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

Contents
4
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detachable towing device* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . .
Care and cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview of the engine compartment . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen Wiper and Washer System . . . .
Spark plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
V-ribbed belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The dust and pollen filter* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
169
169
169
172
173
174
174
176
176
177
178
178
179
183
184
184
186
189
189
189
189
194
196
198
198
198
200
202
202
204
205
208 210
212
217
217
218
218
219
219
226
226
227
227
227
227
228
228
229
229
236
238
241
241
243
249
249
249
251

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
28
Warning lights
An overview
The warning lights indicate certain functions if necessary faults.
Fig. 17 Instrument cluster with warning lights
Turn signal lights (to the left)⇒ page 29
Turn signal lights (to the right)⇒page 29
Main beam⇒page 29
Airbag system⇒page 30
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a
trailer⇒page 30
Low beam⇒page 30
Fog lights*⇒page 30
Rear fog light⇒page 31

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
•Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model
version. The symbols shown in the following functional description are to
be found as indicator lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the display of the instrument cluster as
red symbols (priority 1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system 
Either the left  or right  indicator light flashes depending on the posi-
tion of the turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails.
This does not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all
of the turn signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
Further information about the turn signal system ⇒page 59.
Main beam 
The indicator light  comes on when the main beam is selected or also
when the headlight flasher is operated.
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒ page 31
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 31
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 31
Brake pad wear⇒page 32
Bonnet⇒page 32
Fuel reserve⇒page 32
Engine oil⇒page 32
Open door⇒page 33
Fluid level in windshield washer system⇒page 33
Bulbs⇒page 33
EPC fault light⇒page 34
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 34
Traction control system (TCS)*⇒page 34
Antilock brake system (ABS)⇒page 34
Electronic immobiliser⇒page 35
Brake system⇒page 35
Dynamo⇒page 36
Seat belt warning light⇒page 36

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
30
Further information about the main beam ⇒page 59.
Airbag system 
Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warning light does not go out or comes
on or flashes while driving ⇒. This also applies if the warning light
does not come on when the ignition is switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
AIRBAG FAULT
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically, also
when the front, side or head airbags for the front passenger have been
switched off.
Front, side or head passenger airbags which have been switched off
by a Škoda dealer using the vehicle system tester:
•The warning light  lights up for 3 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
Front, side or head passenger airbags which have been switched off
using the switch (for switching off airbags)* in the storage compart-
ment on the front passenger side:
•The warning light  comes on for 3 seconds after the ignition has
been switched on.
•Switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the
lighting up of the indicator light   (airbag switched off)
⇒ page 155.
Note
Further information about switching off airbags ⇒page 154.
Turn signal system for vehicles towing trailer 
The indicator light  on vehicles towing a trailer flashes together with the
respective indicator light for the turn signal system.
The indicator light
 does not flash if a turn signal light on the trailer or
on the vehicle is not operating.
Low beam 
The indicator light  comes on when low beam is selected ⇒page 56.
Fog lights* 
The warning light  comes on when the fog lights are operating
⇒ page 57.
WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediately by a Škoda Dealer if
a fault exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag or the belt
tensioner not being activated in the event of an accident.

Lights and Visibility57
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Fog lights* 
Switching on the fog lights 
– First of all turn the light switch ⇒page 56, fig. 35 into position
 or .
– Pull the light switch out to the first detent .
When the fault lights are operating, the symbol  next on the light switch
is illuminated.
The rear fog light 
Switching on the rear fog light 
– First of all turn the light switch ⇒page 56, fig. 35 into position
 or .
– Pull the light switch out to the second detent .
Only the rear fog light of the trailer lights up automatically when you are
towing a trailer using a factory-fitted towing device which is fitted with
the rear fog light .
Caution
The rear fog light should only be switched on if visibility is particularly poor
(conform with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles
behind your vehicle.
Instrument lighting
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting.
– With the instrument lighting switched on, turn the thumbwheel until you have reached the intensity you wish for the instru-
ment lighting.
A1
A2
Fig. 36 Dash panel:
Instrument lighting

Seats and Stowage
82
– Pull the seat belt tight in direction of arrow ⇒page 81,
fig. 66 .
Stowing
– Close the cover for the through-loading bag in the boot.
– Carefully fold the through-loading bag together (approx. 11 cm packet).
– Close the cover in the interior of the car.
– Move the armrest back into its original position.
Note
Never fold the though-loading bag together if it is moist.
The cool box in the armrest of rear seats*
Using the system
The contents of the cool box is cooled to a temperature of about
20 °C below the ambient temperature, but to a maximum of
approx.+ 5 °C.
Opening and Closing
– Pull the handle ⇒fig. 67 and pull the lid downwards.
– Open up the lid of the cool box upwards until it is heard to lock.
Switching on and off
– The cooling action of the cool box is switched on and off using switch ⇒fig. 67 . It is signalised by the lighting up of the
indicator light on the switch.
WARNING
After placing items into the through-loading bag, you must secure
the bag with the belt .
AC
AAFig. 67 Cool box
AA

