length SKODA SUPERB 2003 1.G / (B5/3U) Owner's Manual

Lights and Visibility
56
Lights and Visibility
Lights
Switching lights on and off 
Switching on side lights
– Turn the light switch ⇒fig. 35 into position
.
Switching on the low beam and main beam

– Turn the light switch into position .
– Press the main beam lever forward in order to switch on the main beam ⇒page 59, fig. 39 . Switching off all lights
– Turn the light switch into position O.
Low beam comes on only if the ignition is switched on. The low beam is
switched off automatically when the engine is started and after switching
the ignition off; only the side lights come on.
On models fitted with
right-hand steering* the position of the switches
differs from that shown in ⇒fig. 35 . The symbols which mark the switch
positions are identical, however.
In certain countries, the low beam is on a reduced brightness as well as
the side lights, when the ignition is switched on.
Note
•An audible warning will sound if you withdraw the ignition key and open
the driver's door when the vehicle lights are still on.
•The acoustic warning signal is switched off over the door contact when
the driver's door is closed (ignition off). The vehicle can be parked with the
side lights on.
•We recommend switching off all lights or leaving only the side lights
switched on if you park the vehicle for a lengthy period.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in
accordance with the legal requirements.
Fig. 35 Dash panel:
Light switch

Seats and Stowage
100
Armrest with stow age compartment
You can use the cover of the compartment as an armrest.
The armrest is adjustable for height and length.Opening stowag e compartment
– Fold out the top cover of the arm rest ⇒ fig. 95.
Opening cooling air inlet in stowage compartment*
– Turn the rotary switch to the left as far as the end position ⇒fig. 96.
Closing cooling air inlet in stowage compartment*
– Turn the rotary switch to the right as far as the end position .
The cooling air flows into the stowage compartment only when the air
conditioning is in the cooling mode. If the air conditioning is operating in
the heating mode or if you do not wish to use the cooling system of the
stowage compartment, you can close the cooling air inlet.
Note
If the armrest is pulled forward, ensure that it does not restrict you when
steering the car.
Fig. 95 Armrest
between driver and
front passenger seat
Fig. 96 Storage
compartment: Using
cooling system
A1
A2

Heating and air conditioning system
102
Heating and air conditioning system
The air conditioning system
Description
The air conditioning system is a combined cooling and
heating system. It makes it possible to optimally control
the air temperature at any season of the year.
Description of the air conditioning system
It is important for your safety and for your driving comfort that the air condi-
tioning system is operating properly.
The air conditioning system operates when switch ⇒page 103,
fig. 99 is pressed and the following conditions are met:
•engine running
•outside temperature above +5 °C
•blower switch switched on (positions 1 to 4)
If the air conditioning system is switched on, the temperature and air
humidity drops in the vehicle. The wellbeing of the occupants of the car is
enhanced as a result of this particularly at high outside temperatures and
a high air humidity. The system prevents the windows misting up during
the cold season of the year.
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full
heat output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating
temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode in order to enhance
the cooling effect ⇒ . Air at a temperature of about 5°C may flow out of the vents under certain
circumstances when the air conditioning system is operating. Lengthy and
uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (in particular at the leg
area) and large differences in temperature, for example when getting out
of the vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves
in order to ensure that the heating and ventilation systems operate prop-
erly.
After switching on the air conditioning
Condensation from the evaporator
of the air conditioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle.
This is quite normal and not an indication of a leak!
Aeration of the vehicle when ignition is switched off*
On models fitted with power sliding/tilting roof with sollar cells, the fresh
air blower is automatically switched over to “solar mode ” if the sun ray's
are sufficient after switching off the ignition. The solar cells on the
sliding/tilting roof deliver power for the fresh air blower. This supplies the
interior of the car with fresh air.
For an optimum ventilation, the air outlet vents 3 and 4 must be opened
⇒ page 106.
The ventilation functions only when the sliding/tilting roof is closed.
ACAE
WARNING
•For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all
the windows are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize
yourself about how to correctly operate the heating and ventilation
systems, how to demist and defrost the windows, as well as with
the cooling mode.

