2012 SKODA SUPERB Owner's Manual

Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position 104
Electromechanical power steering 104
Electronic immobiliser 104
Ignition lock 105
Starting engine 105
Switching the engine off 105
Starting and stopping the engine on vehicles with the KESSY system » page 105,
KESSY system. WARNING
■ Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary! ■ Maintain a distance of 25 cm 1
to the steering wheel
» Fig. 112 on page 104
-  . Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system
will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
■ The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the
journey - risk of accident!
■ If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest. ■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure the arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed. WARNING (Continued)
■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2
» Fig. 113
on
page 105 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the indicator lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could re-
sult in unexpected locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident! ■ Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block - risk of accident! ■ When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine - risk of accident or injury! ■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause unconscious-
ness and death. ■ Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■ Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3
» Fig. 113 on
page 105), if the engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if
the starter is activated when the engine is running. ■ Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged. ■ Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature - risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■ Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage the catalytic converter. The battery from an-
other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 202, Jump-starting.
■ Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1

minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off. £
103
Starting-off and Driving

For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. Note
■ The engine can only be started with a genuine ŠKODA key with the matching
code. ■ The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem. ■ After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10
minutes.
■ If the engine also does not start after the second attempt, the fuse for the elec-
tric fuel pump (petrol engines) or the control unit for the glow plug system or
glow plug system relay and fuel pump (diesel engine) could be faulty. Check the
fuse and replace, if necessary » page 207 or seek assistance from a

ŠKODA spe-
cialist garage.
■ We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car. ÐAdjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 112
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering wheel/safe
distance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 103.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
ä ›
First of all adjust the driver's seat
» page 66.
› Pull the lever below the steering wheel down
» Fig. 112 - .
› Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
› Push the lever upwards to the stop. Ð Electromechanical power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 103.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
With the electromechanical power steering, the steering assist is automatically
adapted to the speed and to the steering angle.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-
gine is not running (vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is
required to turn the steering wheel.
If there is a fault in the power steering, the indicator light  or  lights up in the
instrument cluster » page 21. Ð Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 103.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following is displayed in the information display: Immobilizer active. Ð
ä
ä
104 Using the system

Ignition lock
Fig. 113
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 103.
Petrol engines
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked.
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and the key cannot or can only be turned with difficulty
into the position 2
» Fig. 113
, move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock. ÐStarting engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 103.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The pre-
glow indicator light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine should be started immediately after the preglow indicator light goes out. ä 1
2
3
1
2
3
ä You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
› Before starting the engine, place the gearshift lever into neutral or place the se-
lector lever in the position P or N and firmly put on the handbrake.
› Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal, switch on the ignition 2
» Fig. 113 on
page 105 and start 3
- do not operate the accelerator. Depress the clutch pedal
until the engine starts.
› Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts. After letting go, the vehicle key
will return to position 2
.
› If the engine does not start within 10

seconds, abort the start-up process and
turn the key to position 1
. Repeat the start-up process after approx. half a mi-
nute.
› Release the handbrake before starting off.
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Depress clutch to start!
The following is shown in the information display of the information cluster:
CLUTCH Ð Switching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 103.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position 1
» Fig. 113 on
page 105. Ð KESSY system
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unlocking and locking the steering 106
Switching on the ignition 107
Switching off the ignition 107
£
ä
105
Starting-off and Driving

Emergency ignition shutoff system 107
Starting engine 107
Emergency start-up of engine 108
Switching the engine off 108
The KESSY system makes it possible to switch the ignition on/off and to start/
stop the engine without actively using the key.
A valid key must be in the vehicle to unlock the steering, switch on the steering
and start the vehicle. WARNING
■ Never switch off the ignition while driving, as the electromechanical power
steering and brake booster will no longer operate - risk of accident! ■ Never leave the valid keys in the vehicle, if leaving children unattended in
the vehicle. Otherwise the children could start the engine - risk of accident! Note
■ After pressing the starter button while the steering is locked, the steering is un-
locked, the electrical components are activated (e.g. radio, navigation system etc.)
and the igntion is switched on. ■ If you do not leave the vehicle after locking the steering and wish to unlock the
steering again, press the starter button. At the same time, electrical components
are activated (e.g. radio, navigation system etc.) and the ignition is switched on. ■ The KESSY system is protected against inadvertently switching off the engine
while driving, this means that the engine can only be switched off in an emergen-
cy » page 107.
■ The steering is not unlocked or locked if the starter button is repeatedly press-
ed at short intervals. Ð Unlocking and locking the steering
Fig. 114
Starter button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 105.
Unlocking
›
Open the driver's door and get into the vehicle.
› Close the driver's door, and the steering is unlocked within 2 seconds.
Locking
› Stop the vehicle.
› Switch off the engine or the ignition by pressing the starter button
» Fig. 114.
› Open the driver's door and the steering is locked.
If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off afterwards, the
steering is only locked after the vehicle is locked.
If the steering is locked and the KESSY system does not manage to unlock the
steering lock the first time (e.g. if the wheels are resting against the curb), the at-
tempt will be repeated twice by the system.
If the steering lock is then not unlocked, the following is shown in the informa-
tion display or information display of the instrument cluster:
Move steering wheel or MOVE STEERING
Slightly move the steering and the system will complete 3
more attempts to un-
lock after 2 seconds. At the same time, the indicator light  flashes.
If the steering lock still does not unlock, the following message is displayed in the
information display for 10 seconds:
Steering wheel still locked.
It is necessary to eliminate the possible cause which is preventing the unlocking
and then repeat the attempt to unlock the steering. Ð
ä
106 Using the system

