2013 SKODA SUPERB handbrake

Using the system
Cockpit
OverviewElectric windows
44
Door opening lever
37
Central locking system
36
Air outlet
99
Parking ticket holder
Operating lever:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher
53
›
Speed regulating system
157
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag
180
›with pushbuttons for radio, navigation system phone and infor-
mation system
111, 126
Instrument cluster: Instruments, warning lights and display
10
Operating lever:
› Information system
23
›Windscreen wiper and wash system
61
Air outlets in the central part of the dash panel
99
Regulator for left seat heating
70
Button for hazard warning light system
56
Regulator for right seat heating
70
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Radio
› Navigation system
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
80
Front passenger airbag
180
Air outlet
99
Key switch for switching off the front passenger airbag (in front
passenger storage compartment)
184
Door opening lever
3712345678910111213141516171819Electric exterior mirror adjustment65Light switch51
Bonnet release lever
208
Regulator for the instrument lighting and regulator for the head- light beam range adjustment
52, 52
Storage compartment on the driver's side
75
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel
130
Driver’s knee airbag
181
Ignition lock
132
Pedals
139
Handbrake
138
Bars with buttons depending on the equipment fitted:
› 
START STOP
159
› 
Tyre control display
21
› 
Traction control TCS
151
› 
Electronic Stability Control ESC
150
› 
Park Assist
153
› 
Parking aid
152
› 
Tailgate operation (Superb Combi)
42
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)
138
›
Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
139
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Ashtrays
77
›
Storage compartment
76
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag
184
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the air conditioning system
100
›Operating controls for Climatronic
103
Note
The arrangement of the controls and switches and the location of some items on
right-hand drive models may differ from that shown in » Fig. 1. The symbols on
the controls and switches are the same as for left-hand drive models.2021222324252627282930313233349Cockpit

The menu item Vehicle status is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT dis-
play whenever at least one fault message exists. After selecting this menu, the
first of the error messages is displayed. Several error messages are shown on the
display under the message e.g. 1/3. This indicates that the first of a total of three
error messages is being displayed.
Warning symbols in the MAXI DOT displayEngine oil pressure too low» page 16Clutches of the automatic gearbox are too hot» page 14Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor faulty» page 18Thickness of brake pads» page 21Problem with engine oil pressure» page 14
 Problem with the engine oil pressure
If the 
symbol is shown in the MAXI DOT display, you must have your vehicle
checked immediately by a specialist garage. The information about the maximum
permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol.
 Clutches of the automatic gearbox are too hot
A 
symbol in the MAXI DOT display indicates that the temperature of the auto-
matic gearbox clutches is too high.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Gearbox overheated. Stop! Log book!
 do not continue to drive! Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until
the 
icon goes out – risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your journey as
soon as the symbol disappears.
WARNINGIf 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 56.Note■
If the MAXI DOT display shows warning messages, these messages must be
confirmed in order to access the main menu » page 23 .■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indi-
cated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be indicated without any extra messages for the driver.

Warning Lights
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
15
 Brake system
15
 Seat belt warning light
15

Generator
16
 Open door
16
 Engine oil pressure
16
 Coolant
16
 Bonnet
17

Boot lid
17
 
Power steering/steering lock (KESSY system)
17
 Engine oil level
18
 Traction Control System (ASR)
18
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
18
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
19
 The rear fog light
19
 Bulb failure
19
 Adaptive headlights
19
 Exhaust inspection system
19
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
19

EPC fault light (petrol engine)
20
 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
20
 Fuel reserve
20
 Airbag system
21
 Tyre pressure
21

14Using the system

 Windscreen washer fluid level21 Pads21
  Turn signal system
21
 Low beam
22

Fog lights
22
 Cruise control system
22
 Selector lever lock/starting (KESSY system)
22
 Main beam
22
The indicator lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
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 206, Engine compartment .

 Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
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 message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!

 Brake system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The indicator light  illuminates if the brake fluid level in the braking system is
too low or there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Brake fluid: Log book!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 214 »
.
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 56.■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 206, Engine compartment .
■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 19 ,  Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a specialist garage.
■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – risk of accident!

 Seat belt warning light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
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.

15Instruments and Indicator Lights

Power steeringFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 130.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The power steering only works when the engine is running. It is still fully possible to steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-gine is not running (e.g. when towing). However, greater physical effort is re-
quired to turn the steering wheel.

