ignition SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK 2013 1.G Workshop Manual

Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 129
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 139 first.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, » Fig. 129the
colouring of the display can indicate the acidic level.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must
be replaced.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist garage, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tem-
peratures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures
just below 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary,
recharged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
Note■ The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part
of the inspection service.■
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 139 first.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
A charging operation can be performed if the following conditions are satis-
fied.
The engine is turned off.
The ignition is switched off.
All consumers are turned off.
The bonnet is open.
“Fast charging” with high currents
›
Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“positive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
Charging with low voltages
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables from the battery if you recharge
the vehicle battery, for example from a mini-charger.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging. 
140General Maintenance

WARNING■When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive
gas mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling
over during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is
on.■
Creating a bridge between the poles on the battery (e.g. with metal ob-
jects - cables) creates a short circuit - risk of damage to the battery, explo-
sion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
■
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 en-
gine, the ignition and all electrical consumers and disconnect the negative
terminal (-).
■
“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
■
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be “rapidly charged” by a
specialist garage.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger
must not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery,
but only to the engine earth » page 158, Jump-starting in vehicles with the
START-STOP system .
Replacing
Read and observe
and on page 139 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and
size as the original battery. Suitable vehicle battery types can be purchased
from a specialist garage.
We recommend having the battery replaced by a specialist garage, where the
new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be
disposed of in accordance with national regulations.
Disconnecting and reconnecting
Read and observe
and on page 139 first.
Disconnecting
›
Switch off the ignition.
›First, disconnect the negative terminal (-) first, then the positive (+) terminal
of the battery.
Connecting›
First, connect the positive (+) first, then the negative (-) battery terminal.
After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, the following func-
tions or devices are partially or completely inoperative.
Function / deviceCommissioningRadio and/or navigation systemEnter code number » User radio
manual and/or » navigation
system user manualTime settings» page 29
CAUTION
■ Disconnect the vehicle battery only with the ignition turned off - there is a
risk of damaging the electrical system of the vehicle.■
Under no circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly –
risk of a cable fire.
Note
■ After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, we recommend
having the vehicle checked by a specialist to ensure that the full functionality
of all electrical systems is guaranteed.■
The data of the multi-function display will be reset.
Automatic load deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 139 first.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from dis-
charging when the battery is put under high levels of strain. This manifests it-
self by the following.
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where necessary, large convenience consumers such as seat heaters and
rear window heaters have their power limited or are shut off completely in
the event of an emergency. 
141Inspecting and replenishing

CAUTION■Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the
vehicle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on
a long time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned
on during longer parking.■
Consumers that are supplied via a 12-V power socket can cause the vehicle
battery to discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not impaired by consumers being deactivated. The driver is
often not aware of it having taken place.Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Service life of tyres
143
New tyres
144
Unidirectional tyres
145WARNINGThe national legal regulations must be observed for the use of tyres.WARNINGInstructions for the use of tyres■For the first 500 km, new tyres do not yet provide optimum grip, and ap-
propriate care should therefore be taken when driving – risk of accident!■
Only use radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
■
For reasons of driving safety, do not replace tyres individually.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity of moun-
ted tyres.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed for the mounted tyres.
■
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling.
■
Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any suspicion that a wheel is damaged, immediately
reduce your speed and stop! If no external damage is evident, drive slowly
and carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle checked.
■
Only use tyres or wheel rims that have been approved by ŠKODA for your
model of vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely affect the
road safety of your vehicle.
WARNINGInformation regarding tyre damage or wear■Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.■
Never drive with damaged tyres.
■
Immediately replace damaged wheel rims or tyres. 
142General Maintenance

SettingFig. 132
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
Read and observe and on page 145 first.
›
Inflate all of the tyres to the specified inflation pressure » page 143.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press the symbol button

