towing SKODA RAPID 2013 1.G Owner's Manual

Table of Contents
Materials defect liability and ŠKODA warranty for
new cars5
Mobility warranty and ŠKODA extended
warranty
6
Abbreviations
Using the system
Cockpit
9
Overview
8
Instruments and Indicator Lights
10
Instrument cluster
10
Indicator lights
14
Information system
22
Driver information system
22
Multifunction display (MFD)
25
MAXI DOT display
27
Service interval display
28
Unlocking and opening
31
Unlocking and locking
31
Anti-theft alarm system
36
Luggage compartment lid
37
Electrical power windows
38
Lights and visibility
41
Lights
41
Interior lighting
45
Visibility
46
Windscreen wipers and washers
48
Rear mirror
49Seats and useful equipment52Adjusting the seats52
Seat features
54
Practical equipment
56
Luggage compartment
64
Variable loading floor in the luggage
compartment (Rapid Spaceback)
70
Roof rack system
74
Heating and air-conditioning
76
Heating, ventilation, cooling
76
Heating
77
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning system)
79
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning
system)
82
Communication and multimedia
85
Universal telephone installation GSM II
85
Voice control
90
Multimedia
92
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
96
Steering
96
Starting and stopping the engine
97
Brakes
99
Manual gear changing and pedals
101
Automatic transmission
101
Running in
104
Economical driving and environmental
sustainability
105
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
109
Driving abroad
110
Assist systems
111
Brake assist systems
111
Parking aid
113Cruise Control System114START-STOP116
Towing a trailer
119
Towing device
119
Trailer
123
Safety
Passive Safety
126
General information
126
Correct seated position
127
Seat belts
130
Using seat belts
130
Inertia reels and belt tensioners
133
Airbag system
135
Description of the airbag system
135
Airbag overview
136
Deactivating airbags
139
Transporting children safely
142
Child seat
142
Fastening systems
145
General Maintenance
Vehicle care
147
Service intervals
147
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
149
Washing your car
152
Taking care of your vehicle exterior
153
Taking care of the interior
157
Inspecting and replenishing
160
Fuel
160
Engine compartment
162
Engine oil
166
Coolant
1683Table of Contents

Brake fluid170Vehicle battery171
Wheels
175
Tyres and wheel rims
175
Winter operation
180
Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
182
Emergency equipment
182
Changing a wheel
184
Tyre repair
187
Jump-starting
189
Towing the vehicle
191
Remote control
193
Emergency unlocking/locking
194
Replacing windscreen wiper blades
195
Fuses and light bulbs
197
Fuses
197
Bulbs
200
Technical data
Technical data
207
Vehicle data
207
Index
4Table of Contents

Mobility warranty and ŠKODA extendedwarranty
Mobility warranty
The mobility warranty provides a sense of security when travelling in your vehicle.
As part of the mobility warranty, if your car breaks down when you are on the
move as a result of an unexpected fault, you can access services to ensure your
continued mobility. These services include the following: Breakdown service at
the breakdown location and towing to the ŠKODA Service Partner, technical as-
sistance by phone or on-site operation.
If your vehicle is not repaired on the same day, the ŠKODA Service Partner may
provide further services as required, such as replacement transportation (bus,
train etc.) or a courtesy vehicle etc.
More information regarding terms and conditions for the provision of a mobility
warranty for your vehicle can be obtained from your ŠKODA Partner. They will also
provide you with detailed terms and conditions for the mobility warranty with re-
spect to your vehicle. In the event that there is no mobility warranty coverage
available for your vehicle, you should check with any ŠKODA Service Partnerabout the possibility of a subsequent agreement.
Note
The mobility warranty is only available for some countries.
Optional ŠKODA extended warranty
If you received a ŠKODA extended warranty when purchasing your new car, the
two-year ŠKODA warranty for damages to your ŠKODA vehicle will be extended to your chosen duration or until the specified mileage limit has been reached, which-
ever occurs first.
The previously mentioned paint warranty and the warranty against rust perfora-
tion are unaffected by the extended warranty.
Detailed conditions for the extended warranty are included in the extended war- ranty terms and conditions, which your ŠKODA Partner will have given to you
upon purchasing your new car.
NoteThe mobility warranty and optional ŠKODA extended warranty are only available
for some countries.
6Mobility warranty and ŠKODA extended warranty

