2004 SKODA SUPERB brake

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
34
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
LIGHTS FAILURE
or BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE
Control system for exhaust gases 
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
or flashes 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 Škoda dealer while adopting a
gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: EMISSIONS WORKSHOP!
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), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), the Antilock Brake System ABS
and the braking assistant
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated. 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 175, “Electronic stability
programme (ESP)*”.
Traction Control System (TCS)* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
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.
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 176, “Traction control system
(TCS)*”.
Antilock brake system (ABS) 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS and the Electronic
Differential Lock (EDS).

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights35
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 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 without the effect of the ABS function. Visit a Škoda
dealer as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving in the mean-
time since you will not know how great the damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the
ABS.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 179, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
 comes on together with the brake system
warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in
the ABS but also in another part of the brake system ⇒ .
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL is a part of the ABS. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ABS
warning light
 in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected
without delay by a Škoda dealer. Further information on the
EDL ⇒page 177.
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the
ABS warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir⇒
page 217, “Brake fluid” . If the
brake fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive
any further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain
professional assistance.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 209,
“Working in the engine compartment” before checking the brake
fluid level and opening the bonnet.
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 igni-
tion key (for example the wrong ignition key) has been used. The engine
cannot be started ⇒page 40.
It is only possible to start the engine of the vehicle with a Genuine Škoda
key with the matching code.
Brake system 
The warning light  flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low,
if there is a fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light
 flashes (handbrake is not applied), stop and check
the brake fluid level ⇒.
WARNING (continued)

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
36
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FLUID SERVICE MANUAL
If there is a fault in the ABS which also influences the function of the
normal brake system (e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS
warning light
 comes on together with the brake system warning light . Be aware that not only the ABS but also another part of th brake
system is defective ⇒.
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 178, “Brakes”
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
WARNING
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 209,
“Working in the engine compartment”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 217, “Brake fluid”. 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.
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.
WARNING (continued)

Seats and Stowage69
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Seats and Stowage
Front seats
Basic information
The front seats have a wide range of different settings and can thus be
matched to the physical characteristics of the driver and front passenger.
Correct adjustment of the seats is particularly important for
•safely and quickly reaching the controls,
•a relaxed, fatigue-free body position,
•achieving the maximum protection offered by the seat belts and
the airbag system.
The chapters which follow describe the procedure which you should adopt
for adjusting the seats.
WARNING
•Never transport more occupants than the maximum seating in
the vehicle.
•Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to
the seat. Children must be fastened ⇒page 164, “Transporting
children safely” with a suitable restraint system.
•The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted
to match the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts
must always be correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal
protection for you and your occupants.
•Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being
driven - never place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the
window or on the surfaces of the seats. This is particularly impor- tant for the front seat passenger. You will be exposed to increased
risk of injury if it becomes necessary to apply the brake or in the
event of an accident. If an airbag is deployed, you may suffer fatal
injuries when adopting an incorrect seated position!
•It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a
distance of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel.
Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag
system will not be able to properl y protect you - hazard! The front
seats and the head restraints must always also be correctly
adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
•Ensure that there are no objects in the footwell as any objects
may get behind the pedals during a driving or braking manoeuvre.
You would then no longer be able to operate the clutch, to brake or
accelerate.
WARNING (continued)

Seats and Stowage79
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Caution
•You should not kneel on the seats or otherwise apply pressure at
specific points in order to avoid damaging the heating elements of the seat
heaters.
•Do not clean the seats moist ⇒page 201.
Note
The seat heating should only be switched on when the engine is running.
This has a significant effect of saving on the battery capacity.
Pedals
You should use only footmats which do not obstruct the movement of the
pedals and have an anti-slip protection.
Operation of the pedals must not be hindered!
WARNING
•Greater pedal distances may be needed when there is a fault in
the brake system.
•Do not place any footmats or other additional floor coverings in
the area of the pedals in order to ensure that all the pedals can be
fully depressed and are able to return unobstructed to their initial
position - risk of accident!
•There must be no objects on the floor which could roll under the
pedals. You would then no longer be able to apply the brakes,
operate the clutch or accelerator - risk of accident!
Luggage compartment
Loading the luggage compartment
Please observe the following in the interest of having good
handling characteristics of your vehicle:
– Distribute the items of luggage as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.
– Attach the items of luggage with the safety net* or with tensioning straps attached to the lashing eyes ⇒page 80.
In the event of an accident, there is such a high kinetic energy which is
produced by small and light objects that they can cause severe injuries.
The magnitude of the kinetic energy depends on the speed at which the
vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the object. The speed at which
the vehicle is travelling is in this case the more significant factor.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, an unse-
cured object with a weight of 4.5 kg produces an energy, which corre-
sponds to 20 times its own weight. This means that it results in a weight
of approx. 90 kg. You can imagine the injuries that can occur, if this “bullet”
is flying through the interior compartment and hits an occupant.
WARNING
•Store the objects in the luggage compartment and attach them
to the lashing eyes.
•Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be thrown
forward during a sudden manoeuvre or in case of an accident and
can injure the occupants or other onc oming traffic. This risk is still
increased, if the objects which are flying around are hit by a

Seats and Stowage97
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Storage facilities
An overview
You will find the following storage facilities in your vehicle:
WARNING
•Please do not place anything on top of the dash panel. Such
objects might slide or fall down when driving (when accelerating or
cornering) and may distract you from concentrating on the traffic
situation - risk of accident!
•Ensure that when driving no objects from the centre console of
from other storage possibilities may get into the footwell of the driver. You would then no longer be able to apply the brakes,
operate the clutch or accelerator - risk of accident!
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
The storage compartment on the front passenger side is
lockable* and illuminated.
Opening the storage compartment
– Pull the handle in the lid in direction of arrow
⇒fig. 87 and pull
the lid down.
Closing the stor age compartment
– Raise the lid and press it until the catch is heard to engage.
First-aid box⇒ page 235
Stowage compartment for warning triangle⇒page 235
Storage compartment on the front passenger
side⇒page 97
Storage drawer*⇒page 98
Stowage compartment in centre console⇒page 99
Stowage compartment for spectacles*⇒page 99
Stowage compartment below steering wheel⇒page 100
Stowage compartment in door panel⇒page 100
Stowage compartment for an umbrella*⇒page 101
Armrest with stowage compartment⇒page 102
Rear armrest with stowage compartment*⇒page 103
Clothes hooks⇒page 103
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 87 Dash panel:
Storage compartment

Starting-off and Driving
118
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it
could result in unexpected locking of the steering wheel - risk of
accident!
•Only remove the ignition key fr om the ignition lock when the
vehicle has come to a standstill (put on the handbrake or select the
selector lever position P). The steering lock might otherwise
engage unintentionally - 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 chil-
dren are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise start the
engine or operate electrical equi pment (e.g. power windows) - risk
of injury!
Starting engine
General
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 hand-
brake firmly before starting the engine.
•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 245.
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 247.
WARNING
•Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The
exhaust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and
colourless carbon monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon
monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
•Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Caution
•The starter may only be operated (ignition key position ), if the
engine is not running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching
off the engine, the starter or the engine can be damaged.
•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!
•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. Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more
rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower.
WARNING (continued)
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Starting-off and Driving119
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Petrol engines
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. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary
⇒ page 250.
•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 engines
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.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during
the heating period otherwise the ve hicle battery will be drained
unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning
light  has gone out.
•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 250.
•Contact the nearest Škoda dealer 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 the engine off
– Turn the ignition key into position ⇒page 117, fig. 108 .
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk
of accident!
•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.
A1