2004 SKODA SUPERB ESP

Intelligent Technology175
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Driving Tips
Intelligent Technology
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
General
General
The ESP aids you maintain control of your vehicle in situations in border-
line driving situations such as when negotiating a curve too fast. The risk
of skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability
depending on the conditions of the road surface. This occurs at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability
programme:
•Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
•Traction control system (TCS)
•Antilock brake system ABS
•Brake Assist
Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then
conducts a self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the indi-
vidual systems. It also processes additional measurement data which are
supplied by highly sensitive sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehicle
about its vertical axis, the lateral acceleration of the vehicle, the braking
pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the
steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the
car beginning to skid, the ESP will automatically brake the appropriate
wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel
is braked. Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the
outer front wheel of a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the
rear of the vehicle to break away) while occurs this is on the inner rear
wheel of a vehicle which tends to understeer (tendency to shift out of the
curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied by noises.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 179, “Antilock
brake system (ABS)”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also
does not operate.
Fig. 150 ESP switch

Intelligent Technology
176
The ESP warning light ⇒page 34 lights up in the instrument cluster when
there is a fault on the ESP.
Switching off
You can switch the ESP off and on again as you wish, by pressing the
button ⇒page 175, fig. 150 . The ESP warning light ⇒ page 34 lights up
in the instrument cluster when the ESP is switched off.
The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice
to switch the system off only in particular exceptional situations if you
desire wheel slip.
Examples:
•when driving with snow chains
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface
•when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck
then you should switch on the ESP again.
WARNING
It is also not possible for the E SP to overcome the physical limits
of the vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still
always adapt your style of driving to the condition of the road
surface and the traffic situation. This particularly applies when
driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety offered
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an
accident!
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve
problem-free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the
tyres can lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other
assignment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP
⇒ page 233.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels
from spinning when accelerating.
General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off,
accelerate and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface
are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when the engine is started and then
conducts a self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels
with the aid of the ABS sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force trans-
Fig. 151 TCS switch

Intelligent Technology
178
The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled
down.
WARNING
•Depress the accelerator carefully when accelerating on
uniformly slippery road surfaces, such as ice and snow. The driven
wheels might still spin despite the EDL and affect the stability of
the vehicle - risk of an accident!
•You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition
of road surface and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle
is fitted with EDL. The increased safety offered must not tempt you
to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note
•If the ABS warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the
EDL. Please have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a Škoda
dealer.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other
assignment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the EDL
⇒ page 233, “Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Brakes
What has a negative effect on braking efficiency?
Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pads is greatly dependent on the operating
conditions of the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive
a great deal in towns and over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be necessary to have the thickness of the brake pads
inspected at a Škoda dealer between the service inspections.
Wet roads or road salt
There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect under
certain conditions such as when driving through water, during heavy rain
showers or after the vehicle has been washed in an automatic vehicle
wash, since the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or even have a
coating of ice on them in winter. You should dry the brakes as soon as
possible (by applying and releasing the brakes several times, if the road
conditions and the traffic situation allows it).
There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is
available when driving on roads which have been treated with road salt if
you have not used the brakes for some considerable time beforehand.
The layer of salt on the brake discs and brake pads must first be rubbed
off when you apply the brakes.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle
has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the
braking system.
We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes at
a fairly high speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or
if surface corrosion is present
⇒.
Faults in the brake surface
If you notice that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and
that the brake pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake
circuit of the dual-circuit brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to
the nearest Škoda dealer without delay in order to have the problem recti-
fied. Drive at a reduced speed while on your way to the dealer and adapt
your style of driving to the higher brake pedal pressure required.

