battery SKODA SUPERB 2004 1.G / (B5/3U) Owner's Guide

Starting-off and Driving119
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Petrol engines
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct
fuel/air mixture for every external air temperature.
•Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
•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 electrical fuel pump is defect if the
engine still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary
⇒ page 250.
•Contact the nearest Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the
accelerator after the engine has started.
Diesel engines
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period
being controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and
outside temperature.
The preglow indicator light
 comes on after the ignition has been
switched on.
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. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary
⇒ page 250.
•Contact the nearest Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after 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 117, fig. 108 .
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk
of accident!
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Greater physical effort for braking is required when engine is
switched off. Because if you do not stop as normal, this can cause
an accident and severe injuries.
A1

Automatic gearbox*131
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Switching over to manual
– Push the selector lever to the right out of position D. As soon
as the gearbox has switched over, 5 4 3 2 1 appears in the
display, with the gear engaged being highlighted.
Shifting up gears
– One-touch forward of the selector lever (in the Tiptronic posi- tion) ⇒page 130, fig. 115 .
Shifting down gears
– One-touch back of the selector lever (in the Tiptronic position) .
It is possible to switch over to manual both when the car is stationary and
also when driving.
When you accelerate, the gearbox shifts up automatically in gears 1, 2, 3
and 4 into the next higher gear just before the maximum permissible
engine speed is reached.
If you select a lower gear, the automatic gearbox does not shift down until
there is no risk of the engine overrevving.
If you operate the kickdown function, the gearbox shifts into a lower gear
in line with the vehicle speed and engine speed.
Emergency programme
An emergency programme exists in the event of a fault in
the system.
The gearbox operates in a corresponding emergency programme if there
are functional faults in the gearbox electronics. This is indicated by all of
the segments in the display lighting up or going out.
It is possible to continue to move the selector lever into all the positions.
The gearbox always shifts into 4th gear in the positions D, 4 , 3 and 2. It is
also possible to continue to engage reverse gear in the position R.
The manual shift programme (Tiptronic) is switched off in the emergency
mode.
If the gearbox has switched over to emergency mode, drive to the
nearest Škoda dealer in order to have the fault rectified.
Tow-starting and towing vehicle
Tow-starting a vehicle
For technical reasons it is not possible to tow-start a car fitted with an auto-
matic gearbox ⇒page 248.
you can use jump-start cables connected to the battery of another vehicle
for starting your car if the vehicle battery is flat ⇒page 246.
Towing a vehicle
Please pay attention to the following information if it comes necessary to
tow-in your car ⇒page 247.
A+
A-

Communicating and Navigating
136
Mobile phone, two-way radio system and
navigation system
Universal telephone connection at the front* (GSM II)
A telephone mount is factory-fitted. The mount is attached to the
centre console. Adapter (Cullmann) and mobile phone are not
factory-fitted by Škoda Auto.
Initialisation
– Withdraw the ignition key.
– First insert the adapter without the mobile phone into the
mount in the direction of arrow ⇒fig. 119 until the
adapter is touching the stop. Press the adapter slightly in the
direction of arrow until it locks into position. – Plug the adapter cable into the mobile phone socket. The
socket is located on the mobile phone mount below.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Wait approximately 20 seconds, switch off the ignition and pull the ignition key out of the ignition lock.
– Insert the mobile phone into the adapter (as specified in manufacturer's instructions) and switch on the ignition.
Removing the mobile phone and adapter
– Press the button and remove the mobile telephone.
An initialisation must be carried out:
•after the first connection of the adapter
•after reconnecting the battery
•after pulling out the adapter cable from the power socket for the mobile
phone
This enables you to make full use of the advantages of a normal carphone
(“handsfree system” using a microphone integrated in the vehicle, optimal
transmission of signals using an external aerial etc.). The battery of the
mobile phone is also constantly charged.
Please contact your Škoda dealer If there are any points which are not
clear.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 138, “Mobile
phones and two-way radio systems” .Fig. 119 Universal tele-
phone connection at
the front
ABA1
A2
AA
AC

Communicating and Navigating137
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Telephone pre-installation at the front or rear* (GSM
III)
Initialisation of the adapter
– Withdraw the ignition key.
– Insert the adapter into the mount (the mobile phone
must not be inserted in the adapter).
– Plug the adapter cable into the mobile phone socket.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Wait approximately 20 seconds, switch off the ignition and pull the ignition key out of the ignition lock.
– Insert the mobile phone into the adapter (as specified in manufacturer's instructions) and switch on the ignition.
An initialisation must be carried out:
•after the first connection of the adapter
•after reconnecting the battery
•after pulling out the adapter cable from the power socket for the mobile
phone
This enables you to make full use of the advantages of a normal carphone
(“handsfree system” using a microphone integrated in the vehicle, optimal
transmission of signals using an external aerial etc.). The battery of the
mobile phone is also constantly charged.
A telephone mount is factory-fitted for the front mobile phone and for the
rear mobile phone. The front telephone mount is located on the front
center console ⇒fig. 120 , the rear on the rear center console ⇒fig. 121 .
Adapter (Cullmann) and mobile phone are not factory-fitted by Škoda
Auto.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 138, “Mobile
phones and two-way radio systems”.
Fig. 120 Universal
telephone connection
at the front
Fig. 121 Universal
telephone connection
at the rear
AAAB

