power steering SKODA RAPID 2012 1.G Owner's Manual

Using the system
Cockpit
Overview
Electrical power windows 32
Electric exterior mirror adjustment 42
Air outlet vents 60
Lever for the multifunction switch:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher 36
› Speed regulating system 75
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag 100
› With pushbuttons for radio, navigation system and mobile
phone 84
Instrument cluster: Instruments and warning lights 8
Lever for the multifunction switch:
› Multifunction display 11
› Windscreen wiper and wash system 40
Air outlet vents 60
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Radio
› Navigation system
Switch for hazard warning lights 37
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag 103
Key-operated switch for the front seat passenger airbag 103
Storage compartment on the front passenger side 55
Front passenger airbag 100
Light switch and headlamp beam adjustment 34, 36
Bonnet release lever 128
Fuse box in the dashboard 157
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel 69
Ignition lock 70
Regulator for left seat heating 461
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 TCS switch 72
Central locking system 27
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) 74
› Selector lever (automatic gearbox) 80
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Cup holder 52
› Ashtray holder 53
Storage compartment 57
Switch for rear window heater 39
Regulator for right seat heating 46
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating 60
› Operating controls for the air conditioning system 62
› Operating controls for Climatronic 65
Note
The arrangement of the controls and switches and the location of some items on
right-hand drive models may differ from that shown in »
Fig. 1. The symbols on
the controls and switches are the same as for left-hand drive models. Ð 21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
7
Cockpit



Engine oil
» page 18
  Coolant temperature/coolant level
» page 19
 Power steering
» page 19
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
» page 19
 Traction control (TCS)
» page 20
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
» page 20
 Rear fog light
» page 20
 Bulb failure
» page 20
 Exhaust inspection system
» page 20
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
» page 21
 EPC fault light (petrol engine)
» page 21
 Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
» page 21
 Fuel reserve
» page 21
 Airbag system
» page 22
 Tyre control display
» page 22
 Windscreen washer fluid level
» page 22
 Turn signal (left/right)
» page 22 
Fog lights
» page 22
 Speed regulating system
» page 22
 Selector lever lock
» page 22
 Main beam
» page 23 WARNING
■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, this may result in severe injuries or major vehicle
damage.
■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes »
page 126, Engine compartment . Ð Handbrake 
The warning light  comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3
seconds at a speed of more than
6 km/h.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake! Ð Brake system 
The warning light  illuminates if the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 132. £
17
Instruments and Indicator Lights

The warning light
 flashes yellow (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil sensor: Workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes  several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 37. ÐCoolant temperature/coolant level 

The indicator light  lights up until the engine reaches operating temperature 1)
.
Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light  lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is too
high or the coolant level is too low.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Check coolant! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant » page 130,
and refill the coolant if necessary » page 131.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the radia-
tor fan, replace if necessary » page 159, Replacing the fuses in the engine com-
partment .
Do not continue driving if the warning light   does not go off even though the
coolant level is correct and the fuse for the fan is in working order!
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 37.
■ Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cooling
system is pressurized – risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the engine
to cool down before removing the cap.
■ Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off. Ð Power steering 
If the indicator light  lights up, there is a fault in the power steering system.
The power steering operates with reduced steering assist or does not function at
all.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after you start the engine, the ESC
might be switched off due to technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on
again. If the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on,
the ESR is fully functional again.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ESC.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
or Error: traction control (ASR)
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 72, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .£1)
Not valid for vehicles with information display.
19
Instruments and Indicator Lights

Unlocking and locking
Vehicle key
Introductory information
Fig. 7
Key without remote control/key with remote control (remote control
key)
Two keys are provided with the vehicle. Depending on the equipment, your vehi-
cle can be equipped with keys without radio remote control » Fig. 7 –  or with
radio remote control»
Fig. 7 – . WARNING
■ Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle – even if it is only
for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle.
The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical equipment
(e.g. electrical power windows) – risk of injury!
■ Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle has
come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise engage unintentionally –
risk of accident! CAUTION
■ Each key contains electronic components; therefore it must be protected
against moisture and severe shocks.
■ Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean. Impurities (textile fibres, dust,
etc.) have a negative effect on the functionality of the locking cylinder and igni-
tion lock. Note
Please contact a ŠKODA Service Partner if you lose a key as they can obtain a new
one for you. Ð Replacing the battery in the remote control key
Fig. 8
Remote control key: Remove cover/remove battery
Each remote control key contains a battery that is located under the cover A
» Fig. 8. The battery needs replacing if red warning light
» Fig. 7 on page 24 –
 does not go on when you press a button on the remote control key. We recom-
mend that you ask a ŠKODA

