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

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
34
or
BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE
EPC  fault light
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out or comes on when driving, or flashes,
this indicates a system fault in the electronic power control or in the
exhaust emission system. The engine management system selects an
emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest Škoda
dealer while adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
EMISSIONS WORKSHOP!
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* 
The warning light  comes on for several seconds after the ignition is
switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System
(TCS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), the Antilock Brake System ABS
and the braking assistant
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning lig ht will come on an d remains on if the ESP is switched off
or if there is a fault in the system. The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that
the ESP warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating
properly.
Further information on the ESP
⇒page 169.
Traction Control System (TCS)* 
The warning light  comes on for several seconds after the ignition is
switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off
or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that
the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating
properly.
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 170.
Antilock brake system (ABS) 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS and the Electronic
Differential Lock (EDL).
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been
switched on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after
an automatic check sequence has been completed.

Intelligent Technology169
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Driving Tips
Intelligent Technology
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
General
General
The ESP aids you maintain control of your vehicle in situations in border-
line driving situations such as when negotiating a curve too fast. The risk
of skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability
depending on the conditions of the road surface. This occurs at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability
programme:
•Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
•Traction control system (TCS)
•Antilock brake system ABS
•Brake Assist
Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then
conducts a self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the indi-
vidual systems. It also processes additional measurement data which are
supplied by highly sensitive sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehicle
about its vertical axis, the lateral acceleration of the vehicle, the braking
pressure and the steering angle.
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. If differences exist, such as the
car beginning to skid, the ESP will automatically brake the appropriate
wheel and reduce the engine speed.
The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel
is braked. Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the
outer front wheel of a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the
rear of the vehicle to break away) while occurs this is on the inner rear
wheel of a vehicle which tends to understeer (tendency to shift out of the
curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied by noises.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 173. If there is a
fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
Fig. 145 ESP switch

Intelligent Technology
170
The ESP warning light ⇒page 34 lights up in the instrument cluster when
there is a fault on the ESP.
Switching off
You can switch the ESP off and on again as you wish, by pressing the
button ⇒page 169, fig. 145 . The ESP warning light ⇒page 34 lights up
in the instrument cluster when the ESP is switched off.
The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice
to switch the system off only in particular exceptional situations if you
desire wheel slip.
Examples:
•when driving with snow chains
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface
•when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck
then you should switch on the ESP again.
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve
problem-free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the
tyres can lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other
assignment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP
⇒ page 226.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels
from spinning when accelerating.
General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off,
accelerate and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface
are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when the engine is started and then
conducts a self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels
with the aid of the ABS sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force trans-
WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits
of the vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still
always adapt your style of driving to the condition of the road
surface and the traffic situation. This particularly applies when
driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety offered
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an
accident!
Fig. 146 TCS switch

Index255
Starting engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
after fuel tank has run empty . . . . . . . . . 117
Diesel engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Petrol engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Storage compartment Door trim panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Umbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Storage drawer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Storage facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Stowage compartment below steering wheel 98
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Switch on the driver's door Power windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Switching the engine off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
T
Taking care of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
TCS Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
The armrest at the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
The automatic wiper/washer system . . . . . . . 64 The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
disconnecting and connecting . . . . . . . . 216
Inspecting the electrolyte level . . . . . . . . 214
Operation in winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
The electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . 35, 39
The radiator fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
The roof luggage rack system . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Thickness of brake pads Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Through-loading bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Towing a vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Towing eye at the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
at the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Tow-starting a vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Tow-starting and towing vehicle Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Traction Control System Operating principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
technical aspects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Transporting children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Trip counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Turn signals Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Two-way radio sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Two-way radio systems mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Type plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
U
Underbody protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
V
Vanity mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Vehicle electrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
W
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Warning symbols on the instrument cluster . . 28
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
WashingWash systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
with high-pressure cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 191