2003 SKODA SUPERB tow

Seats and Stowage
100
Armrest with stow age compartment
You can use the cover of the compartment as an armrest.
The armrest is adjustable for height and length.Opening stowag e compartment
– Fold out the top cover of the arm rest ⇒ fig. 95.
Opening cooling air inlet in stowage compartment*
– Turn the rotary switch to the left as far as the end position ⇒fig. 96.
Closing cooling air inlet in stowage compartment*
– Turn the rotary switch to the right as far as the end position .
The cooling air flows into the stowage compartment only when the air
conditioning is in the cooling mode. If the air conditioning is operating in
the heating mode or if you do not wish to use the cooling system of the
stowage compartment, you can close the cooling air inlet.
Note
If the armrest is pulled forward, ensure that it does not restrict you when
steering the car.
Fig. 95 Armrest
between driver and
front passenger seat
Fig. 96 Storage
compartment: Using
cooling system
A1
A2

Seats and Stowage101
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Rear armrest with stowage compartment*
– You can fold down the armrest to enhance occupant comfort.
The armrest includes a stowage compartment. You open the compartment
by pressing the button on the front side of the armrest and raising the
cover. A drinks can holder* ⇒page 90 and the operation control for the
electrical passenger seat* ⇒page 75are located in the armrest.
Clothes hooks
You will find a clothes hook above each of the rear doors.
Fig. 97 Armrest of rear
seats:
WARNING
•Ensure that any clothes hanging from the hooks do not impair
your vision to the rear.
•Use the hooks for hanging only light items of clothing and
ensure that there are no heavy or sharp-edged objects in the
pockets.
•Do not use clothes hangers for hanging up items of clothing
otherwise this will interfere with the protection offered by the head
airbag*.
Fig. 98 Area above
rear doors: Clothes
hooks

Heating and air conditioning system
104
Note
•If the windscreen is misted up, turn the air distributor regulator into
position . It is not possible to operate the recirculated air mode,
however, in this position.
•The whole heat output will be needed to unfrost the windscreen and
side windows. No warm air will be fed to the footwell. This can lead to
restriction of the heating comfort.
•If the air conditioning system has not been switched on for a lengthy
period, odours may be produced at the evaporator because of deposits.
Switch the air conditioning system on at least once a month for approxi-
mately 5 minutes at the highest blower stage - also during the cold season
of the year - in order to remove such odours. Also open a window for a
short time.
•Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode
⇒ page 105.
Setting air conditioning system
Recommended settings of air conditioning controls:
Defrosting the windscreen and side windows
•Turn control dial ⇒page 103, fig. 99 to the right up to the stop
•Blower switch in position 4
•Turn the air distribution control into the position 
•Close the air outlet vents 3
•Open air outlet vents 4 ⇒ page 106, fig. 100 and point towards the
side window. Keeping winscreen demisted
We recommend that you use the following setting in cases where the
windows are misted up more than usual (e.g. when it is raining):
•Blower switch in position
2
•Turn the air distribution control into the position between  and 
•Close the air outlet vents 3
•Open air outlet vents 4 and point towards the side window
•Switch on the air conditioning system using switch
Warming up the inside of the ve hicle as rapidly as possible
•Turn control dial to the right up to the stop
•Blower switch in position 3 or 4
•Turn the air distribution control into the position 
•Open air outlet vents 3 and 4
•we recommend that you press the switch - recirculated air
mode - for a short time
Heating the vehicle to a comfortable temperature
We recommend the following setting once the windows are no longer
misted up and the desired teperature has been reached:
•Control dial at the desired heat output
•Blower switch in position 1 or 2
•Turn the air distribution control into the position 
•Close the air outlet vents 3
•Open the air outlet vents 4
•Set the air distribution regulator between positions  and , if the
windscreen gets misted up again, as required.
Cooling down the inside of the vehicle as rapidly as possible
•Turn the control dial to the left up to the stop
•Blower switch in position 3 or 4
AC
AA
AB
AC
AB
AC
ACAE
AA
AB
AC
AD
AA
AB
AC
AC
AA
AB

Starting-off and Driving
116
•The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine
which means that the starter only has to crank the engine.
•Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be
damage to the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time
after starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the
hydraulic valve clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not
an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid
⇒ page 236.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The
tow-starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 238.
Caution
•Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as
long as the engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature
- risk of damaging the engine!
•Do not allow the engine to idle for long periods. If vehicle is stationary,
there is not sufficient air flowing through the cooler. In certain specific situ-
ations it can happen that the engine overheats - risk of engine damage!
•Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter
should not be tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right
away. This enables you to avoid unnecessary pollutant emissions.
Petrol engine
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct
fuel/air mixture for every external air temperature.
•Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
•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 electrical fuel pump is defect if the
engine still does not start ⇒page 241.
•Contact the nearest Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the
accelerator after the engine has started.
Diesel engine
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period
being controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and
outside temperature.
The preglow indicator light
 comes on after the ignition has been
switched on.
WARNING
There is the danger of poisoning if the engine is left running in an
enclosed space!