Starting and stopping the engine using the key
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobilizer
132
Ignition Switch
132
Starting the engine
132
Stopping the engine
133
Starting and stopping the engine on vehicles with the KESSY system » page 133.
The engine can only be started using a correctly coded original key. The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time afterstarting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2 » Fig. 118 on
page 132 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
confirmed by the appearance of certain indicator lamps in the instrument clus-
ter. ■ If the key is not in position 2,
it could unexpectedly lock the steering -
danger 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 could
be blocked – 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. Children could otherwise
start the engine for example – risk of accident or injury!
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNING■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases from the engine contain substances such as odourless and col-
ourless carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) – risk to life! ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine can be damaged if the starter is activa-
ted when the engine is running 3
» Fig. 118 on page 132.
■
Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start
aid » page 234 , Jump-starting .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the en-
gine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
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. 
131Starting-off and Driving

For the sake of the environmentDo 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
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.
Electronic immobilizer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 131.
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
withdrawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Immobilizer active.
IMMOBILISER

Ignition Switch
Fig. 118
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lockFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 131.
Petrol engines » Fig. 118
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines » Fig. 118
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. 118 , move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock.
Note
We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 131.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light 
illuminates after the ignition has been switched on. Start
the engine after the warning light 
has gone out.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe- riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever into position P
or N.
›
Switch on the ignition
2
» Fig. 118 on page 132. 

123123132Driving

›Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.›
Turn the key into position
3
to the stop and release immediately after the en-
gine has been started – do not apply the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Repeat
the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
›
Release the handbrake.
Vehicles with manual transmission
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Depress clutch to start.CLUTCH
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine will not start if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster and the following mes-
sage appears in the display.
Apply the brake to start.
BRAKE
CAUTION
■ If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, one of the following
fuses may be defective. ■Petrol engine - fuse for the electric fuel pump.
■ Diesel engine - fuse for the control unit for glow plugs or glow plug relay and
fuel pump.■
Check the fuse and replace if necessary » page 244, or seek assistance from a
specialist garage.

Stopping the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 131.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position
1
» Fig. 118 on
page 132.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed if
the selector lever is in position P.
Starting and stopping the engine - KESSY
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Steering lock / unlock
134
Switching on the ignition
135
Starting the engine
135
Switching off the ignition
136
Switching off the engine
136
Emergency start-up of the engine
136
Emergency ignition shutoff system
136
The KESSY system (Keyless Entry Exit System, hereinafter referred to only as sys- tem) allows the switching on or switching off of the ignition and starting or stop-ping of the engine without the active use of the key.
A key must be in the vehicle to unlock the steering, switch on the ignition and
start the vehicle. When travelling the key must be in the vehicle.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time afterstarting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ Never leave the key in the vehicle when you exit the vehicle. This is particu-
larly important if children are left in the vehicle. Children could otherwise start
the engine for example – risk of accident or injury!■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent! 
133Starting-off and Driving

If the system does not unlock the steering at the first time (for example when the
front wheels are in contact with an obstacle), then two more unlocking attempts
are performed automatically.
If the steering is still not unlocked, then the following message is displayed on
the display of the instrument cluster.
Move the steering wheel!
MOVE STEERING WHEEL
Slightly move the steering wheel and the system will make up to 3 more attempts
to unlock after 2 seconds. At the same time, the indicator light  flashes.
If the steering is still not unlocked, to try to eliminate the possible cause and then
repeat the unlocking attempt.
Switching on the ignition
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 133.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 119 on page 134 briefly.
The ignition is switched on.
Note
The ignition is switched on when indicated by the lighting up of certain indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 133.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light 
illuminates after the ignition has been switched on. Start
the engine after the warning light 
has gone out.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe- riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine›Firmly apply the handbrake.›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever into position P
or N.
›
Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.
›
» Fig. 119 on page 134Press and hold 1)
the starter button until the engine starts.
›
Release the handbrake.
Vehicles with manual transmission
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Depress clutch to start.CLUTCH
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine will not start if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster and the following mes-
sage appears in the display.
Apply the brake to start.
BRAKE
CAUTION
■ If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, one of the following
fuses may be defective. ■Petrol engine - fuse for the electric fuel pump.
■ Diesel engine - fuse for the control unit for glow plugs or glow plug relay and
fuel pump.■
Check the fuse and replace if necessary » page 244, or seek assistance from a
specialist garage.
1)
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, it is sufficient to press the starter button briefly. The mo-
tor will then automatically start.
135Starting-off and Driving

After emergency stop of the ignition, the steering is unlocked.
Brakes
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
137
Handbrake
138WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switched
off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with manual
transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise, the func-
tion of the brake booster may be impaired – 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
could then start to move – risk of accident!
WARNING■ In the case of damage to the standard fitted front spoiler or if retrofitting
another front spoiler, hub caps etc. » page 193, Services, modifications, and
technical alterations , make sure that the air supply to the front brakes is not
affected. The front brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on
the functioning of the braking system – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 143.■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.

Information on braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 137.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system consid-
ers 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 automatically after accelerating
or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift in-
to the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed in-
termittently, not continuously.
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.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between service intervals.
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. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
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 specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage. 
137Starting-off and Driving