2012 SKODA RAPID check engine light

Changing engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or
according to the service interval indicator
» page 10, Service Interval Display.CAUTION
Additives must not be added to the engine oil – risk of causing considerable dam-
age to parts of the engine! Damage, which results from such product, are exclu-
ded from the warranty. Note
If your skin has come into contact with oil, it must be washed thoroughly. ÐCoolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
The cooling system is filled with a coolant in the factory.
The coolant consists of water with a concentration of coolant additive of 40 %.
This mixture provides antifreeze protection down to -25
°C and also protects the
cooling and heating system from corrosion. It also prevents the formation of scale
and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant.
The concentration of coolant must therefore not be reduced by adding water dur-
ing the summer months or in countries with a warm climate. The concentration of
coolant additive in the coolant must be at least 40 %.
If a higher concentration of antifreeze is required for climatic reasons, the amount
of coolant additive can only be increased up to 60 % (antifreeze protection down
to approx. -40 °C). The antifreeze protection tails off above that concentration.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate are already factory-filled with a
coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35 °C. In these coun-
tries the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 50 %.
When refilling, we only recommend you use the same antifreeze written on the
antifreeze expansion tank » Fig. 100 on page 130.
ä
ä Coolant capacity
Petrol engines Capacities (in litres)
1.2 ltr./55 kW MPI 4.2
1.2 ltr./63 kW TSI 7.0
1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI 7.0
1.4 ltr./90 kW TSI 7.0 Diesel engine
Capacities (in litres)
1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR 6.5 CAUTION
■ Other coolant additives that do not comply with the correct specifications can
above all significantly reduce the anticorrosion effect.
■ Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can conse-
quently result in major engine damage! Ð Checking the coolant level
Fig. 100
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet
» page 128.
› Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
» Fig. 100. The cool-
ant level when the engine is cold must lie between the B
(MIN) and A
(MAX)
markings. The level may also rise slightly above the A
(MAX) marking when the
engine is warm. £
ä
130 General Maintenance

If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning light
 lighting up in the instrument cluster » page 19, Coolant tem-
perature/coolant level  . We still recommend inspecting the coolant level di-
rectly at the reservoir from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a
ŠKODA spe-
cialist garage immediately. CAUTION
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a ŠKODA Service
Partner immediately, otherwise serious engine damage may occur. ÐReplenishing the coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Allow the engine to cool.
› Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 100 on
page 130 and unscrew the cap carefully.
› Replenish the coolant.
› Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an
emergency. In this case, just use water and have the correct mixing ratio of water
and the coolant additive restored by a ŠKODA

specialist garage as soon as possi-
ble.
Only use new coolant to top up the system.
Do not fill the coolant above the mark A
(max.)
» Fig. 100 on page 130! Excess
coolant heats up and then is forced out of the cooling system through the pres-
sure relief valve in the cap. ä WARNING
■ The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to health.
Therefore always safely store the coolant additive in its original container out
of the reach of children – risk of poisoning!
■ If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible. ■ You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently
swallowed coolant. CAUTION
Do not continue your journey, if it is not possible  to top up the coolant under
the prevailing conditions . Contact a

ŠKODA Service Partner to avoid the risk of
serious engine. Ð Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the
coolant temperature.
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
Ð
ä
131
Inspecting and replenishing

Checking the brake fluid
Fig. 101
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet
» page 128.
› Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir
» Fig. 101. The level must be be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
When driving, a slight drop in the fluid level is caused by the wear-and-tear and
automatic adjustment of the brake pads, and is therefore perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking. If
the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light  lighting up
in the instrument cluster » page 17, Brake system . WARNING
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking,  do not continue your
journey – risk of accident! Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.ÐBrake fluid change
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.ä
ä Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment. Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in
the brake system. The water content also lowers the boiling point of the brake
fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications:
› VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4. WARNING
Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes because of the
formation of vapour bubbles in the brake system. This greatly impairs the
braking efficiency and thus also the safety of your vehicle. CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle. Ð Windscreen washer system
Fig. 102
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the wind-
screen or rear window and for the headlight cleaning system. The windscreen
washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3.5 litres or about 5.4

litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system. £
ä
132 General Maintenance

Checking the battery electrolyte level
Fig. 104
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage from time to time, especially in the following cases.
› High outside temperatures.
› Long daily drives
› After each charge
» page 135.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 104 , the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
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. Note
■ The battery electrolyte level is periodically checked by a ŠKODA Service Partner
as part of the Inspection Service. ■ For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked. ■ Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start. Ð
ä Operation in winter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
At low temperatures, the vehicle battery only has part of the initial power output
that it has at normal temperatures.
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, re-
charged by a ŠKODA Service Partner before the start of the winter. Ð Charging a vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
› Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
› Only for “quick-charging”: Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”,
then
“positive”).
› Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“posi-
tive
”, black = “negative”).
› Only now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch
on the device.
› When charging is completed: Switch off the charger and remove the mains ca-
ble from the power socket.
› Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
› Reconnect the cables to the battery, if necessary (first of all
“positive”, then
“negative
”).
It is not normally necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you re-
charge the vehicle battery using low amperages (as 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 lower)
must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery
with high amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”. £
ä
ä
135
Inspecting and replenishing