Starting-off and Driving
120
Note
•The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
•A system fault is indicated if a warning signal sounds for about 5
seconds after switching the ignition on and engaging reverse gear and
there is no obstacle close to your vehicle. Have the fault rectified by a
Škoda dealer.
•The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking
aid to operate properly.
Cruise control system (CCS)*
Introduction
The cruise control system makes it possible for the driver to maintain a
constant speed of his choosing from a speed of 30 km/h (20 mph) or
higher. This, of course, is only possible within the range which is permitted
by the power output and braking power of the engine. Using the cruise
control system - particularly on long journeys - makes it possible for you
to rest your “accelerator foot”.
Caution
Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Always depress the clutch pedal if
you switch on the cruise control system when the gearbox is in Neutral.
The engine will rev up and may even be damaged under certain circum-
stances.
Note
•The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed
when driving on steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle
increases the speed at which it travels. One should shift down in good time
to a lower gear or slow the vehicle down by applying the foot brake.
•It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch
on the cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N , R
or 2.
WARNING (continued)
•You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that
there is no small obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar
etc., behind your vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the
range detected by the sensors.WARNING
For safety reasons the cruise control system must not be used in
dense traffic or on difficult road surfaces (such as road chips, or
slippery roads) - risk of accident!

Automatic gearbox*125
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The reversing lights come on when the selector lever is moved into posi-
tion
R when the ignition is also on.
N - Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed and the Shiftlock in the selector lever
grip must be pressed (if the selector lever is in its position for longer than
2 seconds) in order to move the selector lever out of the N position, with
the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at less than 5 km/hour or
on a stationary vehicle.
D - Drive, position for driving forward
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are shifted up
and down automatically in line with engine load, vehicle speed and the
dynamic shift programme (DSP).
You must depress the brake pedal ⇒ if you wish to move the selector
lever into position D from N when the vehicle is travelling at less than
5 km/hour or is stationary.
In certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or
when towing a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift
programme ⇒page 128 for a short time in order to adapt the gearbox
ratios manually to the driving situations.
4 - Position when driving in hilly areas
We recommend this position if driving with the selector lever in position D
would, in certain circumstances, result in the gearbox frequently shifting
between fourth and fifth gears.
The gearbox then shifts up and down automatically into the first, second,
third and fourth gears in line with engine load and vehicle speed. Fifth gear
is not engaged in this case. This makes it possible to exploit greater
engine braking power when the accelerator is released ⇒.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving out
of position 4 into position D. 3 - Position when drivin
g in mountainous regions
This position of the selector lever is suitable for long sloping sections.
The gearbox shifts up and down automatically into first, second and third
gear in line with engine load and vehicle speed. The fourth and fifth gears
remain locked out in order to avoid unnecessary gear changes. Enhanced
engine braking power is thus available.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving out
of position 4 into position 3.
2 - Position for extreme mountainous sections
This position of selector lever is suitable for very steep downhill sections.
The gearbox shifts up and down automatically into first and second gear
in line with engine load and vehicle speed. Third, fourth and fifth gears are
not engaged. This position offers you the maximum possible engine
braking power.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving out
of position 2 into position 3.
The cruise control system is locked in position 2.
WARNING
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving
- risk of an accident!
•When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is
necessary to hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions
of the selector lever (except P and N) since the power transmission
is never completely interrupted, also not when the engine is idling
- the vehicle "creeps".

Automatic gearbox*129
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Emergency programme
An emergency programme exists in the event of a fault in
the system.
The gearbox operates in a corresponding emergency programme if there
are functional faults in the gearbox electronics. This is indicated by all of
the segments in the display lighting up or going out.
It is possible to continue to move the selector lever into all the positions.
The gearbox always shifts into 4th gear in the positions D, 4 , 3 and 2 . It is
also possible to continue to engage reverse gear in the position R.
The manual shift programme (Tiptronic) is switched off in the emergency
mode.
If the gearbox has switched over to emergency mode, drive to the
nearest Škoda dealer in order to have the fault rectified.
Tow-starting and towing vehicle
Tow-starting a vehicle
For technical reasons it is not possible to tow-start a car fitted with an auto-
matic gearbox ⇒page 239.
you can use jump-start cables connected to the battery of another vehicle
for starting your car if the vehicle battery is flat ⇒page 237. Towing a vehicle
Please pay attention to the following information if it comes necessary to
tow-in your car
⇒page 238.
WARNING
Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving -
risk of an accident!

Seat belts
138
Seat belts
Why seat belts?
It is a proven fact that seat belts offer good protection in accidents
⇒ fig. 120 . Thus wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most coun-
tries.
Seat belts which have been correctly fastened and adjusted hold the
occupants of the car in the correct seated position ⇒ fig. 120. The belts
reduce the kinetic energy (energy of motion) to a considerable extent.
They also prevent uncontrolled movements which, in turn, may well result
in severe injuries.
The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their
seat belt, profit to a major extent from the fact that the kinetic energy is
optimally absorbed by the belts. The structure of the front end of the
vehicle and other passive safety measures, such as the airbag system,
also contribute to reducing the kinetic energy. The energy produced is
thus absorbed and there is less risk of injury. Accident statistics prove that seat belts which are fastened and properly
adjusted reduce the risk of an injury and enhance the chance of survival
in a major accident
⇒page 139.
It is important that you pay attention to safety measures, particularly when
transporting children in the vehicle ⇒page 157, “What you should know
about transporting children!”.
Note
Please comply with any differing legal requirements when using the seat
belts.
Fig. 120 Driver
wearing seat belt (a
basic illustration)
WARNING
•Fasten your seat belt each time before setting off, also when
driving in town! This also applies to the people seated at the rear -
risk of injury!
•Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the
only way of ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child
⇒ page 141.
•It is important for the belt webbing to be properly routed if the
seat belts are to offer the maximum protection. You can see a
description of how safety belts should be fitted properly on the
next pages.