» Fig. 132 for longer than 2 seconds.
If the warning light in the instrument cluster lights up and does not go out
after the system configuration, this indicates a system fault.
If there is a blinking light in the instrument cluster, then there is a system
fault.
Display
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
The control light in the instrument cluster lights up when any of the follow-
ing conditions are met.
› The tyre inflation pressure is low.
› The structure of the tyre is damaged.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side.
› The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
› Snow chains are mounted.
› The spare wheel is mounted.
› One wheel per axle was changed.
WARNING■
When illuminated control lights light up in the instrument cluster lights,
immediately reduce speed and avoid violent steering and brake manoeu-
vres. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and inspect the tyres and their
inflation pressure.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or un-
paved roads) the warning light 
in the instrument cluster may be delayed
or not light up at all.
Reserve and temporary spare wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Change
147
Spare wheel
147
Fit a wheel in the appropriate dimensions and design as soon as possible.
WARNING■ If, in the event of a puncture, it is necessary to fit a spare wheel with a
tyre without a dedicated running direction or with the opposite direction of
rotation, drive carefully as the optimal characteristics of the tyre are no lon-
ger applicable in this situation.■
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted
to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used
briefly in the event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of
driving is adopted.
146General Maintenance

WARNING■If you cannot inflate the tyre to at least 2.0 bar, this means the damage
sustained was too serious. The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the
tyre. 
Do not drive the vehicle! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
During inflation, the tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot.
■
Do not place the hot tyre inflation hose or hot air compressor on flamma-
ble materials – there is a risk of fire!
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest – there is a
risk of overheating! Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before
switching it on again.
Check after 10 minutes' driving
Read and observe
on page 155 first.
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes!
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
 Do not drive the vehicle! You cannot properly seal with tyre with the
breakdown kit.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or more
›
Adjust the tyre inflation pressure to the correct value (see inside of fuel filler
cap).
›
Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Jump-starting
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
158
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
158
The battery of another vehicle can be used to jump-start your vehicle if the en-
gine will not start because the battery is flat.
WARNING■ A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C. If the battery is frozen, do not jump start with the battery of an-
other vehicle – there is a risk of explosion!■
Pay attention to the warning instructions relating to working in the en-
gine compartment » page 131.
■
The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never touch each
other – there is a risk of short circuit!
■
The jump-start cable connected to the positive terminal of the battery
must not come into contact with electrically conducting parts of the vehicle
– there is a risk of short circuit!
■
Do not clamp the jump-start cable to the negative terminal of the dis-
charged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out of the bat-
tery being ignited by the strong spark resulting from the engine being star-
ted.
■
Route the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotat-
ing parts in the engine compartment.
■
Do not bend over the battery – there is a risk of caustic burns!
■
The vent screws of the battery cells must be tightened firmly.
■
Keep any sources of ignition (naked flame, smouldering cigarettes, etc.)
away from the battery – risk of explosion!
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with insufficient acid levels – risk of
explosion and chemical burns.
■
There must not be any contact between the two vehicles, otherwise cur-
rent may flow as soon as the negative terminals are connected.
CAUTION
■ The discharged battery must be properly connected to the system of the ve-
hicle.■
We recommend you buy jump-start cables from a car battery specialist.
157Emergency equipment and self-help

Driver of the tow vehicle›Engage the clutch gently when starting off or depress the accelerator partic-
ularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.›
Only then, approach correctly when the rope is taut.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
›
Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that
the turn signal lights, horn, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer sys-
tem can be used.
›
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
engine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force
is required to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught.
Towing another vehicle requires a certain amount of practice. Both drivers
should be familiar with the particular points about towing a vehicle. Unskilled
drivers should not attempt to tow another vehicle or to be towed in one.
The vehicle must be transported on a special breakdown vehicle or trailer if it
is not possible to tow the vehicle in the way described or if the towing dis-
tance is greater than 50 km.
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing eyes » page 159
or » page 160 to the detachable ball head of the towing equip-
ment » page 112 .
WARNING■
The tow rope must not be twisted as it may in certain circumstances re-
sult in the front towing eye becoming unscrewed from your vehicle.■
Do not use one-sided twisted tow rope, because the towing eye could
become unscrewed on the vehicle under certain circumstances.
■
When towing, respect the national legal provisions, especially those
which relate to the identification of the towing vehicle and the vehicle be- ing towed.
CAUTION■ Do not start the engine by towing – 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 157, Jump-starting .■
If the gearbox no longer contains any oil because of a defect, your vehicle
must only be towed with the drive wheels raised clear of the ground or on a
special breakdown vehicle or trailer.
■
To protect both vehicles when tow-starting or towing, the tow rope should
be elastic. Thus only plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a similarly elastic
material should be used.
■
There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage resulting at the
points to which you attach the tow rope or tow bar when you attempt to tow a
vehicle which is not standing on a paved road.
Note
We recommend using a tow rope from ŠKODA Original Accessories, which is
available from a ŠKODA Partner.
Front towing eye
Fig. 146
Removing the cap/installing the towing eye
Read and observe
and on page 159 first.
Removing/installing the cap
›
Press on the cap in the area
A
» Fig. 146 .
›
Remove the cap in the direction of the arrow
1
.
›
After unscrewing the cap of the towing eye
B
, insert the cap in area
A
and
then press the opposite side of the cap.
The cap must engage firmly. 
159Emergency equipment and self-help