“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is
dangerous and requires a special charger
and specialist knowledge. We therefore recommend having the quick charging of
vehicle batteries undertaken by a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging. 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 153, Jump-starting in vehicles with the

START-STOP
system . ÐDisconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
On disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery the following functions
are initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free:
Operation Operating measure
Enter the radio/navigation system code num-
ber » User manual of the radio
or » user manual of the naviga-
tion system
Setting the clock » page 11
Data in the multifunction display are deleted. » page 11Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a ŠKODA Service Partner to ensure
the full functionality of all electrical systems. ÐReplacing the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
When replacing a battery, the new vehicle battery must have the same capacity,
voltage, amperage and be the same size. Suitable types of vehicle batteries can
be purchased from a

ŠKODA Service Partner.
ä
ä We recommend that the battery is replaced by a ŠKODA Service Partner, where
the new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be
disposed of in accordance with national regulations.
Ð Automatic load deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
An intelligent vehicle power management system automatically takes various
measures at high loads on the vehicle battery to prevent discharging of the bat-
tery: This manifests itself by the following:
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where appropriate large consumers of power, e.g. seat heaters, rear window
heaters, voltage supply to the 12V power socket, have their power limited or in
case of emergency shut off completely. Note
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 lon-
ger parking. Driving comfort is not put at risk by any shutting off of consumers.
Often the driver is not aware of it having taken place. Ð ä
136 General Maintenance

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

Fuses and light bulbs
Fuses
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Fuses in the dash panel 157
Fuses in the engine compartment 158
Replacing the fuses in the engine compartment 159
Individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses.
› Before replacing a fuse, switch off the ignition and the appropriate consumer
› Find out which fuse belongs to the component that is not operat-
ing » page 157 , Fuses in the dash panel or » page 159 , Replacing the fuses in
the engine compartment .
› Take the plastic clip out of its fixture in the cover of the fuse box, place it on the
relevant fuse and pull it out.
› A blown fuses is recognisable by the molten metal strip. Replace the faulty fuse
with a new one of the
same amperage.
Colour coding of fuses Colour Maximum amperage
light brown 5
dark brown 7.5
red 10
blue 15
yellow 20
white 25
green 30WARNING
Always read and observe the warnings before completing any work in the en-
gine compartment » page 126, Engine compartment . CAUTION
■ Never “repair” fuses and also do not replace them with a fuse of a higher am-
perage - risk of fire! This may also cause damage at another part of the electrical
system.
■ Have the electrical system checked as quickly as possible by a ŠKODA specialist
garage if a newly inserted fuse blows again after a short time. Note
■ We recommend always carrying replacement fuses in the vehicle. A box of re-
placement fuses can be purchased from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
■ Multiple fuses may exist for a single power consuming device.
■ Multiple power consuming devices can share a single fuse. Ð
156 Do-it-yourself

Index
A
ABS 73
Warning light 20
Accessories 144
Adjusting Exterior mirror 42
Adjusting seats 92
Adjustment Seat 45
Aerial 118
see Radio reception 120
Airbag 99
Deployment 99
Front airbag 100
Head airbag 102
Side airbag 101
Airbag system 99
Air conditioning system Air outlet vents 60
Climatronic 65
Manual air conditioning system 62
Alarm 29
Anti-theft alarm system 29
Antilock brake system 73
Armrest 45
rear 48
Ashtray 53
ASR 73
Assist systems ABS 20, 73
ASR 73
Cruise control systems (CCS) 75
EDL 73
ESC 19, 72
Parking aid 74START/STOP 77
TCS 20
Auto Check Control 16
Automatic gearbox 79
Dynamic shift programme 82
Emergency programme 82
Information for driving 79
Kickdown 82
Manual shifting of gears 81
Parking 80
Selector lever-emergency unlocking 83
Selector lever lock 81
Selector lever positions 80
Starting off 80
Stopping 80
Tiptronic 81
Automatic load deactivation 136
AUX-IN 90
Avoiding damage to your vehicle 113
B
Before setting off 91
Belts 95
Belt tensioners 98
Bonnet Closing 128
Opening 128
Boot Class
N1 vehicles 49
Cover 50
Emergency unlocking 31
Fastening elements 49
Fixing nets 50
Hooks 50
Light 49
see Boot lid 31
Unlocking the boot lid 31
Boot lid 31
Automatic locking 31
Brake assist 72Brake booster 72
Brake fluid Checking 132
Brakes Brake booster 72
Handbrake 72
Running in 109
Warning light 17
Braking Brake fluid 132
Breakdown kit 149
Bulbs Replacing 159
Button in the driver's door Electrical power windows 31
C
Car computer see Multifunction display 11
Car jack 145
Carrier 51
Catalytic converter 109
Central locking button 27
Central locking system 25
lock 27
unlock 26
Changes 144
Changing Engine oil 130
Wheel 146
Charging a vehicle battery 135
Checking Battery electrolyte level 135
Brake fluid 132
Coolant level 130
Engine oil 129
Oil level 129
Windscreen washer fluid 132
Children and safety 105
170 Index