Seats and Stowage87
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Press on the bottom part of the handle and open the
compartments in the direction of arrow 3. The compartment
wall must be heard to engage in the slot in the bottom part of
the box.
Moving folding box into secured middle position
– Press on the button marked “PUSH” ⇒page 86, fig. 74
and carefully push the folding box into the secured middle
position. If correctly locked, the button marked “PUSH” is
moved back into its initial position. You can now use the space
which has become available for stowing further items of
luggage.
Caution
•The parts of the folding box can be damaged if handled roughly or in
an unprofessional way.
•The maximum weight of goods to be loaded should not exceed 25
kg.
Lowering folding boxAC
AD
AD
Fig. 75 Lowering
folding box
Fig. 76 Securing
folding box

Seats and Stowage99
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Stowage compartment for an umbrella*
The umbrella supplied with the car is stowed in the compartment
in the rear left door ⇒fig. 93 . Opening umbrella
– Press the knob in direction of arrow
⇒fig. 94 .
Closing umbrella
– Press the knob in direction of arrow . The umbrella first of all closes partially in direction of arrow .
– Press the umbrella together in direction of arrow in order to fold it closed completely.
There is a water drain facility in the stowage compartment for a wet
umbrella.
The stowage compartment can also be used for stowing small objects.
The compartment features a foldable partition. When the umbrella is
removed the rear part of the compartment closes - thus no object can fall
inside the door. The partition is automatically folded back in position when
the umbrella is again placed in the compartment.
Fig. 93 Left rear door:
Storage compartment
Fig. 94 Opening and
closing umbrella
A1
A2
AA
AB

Starting-off and Driving
120
Note
•The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
•A system fault is indicated if a warning signal sounds for about 5
seconds after switching the ignition on and engaging reverse gear and
there is no obstacle close to your vehicle. Have the fault rectified by a
Škoda dealer.
•The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking
aid to operate properly.
Cruise control system (CCS)*
Introduction
The cruise control system makes it possible for the driver to maintain a
constant speed of his choosing from a speed of 30 km/h (20 mph) or
higher. This, of course, is only possible within the range which is permitted
by the power output and braking power of the engine. Using the cruise
control system - particularly on long journeys - makes it possible for you
to rest your “accelerator foot”.
Caution
Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Always depress the clutch pedal if
you switch on the cruise control system when the gearbox is in Neutral.
The engine will rev up and may even be damaged under certain circum-
stances.
Note
•The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed
when driving on steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle
increases the speed at which it travels. One should shift down in good time
to a lower gear or slow the vehicle down by applying the foot brake.
•It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch
on the cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N , R
or 2.
WARNING (continued)
•You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that
there is no small obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar
etc., behind your vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the
range detected by the sensors.WARNING
For safety reasons the cruise control system must not be used in
dense traffic or on difficult road surfaces (such as road chips, or
slippery roads) - risk of accident!

Automatic gearbox*125
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The reversing lights come on when the selector lever is moved into posi-
tion
R when the ignition is also on.
N - Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed and the Shiftlock in the selector lever
grip must be pressed (if the selector lever is in its position for longer than
2 seconds) in order to move the selector lever out of the N position, with
the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at less than 5 km/hour or
on a stationary vehicle.
D - Drive, position for driving forward
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are shifted up
and down automatically in line with engine load, vehicle speed and the
dynamic shift programme (DSP).
You must depress the brake pedal ⇒ if you wish to move the selector
lever into position D from N when the vehicle is travelling at less than
5 km/hour or is stationary.
In certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or
when towing a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift
programme ⇒page 128 for a short time in order to adapt the gearbox
ratios manually to the driving situations.
4 - Position when driving in hilly areas
We recommend this position if driving with the selector lever in position D
would, in certain circumstances, result in the gearbox frequently shifting
between fourth and fifth gears.
The gearbox then shifts up and down automatically into the first, second,
third and fourth gears in line with engine load and vehicle speed. Fifth gear
is not engaged in this case. This makes it possible to exploit greater
engine braking power when the accelerator is released ⇒.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving out
of position 4 into position D. 3 - Position when drivin
g in mountainous regions
This position of the selector lever is suitable for long sloping sections.
The gearbox shifts up and down automatically into first, second and third
gear in line with engine load and vehicle speed. The fourth and fifth gears
remain locked out in order to avoid unnecessary gear changes. Enhanced
engine braking power is thus available.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving out
of position 4 into position 3.
2 - Position for extreme mountainous sections
This position of selector lever is suitable for very steep downhill sections.
The gearbox shifts up and down automatically into first and second gear
in line with engine load and vehicle speed. Third, fourth and fifth gears are
not engaged. This position offers you the maximum possible engine
braking power.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving out
of position 2 into position 3.
The cruise control system is locked in position 2.
WARNING
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving
- risk of an accident!
•When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is
necessary to hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions
of the selector lever (except P and N) since the power transmission
is never completely interrupted, also not when the engine is idling
- the vehicle "creeps".