2012 SKODA RAPID display

Glow plug system 
(diesel engine)
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine can be started immediately after the pre-glow warning light goes out.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light  does not come on
at all or lights up continuously .
If the warning light  begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐEPC 
fault light (petrol engine)
If the warning light 

 lights up, there is a fault in the engine control. The engine
control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐDiesel particulate filter 
(diesel engine)
The diesel particulate filter separates the soot particles from the exhaust. The
soot particles collect in the diesel particulate filter where they are burnt on a reg-
ular basis.
If the warning light  lights up, soot has accumulated in the diesel particulate
filter.
To clean the diesel particle filter, the vehicle should be driven at an even speed of
at least 60 km/h » at engine speeds of 1 800 – 2 500 rpm for at least 15 mi-
nutes or until the warning light goes out with the 4th or 5th
gear engaged (auto-
matic gearbox: position S) when the traffic situation permits it.
The warning light  only goes out after the diesel particulate filter has been
successfully cleaned.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light  does not go out and the
warning light  begins to flash.
The following is displayed in the information display: Diesel particulate filter: Owner's manual! The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode. After
switching the ignition off and on again the indicator light, the indicator light

also lights up.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ The diesel particle filter achieves very high temperatures. Therefore do not
park in areas where the hot filter can come into direct contact with dry grass
or other combustible materials – risk of fire!
■ Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The recommendations indicated by the warning light must not tempt
you to disregard the national regulations for road traffic. CAUTION
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an in-
creased fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the
engine. Note
■ To assist the combustion process of the soot particles, we recommend that reg-
ularly driving over short distances should be avoided. ■ Using diesel fuel with an increased sulphur content can considerably reduce the
life of the diesel particle filter. A
ŠKODA specialist garage will be able to tell you
which countries use only diesel fuel with high sulphur content. Ð Fuel reserve 
The indicator light  will come on if the fuel level is less than 7 litres.
The following is displayed in the information display: Please refuel! Range ...

km Note
The text in the information display goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance. Ð
21
Instruments and Indicator Lights

Airbag system 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the airbag system.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Airbag
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using the
vehicle system tester:
› The indicator light
 lights up for around
4 seconds after the ignition is switch-
ed on and then flashes for around 12 seconds.
The following is displayed in the information display: Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated!
If the airbag was switched off using the key-operated switch on the side of the
dash panel on the passenger side:
› The indicator light
 comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› Airbags that are switched off are indicated in the middle of the dashboard by
the warning light
  in the display      » Fig. 86 on page 103. WARNING
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident. ÐTyre control display 
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres » page 137.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the system.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information »

page 141, Tyre control display . Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  illuminates after the ig-
nition is switched on. The warning light should go out after driving a short dis-
tance. Ð Windscreen washer fluid level 
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light  comes on. Top
up with liquid » page 132, Windscreen washer system.
The following is displayed in the information display: Top up wash fluid! Ð Turn signal system 

Either the left  or right  warning light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
If a turn signal light fails, 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.
Further information » page 36, Turn signal and main beam lever .Ð Fog lights 
The warning light  comes on when the fog lights are operating » page 35.Ð Speed regulating system 
The warning light  comes on when the cruise control is operating » page 75.Ð Selector lever lock 
If the warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, to be
able to move the selector lever from position P or N » page 81. Ð
22 Using the system

Note
■ Upon request you can have custom settings activated by a ŠKODA Service Part-
ner. ■ In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked in order to enable rescuers to gain access to the vehi-
cle. ■ Only the driver's door can be unlocked or locked using the key if the central
locking system fails » page 27. The other doors and the boot lid can be manually
locked or unlocked. ■ Emergency locking of the door »

page 30.
■ Emergency unlocking of the boot lid » page 31. ÐSafe securing system
The central locking system is equipped with a safe securing system. The door
locks are blocked automatically if the vehicle is locked from the outside. The
warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick succession, afterwards it be-
gins to flash evenly at longer intervals. It is not possible to open the doors with
the door handle either from the inside or from the outside. This acts as an effec-
tive deterrent for attempts to break into your vehicle.
The safe securing system can be deactivated within 2

seconds by double locking
the vehicle.
If the safe securing system is not operating, the warning light in the driver door
flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and starts to flash evenly at longer in-
tervals after about 30 seconds.
The safe securing system is activated again the next time the vehicle is unlocked
and locked.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system is deactivated, the door can
be opened from the inside by a single pull on opening lever of the respective
door. WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is acti-
vated, there must not be any person in the vehicle as it is then no longer pos-
sible to open either a door or a window from the inside. The locked doors
make it more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency –
hazard! Note
■ 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. ■ After locking the vehicle, you will be informed that the safe securing system is
activated by means of the message CHECK DEADLOCK on the instrument cluster
display. On vehicles that are equipped with an information display, the following
message will appear Check SAFELOCK! Owner's manual! Ð Unlocking the vehicle using the key
Fig. 10
Turning the key for unlocking
and locking the vehicle
› Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the direction of travel
(unlocking position) A
» Fig. 10
.
› Pull the door handle and open the door.
› All the doors (only the driver's door on vehicles with anti-theft alarm system)
are unlocked.
› The boot lid is then unlocked.
› The switched on interior lights come on over the door contact.
› The safe securing system is deactivated.
› The warning light in the driver door stops flashing if the car is not fitted with an
anti-theft alarm system
» page 29. Note
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system, you must insert the key
into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15 seconds after unlocking
the door in order to deactivate the anti-theft alarm system. The alarm is trig-
gered if the ignition is not switched on within 15 seconds. Ð
26 Using the system