Unlocking the tailgateFig. 150
Emergency unlocking of the boot
lid
The luggage compartment lid can be unlocked manually if there is a fault in
the central locking system.
Unlocking
›
Fold the rear seat backrest forward » page 67.
›
Insert the vehicle key into the slot in the trim panel as far as it
goes » Fig. 150 .
›
Unlock the lid by moving it in the direction of the arrow.
›
Open the boot lid.
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
Fig. 151
Selector lever-emergency un-
locking
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Carefully pull up the front left and right cover.
›
Pull up rear cover.
›
Press the yellow plastic part in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 151 using your
finger.
›
At the same time, press the locking button in the selector lever and move the selector lever to position N.
If the selector lever is moved again to position P, it is once again blocked.
Replacing windscreen wiper blades
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Replacing the front windscreen wiper blades
162
Replacing the rear window glass wiper blades
163WARNINGReplace the windscreen wiper blades once or twice a year for safety rea-
sons. These can be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.
Replacing the front windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 152
Windscreen wiper blade
Read and observe on page 162 first.
Before replacing the windscreen wiper blade, put the windscreen wiper arms
into the service position.
Service position for changing wiper blades
›
Close the bonnet.
›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
›
Place the operating lever in position
4
» Fig. 46 on page 61 .
Move the windscreen wiper arms into the service position.
Removing the wiper blade
›
Lift the wiper arm from the window in the direction of
1
» Fig. 152 .
›
Tilt the wiper blade to the stop in the same direction.
›
Hold the windscreen wiper arm at the top end.
›
Press the locking button
A
and remove the wiper blade in the direction of
arrow
2
. 
162Do-it-yourself

Attaching the windscreen wiper blade›Push the windscreen wiper blade to the stop until it locks into place.›
Check that the windscreen wiper blade is correctly attached.
›
Fold the windscreen wiper arm back to the windscreen.
›
Turn on the ignition and press the lever into position
4
» Fig. 46 on page 61 .
Move the windscreen wiper arms into the home position.
Replacing the rear window glass wiper blades
Fig. 153
Rear window wiper blade
Read and observe on page 162 first.
Removing the wiper blade
›
Lift the wiper arm from the window in the direction of
1
» Fig. 153 .
›
Tilt the wiper blade to the stop in the same direction.
›
Hold the windscreen wiper arm at the top end.
›
Press the locking button
A
and remove the wiper blade in the direction of
arrow
2
.
Attaching the windscreen wiper blade
›
Push the windscreen wiper blade to the stop until it locks into place.
›
Check that the windscreen wiper blade is correctly attached.
›
Fold the windscreen wiper arm back to the windscreen.
Fuses and light bulbs
Fuses
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Fuses in the dash panel
164
Assignment of the fuses in the dash panel
164
Fuses in the engine compartment
165
Fuse assignment in the engine compartment
166
Individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses.
Switch off the ignition and the corresponding power consuming device before
replacing a fuse.
Find out which fuse belongs to the component that is not operat-
ing » page 164 , Assignment of the fuses in the dash panel or » page 166 ,
Fuse assignment in the engine compartment .
Fuse colourMaximum amperagelight brown5dark brown7.5red10blue15yellow20white25green30orange40WARNINGAlways read and observe the warning notes before completing any work in
the engine compartment » page 131, Engine compartment .163Fuses and light bulbs