Wheels and Tyres
230
Wheel bolts
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design.
Each time you fit other wheels - e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with
winter tyres - you must therefore also use the matching wheel bolts of the
correct length and shape of spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that
the wheels are tightly fitted and that the brake system operates properly.
If you retrofit wheel trims (or have this done), please also ensure that an
adequate flow of air remains assured for cooling the brake system.
Škoda dealers are instructed in the technical possibilities which exist
regarding converting or retrofitting wheels, tyres and wheel trim.
WARNING
•In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can
loosen when the car is moving - risk of accident!
•The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. However,
they must never be treated with grease or oil.
•If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque,
the rim can lossen when the car is moving - risk of accident! A tight-
ening torque which is too high can damage the bolts and threads
and this can result in perman ent deformation of the contact
surfaces on the rims.
Caution
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.
Winter tyres
The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on
wintry roads and at temperatures below 7 °C if you fit winter tyres.
Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice and snow because of their
construction (width, rubber blend, tread pattern). This applies in particular
to vehicles which are equipped with low-profile tyres or high-speed
tyres (code index V, W or Y on wall of tyre).
Winter tyres must be mounted on all four wheels to obtain the best
handling characteristics.
Only use radial winter tyres.
You must only fit those types of winter tyre which are approved for your
vehicle. The permissible sizes of winter tyres are stated in your vehicle
documents. Approvals may differ because of national legislation.
Please remember that the tyres should be inflated to 20 kPa (0.2 bar)
more than is the case for summer tyres ⇒page 226.
Winter tyres no longer offer the same winter performance once the tyre
tread has worn down to a depth of about 4 mm.
Ageing also causes winter tyres to lose most of their winter performance
properties - even in cases where the remaining tread depth is still clearly
more than 4 mm.
Speed restrictions apply to winter tyres as well as to summer tyres
⇒ .
You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed category to your vehicle provided
that you also do not drive faster than the permissible maximum speed for
such tyres, even if the possible maximum speed of your vehicle is higher.
The corresponding tyre category can damage the tyres when exceeding
the permissible maximum speed.
Please pay attention to the notes if you decide to fit winter tyres
⇒ page 225.

Accessories, changes and replacement of parts233
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Accessories, changes and replacement of parts
Accessories and replacement parts
Škoda vehicles have been built according to the latest discoveries in
safety engineering. Thus one should not change the condition in which the
vehicle was delivered from the manufacturer without some thought.
The following guidelines should be observed when a vehicle is to be retro-
fitted with accessories, have technical changes made to it or a part has to
be replaced at some time in the future.
•Advise should always be obtained from a Škoda dealer before buying
any accessories and before making any technical changes ⇒.
•This is particularly the case when accessories are bought in a foreign
country.
•Škoda Genuine Accessories which have been released for use and
Skoda original parts can be obtained from Škoda dealers. They will install
them professionally and correctly.
•All Škoda original accessories which are listed in the catalogue such
as tilting roofs, spoilers, wheels etc. must have an official stamp of
approval.
•Radios, aerials and other electrical accessories should only be
installed by an authorised workshop.
•The guidelines issued by Škoda Auto must be observed when making
technical changes.
•This is to ensure that no technical damage occurs to the vehicle, that
travelling and operating safety are maintained and that the chnages are
permissible. Škoda dealers undertake this work professionally or refer it
to an specialist company in special cases.
Any damage which is done caused by technical changes made
without consulting a Škoda Auto is excluded from the warranty.
WARNING
•We advise you, in your own interest, to only use Škoda Genuine
Accessories and Škoda original parts which have been expressly
approved for use on your Škoda. Reliability, safety and suitabiliity
have been established for these Škoda original parts.
•We cannot guarantee suitability of installation into your vehicle
of other products despite keeping a constant eye on market devel-
opments (also not in the case where there is an attestation or
permission can be produced).
Technical changes
Interference on the electronic components and their software can lead to
operational faults. This interference can also impair not directly affected
systems because of the networking of the electronic components. This
means that the operating safety of your vehicle can be considerably jeop-
ardized, a greater wear of vehicle parts can occur and finally the vehicle
registration documents expire.
We trust that you will understand that your Škoda dealer cannot be liable
for damage resulting from unprofessional work.
We therefore recommend that you have all work carried out with Škoda
original parts at your authorised Škoda dealer.

