2003 SKODA SUPERB bonnet

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
36
. Visit the next Škoda dealer immediately and have the brake system
checked.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long
free play of the brake pedal when driving to the next Škoda dealer.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL
For further information on the brake system ⇒page 172.
Handbrake applied
The warning light
 also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible
warning is also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a
speed of more than 6 km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
HANDBRAKE ON
Dynamo 
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 Škoda Dealer. 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 immediately and switch the engine off - risk of engine
damage!
Seat belt warning light 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds after the ignition is
switched on as a reminder to fasten the seat belt.
If you do not fasten the seat belt, a long warning signal sounds for 6
seconds.
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 138.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: FASTEN SEATBELT
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 138.
WARNING
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 203 before
checking the brake fluid level and opening the bonnet.
•If the brake system warning light  does not go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or comes on when driving,
stop immediately and check the brake fluid in the reservoir
⇒ page 210. If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking,
do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer
to obtain professional assistance.

Unlocking and locking
48
How is the alarm system switched off?
The anti-theft alarm system is switched off if the vehicle is unlocked by
only using the remote control. The vehicle is automatically locked again if
the vehicle is not opened within 30 seconds after reactivating the anti-theft
alarm system.
Once you unlock the vehicle by inserting the key into the driver door you
then have to insert the key into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on
within 15 seconds after opening the door in order to deactivate the anti-
theft alarm system. The alarm will be triggered if you do not switch on
the ignition within 15 seconds.
When is the alarm triggered?
The following security areas of the locked vehicle are monitored:
•Bonnet
•Boot lid
•Doors
•Ignition lock
•Vehicle interior* ⇒page 49.
•A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is
disconnected while the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
If you unlock and open the boot lid with the key, the alarm is immediately
triggered.
How is the alarm switched off?
You switch the alarm off if you unlock the car with the radio remote control
in the key or if you switch the ignition on.
Turn signals
All of the turn signal lights flash once to indicate that the doors, the bonnet
and the boot lid have been correctly closed when locking the car. If the turn signal lights do not flash, check the doors, bonnet and boot lid
again to ensure that they are closed. If the doors, the bonnet or the boot
lid remain open when the anti-theft alarm system is activated, the turn
signal lights do not flash until after they have been closed.
Indicator light (LED)
The LED in the top of the door trim on the driver door first of all flashes
rapidly after the car is locked, then slowly. This indicates that the anti-theft
alarm system
including the interior monitor* is activated.
Note
•Before leaving the car, check that all the doors, windows and the elec-
tric sliding/tilting roof* are properly closed in order to ensure that the anti-
theft alarm system is fully operational.
•Power supply for the remote control operation is provided by a battery.
The battery must be replaced, ideally by the Škoda dealer, if the central
locking or anti-theft alarm system does react to the remote control at less
than 3 metres away.

Automatic gearbox*
126
Note
•Take your foot off the accelerator if you inadvertently shift into N when
driving and wait until the engine speed has dropped to the idling speed
range before shifting into D.
•If you shift gear manually it is possible to select positions 4, 3 and 2 ,
but the automatic gearbox will not shift down until there is no risk of the
engine overrevving.
Selector lever lock
Automatic selector lever lock 
With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions
P and N . You must first of all depress the brake pedal in order to move the
selector lever out of this position. The following text appears in the display
* as a reminder for the driver when the selector lever is in position P and N :
"Apply foot brake when selecting gear with vehicle stationary"
In addition, the symbol
 for the automatic selector lever lock in the shift
gate lights up. A time delay element ensures that the selector lever is not blocked when
rapidly switching over the position
N (e.g. from R to D). This does, for
example, allow one to seesaw out a stuck vehicle. The selector lever lock
will click into place if the lever is in the N position for more than 2 seconds
without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if the vehicle is stationary or moving
at speed of less than 5 km/hour. The lock is switched off automatically into
position N when the car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the handle of selector lever prevents certain
selector lever positions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever
lock is cancelled when you press the Shiftlock button.
Keylock - Ignition key withdrawal lock
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the
selector lever is in position P . As long as the ignition key is withdrawn, the
selector lever is locked in position P.
Kickdown function
The kickdown function provides you with maximum accel-
eration power.
Depressing the accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point casues the
automatic gearbox to shift down into a lower gear (in line with vehicle
speed and engine speed). The gearbox shifts up into the next higher gear
when the engine has reached its maximum revolations.
WARNING (continued)
•You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle
(e.g. by hand from the engine compartment) if a drive position is
engaged when the car is stationary. The vehicle would otherwise
immediately start off - also when the handbrake is firmly applied -
risk of an accident!
•You must move the selector lever into position P and firmly
apply the handbrake first before you or any other person opens the
bonnet and starts working on the engine when it is running - risk
of accident! It is also essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 203.