Service Partner to replace the key battery. However,
if you would like to replace the discharged battery yourself proceed as follows.
› Flip out the key.
› Press off the battery cover with your thumb or using a flat screwdriver in the
region of arrows 1
» Fig. 8.
› Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery down-
wards in the region of arrow 2
.
› Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing up-
wards. The correct polarity is shown on the battery cover.
› Place the battery cover on the key and press it down until it clicks into place.
£
24 Using the system

Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position 69
Power steering 69
Electronic immobiliser 69
Ignition lock 70
Starting engine 70
Switching off the engine 70
WARNING
■ Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
■ Maintain a distance of 25 cm 1
to the steering wheel
» Fig. 62 on page 69
–  . Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system
will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■ The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the
journey – risk of accident!
■ If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest. ■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3
o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure the arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.
■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2
» Fig. 63 on
page 70 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result
in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – risk of accident! WARNING (Continued)
■ Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block – risk of accident!
■ When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – risk of accident or injury!
■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas – hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death. ■ Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■ Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
■ You will place great stresses on the power steering system if the steering is
turned to full lock when the vehicle is stationary. Turning the steering to full lock
in such a situation will be accompanied by noises. Never leave the steering wheel
at full lock for more than 15

seconds when the engine is running – risk of damag-
ing the power steering!
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3
» Fig. 63 on
page 70), if the engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if
the starter is activated when the engine is running. ■ Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged. ■ Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■ Do not tow start the engine – danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage the catalytic converter. The battery from an-
other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 152, Jump-starting.
■ Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1

minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off. £
68 Using the system

For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. Note
■ The engine can only be started with a genuine ŠKODA key with the matching
code. ■ The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem. ■ After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10
minutes.
■ If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel
pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace, if necessary » page 157,
Fuses in the dash panel

or seek assistance from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ We recommend locking the steering wheel
whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car. ÐAdjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 62
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering column/safe
distance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat
» page 44, Front seats.
› Pull the lever below the steering wheel down
» Fig. 62 – .
ä ›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
› Push the lever upwards to the stop. Ð Power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-
gine is not running (vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is
required to turn the steering wheel. Ð Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following is displayed in the information display: Immobilizer active. Ð
ä
ä
69
Starting-off and Driving

Messages in the instrument cluster display (valid for vehicles without
Information display)
ERROR START STOP Error in the START-STOP system
START STOP NOT POSSIBLE Automatic engine shut down is not
possible.
START STOP ACTIVE Automatic engine shut down (stop
phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITION Switch off the ignition.
START MANUALLY Start the engine manually.WARNING
■ The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
■ Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off. CAUTION
Deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through water on the
street » page 114. Note
■ Changes to the outdoor temperature can have an effect on the internal temper-
ature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains out-
doors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take sev-
eral hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suitable
temperature for proper operation of the
START STOP system.
■ If the Climatronic is running in automatic mode, under certain conditions, the
engine may not switch off automatically. Ð78
Using the system

Automatic gearbox
Automatic gearbox
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Introductory information 79
Starting-off and driving 80
Selector lever positions 80
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic) 81
Selector lever lock 81
Kickdown function 82
Dynamic shift programme 82
Emergency programme 82
Selector lever-emergency unlocking 83
WARNING
■ Do not depress the accelerator if changing the position of the selector lever
when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running – risk of accident!
■ 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 (ex-
cept P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted,
also not when the engine is idling – the vehicle creeps.
■ The selector lever must be placed into position P and the handbrake firmly
applied before the bonnet can be opened and work on the running engine can
be completed – risk of accident! The safety guidelines must always be ob-
served » page 126, Engine compartment .
■ If stopping on a hill (downhill gradient), never try to maintain the vehicle sta-
tionary with the gear engaged by means of the
“accelerator pedal”, i.e. by let-
ting the clutch slip. This can lead to overheating of the clutch. If there is a risk
of overheating of the clutch due to overload, the clutch is opened automati-
cally and the vehicle rolls backward – risk of accident! WARNING (Continued)
■ If you have to stop on a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling back.
■ On a smooth or slippery road surface using the kickdown function can cause
the driven wheels to spin – risk of skidding! CAUTION
■ The double clutch on the automatic gearbox DSG is equipped with an overload
protection. If the uphill function is used when the vehicle is stationary or driving
slowly uphill, the thermal stress on the clutches is increased. ■ If the clutch system overheats, the symbol  is shown in the information dis-
play along with the message Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's man.! appears.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal. Stop the vehicle, switch off the en-
gine, and wait until the symbol  disappears – risk of gearbox damage! You can
continue your journey as soon as the symbol disappears. Ð Introductory information
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. The gearbox
can also be switched to
Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it possible for you to
also shift gears manually » page 81.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N . If
the selector lever is not in the P or N positions when locking the steering, switch-
ing the ignition on or off or when leaving the engine on, the following message
will appear in the Information display Move selector lever to position P/N! or, in
the instrument cluster display:  P/N .
At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the selector lever
position P.
When parking on a level road surface, it suffices to engage selector lever position
P. When parking on a slope, the handbrake should be applied firmly before the
park position is selected. This ensures that there is no excessive pressure on the
lock mechanism and that it is subsequently easier to move the selector lever out
of position P. £
ä
79
Automatic gearbox