Fuses and light bulbs251
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Caution
•Never attempt to “repair” fuses and also do not replace them with a
fuse of a higher amperage - risk of fire! This may also cause damage at
another part of the electrical system.
•Have the electrical system checked as quickly as possible by a Škoda
dealer if a newly inserted fuse blows again after a short time.
Fuse assignment
Certain electrical components are only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
Fig. 188 Schematic
representation of fuse
carrier
No.Ampere s
1Heatable windscreen washing nozzles5
2Turn signals10
3Not assigned
4Licence plate light5
5
Instrument cluster - warning lights, seat heaters, cruise
control system, exterior mirror adjustment, lighting of
controls and switches, outside temperature display, air
conditioning, audible parking aid, navigation system,
multifunction steering wheel
10
6Heating of the external mirror5
7ABS, EDS, ASR, ESP, cruise control system, engine
electronics10
8Automatic headlight beam adjustment5
9Parking aid5
10CD changer, mobile phone, multifunction steering
wheel5
11Electrically adjustable seats5
12Power supply for diagnostic socket10
13Brake lights10
14Central locking control unit, interior lighting10
15Instrument cluster, air conditioning, automatic gearbox,
exterior mirror adjustment memory and navigation sys-
tem10
16ESP5
17Two-way radio system, special vehicles (police etc.)10

Fuses and light bulbs
252
The power windows and the power seats are protected by automatic
circuit breakers which switch on again automatically after a few seconds
after the overload has been eliminated - e.g. frozen windows.
Bulbs
Changing bulbs
The relevant lamp must always be switched off before a light bulb is
replaced.
Do not take hold of the glass bulb with naked fingers (even the smallest
amount of dirt reduces the working life of the light bulb). Use a clean cloth,
serviette or something similar.
Defect light bulbs should only be replaced with light bulbs of the same
type. The designation is located on the light socket or the glass bulb.
Changing certain bulbs is not something which you can do yourself, but
requires to be done by a specialist. Other parts of the vehcle must be
18Right main beam10
19Left main beam10
20Low beam on the right15
21Low beam on the left15
22Parking light on the right5
23Parking light on the left5
24Windscreen washer system, windscreen wiper pump
and intermittent switch25
25Fan for fresh air, the air conditioning unit, Climatronic30
26Rear window heating, recirculated air mode30
27Not assigned
28Fuel pump, diesel additional pump20
29Engine control20
30Electric sliding/tilting roof20
31Reversing lights, cruise control system, automatic
gearbox, automatic dimming interior mirror15
32Engine control, cruise control system20
33Cigarette lighter15
34Engine control15
35Trailer socket30
36Fog lights15
37Radio, navigation 20
38Central locking system15
No.Ampere
s
39Hazard warning light system15
40Horn25
41Not assigned
42ESP25
43Engine control15
44Seat heaters30
No.Amperes

Index
262
Child safety seats
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 attach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Child seat protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Classification into groups . . . . . . . . . . . 168
on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . 166
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Use of child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Children and safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Climatronic Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Defrosting windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
economic use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Keeping windows demisted . . . . . . . . . . 111
Operational problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Recirculated air mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Setting temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning) . . . 109
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Clothes hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Cockpit An overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Coming Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Convenience operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Converting/masking over headlights . . . . . . 184
Cool box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Coolant level Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Coolant temperature/coolant level Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Cooling Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . 104
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
D
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Defrosting rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Defrosting windows The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . 106
De-icing windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Detachable towing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Diesel engines Starting engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Differential Lock (EDL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Direction indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Door Child safety locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Drinks can holder at the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
at the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Driving economically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Driving time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Dynamo Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
E
EDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Electric sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Electrically adjustable rear mirror . . . . . . . . . 67
Electrically adjustable seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Electronic Differential LockWarning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) . . . . . . . . 177
Electronic immobiliser Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Electronic stability programme (ESP) . . . . . 175 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34