Heating and air conditioning system
104
Note
•If the windscreen is misted up, turn the air distributor regulator into
position . It is not possible to operate the recirculated air mode,
however, in this position.
•The whole heat output will be needed to unfrost the windscreen and
side windows. No warm air will be fed to the footwell. This can lead to
restriction of the heating comfort.
•If the air conditioning system has not been switched on for a lengthy
period, odours may be produced at the evaporator because of deposits.
Switch the air conditioning system on at least once a month for approxi-
mately 5 minutes at the highest blower stage - also during the cold season
of the year - in order to remove such odours. Also open a window for a
short time.
•Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode
⇒ page 105.
Setting air conditioning system
Recommended settings of air conditioning controls:
Defrosting the windscreen and side windows
•Turn control dial ⇒page 103, fig. 99 to the right up to the stop
•Blower switch in position 4
•Turn the air distribution control into the position 
•Close the air outlet vents 3
•Open air outlet vents 4 ⇒ page 106, fig. 100 and point towards the
side window. Keeping winscreen demisted
We recommend that you use the following setting in cases where the
windows are misted up more than usual (e.g. when it is raining):
•Blower switch in position
2
•Turn the air distribution control into the position between  and 
•Close the air outlet vents 3
•Open air outlet vents 4 and point towards the side window
•Switch on the air conditioning system using switch
Warming up the inside of the ve hicle as rapidly as possible
•Turn control dial to the right up to the stop
•Blower switch in position 3 or 4
•Turn the air distribution control into the position 
•Open air outlet vents 3 and 4
•we recommend that you press the switch - recirculated air
mode - for a short time
Heating the vehicle to a comfortable temperature
We recommend the following setting once the windows are no longer
misted up and the desired teperature has been reached:
•Control dial at the desired heat output
•Blower switch in position 1 or 2
•Turn the air distribution control into the position 
•Close the air outlet vents 3
•Open the air outlet vents 4
•Set the air distribution regulator between positions  and , if the
windscreen gets misted up again, as required.
Cooling down the inside of the vehicle as rapidly as possible
•Turn the control dial to the left up to the stop
•Blower switch in position 3 or 4
AC
AA
AB
AC
AB
AC
ACAE
AA
AB
AC
AD
AA
AB
AC
AC
AA
AB

Heating and air conditioning system
108
An acoustic signal for depressed buttons
Simultaneous pressing of buttons and can be used to de-acti-
vate or activate this function.
A higher tone is heard when switching on this function, when increasing
the blower speed or when increasing the temperature.
A lower tone is heard when switching off this function, when decreasing
the blower speed or when decreasing the temperature.
Aeration of the vehicle when ignition is switched off*
On models fitted with power sliding/tilting roof with sollar cells, the fresh
air blower is automatically switched over to “solar mode ” if the sun ray's
are sufficient after switching off the ignition. The solar cells on the
sliding/tilting roof deliver power for the fresh air blower. This supplies the
interior of the car with fresh air.
For an optimum ventilation, the air outlet vents 3 and 4 must be opened
⇒ page 112.
The ventilation functions only when the sliding/tilting roof is closed.Note
•If the air conditioning system has not been switched on for a lengthy
period, odours may be produced at the evaporator because of deposits.
Switch the air conditioning system on at least once a month for approxi-
mately 5 minutes at the highest blower stage - also during the cold season
of the year - in order to remove such odours. Also open a window for a
short time.
•We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recir-
culating air mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evap-
orator from the interior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of
the air conditioning system. This produces a permanent odour when the
air conditioning system is operating which can only be eliminated through
considerable effort and expense (replacement of compressor).
•Using the air conditioning economically ⇒page 106.
•Operational problems ⇒page 107.
Overview of the controls
Fig. 102 Climatronic: Controls
WARNING
•For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all
the windows are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize
yourself about how to correctly operate the heating and ventilation
systems, how to demist and defrost the windows, as well as with
the cooling mode.
•You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer
period of time. “Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and
passengers, reduce attention levels and also cause the windows to
mist up. The risk of having an accident increases. Switch recircu-
lated air mode off as soon as the windows begin misting up.
ECON

Heating and air conditioning system 111
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Setting temperature
– Press the button or ⇒page 108, fig. 102 and continue
pressing until the desired temperature is set.
You can set the interior temperature between +18°C (64°F) and +29°C
(86°F). The interior temperature is regulated automatically within this
range. If you select the temperature below 18 °C (64 °F), “LO” appears in
the display. If you select the temperature higher than 29°C (86°F), “ HI”
appears in the display. In both limit positions the Climatronic operates at
maximum cooling or heating capacity, respectively. The temperature is not
controlled in this case.
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (in partic-
ular at the leg area) and large differences in temperature, for example
when getting out of the vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons.
Controlling blower
There are a total of seven blower stages available.
The Climatronic system controls the blower stages automatically
in line with the interior temperature. You can also, however, adapt
the blower stages manually to suit your particular needs.
Setting blower stages
– Press the button or the button to set the blower stage.
The number of dashes in the display ⇒page 108, fig. 102 indicates
the blower stage.
If OFF is shown in the display, this indicates that the Climatronic system
is switched off ⇒ page 112.
A15A16

A2
WARNING
•“Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and passengers,
reduce attention levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The
risk of having an accident increases.
•Do not switch the Climatronic system off for longer than neces-
sary.
•Switch the Climatronic system on as soon as the windows mist
up.