Inspecting and Replenishing209
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 30 cm into the
lock - bonnet do not press down on it!
The bonnet is held in the opened position by a pressurized gas spring.
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is
flowing out of the engine compartmen t - risk of scalding! Wait long
enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed
when driving. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact
engaged properly after closing the bonnet.
•Stop your vehicle immediately while driving if you notice that
the lock is not properly engaged and close the bonnet properly -
risk of an accident!
Caution
•Never open the bonnet using the handle - danger of causing damage.
•Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen
wipers are correctly in place against the windscreen. Otherwise, there is
a risk of damage to the paintwork.
Working in the en gine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in
the engine compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding , accidents and fire when working
in the engine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and
other fluids. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and with the general applicable
rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous
area
⇒ .
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is
flowing out of the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long
enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
•Apply the handbrake firmly.
•If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gear-
shift lever into Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox,
move the selector lever into position P.
•Allow the engine to cool down.
•Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
•Do not touch any hot engine parts - risk of burns!
•Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids
(e.g. the antifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
•Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the
battery.
•Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the
engine is still warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
•Never open the cap of the coolant expansion bottle as long as
the engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
•Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a
large cloth when opening it as protection for your face, hands and
arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
•Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the
engine compartment.

Inspecting and Replenishing
210
•If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the
vehicle from rolling away and support it with suitable supporting
blocks: the car jack is not sufficient for this - risk of injury!
•In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work
when the engine is running there is an additional risk from rotating
parts (e.g. the V-ribbed belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the
high-voltage ignition system. Pl ease observe in addition the
following:
−Never touch the electrical cables of the ignition system.
− Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or
long hair from getting into the rotating parts of the engine -
Hazard! Therefore remove any jewellery beforehand, tie up your
hair and wear tight fitting clothing.
•Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below
when carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the
electrical system:
−Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
− Do not smoke.
− Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
− Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand.
Caution
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are
on no account mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and
also vehicle damage!
Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection points
Fig. 160 6-cylinder 2.8 ltr./ 142 kW petrol engine
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WARNING (continued)
A1218
A2212
A3217
A4215
A5213
A6223
A7181

Inspecting and Replenishing
218
Replacing brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. This causes the fluid to absorb moisture
from the surrounding air over a period of time. Excessive water in the
brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake system. The water
content also lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. This is why brake
fluid must be replaced every two years.
One may only use new genuine brake fluid from Škoda Auto. The specifi-
cation for the brake fluid is “FMVSS 116 DOT 4”.
We recommend that you have the brake fluid replaced by a Škoda dealer
as part of an Inspection Service.
WARNING
•Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes
because of the formation of vapour bubbles in the brake system.
This greatly impairs the braking efficiency and thus also the safety
of your vehicle.
•Brake fluid is toxic! It must therefore be kept safely in closed
original containers and well away from children and unauthorized
persons.
Caution
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
In view of the problems involved with proper disposal of brake fluid, the
special tools and the professional knowledge required, you should have
the brake fluid replaced by a Škoda dealer.
The battery
Working on the battery
Particular care is required when carrying out any work on
the battery!
The battery is located in the engine compartment in the plenum
chamber below a cover.
Taking off cover
– Press the cover in direction of arrow ⇒fig. 164 .
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and burns when carrying out
any work on the battery and on the electrical system. It is essential to
comply with the warning instructions stated below ⇒ and with the
general applicable rules of safety.
Fig. 164 Engine
compartment: plenum
chamber - battery
cover

