towing SKODA RAPID 2012 1.G Owner's Manual

Table of Contents
Abbreviations
Using the system
Cockpit 7
Overview 6
Instruments and Indicator Lights 8
Instrument cluster 8
Multifunction display (onboard computer) 11
MAXI DOT (information display) 14
Warning lights 16
Unlocking and locking 24
Vehicle key 24
Central locking system 25
Remote control 27
Anti-theft alarm system 29
Interior monitor and towing protection 29
Emergency locking of the doors 30
Boot lid 30
Electrical power windows 31
Lights and visibility 34
Lights 34
Interior light 38
Visibility 39
Windscreen wipers and washers 39
Rear window 42
Seats and Stowage 44
Front seats 44
Head restraints 46
Rear seats 47
Boot 48
Roof rack system 51Cup holder 52
Cup holder in the centre console 52
Cup holder in the rear armrest 53
Ashtray 53
Cigarette lighter, 12-volt power socket 53
Storage compartments 54
Clothes hooks 58
Parking ticket holder 58
Heating and air conditioning system 59
Heating and air conditioning system 59
Air outlet vents 60
Heating 60
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) 62
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning
system) 65
Starting-off and Driving 68
Starting and stopping the engine 68
Brakes and brake assist systems 70
Shifting 74
pedals 74
Parking aid 74
Cruise control system (CCS) 75
START/STOP 77
Automatic gearbox 79
Automatic gearbox 79
Communication 84
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems 84
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II 84
Voice control 87
Multimedia 89
Safety
Passive Safety 91
General information 91
Correct seated position 92Seat belts 95
Seat belts 95
Airbag system 99
Description of the airbag system 99
Front airbags 100
Side airbags 101
Head airbags 102
Deactivating airbags 103
Transporting children safely 105
Child seat 105
Driving Tips
Driving and the Environment 109
The first 1 500 km 109
Catalytic converter 109
Economical and environmentally friendly
driving 110
Environmental compatibility 112
Driving abroad 113
Avoiding damage to your vehicle 113
Driving through water on the street 114
Towing a trailer 115
Towing a trailer 115
General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle 117
Taking care of your vehicle 117
Inspecting and replenishing 124
Fuel 124
Engine compartment 126
Vehicle battery 133
3
Table of Contents

Wheels and Tyres 137
Tyres 137
Accessories, changes and replacement of parts 144
Introductory information 144
Changes and impairments of the airbag
system 144
Do-it-yourself
Do-it-yourself 145
First-aid kit and warning triangle 145
Fire extinguisher 145
Vehicle tool kit 145
Changing a wheel 146
Breakdown kit 149
Jump-starting 152
Towing the vehicle 153
Fuses and light bulbs 156
Fuses 156
Bulbs 159
Technical data
Technical data 164
Introductory information 164
Data on the vehicle sticker and the type plate 164
Dimensions 165
Specifications and engine oil capacity 166
Vehicle-specific details per engine type 167
Index
4 Table of Contents

CAUTION
■ Pay attention to the correct polarity when changing the battery.
■ The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original bat-
tery. For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the used battery in accordance with national legal provisions. Note
■ Please contact a ŠKODA Service Partner if you lose a key as they can obtain a
new one for you. ■ The system has to be synchronised, if the vehicle cannot be unlocked or locked
with the remote control key after replacing the battery » page 28.ÐChild safety lock
Fig. 9
Switching child safety lock on
The child safety lock prevents the rear door from being opened from the inside.
The door can only be opened from the outside.
You can switch the child safety lock on and off using the vehicle key.
Switching on › Turn the slot of the safety lock in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 9 (mirror-in-
verted on the right doors).
Switching off
› Turn the slot of the safety lock in the opposite direction to the arrow (mirror-
inverted on the right doors). Ð Central locking system
Introductory information
When using central locking or unlocking, all doors are locked or unlocked simulta-
neously. The boot lid is unlocked when opening. It can be opened by pressing the
handle above the licence plate » page 31, Opening/closing .
Warning light in the driver's door
After locking the vehicle, the warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick
succession, afterwards it begins to flash evenly at longer intervals.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system » page 26 is not operating,
the warning light in the driver door flashes for about 2

