trailer SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK 2014 1.G Owner's Manual

Table of Contents
Board literature4
Notes
5
Structure and more information about the
Operating Instructions
6
Abbreviations
Safety
Passive Safety
8
General information
8
Correct and safe seated position
9
Seat belts
12
Using seat belts
12
Inertia reels and belt tensioners
15
Airbag system
16
Description of the airbag system
16
Airbag overview
17
Deactivating airbags
20
Transporting children safely
22
Child seat
22
Fastening systems
25
Using the system
Cockpit
29
Overview
28
Instruments and Indicator Lights
30
Instrument cluster
30
Indicator lights
34
Information system
41
Driver information system
41
Multifunction display (MFD)
43MAXI DOT display46Service interval display47
Unlocking and opening
49
Unlocking and locking
49
Anti-theft alarm system
53
Luggage compartment lid
54
Power windows
55
Mechanical windows
57
Lights and visibility
58
Lights
58
Interior lighting
63
Visibility
64
Windscreen wipers and washers
65
Rear mirror
67
Seats and head restraints
69
Seats and head restraints
69
Seat features
71
Transporting and practical equipment
73
Useful equipment
73
Luggage compartment
80
Variable loading floor in the luggage
compartment (Estate)
85
Roof rack
88
Heating and air conditioning
89
Heating, ventilation, cooling
89
Communication and multimedia
94
Universal telephone installation GSM II
94
Voice control
98
Multimedia
99
SmartGate
101
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
104
Starting and turning off the engine
104
Brakes and parking
106Manual gear changing and pedals107Automatic gearbox108
Retraction and economical driving
111
Driving through water and driving off made-
up roads
111
Assist systems
113
Braking and stabilisation systems
113
Parking aid
114
Cruise Control System
115
START-STOP
116
Tyre pressure monitoring
119
Hitch and trailer
120
Hitch
120
Trailer
125
General Maintenance
Care and maintenance
128
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
128
Washing vehicle
131
Cleaning vehicle exterior
132
Interior care
136
Inspecting and replenishing
138
Fuel
138
Engine compartment
141
Engine oil
144
Coolant
146
Brake fluid
147
Vehicle battery
148
Wheels
152
Tyres and wheel rims
152
Manufacturer-approved tyre variants
155
Winter operation
1562Table of Contents

WARNINGWhen a fault in the airbag system occurs, there is a risk of the system not
being triggered in the event of an accident. Therefore, this must be
checked immediately by a specialized company.
 Tyre inflation pressure
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light  is illuminated
If the warning light illuminates while driving, it means one of the tyres has
undergone a pressure change.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
›
Immediately reduce speed and avoid sudden steering and braking manoeu-
vres.
›
Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and check the tyres and their inflation
pressure » page 153 .
›
Correct the tyre pressure, if necessary or replace the affected
wheel » page 160 or use the repair kit » page 164.
›
Store the tyre pressure values in the system » page 119.
The warning light  flashes for about 1 min. and remains illuminated
If the warning light  flashes for approximately 1 min. and remains on, there
may be a fault in the tyre pressure monitoring system.
›
Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and start the engine again.
If the warning light  flashes after starting the engine again, there is a system
error.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The illumination of the warning light  can have the following reasons.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side. Distribute loads as evenly as possible.
› 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.
› A wheel has been changed.
Store the tyre pressure values in the system » page 119.
CAUTIONUnder certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light in the instrument cluster may be delayed or not
light up at all.
Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, the indica-
tor light  comes on after switching on the ignition. If the warning light does
not go out after moving a short distance, this means that there is an error in
the system. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Windscreen washer fluid
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light 
illumi-
nates .
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Top up wash fluid!
Top up with liquid » page 143, Windscreen washer system .
  Turn signal system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
Either the left 
or the right 
warning light flashes depending on the position
of the turn signal lever.
If there is a fault in the turn signal system, the warning light flashes at twice
its normal rate.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of
the turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
 Fog lights
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light 
illuminates when the fog lights are operating.
40Using the system