Communication
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems
ŠKODA permits the operation of mobile phones and two-way radio systems with
a professionally installed external aerial and a maximum transmission power of
up to 10 watts.
Please refer to a ŠKODA Service Partner for information about the possibilities of
installing and operating mobile phones and two-way radio systems that have a
transmission power of more than 10
W.
Operating mobile phones or two-way radio systems may interfere with the func-
tionality of the electronic systems in your vehicle.
The reasons for this are as follows:
› no external aerial;
› external aerial incorrectly installed;
› transmission power greater than 10 watts. WARNING
■ Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for road safety. Use the telephone system only to such an extent
that you are in full control of your vehicle at any time.
■ The national regulations for using a mobile phone in a vehicle must be ob-
served.
■ If a mobile phone or a two-way radio system is operated in a vehicle without
an external aerial or an external aerial which has been installed incorrectly,
this can increase the strength of the electromagnetic field inside the vehicle. ■ Two-way radio systems, mobile phones or mounts must not be installed on
airbag covers or within the immediate deployment range of the airbags.
■ Never leave a mobile phone on a seat, on the dash panel or in another area,
from which it can be thrown during a sudden braking manoeuvre, an accident
or a collision – risk of injury.
■ In the event of air transport, the Bluetooth ®
function for the hands-free sys-
tem must be switched off by a specialist garage. Note
■ We recommend that the installation of mobile phones and two-way radio sys-
tems in a vehicle be carried out by a ŠKODA

Service Partner.
■ Not all mobile phones that enable Bluetooth ®
communication are compatible
with the universal telephone preinstallation GSM
II. You can ask an authorised
ŠKODA Service Partner whether your telephone is compatible with the universal
telephone preinstallation GSM II. ■ The range of the Bluetooth ®
connection to the hands-free system is restricted
to the vehicle interior. The range is dependent on local factors, e.g. obstacles be-
tween the devices and mutual interferences with other devices. If your mobile
phone is in a jacket pocket, for example, this can lead to difficulties when estab-
lishing a connection with the hands-free-system or transferring data. Ð Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II
Introductory information
The universal telephone preinstallation GSM
II (hands-free system) includes a
convenience mode for the mobile phone via voice control, the multifunction
steering wheel, the radio or navigation system.
The universal telephone preinstallation GSM II comprises the following functions. › Phone Phonebook » page 85.
› Convenience operation of the telephone via the multifunction steering
wheel » page 85 .
› Operation of the telephone via the information display
» page 87.
› Voice control of the telephone
» page 87.
› Music playback from the telephone or other multimedia units
» page 89.
All communication between a mobile phone and your vehicle's hands-free system
is established with the help of Bluetooth ®
technology. Note
The following guidelines must be observed » page 84, Mobile phones and two-
way radio systems. Ð
84 Using the system

›
Attach the other end 4
to a solid metal part which is connected firmly to the
engine block, or to the engine block itself.
Starting engine
› Start the engine on the vehicle providing the power and allow it to idle.
› Now start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
› If the engine does not start, terminate the attempt to start the engine after
10 seconds and wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the process.
› Disconnect the cables in exactly the
reverse order to the one described above. ÐJump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 118
Jump-starting – START-STOP system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 152.
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, the jump-start cable of the charger
must never be connected directly to the negative pole of the vehicle battery, but
only to the engine earth.
› 1.2 ltr./63
kW TSI and 1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI engines » Fig. 118 - 
› 1.4 ltr./90 kW engine
» Fig. 118 - 
› 1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR engine
» Fig. 118 -  Ð
ä Towing the vehicle
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye 154
Rear towing eye 155
Vehicles with manual transmission can be towed in with a tow bar or a tow rope
or with the front or rear wheels raised.
Vehicles with automatic transmission can be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at rear, the automatic
gearbox is damaged!
A tow bar is the safest way of towing a vehicle and also minimises any shocks.
Only use a tow rope if a suitable tow bar is not available.
When towing, the following guidelines must be observed.
Driver of the tow vehicle
› Release the clutch particularly gently when starting off or depress the accelera-
tor particularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
› On vehicles with a manual transmission, only push down on the accelerator
pedal once the rope is taught.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
› Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not blocked and so that the
turn signal lights, horn, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer system can
be switched on.
› Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position
N if the
vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the en-
gine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force is re-
quired to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught. £
153
Do-it-yourself