seconds fast, goes out and
starts to flash evenly at longer intervals after about 30 seconds.
If the indicator light first flashes fast for about 2 seconds, then lights up for about
30 seconds continuously and then flashes slowly, there is a fault in the central
locking system or in the interior monitor and in the towing protection » page 29.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð Individual settings
Opening a single door
This selection function makes it possible to only unlock the driver's door. The oth-
er doors remain locked and are only unlocked when the command is repeated.
Automatic locking and unlocking
All the doors and the boot lid are locked automatically once the car reaches a
speed of about 15 km/h.
If the ignition key is withdrawn, the car is then automatically unlocked again. In
addition, it is possible for the driver or front passenger to unlock the car by press-
ing the central locking button  » page 27 .
The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by a single pull on the
opening lever of the respective door. WARNING
Locked doors prevent unwanted entry into the vehicle from outside, for exam-
ple at road crossings. Locked doors do, however, make it more difficult for res-
cuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency – danger to life! £
25
Unlocking and locking

This means it is necessary to synchronise the code as follows:
› press any button on the remote control key;
› pressing of the button means that the door will unlock with the key within 1 mi-
nute. ÐAnti-theft alarm system
Introductory information
The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against people
seeking to break into the vehicle. The system triggers audible and visual warning
signals if an attempt is made to break into the vehicle.
How is the alarm system activated?
The anti-theft alarm system is activated when the vehicle is locked with the radio
remote control or the key in the driver's door . It is activated 30 seconds after
locking the door.
How is the alarm system deactivated?
The alarm system is deactivated by pressing the unlock button on the radio re-
mote control. The anti-theft alarm system is reactivated if the vehicle is not
opened within 30 seconds after transmitting the radio signal.
If the vehicle is unlocked by inserting the key into the driver door, the key must
be inserted into the ignition lock and the ignition switched on within 15
seconds
of unlocking the door to deactivate the alarm system. The alarm is triggered if
the ignition is not switched on within 15 seconds.
When is the alarm triggered?
The following security areas of the locked vehicle are monitored: › bonnet;
› boot lid;
› doors;
› ignition lock;
› Vehicle inclination
» page 29;
› Interior of the vehicle
» page 29;
› A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply;
› Socket of the factory-fitted towing device.
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is discon-
nected while the anti-theft alarm system is activated. How is the alarm switched off?
The alarm is switched off by unlocking the vehicle with the radio remote control
or switching on the ignition. Note
■ The working life of the alarm siren is 5 years.
■ Before leaving the vehicle, check that all the doors and windows are closed in
order to ensure that the anti-theft alarm system is fully operational. ■ Coding of the radio remote control and the receiver unit precludes the use of
the radio remote control from other vehicles. Ð Interior monitor and towing protection
Fig. 13
Button for interior monitor and
towing protection
The interior monitor detects movements inside the car and then triggers the
alarm.
Switching off
› Switch off the ignition.
› Open the driver door.
› Press the button
 » Fig. 13 on the centre column on the driver side, the sym-
bol  that lights up in the button changes from red to orange.
› Lock the vehicle within 30 seconds.
The interior monitor and the towing protection are switched on again automati-
cally the next time the car is locked. £
29
Unlocking and locking

Note
■ Switch off the interior monitor and the towing protection if there is a possibility
of the alarm being triggered by movements from (e.g. children or animals) within
the vehicle interior or if the vehicle has to be transported (e.g. by train or ship) or
towed. ■ The opened glasses storage compartment reduces the effectiveness of the in-
terior monitor. To ensure the full functionality of the interior monitor, the glasses
storage compartment must always be closed before locking the vehicle. ÐEmergency locking of the doors
Fig. 14
Rear door: Emergency locking of
the door
An emergency locking mechanism is located on the face side of the doors which
have no locking cylinder, it is only visible after opening the door.
Locking › Remove the panel A
» Fig. 14.
› Insert the key into the slot B
and turn it into the horizontal position in the di-
rection of the arrow (mirror-inverted on the right doors).
› Replace the cover.
After closing the door, it no longer be opened from the outside. The door can be
unlocked from the inside by pulling on the door handle again, and then opened
from the outside. Ð Boot lid
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening/closing 31
Automatic locking 31
Emergency unlocking 31
WARNING
■ Ensure that the lock is properly engaged after closing the boot lid. Other-
wise, the boot lid might open suddenly when driving even if the boot lid lock
was closed – risk of accident!
■ Never drive with the boot lid fully opened or slightly ajar otherwise exhaust
gases may get into the interior of the vehicle – risk of poisoning! ■ Do not press on the rear window when closing the boot lid, it could crack –
risk of injury! Note
■ After closing the boot lid, it is automatically locked within 1 second and the
anti-theft alarm system is activated. This applies only if the vehicle was locked
before closing the boot lid. ■ The function of the handle above the licence plate is deactivated when starting
off or at a speed of 5
km/hour or more for vehicles with central locking. The func-
tion of the handle is activated again when the vehicle has stopped and a door is
opened. Ð
30 Using the system