Child safety lockFig. 34
Rear door: left / right
Read and observe
and on page 50 first.
The child safety lock prevents the rear door from being opened from the in- side. The door can only be opened from the outside.
Switching the cooling system on and off » Fig. 34
Switching on
Switching off
You can switch the child safety lock on and off using the vehicle key.
Malfunctions
Read and observe
and on page 50 first.
Failure of the central locking
Upon failure of the central locking system the key only unlocks and locks the
driver's door. The other doors and the boot lid can be opened and closed in an
emergency.
› Emergency locking of the door
» page 171.
› Emergency unlocking of the boot lid
» page 171.
Displaying an error
If the indicator light in the driver's door initially flashes quickly for around 2
seconds, and then lights up for 30 seconds without interruption before flash-
ing again slowly, you will need to seek the assistance of a specialist garage.
Discharged battery in the remote control key
If the red warning light
B
» Fig. 31 on page 50 does not flash when you press
a button on the remote control key, the battery is empty.
Replace the battery » page 170.
Anti-theft alarm system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activating/deactivating
54
Interior monitor and towing protection
54
The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against people
trying to break into the vehicle.
The alarm system triggers audible and visual signals if an attempt is made to
break into the vehicle (hereafter referred to only as alarm).
Triggering the alarm
The alarm is triggered when the following unauthorized actions are carried out
on the locked vehicle.
› Opening the bonnet.
› Opening the boot lid.
› Opening the doors.
› Manipulation of the ignition lock.
› Towing the vehicle
» page 54.
› Movement in the vehicle
» page 54.
› Sudden and significant voltage drop of the electrical system.
› Uncoupling the trailer
» page 125, Attaching and detaching trailers .
If the driver's door of a vehicle with a remote control is unlocked and opened
by the lock cylinder, then the alarm is triggered.
Switching off the alarm
The alarm is turned off by pressing the  button on the radio remote control
key or switching on the ignition.
CAUTION
Before leaving the vehicle, check that the doors and windows are closed in or-
der to ensure that the alarm system is fully operational.
Note
The working life of the alarm siren is 5 years.53Unlocking and opening

Automatic driving light control during rain
The low beam is switched on automatically if the following conditions are met.
The light switch is in position 
» Fig. 41 .
Automatic wiping with rain - position 1
or wiping - position
2
or
3
is
turned on » page 66, Activating the windscreen wipers and washers .
The windscreen wipers are on for more than 15 s.
The light turns off about 4 minutes after turning off the wipers.
CAUTION
Do not attach any stickers or similar objects in front of the light sensor on the
windscreen to avoid impairing the function or its reliability.
Fog lights
Fig. 42
Light switch - Switch front and
rear fog light
Read and observe on page 58 first.
Switching on/off
›
Turn the light switch to position 
or 
» Fig. 42 .
›
Pull the light switch to position
1
.
The front fog light is switched off in the reverse order.
The warning light 
» page 34 illuminates in the instrument cluster when the
fog lights are switched on.
Fog lights with CORNER function
Read and observe
on page 58 first.
The CORNER function lights the front fog lamp on each side of the vehicle to
illuminate the area around the vehicle when turning, parking, etc.
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 or the light switch is in the position  and
the low beam is switched on.
The daytime running lights are not switched on.
The fog lights are not switched on.
Note
The two fog lights are switched on when you shift into the reverse gear.
Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 58 first.
Switching on/off
›
Turn the light switch to position  or

» Fig. 42 on page 61 .
›
Pull the light switch to position
2
.
The rear fog light is switched off in the reverse order.
The warning light 
» page 34 illuminates in the instrument cluster when the
rear fog light is switched on.
If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights, the rear fog light is switched on by
pulling out the light switch directly to the only possible setting.
Only the rear fog light on the trailer illuminates if the vehicle has a factory-fit-
ted towing device or a towing device from ŠKODA original accessories and it is
driven with a trailer.
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.
61Lights and visibility

Retraction and economical driving
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving in
111
Tips for economical driving
111
The fuel consumption, degree of pollution and vehicle wear depend on driving
style, road condition, weather conditions and the like.
Driving in
Driving in the engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 kilometres. During this peri-
od, the driving style decides on the quality of the driving-in process.
During the first 1,000 km ,we recommend not driving faster than 3/4 of the
maximum permissible engine speed, not to drive at full throttle and not to use
a trailer.
In the range of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres, the engine load can be increased up
to the maximum permitted engine speed.
New tyres
New tyres must firstly be “run in”, as they do not offer optimal grip at first.
Therefore, drive with special care for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
New brake pads have to first “grind in” because these do not initially have the best possible braking effect.
Therefore, drive with special care for the first 200 km or so.
Tips for economical driving
To achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption, the following instructions
must be observed.
Looking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Change gear in an energy saving and timely manner
Observe the recommended gear » page 43.
Avoid full throttle and high speeds
Fuel consumption will be halved if you drive at only 3/4 of the possible top
speed of your vehicle.
Reducing idling
When the engine is switched off, such as when waiting in a traffic jam, the fuel
economy is already greater after 30 - 40 s than the fuel quantity which is re-
quired for engine re-start.
Avoid short distances
When driving a short distance of less than about 4 km, the engine cannot
reach its operating temperature. As long as the engine has not reached oper-
ating temperature, the fuel consumption is significantly higher than with the
engine hot.
Pay attention to the correct tyre inflation pressure being maintained
Further information » page 153.
Avoid unnecessary ballast
Per 100 kg of weight, consumption increases by about 1 l/100 km. At a speed of
100-120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member without a load
will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased aerodynamic
drag.
Saving electricity
Electrical consumers (e.g. seat heating, air conditioning and the like) should
only be turned on for as long as necessary.
Driving through water and driving off made-up roads
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving through water
112
Driving off paved roads
112WARNINGImmediately after driving through water, mud, slush and the like, braking
effectiveness will be temporarily impaired » page 106, Information on brak-
ing . For this reason, sudden and violent braking manoeuvres are to be avoi-
ded - there is a risk of accident!111Starting-off and Driving