Care and cleaning
192
Paint damage
Slight damage to paintwork such as scratches, scuffs or traces of chip
damage must be touched up immediately with paint (Skoda painting pen)
before any corrosion can result. You can of course have this work carried
out by a Škoda dealer.
Škoda dealers have a range of matching touch-up pens or spray cans
available for your vehicle.
The paint number of the original paintwork of your vehicle is indicated on
the vehicle data sticker ⇒page 249.
Any corrosion which has already have formed must be removed thor-
oughly. Apply a corrosion protection primer and then the paint to the
affected point. You can of course have this work carried out by a Škoda
dealer.
Plastic parts
External plastic parts are cleaned by normal washing. Plastic parts and
synthetic leather can also be treated with special solvent-free plastic
cleaning agents if a damp cloth is not sufficient. Paint care products are
not suitable for plastic parts.
Windows
Only use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the
windows and mirrors. You should not move the ice scraper forward and
backward but in one direction on the window which you are cleaning in
order to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass. You can best remove residues of rubber, oil, grease, wax or silicone by
using a special window cleaner or a special silicone remover.
You should also clean the windows regularly from the inside.
Do not use window leathers which you have used to polish the vehicle
body to dry off the windows. Residues of preservatives in the window
leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility.
Do not affix any stickers over the inside of the rear window to avoid
damage to the
heating elements of the rear window heater .
We recommend using a preservative from the range of accessories
offered by your Skoda dealer.
The headlight lenses
Please do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products
- risk of damage to the plastic lenses Please use soap and clean warm
water.
Caution
Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects for
cleaning the plastic lenses, this may result in damage to the protective
paintwork and consequently in formation of cracks on the headlight
lenses, e.g through effect of chemical products.
Door and window seals
The rubber seals on the doors, boot lid, bonnet, sliding roof and windows
remain supple and last longer if you treat them from time to time with a
rubber care product (e.g. silicone spray). You also avoid premature wear

Inspecting and Replenishing
202
Inspecting and Replenishing
Engine compartment
Opening and closing the bonnet.
Opening the bonnet
– Pull the unlocking lever below the dash panel on the driver's
side ⇒fig. 153 .
– Pull the handle ⇒fig. 154 and lift the bonnet.
Closing the bonnet
– Pull the bonnet down far enough to overcome the force of the pressurized gas spring.
– Then, allow the bonnet to drop into the lock - do not press down on bonnet.
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result of the spring force. A handle
appears at the same time in the radiator grille.
Fig. 153 Bonnet
release lever
Fig. 154 Radiator
grille: handle

Inspecting and Replenishing203
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The bonnet is held in the opened position by a pressurized gas spring.
Caution
•Never open the bonnet using the handle - danger of causing damage.
•Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen
wipers are correctly in place against the windscreen. Otherwise, there is
a risk of damage to the paintwork.
Working in the en gine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in
the engine compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding , accidents and fire when working
in the engine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and
other fluids. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the
warning instructions st ated below and with the general applicable
rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous
area ⇒ .
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is
flowing out of the engine compartmen t - risk of scalding! Wait long
enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed
when driving. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact
engaged properly after closing the bonnet.
•Stop your vehicle immediately wh ile driving if you notice that
the lock is not properly engaged and close the bonnet properly -
risk of an accident!
WARNING
•Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
•Apply the handbrake firmly.
•If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gear-
shift lever into Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox,
move the selector lever into position P.
•Allow the engine to cool down.
•Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
•Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids
(e.g. the antifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
•Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the
battery.
•Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the
engine is still warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
•Never open the cap of the coolant expansion bottle as long as
the engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
•Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a
large cloth when opening it as protection for your face, hands and
arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
•In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work
when the engine is running there is an additional risk from rotating
parts (e.g. the V-ribbed belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the
high-voltage ignition system.
•Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below
when carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the
electrical system:
−Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
− Do not smoke.
− Never carry out any work close to naked flames.

Inspecting and Replenishing
206
Note
•We recommend using a preservative from the range of accessories
offered by your Skoda dealer.
•For further information - see Service Schedule.
Inspecting the engine oil level
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.
Checking the oil level
– Park the vehicle on a horizontal surface.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compart-
ment” on page 203. – Wait a few minutes and pull out the oil dipstick.
– Wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again fully.
– After this, once again withdraw the dipstick and read off the oil
level ⇒page 206, fig. 156 .
Oil level within range
– You must not top up the oil.
Oil level within range
–You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then
be within range after doing this.
Oil level within range
–You must top up the oil ⇒page 207. It is sufficient, once this
is done, to keep the oil level is within range .
It is normal for the engine to consume oil. The oil consumption may be as
much as 0.5 l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the condi-
tions under which you operate your vehicle. The oil consumption may be
slightly higher than this during the first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably
every time after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range if the engine
has been operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy motorway
trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high
mountain pass, but not above this .
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil
level is too low ⇒page 28. In this case, check the oil level as soon as
possible. Top up with an appropriate quantity of oil.
Fig. 156 Dipstick
Aa
Ab
Aa
Ac
Ab
Aa

Inspecting and Replenishing209
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compart-
ment” on page 203.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒fig. 157. The coolant level when the engine is cold must lie
between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings. The level may also
rise slightly above the “MAX” marking when the engine is
warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too low, this is indicated by the
warning light in the instrument cluster  ⇒ page 28. We nevertheless
recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time
to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the
system. You should not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also
important to have the cooling system inspected without delay by a Škoda
dealer.
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant
expansion bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a
result of overheating and is forced out of the cooling system.
One should contact a Skoda dealer as soon as possible if the source of
overheating itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be
grave damage to the engine.
Replenishing the coolant
– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down. – Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir
⇒page 208, fig. 157 and unscrew the cap carefully by
turning it to the left ⇒.
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw on the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with
certain specifications ⇒page 208, “Coolant”. Do not use an alternative
additive if the coolant additive G12°PLUS is not available in exceptional
cases. Just top up the system with water and as soon as possible arrange
adjustment to correct the mixing ratio of water and coolant additive again
by a Škoda dealer.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Excess coolant which is heated up
is forced out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the
cap of the coolant compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a
major loss of coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid
engine damage.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible
under the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch off the
engine and obtain professional assistance from a Škoda dealer.
WARNING
•The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the
coolant expansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of
scalding!