2012 SKODA RAPID trailer

Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail-
er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking. On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to
also use the engine as a brake.
Trailer is connected to the anti-theft alarm system.
› If the vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing de-
vice.
› If the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the trail-
er socket.
› If the electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is fully functional.
› If the vehicle is locked with the car key and the anti-theft alarm system is acti-
vated.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated as soon as the electrical con-
nection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always deactivate the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is connected/dis-
connected. Otherwise, the anti-theft alarm system could accidentally be trig-
gered » page 29, Anti-theft alarm system .
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area
or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately. Stop and
switch off the engine if the warning light  in the instrument cluster starts to
flash. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion
bottle » page 130, Checking the coolant level .
The following guidelines must be observed » page 19, Coolant temperature/cool-
ant level   .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. WARNING
■ Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic sit-
uation.
■ Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer and
cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well as acci-
dents and severe injuries.
■ Any work on the electrical system must be carried out only by ŠKODA spe-
cialist garages.
■ Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical con-
nections for the tail lights or other current sources. CAUTION
■ Avoid abrupt and sudden driving/braking manoeuvres.
■ When the ball rod is removed, the mounting shaft must be sealed with an ap-
propriate cover. This prevents foreign matter from penetrating into the mounting
shaft. See the fitting instructions for the towing device. Note
■ We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service in-
tervals if you tow a trailer frequently. ■ The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.
■ For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system. Ð
116 Driving Tips

Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical. ÐChecking the engine oil level
Fig. 99
Dipstick
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine
» Fig. 99.
Checking the oil level
› Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has
reached its operating temperature.
› Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet.
› Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil sump and remove
the dipstick.
› Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
› Then pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
Oil level within range A
›
No oil must be refilled.
Oil level within range B
›
Oil can
be refilled. It is possible that the oil level may then be within range A
after doing this.
Oil level within range C
›
Oil must be refilled. It is sufficient, once this is done, to keep the oil level within
range B
.
ä
It is normal for the engine to consume oil. The oil consumption may be as much as
0.5 l/1 000

km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which
you operate your vehicle. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during the
first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably every time
after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range A
, but not above
, if
the engine has been operating at high loads, for example, during a lengthy motor-
way trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high moun-
tain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil level is
too low » page 18 , Engine oil   . In this case, check the oil level with the dip-
stick, as soon as possible. Add oil accordingly. CAUTION
■ The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range A
» Fig. 99
. Risk of
damaging the exhaust system!
■ If it is not possible to top up the engine oil under the prevailing conditions,  do
not continue your journey! Switch off the engine and obtain professional assis-
tance from a ŠKODA specialist garage, otherwise it could cause severe engine
damage. Note
Engine oil specifications » page 166 , Specifications and engine oil capacity .Ð Replenishing the engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
›
Check the engine oil level
» page 129.
› Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
› Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct specifi-
cations » page 166 , Specifications and engine oil capacity .
› Check the oil level
» page 129.
› Carefully screw on the oil filler opening cap and push the dipstick in fully. Ð
ä
129
Inspecting and replenishing

Full wheel trim
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
Pulling off
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge of the
wheel trim.
› Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off the
wheel trim.
Install
› First press the full wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the valve opening provided.
Then press the full wheel trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference
locks correctly in place. CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand, do not knock the full wheel trim! Heavy knocks
mainly on the points where the full wheel trim has not been inserted into the
wheel, can result in damage to the guide and centring elements of the full wheel
trim.
■ First of all check that the theft-deterrent wheel bolt is located in the hole near
the valve before fitting the full wheel trim onto a steel wheel which is attached
with a theft-deterrent wheel bolt » page 149, Securing wheels against theft .
■ If wheel trims are retrofitted it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air is
assured to cool the brake system. ÐWheel bolts
Fig. 108
Remove the cap
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
Pulling off
›
Push the plastic clip sufficiently far onto the cap until the inner catches of the
clip are positioned at the collar of the cap and detach the cap » Fig. 108.
Install
› Push the caps onto the wheel bolts up to the stop.
The wheel bolt caps are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the stor-
age space for the spare wheel. Ð Tyre control display
Fig. 109
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
The tyre control display compares the speed and thus the rolling circumference of
the individual wheels with the help of the ABS sensors. If the rolling circumfer-
ence of a wheel is changed, the warning light
 in the instrument clus-
ter » page 22, Tyre control display  and an audible signal sounds.
The rolling circumference of the tyre can change if: › the tyre inflation pressure is too low;
› the structure of the tyre is damaged;
› the vehicle is loaded on one side;
› the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when
driving uphill or downhill);
› snow chains are mounted;
› the temporary spare wheel is mounted;
› one wheel per axle was changed.
£
ä
ä 141
Wheels and Tyres

