traction control SKODA SUPERB 2005 1.G / (B5/3U) Owner's Manual

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and
the corresponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result
in severe body injuries or major vehicle damage.
•The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There
is a risk of injuries, scalding, acci dents and fire when working in the
engine compartment, e.g. inspecti ng and replenishing oil and other
fluids. It is also essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 219.
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.
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒ page 31
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)⇒page 31
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 32
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 32
Brake pad wear⇒page 33
Bonnet⇒page 33
Fuel reserve⇒page 33
Engine oil⇒page 33
Open door⇒page 34
Fluid level in windshield washer system⇒page 34
Bulbs⇒page 35
Control system for exhaust⇒page 35
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 35
Traction control system (TCS)*⇒page 35
Antilock brake system (ABS)⇒page 36
Electronic immobiliser⇒page 36
Brake system⇒page 37
Dynamo⇒page 37
Seat belt warning light⇒page 38
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights35
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
TOP UP WASH FLUID
Bulbs 
The warning light  comes on if a light bulb is damaged:
•brakes applied (brake light)
•in lighting (low beam and/or rear light)
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: LIGHTS FAILURE
or BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE
Control system for exhaust gases 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the engine or it lights up
or flashes when driving, a fault exists in an exhaust relevant component.
The engine management system selects an emergency programme
which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a
gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: EMISSIONS WORKSHOP! (EMISSIONS WORKSHOP)!
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when 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 light will come on and 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 185, “Electronic stability
programme (ESP)*”.
Traction Control System (TCS)* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when 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.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
36
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 186, “Traction control system
(TCS)*”.
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.
A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the warning light
 does not go
out within a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not light up
at all or lights up while driving. The vehicle will only be braked by the
normal brake system. Visit a specialist garage as quickly as possible and
adjust your style of driving in the meantime since you will not know how
great the damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the
ABS.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 189, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
 comes on together with the brake system
warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in
the ABS but also in another part of the brake system ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: STOP BRAKE FAULT OWNER'S MANUAL Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL is a part of the ABS. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ABS
warning light
 in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected
without delay by a Škoda dealer. Further information on the EDL
⇒ page 187, “Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)”.
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the
ABS warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the
brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒page 227, “Brake fluid”. If the
brake fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive
any further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain
professional assistance.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 219,
“Working in the engine compartment” before checking the brake
fluid level and opening the bonnet.
•If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function
has failed. The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when
braking. In certain circumstances, this can result in the rear end of
the car breaking away - risk of skidding! Drive carefully to the
nearest specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
Electronic immobiliser
Data is compared between the ignition key and the control unit when
switching on the ignition. The indicator light will light up for a few
s
econds when ignition key authorisation is confirmed.
The warning light will start flashing continuously if a non-authorised igni-
tion key (for example the wrong ignition key) has been used. The engine
cannot be started ⇒page 41.
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Intelligent Technology185
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.
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 189, “Antilock
brake system (ABS)”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also
does not operate.
Fig. 160 ESP switch
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Intelligent Technology
186
The ESP warning light ⇒page 35 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 185, fig. 160 . The ESP warning light ⇒ page 35 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.
WARNING
It is also not possible for the E SP 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!
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 243.
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-
Fig. 161 TCS switch
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Wheels and Tyres241
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
You can also fit so-called “all-weather tyres” instead of winter tyres.
Please contact your specialist garage if there are any points which are not
clear who will be able to provide you with information regarding the
maximum speed fo
r your tyres.
WARNING
You must on no account drive your car at more than the permis-
sible maximum speed for your winter tyres - risk of an accident
resulting from tyre damage and loss of control over your car.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres on again in good time since summer tyres offer you
better grip and handling on roads which are free of snow and ice as well
as ar temperatures below 7 °C - the braking distance is shorter, there is
less tyre noise, tyre wear is reduced and fuel consumption is reduced.
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.
Unidirectional tyres*
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of
the tyre . This indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essen-
tial that the tyres are fitted on to run in this direction. Only then are the
tyres able to provide the optimal properties in terms of grip, low noise,
wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
Should it be necessary to fit on a spare wheel in exceptional cases with a
tyre not dedicated to the running direction or in opposite running direction,
please adopt a cautious style of driving as the tyre is no longer able to provide optimal grip and handling in such a situation. This particularly
important on wet roads. Please refer to the notes
⇒page 247, “Spare
wheel”.
You should have the defective tyre replaced as soon as possible and
restore the correct direction of rotation on all tyres
Snow chains
Snow chains can be used only for wheel sizes 6J x 16 ET 40 or 6J x 16
ET 37. Your Škoda Dealer can provide you with more detailed information.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but
also the braking performance.
Only use fine-link snow chains . They must not project more than 15 mm
- including the chain lock.
Remove the full wheel trims if you wish to fit snow chains to the wheels.
Observe the national legal requirements relating to the maximum vehicle
speed with snow chains.
WARNING
Please pay attention to the information in the supplied fitting
instructions of the snow chain manufacturer.
Caution
You must take the chains off as soon as you drive on roads which are free
of snow. They adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the
tyres and are rapidly destroyed.
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Index
276
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Stability programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Starting engine
Petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Diesel engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Steering booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Storage compartment Armrest with stowage compartment . . . 107
Centre console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Door trim panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Drawer compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Spectacles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Umbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Storage drawer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Storage facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Stowage compartment below steering wheel . . . 105
Sun screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Switch on the driver's door Power windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Switching lights on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Switching the engine off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
T
Taking care of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Temperature Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The air conditioning system Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . 109
The armrest at the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
The automatic wiper/washer system . . . . . . . 66
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37, 228 changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
disconnecting and connecting . . . . . . . . 233
Inspecting the electrolyte level . . . . . . . 230
Operation in winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
The CD changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
The electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . 36, 41
The outside temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
The radiator fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
The roof luggage rack system . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Thickness of brake pads Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Through-loading bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Towing a vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Towing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Towing eye
at the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
at the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Tow-starting a vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Traction control system (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Transporting children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Two-way radio sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Two-way radio systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Type plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
U
Underbody protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Unidirectional tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
V
Vanity mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Vehicle condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
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