Anti-theft alarm system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activating/deactivating
36
Interior monitor and towing protection
36
The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against vehicle break-ins. If an attempt is made to break into the vehicle, the system triggers au-
dible and visual warning signals (hereafter referred to only as alarm).
An alarm is triggered when the following monitored areas of the vehicle have afault.
› Bonnet.
› Boot lid.
› Doors.
› Ignition lock.
› Vehicle inclination
» page 36.
› Interior of car
» page 36.
› A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply.
› Socket of the factory-fitted towing device
» page 124, Driving with a trailer .
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is discon-
nected while the alarm system is activated.
The alarm is switched off by unlocking the vehicle or switching on the ignition.
CAUTION
Before leaving the vehicle, check that the doors and windows are closed in order
to ensure that the anti-theft alarm system is fully operational.
Note
The working life of the alarm siren is 5 years.
Activating/deactivating
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 36.
Activating
The alarm system is activated automatically approximately 30 seconds after the vehicle is locked.
If the vehicle is unlocked and a door or the boot lid not opened within the next
30 seconds, the vehicle will lock again automatically and the safe securing system
or anti-theft alarm system will be switched back on. This function is intended to
prevent the car being unlocked unintentionally.
Deactivating
The alarm system is deactivated automatically after the vehicle is unlocked. If the vehicle is not opened within 30 seconds, the alarm system is automatically activa-ted again.
Note
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.
Interior monitor and towing protection
Fig. 17
Button for interior monitor and
towing protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 36.
The interior monitor detects movements inside the car or the inclination of the vehicle, and then triggers the alarm. 
36Using the system

Switching off›Switch off the ignition.›
Open the driver door.
›
Press the symbol button  » Fig. 17 on the B-column on the driver's side. The
symbol lighting in the button changes  from red to orange.
›
Lock the vehicle within 30 seconds.
The interior monitor and the towing protection are activated automatically after
the vehicle is locked.
Deactivate the interior monitor and the towing protection if there is a possibility
of the alarm being triggered by movement (e.g. children or animals) from within
the vehicle interior or if the vehicle has to be transported (e.g. by train or ship) or
towed.
CAUTION
■ 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.■
The anti-theft alarm system is activated when the vehicle is locked, even if the
safe securing system is deactivated. The interior monitor is however not activa-
ted.

Luggage compartment lid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening/closing
38
Automatic locking
38WARNING■ Ensure that the lock is properly engaged after closing the boot lid. Other-
wise, the boot lid might open suddenly while the vehicle is moving, even if it was locked – risk of accident!■
Never drive with the boot lid open or unlatched, as otherwise exhaust gases
may get into the interior of the vehicle – risk of poisoning!
■
Do not press on the rear window when closing the luggage compartment lid,
as otherwise it could crack – risk of injury!
CAUTION■ If the vehicle was locked before the boot lid was closed, the lid is immediately
locked automatically when closed.■
Do not press on the rear window when closing the tailgate, it could crack.
Note
The function of the button in the grip 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 function is restored after the vehicle stops and the door is opened.
37Unlocking and opening

The CORNER function is switched on automatically if the following conditions
are met.
The turn signal is switched on or the front wheels are turned sharply to the
right or left 1)
.
The engine is running.
The vehicle is stopped or moves at a speed of no more than 40 km/h. The low beam is switched on.
The daytime running lights are not switched on.
The fog lights are not switched on.
The CORNER light is mainly intended to be used for illuminating the nearby envi-
ronment at a broad angle in front of and beside the vehicle. It lights up and goes
out gradually.
Note
The two fog lights are switched on when you shift into the reverse gear.
Rear fog light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 41.
Switching on/off
›
Turn the light switch to position 
or 
» Fig. 23 on page 43 .
›
Pull the light switch to position
2
.
The rear fog light is switched off in the reverse order.
If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights » page 43, 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 can only be put into one position.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster when the rear fog light is
switched on » page 14.
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.
Hazard warning light systemFig. 24
Button for hazard warning light
system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 41.
Switching on/off
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 24 .
All the turn signal lights on the vehicle flash at the same time when the hazard
warning light system is switched on. The warning light for the turn signals and
the warning light in the button also flash at the same time. The hazard warning
light system can also be operated if the ignition is switched off.
If one of the airbags is deployed, the hazard warning light system will switch on
automatically.
If the turn signal light is switched on when the hazard warning light and the igni- tion are both switched on, then only the turn signal light on the corresponding
vehicle side will flash.
WARNINGSwitch on the hazard warning light system if, for example, the following oc-
curs.■
You encounter a traffic congestion.
■
The vehicle has broken down.


1)
If both switch-on conditions are conflicting, for example, if the front wheels are turned to the left and
the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
44Using the system

Power steeringFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 96.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The power steering only works when the engine is running. It is still fully possible to steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-gine is not running (e.g. when towing). However, greater physical effort is re-
quired to turn the steering wheel.

