2014 SKODA SUPERB ignition

Vehicles with automatic transmission1)
The engine will not start if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Depress 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 215, or seek assistance from
a specialist garage.
Stopping the engine
Read and observe
and on page 135 first.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key to position
1
» Fig. 133 on
page 136 .
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
138
Ignition on/off
138
Starting the engine
139
Switching off the engine
139
Emergency start-up of the engine
139
Emergency ignition shutoff system
140The KESSY system (Keyless Entry Exit System, hereinafter referred to only as
system) allows the switching on or switching off of the ignition and starting or
stopping 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 after starting 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. Unauthor-
ized persons, such as children, for example, could lock the car, turn on the
ignition or start the engine - there is a danger of injury and accidents!■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - there is a
risk of theft etc!
■
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 system can recognize the valid key, even if it has been forgotten, for ex-
ample, in the front of the vehicle roof D » Fig. 32 on page 50 - There is danger
of loss or damage to the key! It is therefore not always necessary to know
where the key is.■
The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the
vehicle is at a standstill. The starter or engine may be damaged if the starter is
activated when the engine is running.
■
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 207 , Jump-starting . 
1)
Applies to vehicles with START-STOP system.
137Starting-off and Driving

CAUTION■Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the
engine 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 accumula-
tion of heat when the engine is switched off.
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 rea-
ches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are
lower.
Note
■ The 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 140 .■
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue
to operate for approx. 10 minutes.
■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. after switching off the ignition and opening
the driver's door), the steering is enabled only when the ignition is switched on
or the engine is started.
Steering lock / unlock
Fig. 134
Starter button
Read and observe and on page 137 first.
The steering lock (steering lock) deters attempted theft of your vehicle.
Locking
›
Stop the vehicle.
› Switch off the engine or the ignition by pressing the starter button
» Fig. 134.›Open the driver door.
The steering is locked automatically.
If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off afterwards, the
steering is only locked after the vehicle is locked.
Unlocking›
Open the driver's door and get into the vehicle.
›
Close the driver's door.
The steering is unlocked within 2 seconds.
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 at-
tempts 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 at-
tempts to unlock after 2 seconds. At the same time, the indicator light  flash-
es.
If the steering is still not unlocked, to try to eliminate the possible cause and
then repeat the unlocking attempt.
Ignition on/off
Read and observe
and on page 137 first.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 134 on page 138 briefly.
The ignition is switched on or off.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, the clutch pedal must not be de-
pressed while switching the ignition on or off, otherwise the system would try
to start.
On vehicles fitted with a automatic gearbox, the brake pedal must not be de-
pressed while switching the ignition on or off, otherwise the system would try
to start. 
138Driving

If the driver's door is opened while the igition is on, an audible signal sounds
and the following message appears in the instrument cluster display.
Ignition on!
IGNITION ON
When leaving the vehicle always switch off the ignition.
Note
The ignition is switched on when indicated by the lighting up of certain indica-
tor lamps in the instrument cluster.
Starting the engine
Read and observe
and on page 137 first.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light  lights up after the ignition has been switched on. Start
the engine once the  warning light has gone out.
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
›
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.
›
Press and hold » Fig. 134 on page 138 1)
the starter button until the engine
starts.
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 215, or seek assistance from
a specialist garage.
Switching off the engine
Read and observe
and on page 137 first.
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 134 on page 138 briefly.
The engine and the ignition are switched off simultaneously.
The engine can be switched off up to a speed of 2 km/h.
Emergency start-up of the engine
Fig. 135
Emergency start-up of engine
Read and observe and on page 137 first.
If the authorisation check for the key fails, the following message appears in
the instrument cluster display.
Key not found.
NO KEY
The emergency start-up must be completed.
› Press the starter button directly with the key
» Fig. 135.
or
› Press the starter button and then hold the key to the starter button.
Note
During an emergency start-up of the engine, the key bit must face the starter
button » Fig. 135 .1)
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, it is sufficient to press the starter button briefly. The motor
will then automatically start.
139Starting-off and Driving

Emergency ignition shutoff systemRead and observe
and on page 137 first.
The ignition can be turned off in an emergency even when travelling at a
speed of more than 2 km / hr.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 134 on page 138 for longer than 1 second or
twice within 1 second.
After emergency stop of the ignition, the steering is unlocked.
Brakes
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
140
Handbrake
141WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the function of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle could then start to move – risk of accident!
WARNINGIn the case of damage to the standard fitted front spoiler or if retrofitting
another front spoiler, hub caps etc. » page 169, 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 145.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not
necessary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer
braking distance and excessive wear.Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 140 first.
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 stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into 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 com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing 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 appropri-
ately, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage. 
140Driving