Switching on the ignition
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 105.
The steering must be unlocked to switch on the ignition.
›
Briefly press the starter button
» Fig. 114 on page 106 and the ignition is switch-
ed on.
If the ignition is switched on and the driver's door is opened, the following mes-
sage is shown in the information display:
Switch off ignition! ÐSwitching off the ignition
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 105.
›
Briefly press the starter button
» Fig. 114 on page 106
and the ignition is switch-
ed off.
The ignition can be switched off up to a speed of 2 km/h.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, the clutch pedal must not be depressed
after switching off the ignition otherwise the system would try to start.
On vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox, the selector lever must be in the
position P or N and the brake pedal must not be depressed. ÐEmergency ignition shutoff system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 105.
In an emergency, it is possible to switch off the ignition even at speeds greater
than 2

km/h, by using the "emergency ignition shutoff system".
› Press the starter button
» Fig. 114 on page 106 for longer than 1
second or twice
within 1 second. Ð
ä
ä
ä Starting engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 105.
Maintain the clutch pedal depressed when starting vehicles fitted with a manual
gearbox. On vehicles with an automatic gearbox, place the selector lever in posi-
tion P or
N and depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.
The engine will not start if the engine is started without the clutch pedal (vehi-
cles with a manual gearbox) or brake pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox)
being depressed.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Depress clutch to start! or Depress brake to start! while the indicator light  is
lit.
The following is shown in the information display of the information cluster:
CLUTCH or BRAKE and the indicator light  illuminates simultaneously.
Petrol engines
› Press and hold the starter button
» Fig. 114 on page 106 until the engine starts.
Diesel engines
› Press and hold the starter button during the whole preglow period, the engine
starts after the indicator light  has gone out.
The diesel engine can also be started by pressing the starter button, the ignition
is switched on and the preglow indicator light  illuminates. Wait until the pre-
glow indicator light goes out and then press and hold the starter button until the
engine starts.
If the engine needs to be started quickly in an emergency (e.g. in a critical situa-
tion), the diesel engine can be started by pressing the starter button again before
the preglow indicator light goes out. Ð
ä
107
Starting-off and Driving

Emergency start-up of engine
Fig. 115
Emergency start-up of engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 105.
If the authorised key is tested unsuccessfully, the following is shown in the infor-
mation display or information display of the instrument cluster:
Key not found. or No Key
The emergency start-up must be completed.
›
Press the starter button
» Fig. 115 and then hold the key to the starter button
or
› press the starter button directly with the key. Note
During an emergency start-up of the engine, the correct orientation of the key
must be kept » Fig. 115. ÐSwitching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 105.
›
Stop the vehicle.
› Switch off the engine by pressing the starter button
» Fig. 114 on page 106, do-
ing so switches off the ignition at the same time. Ð
ä
ä Brakes and brake assist systems
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking 109
Handbrake 109
Stabilisation Control (ESC) 110
Antilock brake system (ABS) 111
Traction control system (TCS) 111
Electronic differential lock (EDL) 111
WARNING
■ The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physi-
cal effort for braking is required when the engine is switched off - risk of acci-
dent!
■ Depress the clutch pedal when stopping or braking a vehicle with a petrol
engine and manual transmission in the low rev range. If you fail to do so, the
functionality of the brake booster can be impaired - risk of accident!
■ If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system could be impaired - risk of acci-
dent! ■ Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating, which can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident!
■ Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!
■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then be without function - risk of acci-
dent! ■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
■ The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving
according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know how great the dam-
age is and the limitation it is placing on the braking efficiency. £
108 Using the system

CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 158.
■ Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear. ■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly. Note
■ If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically. After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the
vehicle was stopped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light
system switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatical-
ly after accelerating or driving off again. ■ Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce the speed, shift down into
the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower drive position (automatic
gearbox). As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermittently,
not continuously. ■ Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the functionality of the brake assist sys-
tems »
page 194 , Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .
■ If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL also do not work. A
indicator light  » page 23 comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system. ÐInformation on braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style. The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in
towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If
operated under severe conditions, the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage before the next service appointment. ä Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads
may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
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. If the brake system is not used much or if there is corrosion on the sur-
face, we recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes from a
fairly high speed.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 20, Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Ð Handbrake
Fig. 116
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
£
ä
109
Starting-off and Driving

Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 116 .
› Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake indicator light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provi-
ded the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than 6 km/h for more than 3
seconds. ÐStabilisation Control (ESC)
Fig. 117
ESC system: TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
The ESC is automatically activated after starting the engine. The ESC helps to
maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is being operated at its dy-
namic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of travel. The risk of skid-
ding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface.
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. In the event of deviations, such as if the car starts to
skid, the ESC automatically brakes the appropriate wheel.
ä The ESC cannot be switched off, the button
 » Fig. 117 only deactivates the TCS
system and the indicator light  in the instrument cluster lights up.
During an intervention of the system, the indicator light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC indicator light illuminates in the instrument
cluster  » page 22.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC):
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic differential lock (EDL)
› Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR),
› Brake assist,
› Uphill start assist.
Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR)
This function indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommenda-
tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. The active driver-steering recommendation is
activated, for example, on the right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on
different road surfaces.
Hydraulic brake assist
The brake assist system is activated by the very quick operation of the brake ped-
al (e.g. in the event of danger). It increases the braking effect and helps to short-
en the braking distance. To achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the
brake pedal must be applied firmly and held in this position until the vehicle has
come to a complete standstill.
The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the
brake assist system.
The brake assist function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is
released.
Uphill start assist
The uphill start assist makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system holds
the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx.
2 seconds after the brake pedal is released. The driver can therefore move his
foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the slope,
without having to actuate the handbrake. The brake pressure drops gradually the
more you operate the accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off within 2
seconds, it starts to roll back. £
110 Using the system