Starting and stopping the engine
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobiliser
98
Ignition switch
98
Starting the engine
98
Switching off the engine
99
The engine can only be started using a correctly coded original key. The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time afterstarting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ When driving without the engine running, the ignition key must always be in
the position 2 » Fig. 90 on page 98 (ignition switched on). This position is
indicated by the illumination of certain indicator lights in the instrument clus-
ter. ■ If the key is not in position 2
, this could lead to unexpected the steering
locking - risk of accident!
■
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 could
be blocked – risk of accident!
WARNING (Continued)■ When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Children could otherwise
start the engine for example – risk of accident or injury!■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNING■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases from the engine contain substances such as odourless and col-
ourless carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) – risk to life! ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine may be damaged if the starter is activa- ted when the engine is running 3
» Fig. 90 on page 98.
■
Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start
aid » page 189 , Jump-starting .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the en-
gine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
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.
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. 97Starting-off and Driving

The length of the vehicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing
device. The danger area thus begins at a distance of around 35 cm on vehicles
equipped with a factory-fitted towing device.
Activation/deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 113.
The system is activated automatically by engaging the reverse gear. This is con-
firmed by a brief audible signal.
The system is deactivated by disengaging reverse gear.
Note
For vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the system cannot be activated
when towing a trailer.
Cruise Control System
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activating/deactivating
115
Storing and maintaining speed
115
Changing the stored speed
115
Switching off temporarily
115
The Cruise Control System (CCS) maintains a set speed, more than 25 km/h, with-
out you having to actuate the accelerator pedal.
This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output and
braking power of the engine.
The warning light 
illuminates in the instrument cluster when the cruise control
system is switched on.
WARNING■ For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads,
loose gravel) – risk of accident!■
The saved speed may only be resumed if it is not too high for the current
traffic conditions.
■
Always deactivate the cruise control system after use to prevent the system
being switched on unintentionally.
CAUTION
■ The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving
in areas with steeper gradients. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at which it travels. In such cases, select a lower gear or brake the vehicle using the
footbrake.■
The cruise control system cannot be activated when first gear or reverse gear is
selected (vehicles with manual transmission).
■
The cruise control system cannot be activated when the selector lever is in po-
sitions P, N or R (vehicles with automatic transmission).
■
The cruise control system may automatically switch off when some brake assist
systems (e.g. ESC) intervene, when the maximum permissible engine speed is ex-
ceeded, etc.

114Driving

Towing a trailer
Towing device
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
119
Adjusting the ready position
120
Fitting the ball head
121
Check proper fitting
121
Removing the ball head
122
Use and care
122
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 regulations for towing a trailer.
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.
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 50 kg.
WARNING■
Check that the tow bar is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting
recess before the start of every journey.■
Do not use the tow bar if it is not correctly inserted and secured in the
mounting recess.
■
Do not use the towing device if it is damaged or if there are parts missing.
■
Do not modify or adapt the towing device in any way.
■
Never release the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
Take care when handling the tow bar so as to avoid damaging the paintwork on
the bumper.
DescriptionFig. 104
Carrier for the towing device/tow bar
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
The tow bar can be removed and is kept in the spare wheel compartment or in a
compartment for the spare wheel in the boot » page 183.
Explanation of graphic 13-pin power socket
Safety eyelet
Mounting recess
Cap
Dust cap
Tow ball
Locking ball
Centering
Green marking on the handwheel
Handwheel
Key
Lock cap
Red marking on the handwheel
White marking on ball bar 
1234567891011121314119Towing a trailer

Fitting the ball headFig. 107
Insert the ball bar/lock the lock and remove the key
Fig. 108
Fit the lock cap
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 119.
›
Remove the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 104 on page 119 in a down-
wards direction.
›
Put the tow bar in the ready position » page 120.
›
Grip the tow bar from underneath » Fig. 107 and insert into the mounting recess
until it audibly clicks into place » .
The handwheel
A
rotates back automatically and rests on the ball rod » .
›
Lock the handwheel lock by turning the key
B
right as far as the stop in the
direction of the arrow
1
- the arrow on the key points towards the “closed pad-
lock” icon.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Fit the cap
C
on the handwheel lock in the direction of the arrow
3
» Fig. 108 .
›
Check that the tow bar is securely attached » page 121.
WARNING■
Do not hold the handwheel with your hand when attaching the ball bar -
there is a risk of finger injury.■
After fitting the tow bar, always secure the lock and remove the key.
■
The tow bar must not be operated with the key inserted.
■
If the tow bar is not in the ready position, it cannot be fitted in the mounting
recess.
CAUTION
After removing the key, always replace the cover on the handwheel lock – risk of
lock getting dirty.
Note
Store the cover of the mounting recess in a suitable place in the luggage com-
partment store after removal.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 109
Check that the tow bar is attach-
ed properly
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 119.
Check that the tow bar is fitted properly before each use.
Check the following points. The green marking
A
» Fig. 109 on the handwheel points to the white mark-
ing on the tow bar.
The handwheel lies flush with the tow bar - there is no gap. 
121Towing a trailer