Function DAY LIGHT (daytime running lights)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 34.
Switching on daytime running lights
Turn the light switch
» Fig. 18 on page 34 –  to position 0.
Deactivating daytime running lights
› Remove the cover of the fuse box
» page 157, Fuses in the dash panel.
› Press the button
» Fig. 18 on page 34 –  on the right.
Activating daytime running lights
› Remove the cover of the fuse box
» page 157, Fuses in the dash panel.
› Press the button
» Fig. 18 on page 34 –  on the left .
Deactivating daytime running lights on vehicles with the START-STOP system
› Switch off the ignition.
› At the same time, pull the turn signal light lever
» Fig. 21 on page 36 towards
the steering wheel, push it downwards, and hold it in this position.
› Switch on the ignition – wait until the left-turn signal light flashes 4x.
› Switch off the ignition – an audible signal sounds which confirms the deactiva-
tion of the daytime running lights.
› Release the turn signal lever.
Activating daytime running lights on vehicles with the
START-STOP system
› Switch off the ignition.
› At the same time, pull the turn signal light lever
» Fig. 21 on page 36 towards
the steering wheel, push it upwards, and hold it in this position.
› Switch on the ignition – wait until the right-turn signal light flashes 4x.
› Switch off the ignition – an audible signal sounds which confirms the activation
of the daytime running lights.
› Release the turn signal lever. Note
The daytime running lights will come on when the ignition is switched on. Ð
ä Fog lights
Fig. 19
Dash panel: Light switch
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 34.
Switching on
›
First of all, turn the light switch
» Fig. 19 to position  or .
› Pull the light switch to position 1
.
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog lights are
switched on » page 16. Ð Rear fog light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 34.
Switching on
›
First of all, turn the light switch
» Fig. 19 on page 35 to position  or .
› Pull the light switch to position 2
.
If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights » page 35, the rear fog light is switched
on by turning the light switch to the position  and is pulled out directly to the
position 2
. This switch does not have two positions, but only one position.
The warning light 

lights up in the instrument cluster when the rear fog light is
switched on » page 16.
Only the rear fog light on the trailer lights up if the vehicle has a factory-fitted
towing device or a towing device from ŠKODA original accessories and it is driven
with a trailer and the rear fog light switched on. Ð
ä
ä
35
Lights and visibility

Shifting
Fig. 66
Gearshift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
Always depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gear, to prevent excessive
wear of the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 11.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on. WARNING
Never engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident! Note
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mecha-
nism to wear excessively. Ðpedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two correspond-
ing attachment points, may be used. Only use footmats from the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories, which are fitted
to two attachment points. WARNING
No objects are allowed in the driver's footwell – risk of obstruction or limita-
tion in operating the pedal! Ð Parking aid
Fig. 67
Parking aid: Range of sensors
The parking aid determines the distance between the rear bumper and an obsta-
cle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integrated in the rear
bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle
(area A
» Fig. 67). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as
the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area B
) – danger
area. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!
On vehicles with a factory-fitted radio or navigation system, the distance to the
obstacle is simultaneously graphically illustrated on the display, refer to the oper-
ating instructions for the radio or navigation system.
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the border of the danger area
starts (continuous tone) 5
cm further away from the vehicle. The length of the ve-
hicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing device.
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated
when towing a trailer. £
74 Using the system

START/STOP
Fig. 69
Dash panel: Button for the
START-STOP system
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights.
Information regarding the current state of the
START-STOP system is indicated in
the display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
› Take the vehicle out of gear.
› Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic renewed engine restart (start phase).
› Depress the clutch pedal.
Switching the
START-STOP system on and off
The START/STOP system can be switched on/off by pressing the button  » Fig. 69
.
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
If the vehicle is in the stop phase when manually switching off the system, the
engine starts immediately.
The

