ŠKODA Fabia electronic stability control dashboard warning light symbol
ESC

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) and Anti 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 dashboard warning light symbol
Oil Pressure

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 from ŠKODA 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 ŠKODA Fabia red danger triangle dashboard warning light. See why is the oil pressure light on for further help.



ŠKODA Fabia oil level dashboard warning light symbol
Oil Level

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 ŠKODA Fabia amber warning triangle dashboard light. On newer models, this can indicate either a faulty sensor or oil levels are too high.


ŠKODA Fabia power steering dashboard warning light symbol
Power Steering

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 ŠKODA Fabia red power steering dashboard warning light. This indicates a total failure of the system.


ŠKODA Fabia EPC dashboard warning light symbol
EPC

ŠKODA Fabia EPC Warning Light

The ŠKODA Fabia utilises a system called Electronic 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 dashboard warning light symbol
Exhaust Inspection

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 dashboard warning light symbol
Glow Plug

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 the EGR 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 dashboard warning light symbol
Particulate Filter

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 ŠKODA Fabia amber warning triangle dashboard light. The same procedure is required for cleaning.


ŠKODA Fabia airbag dashboard warning light symbol
Airbag

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 system dashboard warning light symbol
TPMS

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 reset ŠKODA Fabia tyre pressure monitoring light for help.


Additional Help for the ŠKODA Fabia

Guide for changing the key fob battery on all ŠKODA Fabia models including details for synchronising the remote if it doesn’t open doors.


1 thought on “ŠKODA Fabia Dashboard Warning Lights”

  1. Jasbinder Singh

    I have sakoda Fabia 1.4 2005. When I start the car and drive it on the PRND screen on the dash bord shows black line. Some time on P some time on N and some time long black line on PRND . This sign come automatically and disaappear several timing during my drive. What these lines mean? I am checking but can not find. Is this a warning sign??

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