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 33, 
Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Handbrake
Fig. 136
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 140 first.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Releasing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 136 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake indicator light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The following instruction is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
After the vehicle has come to a standstill, always tighten the handbrake first
and then put in the first gear gear (vehicles with manual gearbox) or move the
selector lever to the P position (vehicles with automatic gearbox).
Manual gear changing and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
141
Pedals
142
Manual gear changing
Fig. 137
Gearshift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear on the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 40.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch
pedal and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engag-
ed to avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the
ignition is on. 
141Starting-off and Driving

WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mech-
anism to wear excessively.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two corre-
sponding attachment points, may be used.
Only use factory-supplied footmats or footmats from the range of ŠKODAOrigi-
nal Accessories, which are fitted to two attachment points.
WARNINGNo objects may be placed in the driver's footwell – risk due to obstruction
or limitation of pedal operation.
Automatic gearbox
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Modes and use of selector lever
142
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
143
Starting-off and driving
144
Malfunction
144WARNING■ Do not depress the accelerator if changing the forward driving mode –
risk of accident!■
Never move the selector lever to mode R or P when driving – risk of acci-
dent!
■
When the vehicle is stationery and the engine is running, the vehicle must
be held in mode D, S or R with the brake pedal. Even when the engine is
idling, the power transmission is never completely interrupted – the vehicle
creeps.
CAUTION■ If the selector lever is moved to mode N while driving, the accelerator pedal
must be released and you will need to wait until the engine has reached its
idling speed before moving the selector lever to a forward driving mode again.■
At temperatures below -10 °C, the engine can only be started in the selector
lever position P.
■
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator
pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the
selector lever is in the position P.
Modes and use of selector lever
Fig. 138
Selector lever / display
Fig. 139
Shiftlock button
Read and observe and on page 142 first.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 138. 
142Driving

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
151
Antilock brake system (ABS)
152
Traction Control System (TCS)
152
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
152
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
152
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
152
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
153WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to
shut down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of
accident!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions. The increased safety provided by the brake assist
systems must not tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
In the event of an ABS fault, visit a specialist garage immediately. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS, as you will not
know the exact extent of the damage or the extent to which this is limiting the braking efficiency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufac-
turer to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 169, Services, modifications,
and technical alterations .
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL will also not work.
An ABS fault is indicated by the warning light 
» page 36 .
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Fig. 145
ESC system: TCS button
Read and observe and on page 151 first.
The ESC system helps improve control of the vehicle in situations where it is
being operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction
of travel. Depending on the conditions of the road surface, the risk of skidding
is reduced, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability .
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched
on.
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 the car
beginning to skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate
wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the indicator light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) .
› Antilock Brake System (ABS)
» page 152.
› Traction control (ASR)
» page 152.
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
» page 152.
› Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
» page 152.
› Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
» page 152.
› Hill Hold Control (HHC)
» page 153.
› Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
» page 168.
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The 
» Fig. 145 button can only be
used to deactivate the TCS. 
151Assist systems

The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the ASR is deacti-
vated.
Antilock brake system (ABS)
Read and observe
and on page 151 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of
the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pres- sure on the brake pedal.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Fig. 146
TCS button
Read and observe and on page 151 first.
If the wheels are slipping, the TCS adapts the engine speed to the conditions
of the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate and
climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
The TCS function is activated automatically each time the ignition is switched
on.
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 151 .
During an intervention of the system, the TCS indicator light  flashes in the
instrument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example.
› When driving with snow chains.
› When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
› When “rocking a car free” when it has become stuck.
The ASR can be deactivated via the 
» Fig. 146 symbol button.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster when the ASR is deacti-
vated.
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Read and observe
and on page 151 first.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel
and transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability
of the vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically in order to avoid excessive heat generation
in the disc brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be
driven and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The
EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
Read and observe
and on page 151 first.
In critical situations, the DSR provides the driver with a steering recommenda-
tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. The DSR is activated, for example, on the
right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on different road surfaces.
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
Read and observe
and on page 151 first.
The HBA increases the braking effect and helps to reduce the braking dis-
tance.
The HBA is activated by very quick operation of the brake pedal. In order to
achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be ap-
plied firmly until the vehicle has come to a standstill. 
152Driving