NoteFor vehicles without stabilization control (ESC), during a TCS intervention the
control indicator blinks in the instrument cluster.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Read and observe
on page 113 first.
EDL prevents the turning of the respective wheel of the driven axle. EDL
brakes the spinning wheel, if necessary, and transmits the driving force to the
other driving wheel. Driving becomes easier on road surfaces with different
traction under each wheel of the driven axle.
The EDL switches off automatically in order to avoid excessive heat generation
on the brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven
and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. Once the
brakes have cooled down, there is an automatic re-activation of EDL.
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
Read and observe
on page 113 first.
The HBA increases the braking effect and helps to reduce the braking dis-
tance.
The HBA is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. In order to
achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be ap-
plied firmly until the vehicle has come to a standstill.
The HBA function is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is re-
leased.
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
Read and observe
on page 113 first.
When driving on slopes, HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake ped-al to the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator ped-
al. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
The HHC is active from a 5% slope if the driver's door is closed. HHC is always
only active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off.
Parking aid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
115
Activation/deactivation
115
The parking aid (hereinafter referred to only as a system) draws attention via
acoustic signals and an indication in the radio or navigation display when ma-
noeuvring around obstacles in the vicinity of the vehicle.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the
bumper and an obstacle. The ultrasonic sensors are integrated in the rear
bumper » Fig. 106 on page 115 .
WARNING■
The system only serves as an assistance and does not relieve the driver
of the responsibility for the vehicle operation.■
Moving persons or objects may not be recognised by the system sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the system signals. For this reason, such people or
objects may not be recognised by the system sensors.
■
External noise sources may affect the signals of the system sensors. Un-
der adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people to be not recog-
nised by the system.
■
Before reversing, you should make sure that there are no small obstacles,
such as rocks, thin posts, trailer draw-bars etc. behind your vehicle. Such
obstacles may not be recognised by the system sensors.
CAUTION
■ Keep the system sensors clean, snow-and ice-free and do not cover with any
objects of any kind, otherwise the system functioning may be impaired.■
Under adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, water vapour, very low or
high temperatures etc.), the system function may be limited - “incorrect recog-
nition of obstacle”.
■
Additionally installed accessories such as e.g. bicycle carriers can impair the
system function.
114Driving

FunctionFig. 106
Location of the sensors / range of the sensors
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
Approximate range of sensors
Area » Fig. 106Distance behind the vehicle (in cm)A160B60
Acoustic signals and display
The interval between the acoustic signals becomes shorter as the clearance is
reduced. A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm - danger
area. From this moment on, do not continue reversing!
Description of the indications in the radio or navigation system display, » the
radio instruction manual, navigation system user guide.
Activation/deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
The system is activated automatically by engaging the reverse gear. This is
confirmed by a brief audible signal.
The system is deactivated by disengaging reverse gear.
Displaying an error
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. Seek help
from a specialist garage.
NoteFor vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the system cannot be activa-
ted when towing a trailer.
Cruise Control System
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Functioning
115
Operating Description
116
The Cruise Control System (CCS) maintains a set speed without you having to
actuate the accelerator pedal.
The status where the CCS maintains the speed is referred to hereinafter as the
control .
WARNING■
The CCS only serves as an assistance and does not relieve the driver of
the responsibility for the vehicle operation.■
Always adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weath-
er, road and traffic conditions.
Functioning
Read and observe
on page 115 first.
Basic requirements for starting the control The CCS is activated.
On vehicles with a manual transmission , the second gear or higher must
be engaged.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission , the selector lever must be in
the D, S position or in the Tiptronic position.
The current speed must be higher than 20 km/hr.
This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output
and braking power of the engine.
WARNINGIf the engine power and engine braking effect is insufficient to maintain
the set speed, vehicle operation must be taken over!115Assist systems