The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack with sticker are housed in a plastic box in
the spare wheel or in the storage space for the spare wheel. There is also space
here for the removable ball rod for the trailer towing device. The box is attached
with a strap on the spare wheel.
The vehicle tool kit contains the following parts (depending on equipment fitted):
Screwdriver
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eye
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Car jack
Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps
Replacement bulb set
Before placing the lifting jack back into its storage area, screw in the arm of the
lifting jack fully. WARNING
■ The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift heavier vehicles or other loads – risk of
injury!
■ Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the boot. Note
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap. ÐChanging a wheel
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preliminary work 147
Changing a wheel 147
Subsequent steps 147
Loosening and tightening wheel bolts 1481
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 Raising the vehicle 148
Securing wheels against theft 149
WARNING
■ If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and
set up the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal re-
quirements must be observed. In this way you are not only protecting yourself
but other road users as well.
■ If the wheel is damaged or in the event of a puncture, park the vehicle as far
away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as flat and firm a surface as
possible. ■ If the wheel has to be changed on a slope, first of all block the opposite
wheel with a stone or similar object to prevent the vehicle from unexpectedly
rolling away.
■ If the vehicle is subsequently fitted with tyres which are different to those it
was fitted with at the works, follow these guidelines » page 139, New wheels
and tyres .
■ Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■ Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs under the vehicle, while
the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack. ■ Secure the base plate of the lifting jack with suitable means to prevent pos-
sible moving. A soft and slippery ground under the base plate may move the
lifting jack, causing the vehicle to fall down. It is therefore always necessary to
place the lifting jack on a solid surface or use a wide and stable base. Use a
non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat) if the surface is smooth, such as cobbled
stones, tiled floor, etc. ■ Never start the engine with the vehicle sitting on the raised jack – danger of
suffering injury.
■ Only attach the lifting jack to the attachment points provided for this pur-
pose. CAUTION
■ The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120
Nm.
■ If the anti-theft wheel bolt is fastened too tightly, it can cause damage to the
anti-theft wheel bolt and adapter. £
146 Do-it-yourself

Note
■ The anti-theft wheel bolt set and adapter can be purchased from a ŠKODA Serv-
ice Partner. ■ The national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel. ÐPreliminary work
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 146.
The following steps must be carried out before actually changing the wheel:
›
In the event of a puncture, park the vehicle as far away as possible from the
flow of traffic. The place you choose should be level.
› Let all of the occupants get out.
While changing a tyre, the occupants of the
vehicle should not stand on the road (instead they should remain behind a crash
barrier).
› Switch off the engine and move the gearshift lever into
Neutral or move the
selector lever
for the automatic gearbox into position P .
› Firmly apply the
handbrake.
› If a trailer is connected, remove it.
› Remove the vehicle tool kit
» page 145 and the spare wheel » page 140, Spare
wheel from the boot. ÐChanging a wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 146.
Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
›
Remove the full wheel trim
» page 141 or caps » page 141.
› First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 148.
› Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 148.
› Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
› Remove the wheel.
› Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
› Lower the vehicle.
› Alternately tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel
wrench (crosswise) and then tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt » page 148.
ä
ä
›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps. Note
■ All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.
■ Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!
■ When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect »
page 140 , Unidirectional tyres . Ð Subsequent steps
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 146.
The following steps must also be performed after changing the wheel.
›
Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special
screw » page 140, Spare wheel.
› Stow the vehicle tool kit in the space provided.
› Check
the tyre pressure
on the installed spare wheel as soon as possible.
› Have the
tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible.
› Change the damaged wheel or consult a ŠKODA specialist garage about repair
possibilities. Note
■ If it is determined that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing the wheel, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening
torque. ■ Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque has
been checked. Ð
ä
147
Do-it-yourself

WARNING (Continued)
■ Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
■ Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
■ Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes!
■ The sealant is hazardous to heath. Remove immediately if it comes into con-
tact with the skin. For the sake of the environment
Used sealant or sealant whose expiry date has passed must be disposed of in ac-
cordance with environmental protection regulations. Note
■ Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the breakdown kit.
■ A new bottle of sealant can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
■ Immediately replace the wheel that was repaired using the breakdown kit or
consult a ŠKODA specialist garage about repair possibilities. ÐComponents of the breakdown kit
Fig. 116
Components of the breakdown kit
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 149.
ä The breakdown kit contains the following parts:
Valve remover
Sticker with speed designation

