2012 SKODA SUPERB handbrake


Handbrake
» page 20
 Brake system
» page 20
 Fastening the seat belt
» page 20
 Generator
» page 20
 Open door
» page 20
 Engine oil pressure
» page 21
 Coolant temperature/coolant level
» page 21
 Bonnet
» page 21
 Boot lid
» page 21
  Power steering
Steering lock (KESSY system)
» page 21
 Engine oil level
» page 22
 Electronic stability control (ESC)
Traction control system (TCS) » page 22
» page 23
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
» page 23
 Rear fog light
» page 23
 Lamp failure
Adaptive headlights » page 23
,
» page 23
 Control system for exhaust
» page 23
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
» page 24
 EPC fault light (petrol engine)
» page 24 
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
» page 24
 Fuel reserve
» page 24
 Airbag system
» page 25
 Tyre control display
» page 25
 Windscreen washer fluid level
» page 25
 Thickness of brake pads
» page 25
  Turn signal (left/right).
» page 25
 Low beam
» page 25
 Fog lights
» page 26
 Speed regulating system
» page 26
 Selector lever lock
Starting (KESSY system)
» page 26
 Main beam
» page 26 WARNING
■ If illuminated indicator lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, this may result in severe injuries or major vehicle
damage.
■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes »
page 176, Engine compartment .Ð
19
Instruments and Indicator Lights

Handbrake 
The indicator light  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 is displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake! ÐBrake system 
The indicator light  illuminates if the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 181 » .
WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 53.
■ The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 176, Engine compartment .
■ If the indicator light  is displayed simultaneously with indicator light
 » page 23 , Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. ■ A fault to the braking system or the ABS system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance - risk of accident! ÐSeat belt indicator light 
The indicator light  comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt. The indicator light only
goes out if the driver or front passenger has fastened his seat belt. If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver or front passenger, a perma-
nent warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and simulta-
neously the indicator light  flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
90

seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the indicator light  lights up
permanently. Ð Dynamo 
If the indicator light lights up  when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek help from a ŠKODA

specialist garage. The electrical system requires check-
ing. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 53, Switches for the hazard warning light system . CAUTION
If the indicator light  (cooling system fault) comes on in addition to the indicator
light  when driving, stop the vehicle immediately and switch the engine off -
risk of engine damage! Ð Open door 
The indicator light 
comes on, if one or several doors are opened. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 53. Ð
20 Using the system

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

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 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

Switching off the cruise control system temporarily
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 116.
The cruise control system is
temporarily switched off by pressing the switchA
» Fig. 124 on page 117
into the spring-tensioned position CANCEL or by de-
pressing the brake or clutch pedal.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
Briefly press the rocker button B
into the position RES

to resume the stored
speed after the clutch or brake pedal is released. ÐSwitching off the cruise control system completely
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 116.
›
Turn the switch A
» Fig. 124 on page 117

into the OFF position. ÐSTART/STOP
Fig. 125
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights.
ä
ä Information regarding the current state of the START-STOP system is indicated in
the display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
› Take the vehicle out of gear.
› Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic renewed engine restart (start phase).
› Depress the clutch pedal.
Switching the
START-STOP system on and off
The START/STOP system can be switched on/off by pressing the button  » Fig. 125.
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the indicator light in the button lights up.
If the vehicle is in the stop phase when manually switching off the system, the
engine starts immediately.
The START-STOP

system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing. The general conditions for the proper functioning of the
START-STOP system are listed in the following overview.
Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase):
› The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
› The clutch pedal is not depressed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The driver's door is closed.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The vehicle is at a standstill.
› The factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
› The engine is at operating temperature.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
› The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The engine speed is less than 1 200 rpm.
› The temperature inside the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
› There is sufficient pressure in the braking system.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
› The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
› No cleaning of the diesel particle filter takes place
» page 24.
› The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution).
£
118 Using the system