START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing. The general conditions for the proper functioning of the
START-STOP system are listed in the following overview. Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
› The clutch pedal is not depressed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The driver's door is closed.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The vehicle is at a standstill.
› The factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
› The engine is at operating temperature.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
› The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The engine speed is less than 1

200 rpm.
› The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
› There is sufficient pressure in the braking system.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
› The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
› No cleaning of the diesel particle filter takes place
» page 21.
› The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution).
Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase) › The clutch is depressed.
› The max./min. temperature is set.
› The defrost function for the windscreen is switched on.
› A high blower stage has been selected.
› The START STOP button is pressed.
Conditions for an automatic restart without driver intervention
› The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 3 km/h.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
too great.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is not sufficient.
› There is insufficient pressure in the braking system.
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's door is
opened during stop mode, the engine must be started manually with the key. The
following messages in the instrument cluster display must be observed. £
77
Starting-off and Driving

The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of the position
N (if the lever is in this position for longer than 2
seconds) into the position D or R
when the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/h or the vehicle is stationary and
the ignition is switched on. D
– Position for driving forward (normal programme)
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are automatically
shifted up and down in line with the engine load, vehicle speed and dynamic shift
programme.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever into position D
from Nwhen the vehicle is travelling at less than 5

km/h or is stationary.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when
towing a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift pro-
gramme » page 81 for a short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manual-
ly to the driving situations. S
– Position for driving forward (sports programme)
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power po-
tential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds
as in the position D .
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selec-
tor lever out of the position D into the position S. ÐManual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 71
Selector lever: Manual shifting of
gears
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever.
ä Switching to manual shifting
› Push the selector lever to the right out of position
D. The selector lever posi-
tion you have engaged is indicated in the information display of the instrument
cluster together with the engaged gear 1

» Fig. 70 on page 80
on the right.
Shifting up gears
› Press the selector lever forwards +
» Fig. 71.
Shifting down gears
› Press the selector lever backwards -
» Fig. 71.
It is possible to switch to manual shifting when the car is stationary and when
driving.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the 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. Note
The kickdown function is also available when manually shifting gears. Ð Selector lever lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
Automatic selector lever lock

With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and
N. The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of this posi-
tion. The indicator light  » page 22 illuminates in the instrument cluster as a re-
minder for the driver when the selector lever is in the positions P and N.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position

N (e.g.
from R to D). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck. The selec-
tor lever lock will click into place if the lever is in the N position for more than 2
seconds without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if the vehicle is stationary or moving at speed
of less than 5 km/hour. The lock is switched off automatically into position N
when the car is travelling at a higher speed. £
ä
81
Automatic gearbox

Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer
Technical requirements
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
On vehicles with a towing device, the ball rod is detachable and is stowed togeth-
er with separate operating instructions in the spare wheel well or in the compart-
ment for the spare wheel within the boot » page 145, Vehicle tool kit .
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connec-
tor, you can use a suitable adapter from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
If a towing device is retrofitted, it must be completed in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. Note
If you have any questions, please contact a ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐLoading a trailer
Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum permis-
sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardises
the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination. Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a

“full load” » page 138 ,
Service life of tyres.
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 164 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level. As the engine output drops at an increasing altitude due to the declin-
ing air pressure and therefore the climbing ability is also reduced, this means that
the maximum permissible towed weight must be reduced by 10 % for every fur-
ther increase of 1 000 m in height. The towed weight comprises the actual weight
of the (loaded) towing vehicle and the (loaded) trailer. Always drive particularly
carefully with the trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device
are merely test data for the towing device The vehicle-specific values are detailed
in the vehicle documents. WARNING
■ If the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the maximum per-
missible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer are exceeded this
can cause accidents and serious injuries.
■ Slipping loads can significantly affect the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination, causing accidents and serious injuries. Ð Towing a trailer
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The headlight settings must be checked before starting a journey with a coupled
trailer. If necessary, adjust the settings with the headlight beam adjust-
ment » page 36 , Headlamp range adjustment .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than the maximum permissible speed indi-
cated on the trailer. £
115
Towing a trailer