“max. 80 km/h”/“max. 50 mph”
Inflation hose with plug
Air compressor
Tyre inflation hose
Tyre inflation pressure indicator
Air release valve
ON and OFF switch
12 volt cable connector
Tyre inflator bottle with sealing agent
Replacement valve core
The valve remover 1
has a slot at its lower end which fits into the valve core.
This is the only way in which you can remove and re-install the valve core from
the tyre valve. The same also applies to the replacement valve core 11
.
Ð Preparing to use the breakdown kit
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 149.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the breakdown
kit.
›
In the event of a puncture, park the vehicle as far away as possible from the
flow of traffic. Park on as flat and firm a surface as possible.
› Let all of the occupants get out.
While changing a tyre, the occupants of the
vehicle should not stand on the road (instead they should remain behind a crash
barrier).
› Switch off the engine and move the gearshift lever into
Neutral or move the
selector lever
for the automatic gearbox into position P .
› Firmly apply the
handbrake.
› Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit
» page 149.
› If a trailer is connected, remove it.
› Remove the breakdown kit
from the boot.
› Stick the sticker 2
»
Fig. 116
on page 150 on the dash panel in view of the driv-
er.
› Do not remove the foreign body, e.g. screw or nail, from the tyre.
› Unscrew the valve cap.
£ 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
ä
150 Do-it-yourself

CAUTION
■ Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage or destroy the catalytic converter. The bat-
tery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 152, Jump-start-
ing .
■ If the gearbox of your vehicle no longer contains any oil because of a defect,
your vehicle must only be towed in with the driven wheels raised clear of the
ground, or on a special vehicle transporter or trailer.
■ The vehicle must be transported on a special vehicle or trailer if it is not possible
to tow in the vehicle in the way described or if the towing distance is greater than
50 km. ■ To protect both vehicles when tow-starting or towing, the tow rope should be
elastic. Thus one should only use plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a simi-
larly elastic material.
■ One should be constantly vigilant not to allow impermissibly high towing forces
or jerky loadings. There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage result-
ing 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.
■ Attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing eyes or to the detachable ball
head of the towing device » page 154 or »
page 155. Note
■ We recommend using a tow rope from
ŠKODA Original Accessories available
from a ŠKODA Service Partner. ■ 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 in another vehicle or to be towed in. ■ When towing, respect the national legal provisions, especially those which re-
late to the identification of the towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed. ■ The tow rope must not be twisted as it may in certain circumstances result in
the front towing eye being unscrewed out of your vehicle. Ð Front towing eye
Fig. 119
Front bumper: Cap/installing the towing eye
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 153.
Removing and installing the cap
› Press on the left half of the cap in the area of the arrow
» Fig. 119 - .
› Remove the cap from the front bumper.
› After screwing out the towing eye, reinstall the cap by inserting it in the
mounts and pressing on the right side of the cap. The cap must engage firmly.
Removing and installing the towing eye
› Screw in the towing eye by hand to the left up to the stop
» Fig. 119 - .
For tightening purposes, we recommend, for example, using the wheel wrench,
towing eye from another vehicle or a similar object that can be pushed through
the eye.
› Screw out the towing eye by turning it to the right. CAUTION
The towing eye must always be screwed in fully and firmly tightened, otherwise
the towing eye can tear when towing in or tow-starting. Ð
ä
154 Do-it-yourself

Fuses in the dash panel
Fig. 121
Underside of the dash panel:
Distribution board cover. Fig. 122
Schematic representation of the fuse box for vehicles with left-
hand steering/right-hand steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 156.
The fuses are located underneath a cover below the steering wheel.
› Carefully remove the cover in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 121.
› After the fuse has been replaced, replace the cover in the dash panel in the op-
posite direction of the arrow so that the guide lugs are guided into the open-
ings of the dash panel. Close the cover until it clicks into place.
Fuse assignment in the dash panel No. Power consumer
1 S-contact
2 START - STOP ä No. Power consumer
3 Instrument cluster, headlight range adjustment, telephone, oil level
sensor
4 Electronic control unit for ABS/ESC 5 Petrol engine: Speed regulating system
6 Reversing light (manual gearbox) 7 Ignition, engine control unit, automatic gearbox
8 Brake pedal switch, clutch switch, engine cooling fan
9 Operating controls for the heating, electronic control unit for air condi-
tioning system, park distance control, window lift, engine cooling fan,
washing nozzles
10 DC-DC converter 11 Mirror adjustment
12 Control unit for trailer detection
13 Electronic control unit for automatic gearbox, selector lever of the au-
tomatic gearbox
14 Lights and visibility 15 Not assigned
16 Power steering, speedometer, engine control unit 17 Radio (START-STOP), separate daytime running lights
18 Mirror heater 19 Ignition lock input
20 Engine control unit, electronic control unit for fuel pump, fuel pump
21 Reversing lamp (automatic gearbox), fog lights with the function
CORNER
22 Operating controls for the heating, electronic control unit for air condi-
tioning system, telephone, instrument cluster, steering angle sender,
multi-function steering wheel, ignition key removal lock
23 Interior lighting, storage compartment and luggage compartment, side
lights
24 Central control unit 25 Not assigned
26 Rear window wiper 27 Not assigned
28 Petrol engine: Purge valve, PTC heater £ 157
Fuses and light bulbs