Starting-off and Driving117
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
You should not switch on any major electrical components during
the heating period otherwise the ve
hicle battery will be drained
unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning
light  has gone out.
•The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the
engine is at a normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature
is above +5°C. This means that you can start the engine right away.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not
start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the
attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the
engine still does not start ⇒page 241.
•Contact the nearest Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel
tank has run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel
system must first of all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching the engine off
– Turn the ignition key into position ⇒page 114.
Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey
after the engine has been operated for a lengthy period at high loads but
should be allowed it to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This
prevents any accumulation of heat when the engine is switched off.
Note
•The radiator fan may continue running for a further 10 minutes or so
after the engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan
may, however, also switch on again after some time if the coolant temper-
ature rises because of an accumulation of heat in the engine or if the
engine is warm and the engine compartment is additionally heated by
strong sunlight.
•This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in
the engine compartment ⇒page 203.
A1

Transporting children safely
158
Use of child safety seats on the front passenger seat
Child safety seats should always be attached to the rear
seats.
We recommend, for safety reasons, that you always mount a child
restraint systems on the rear seats whenever possible. If you still decide,
however, to use a child safety seat on the front passenger seat then you
must pay attention to the following warnings in connection with the use of
the airbag system on the front passenger seat:
WARNING (continued)
•Children less than 1.50 m in he ight or younger than 12 years
must not use a normal seat belt without a child restraint system
otherwise this may result in in juries to the stomach and neck
areas. Comply with the national legal requirements.
•One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's
lap.
•You can transport a child safely in a suitable child safety seat
⇒ page 161, “Child seat”!
•Only one child may be fastened with a seat belt into a child
safety seat.
•Never leave the child sitting unattended in the seat.
•Never allow your child to be transported in a vehicle without the
use of a suitable restraint system.
•Children should also never stand up in a vehicle or kneel on the
seats when the vehicle is moving. In the event of an accident the
child will be thrown through the vehicle and may as a result suffer
fatal injuries, and also injure other occupants.
•Children are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event
of an accident if they lean forward or adopt an incorrect seated
position when the vehicle is moving . This particularly applies to
children who are transported on the front passenger seat if the
airbag system deploys in the event of an accident. This can result
in severe or even fatal injuries.
•It is important that the belt webbing is properly routed if the seat
belts are to offer their maximum protection ⇒page 141, “How are
seat belts correctly fastened?”. Pay particular attention to the
information provided by the manufacturer of the child safety seat
regarding correct routing of the belt. Seat belts which are not
correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in minor
accidents.
WARNING (continued)
•Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running
properly. One should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by
sharp-edged fittings.
•It is essential to always switch off ⇒page 154 the front
passenger airbag when attaching a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in
direction of travel (in some countries also when the child is facing
the direction of travel). If this is not done, there is a risk of the child
suffering severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag
is deployed. In certain countries national legal provisions also
require that the side or head passenger airbags be deactivated.
When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please
comply with the appropriate national regulations regarding the use
of child safety seats.
•Particular care is required if use is made of child restraint
systems which are attached together with the seat belts fitted to
the vehicle. It is important to ensure that the bolts are inserted into
the threaded hole over their entire length and are tightened to a
torque of 35 Nm.

Driving and the Environment179
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Driving in an economical and
environmentally conscious manner
General
Your personal style of driving is a major factor.
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-
and-tear to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three
factors:
•your personal style of driving
•the conditions under which your vehicle is operated
•technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 0 - 15 percent by driving in
an economical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you
with a number of tips on how to protect the environment and at the same
time save money.
The fuel consumption can naturally also be influenced by factors which
are beyond the driver'scontrol. It is, for example, normal for the fuel
consumption to increase in winter and under worsened conditions such as
poor road conditions, towing a trailer, etc.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of
the vehicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. Special
attention has been given to minimising negative effects on the environ-
ment. It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in
order to make best use of these characteristics and to maintain their
effectiveness.
Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs it accelerates.
Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily. If you drive with forsight
you will not need to brake so often and will also then not have to accel-
erate so much. Let your vehicle coast to a stop, for example, if this is
possible, when you see that the next set of traffic lights is at red.
Shifting gears and saving energy
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox
– Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear. Shift up into the next higher gear at about 2 000 revs.
Fig. 147 Fuel
consumption in
litres/100 km. and
speed in km/h.

Driving and the Environment181
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Reducing idling
Idling also costs fuel.
It is worthwhile switching off the engine in a traffic jam or when waiting at
a level crossing or at traffic lights with a lengthy red phase. Even after just
30 - 40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is needed when
you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal
operating temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though,
are particularly high in the warming-up phase. This is why you should
drive off right after starting the engine. Do avoid high engine revolutions
at this time, however.
Regular servicing
A poorly tuned engine consumes an unnecessarily high
amount of fuel.
Having your vehicle serviced regularly at a Škoda Dealer enables you to
satisfy one of the requirements for economical motoring even before you
set off on your journey. Keeping your vehicle properly serviced not only
has a positive effect on the safety of your vehicle and maintaining its
value, but also saves on fuel.
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10%
higher than normal.
The foreseen maintenance work should be undertaken exactly according
to the service plan by a Škoda dealer.
Also check the oil level after refueling. Oil consumption is dependent to
a considerable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consump- tion could be as high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of
driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first,
and reaches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. It is there-
fore not possible to correctly assess the oil consumption of a new vehicle
until after you have driven about 5000 km.
For the sake of
the environment
•You can achieve additional improvements in your fuel economy by
using high-lubricity oils.
•Check the ground below your car at regular intervals to detect any
leakages in good time. Please have your vehicle inspected by a Škoda
dealer if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the floor.