Operating conditions of the systemFig. 108
MAXI DOT display: Engine is au-
tomatically switched off / auto-
matic engine cut off is not possi-
ble
Read and observe on page 116 first.
For system-dependent automatic engine shutdown
to work, the following conditions must be met.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The bonnet is closed.
The driving speed was higher than 4 km/h after the last stop.
No trailer is coupled.
Some additional conditions for the system to function correctly cannot be in-
fluenced or recognised by the driver. Therefore, the system can react differ-
ently in situations which are identical from the driver's perspective.
If after stopping the car, the message START-STOP NOT POSSIBLE appears in
the segment display or the MAXI DOT display shows the 
» Fig. 108 warning
sign, then the conditions for automatic engine shut-down are not being met.
Running the engine e.g. is essential for the following reasons.
› The engine temperature for the proper function of the system has not yet
been reached.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The current consumption is too high.
› High air-conditioning or heating capacity (high fan speed, big difference be-
tween the desired and actual interior temperature).
Note■ If the vehicle remains outdoors for a long time in minus temperatures or in
direct sunlight, it can take several hours until the internal temperature of the
vehicle battery reaches a suitable temperature for proper operation of the
START STOP system.■
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than approx. 30 seconds or the
driver's door is opened during stop mode, the engine will have to be started
manually.
■
After the manual engine start and with a manual gearbox the automatic en-
gine shutdown can take place only when a minimum distance required for the
system function has been covered.
Operation in vehicles with manual gearbox
Read and observe
on page 116 first.
In compliance with the operating conditions, automatic engine shutdown / au-
tomatic engine start takes place as described.
Automatic engine shutdown
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Put the gear stick into Neutral.
›
Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic engine shut-down takes place, segment display shows START-
STOP ACTIVE or the MAXI DOT display shows the warning sign

» Fig. 108 on
page 117 .
Automatic engine start
›
Depress the clutch pedal.
The automatic start procedure takes place again.
Operation in vehicles with automatic gearbox
Read and observe
on page 116 first.
In compliance with the operating conditions, automatic engine shutdown / au-
tomatic engine start takes place as described.
Automatic engine shutdown
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal. 
117Assist systems

Hitch and trailer
Hitch
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
120
Adjusting the ready position
121
A correctly set ready position
121
Assembling the bar ball - 1. Step
122
Assembling the bar ball - 2. Step
122
Check proper fitting
123
Removing the bar ball - 1. Step
123
Removing the bar ball - 2. Step
123
Accessories
124
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 ball head, if it is not correctly inserted into the mounting
recess and secured.
■
Do not use the towing equipment if it is damaged or incomplete.
■
Do not modify or adapt the towing device in any way.
■
Never release the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing equipment clean at all times.
Such dirt prevents the ball head from being attached securely.
CAUTION
■ Take care with the ball bar - there is a risk of paint damage to the bumper.■When the tow bar is removed always place the cover onto the mounting re-
cess - there is a danger of soiling the mounting recess.
Note
■ Operation and maintenance of hitch » page 135.■Tow the vehicle by means of the detachable ball rod » page 169.DescriptionFig. 111
Carrier for the towing device / tow bar
Read and observe
and on page 120 first.
The ball head can be removed and is kept in the spare wheel well or in a com-
partment for the spare wheel in the luggage compartment.
Support for the towing device and tow bar » Fig. 111
Cap
Mounting recess
Protective cap
Locking ball
Centring
Hand wheel
Key
Lock cap
Red marking on the hand wheel
Ball head
Green marking on the hand wheel
White marking on ball head
Note
On the bottom of the key is a code number. If you lose a key, please contact a
specialist garage which will be able to use this code number to provide you
with a new one.123456789101112120Driving

Adjusting the ready positionFig. 112
Remove cap from the lock / insert key into the lock
Fig. 113
Setting the ready position
Read and observe
and on page 120 first.
The tow bar must be set prior to installation to the standby posi-
tion » page 121 , A correctly set ready position .
If this is not in the ready position, then this must be set to the standby posi- tion as follows.
›
Grip the tow bar below the protective cap.
›
Remove the cover
A
from the lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 112 .
›
Insert the key into the lock
B
in the direction of arrow
2,
so that the arrow
on the key symbol 
shows.
›
Turn the key
B
to the stop in the direction of arrow
3,
so that the arrow on
the key symbol 
» Fig. 113 shows.
›
Pull the hand wheel
C
in the direction of the arrow
4
and turn in the direc-
tion of the arrow
5
to the stop.
The hand wheel C remains locked in this position.WARNINGIf the tow bar cannot be correctly placed in the ready position, then it must
not be used.
A correctly set ready position
Fig. 114
Ready position
Read and observe
and on page 120 first.
Correctly adjusted standby position » Fig. 114
The key
A
is in the unlocked position - the arrow on the key points to the
symbol 
.
The locking ball
B
can be pushed fully into the tow bar.
The red marking
C
on the hand wheel points to the white marking on the
ball bar.
There is a clear gap of approx. 4 mm
D
between the hand wheel and the
tow bar.
The ball bar is thus set ready for installation.
CAUTION
When in the ready position, the key cannot be removed from the lock.121Hitch and trailer