CAUTION■“Never repair” fuses, and do not replace them with fuses of a higher amper-
age – risk of fire! This may also cause damage at other points in the electrical
system.■
If a newly inserted fuse blows again after a short time, have the electrical
system checked as quickly as possible by a specialist garage.
■
A blown fuse is recognisable by the molten metal strip. Replace the faulty
fuse with a new one of the same amperage.
Note
■
We recommend always carrying replacement fuses in the vehicle. A box of
replacement fuses can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Accessories.■
There can be several power-consuming devices for one fuse.
■
Multiple fuses may exist for a single power-consuming device.
Fuses in the dash panel
Fig. 154
Underside of the dash panel: Dis-
tribution board cover
Read and observe and on page 163 first.
The fuses are located on the bottom of the dash panel behind a cover.
Replacing fuses
›
Remove the cover of the fuse box » Fig. 154 in the direction of the arrow.
›
Remove the plastic clip from the holder in the fuse box cover in the dash
panel.
›
Place the clip on the respective fuse and pull this fuse out.
›
Insert a new fuse.
›
Reinsert the cover into the dash panel in the opposite direction to the arrow
such that the guide pins are guided into the dash panel openings.
Carefully push the cover in.
Assignment of the fuses in the dash panelFig. 155
Schematic representation of the fuse box for vehicles with left-
hand steering/right-hand steering
Read and observe
and on page 163 first.
No.Power consumer1S-contact2START - STOP3Instrument cluster, headlight range adjustment, telephone, oil level
sensor, diagnostic port, dimmable interior rear-view mirror4Control unit for ABS/ESC, steering angle sensor strip with switches5Petrol engine: Speed regulating system6Reversing light (manual gearbox)7Ignition, engine control unit, automatic gearbox8Brake pedal switch, clutch switch, engine cooling fan9Operating controls for the heating, electronic control unit for air con-
ditioning system, park distance control, window lift, engine cooling
fan, heated washer nozzles10DC-DC converter11Mirror adjustment12Control unit for trailer detection13Electronic control unit for automatic gearbox, selector lever of the
automatic gearbox14Lights and visibility15Not assigned 164Do-it-yourself

No.Power consumer16Power steering, speed sensor, engine control unit, control unit for
fuel pump17Daytime running lights/radio for vehicles with START-STOP18Mirror heater19Ignition lock input20Engine control unit, electronic control unit for fuel pump, fuel pump21Reversing lamp (automatic gearbox), fog lights with the function
CORNER
22
Operating controls for the heating, electronic control unit for air con-
ditioning system, telephone, instrument cluster, steering angle
sender, multi-function steering wheel, ignition key removal lock, di-
agnostic port, rain sensor23Interior lighting, storage compartment and luggage compartment,
side lights24Central control unit25Light switch26Rear window wiper27Steering wheel module28Petrol engine: ACF valve, PTC heater29Injection, coolant pump30Fuel pump, ignition system, cruise control31Lambda probe32High pressure fuel pump, pressure valve33Engine control unit34Engine control unit, vacuum pump35Switch illumination, number plate light, parking light36High beam, light switch37Rear fog light, DC-DC converter38Fog lights39Air blower for heating40Not assigned41Heated front seats42Rear window heaterNo.Power consumer43Horn44Windscreen wipers45Boot lid lock, central locking system46Alarm47Cigarette lighter48ABS49Turn signal lights, brake lights50DC-DC converter, radio51Electric windows (driver's window and rear left window)52Electric windows (front passenger's window and rear right)53Windscreen washer54START-STOP instrument cluster, steering wheel module, multi-func-
tion steering wheel55Control unit for automatic gearbox56Headlight cleaning system57Headlights front, rear58Headlights front, rear
Fuses in the engine compartment
Fig. 156
Vehicle battery: Cover for the
fuse box - variant 1 
165Fuses and light bulbs