Inspecting and Replenishing219
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be
handled with the greatest of care. Always wear protective gloves,
eye and skin protection when handling batteries. Corrosive fumes
in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivitis and
inflammation of the air passages in the lungs. Battery acid
corrodes dental enamel and creates deep wounds after contact
with the skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact with
diluted acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin
cracks). Acids coming into contact with water are diluted accompa-
nied by significant development of heat.
•Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out
of the battery vent openings. Protect the eyes with safety glasses
or a shield! There is the danger of suffering blindness! If any
battery electrolyte gets into your eye, rinse out your eye immedi-
ately with clear water for several minutes. Contact a doctor without
delay.
•Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised
as soon as possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty
of water. Contact a doctor immediately if you swallow battery elec-
trolyte.
•Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
•Hydrogen is released when you charge a battery and a highly
explosive gas mixture is produced. An explosion can be caused
through sparkling over during unclamping or loosening of the
cable plug while the ignition is on.
•Bridging of the poles will create a short circuit (e.g. through
metal objects, cables). Possible consequences of a short circuit:
Melting of lead struts, explosion and burning of the battery, jets of
acid spurting out.
•It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or
to carry out any activities which produce sparks. Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices. Strong
sparking represents a risk of injury.
•Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch
off the engine, the ignition as well as all electrical components and
disconnect the negative cable (-) on the battery (please pay atten-
tion to the following instructions) ⇒page 223. If you wish to
replace a bulb it is sufficient to switch off the appropriate light.
•Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and
caustic burns! Replace a frozen battery.
•Never use a battery which is damaged - risk of explosion! Imme-
diately replace a damaged battery.
Caution
•You must only disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on,
otherwise the electrical system (electronic components) of the vehicle
may be damaged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical
system of the vehicle, first disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the
battery. Then disconnect the positive terminal (+).
•When reconnecting the battery, first connect the positive terminal (+)
and only then the negative terminal (-) of the battery. You must on no
account connect the cables wrongly - risk of a cable fire!
•Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the vehicle
body otherwise damage could occur to the paintwork.
•Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the battery
housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
For the sake of the environment
A removed battery is a special type of waste which is harmful to the envi-
ronment - contact your Škoda dealer regarding disposing of the battery.
WARNING (continued)

Inspecting and Replenishing
220
Note
Please also refer to the guidelines ⇒page 223, “Disconnecting and
reconnecting the battery”, also after connecting the battery.
Battery with a charge level indicator, the so-called
magic eye
There is a so-called magic eye ⇒fig. 165 located on the top of the battery.
The “magic eye” changes its colour in line with the charge state of and
electrolyte level in the battery.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the “magic eye”. For this reason
carefully knock on the “magic eye” before carrying out the check.
•Green colour - the battery is adequately charged.
•Dark colour - the battery has to be charged
•Colourless or yellow - the electrolyte level is too low, no indication
r
egarding the charge state is possible. The battery must be replenished
with distilled water.
Batteries, which are more than 5 years old, must be replaced. We recom-
mend you have the electrolyte level inspected and adjusted to the correct
level or the battery replaced if necessary by a Škoda dealer.
Caution
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery
will discharge gradually as a result from electrical components such as the
control units which were not switched off. You can prevent the discharging
of the battery by disconnecting the negative terminal or charging the
battery constantly with a very low charging current. Please also refer to
the notes when working on the battery ⇒page 218, “Working on the
battery”.
Inspecting the electrolyte level
The battery is practically maintenance-free under normal operating
conditions. We do, however, recommend that you have the electrolyte
level inspected from time to time by a Škoda dealer when outside temper-
atures are high or when driving on long trips. You should also check the
electrolyte level ⇒page 221 each time the battery is charged.
The battery acid level will also be checked as part of the Inspection
Service.Fig. 165 Engine
compartment: Battery
with magic eye

Inspecting and Replenishing221
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Operation in winter
The battery has to provide greater amounts of electricity during the winter.
It also has only part of the initial power output at low temperatures that it
has at normal temperatures.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below
0°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked by a Škoda
dealer before the start of the winter, and recharged if necessary.
Note
If the vehicle is not going to be driven for a period of some weeks when
there is very severe frost one should remove ⇒page 222 the battery and
store it in a place which is protected from frost. This prevents the battery
from freezing up and thereby being destroyed.
Charging the battery
A properly charged battery is essential for reliably starting
the engine.
– Read the warning notes ⇒ in “Working on the battery” on
page 218 and ⇒.
– Switch the ignition and all electrical components off.
– Only for “quick-charging”: disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”, then “positive”) .
– Carefully attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = “positive”, black = “negative”). – You can now plug the mains cable of the charger into the
power socket and switch on the charger.
– When charging is completed: switch the charger off and unplug the mains cable from the power socket.
– Only then should you disconnect the terminal clamps of the charger.
– Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not normally necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you
recharge the battery using low amperages (as for example from a mini-
charger ). Please also refer to the instructions from the charger manufac-
turer.
A charging current of 0.1 of the total battery capacity (or lower) is that
which should be used until full charging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the
battery with high amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
“Quick-charging” a battery is dangerous ⇒ in “Working on the battery”
on page 218. It requires a special charger and appropriate knowledge. We
therefore recommend that you have your battery quick-charged only by
your Škoda dealer.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C.
If a battery is frozen, it is essential that it is first of all thawed out before
being charged ⇒. We recommend that you no longer use a battery
which has thawed out because the casing of the battery may be cracked
through the formation of ice and this would allow battery electrolyte to flow
out.
The vent plugs of the battery should not be opened for charging.