Climatronic (automatic air conditioning system)
Introductory information
The Climatronic maintains fully automatically a convenience temperature. This is
achieved by automatically varying the temperature of the air flow, the blower
stages and air distribution. The system also takes sunlight into account, which
eliminates the need to alter the settings manually. The automatic
mode » page 66
ensures maximum well-being of the occupants at all times of
the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling system only operates if the following conditions are met:
› engine running;
› outside temperature above approx. +2 °C;
› AC 18
» Fig. 61 on page 65

switched on.
The AC compressor is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to pro-
vide cooling at a high load of the engine.
Recommended setting for all periods of the year.
› Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22 °C.
› Press the button
AUTO 12
» Fig. 61

on page 65.
› Move the air outlet vents
3 » page 60 and 4 so that the air flow is directed
slightly upwards.
Switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit
Press and hold the buttons AUTO and
AC » Fig. 61

on page 65 at the same time.
The information in the desired temperature measuring unit appears in the display. Note
We recommend that you have the Climatronic system cleaned by a ŠKODA spe-
cialist garage once every year. Ð Overview of the control elements
Fig. 61
Climatronic: Control elements
The buttons/control dial Setting the interior temperature
The displays Display of selected interior temperature
Degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit
Automatic air conditioning mode
De-mist or de-ice the windshield
Direction of air flow
Recirculated air mode
Cooling system on/off
Set blower speed
The buttons/control dial Setting the blower speed
Interior temperature sensor
Automatic mode
De-mist or de-ice the windshield
Air flow to the windows
Air flow to head
Air flow in the footwell £ 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
65
Heating and air conditioning system

Recirculated air mode
Switch cooling system on/off
Note
The interior temperature sensor 11
» Fig. 61
is located in the bottom part of the
device. Do not stick anything on or cover the sensor, otherwise it could have an
unfavourable effect on the Climatronic. ÐAutomatic mode
The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant temperature and to
demist the windows in the interior of the car.
Switching on
› Set a temperature between +18 °C and +29
℃.
› Move the air outlet vents
3 and 4 » Fig. 58 on page 60 so that the air flow is
directed slightly upwards.
› Press the button
AUTO 12
» Fig. 61 on page 65

; AUTO is shown in the display.
Automatic mode is switched off by pressing one of the buttons for the air distri-
bution or by increasing/decreasing the blower speed. The temperature is never-
theless regulated. ÐSetting temperature
› The required interior temperature can be set with the control dial 1
» Fig. 61
on page 65 after switching on the ignition.
The interior temperature can be set between +18 °C and +29 ℃. The interior tem-
perature is regulated automatically within this range. If you select the tempera-
ture below +18 ℃, “LO

” appears in the display. If you select the temperature high-
er than +29 ℃, “HI” appears in the display. In both limit positions the Climatronic
operates at maximum cooling or heating capacity, respectively. The temperature
is not controlled in this case.
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when getting
out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold. Ð17
18 Recirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
Switching on
› Press the button
 17
» Fig. 61 on page 65

; the symbol  appears in the dis-
play.
Switching off
› Press the button
 17
» Fig. 61 on page 65

again and the symbol  disap-
pears from the display. WARNING
Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Note
If recirculated air mode is switched on for around 15 minutes, the symbol  will
begin to flash in the display as a sign that the recirculated air mode is switched on
long-term. If the recirculated air mode is not switched off, the symbol flashes for
around 5 minutes. Ð Controlling blower
The Climatronic system controls the blower stages automatically in line with the
interior temperature. However, the blower stages can be manually adapted to
suit your particular needs.
› Turn the control dial 10
» Fig. 61 on page 65 to the left (reduce blower speed) or
right (increase blower speed).
If the blower is switched off, the Climatronic system is switched off. £
66 Using the system

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. Note
■ The engine can only be started with a genuine ŠKODA key with the matching
code. ■ The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem. ■ After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10
minutes.
■ If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel
pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace, if necessary » page 157,
Fuses in the dash panel

or seek assistance from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ We recommend locking the steering wheel
whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car. ÐAdjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 62
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering column/safe
distance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat
» page 44, Front seats.
› Pull the lever below the steering wheel down
» Fig. 62 – .
ä ›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
› Push the lever upwards to the stop. Ð Power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-
gine is not running (vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is
required to turn the steering wheel. Ð Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following is displayed in the information display: Immobilizer active. Ð
ä
ä
69
Starting-off and Driving

Shifting
Fig. 66
Gearshift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
Always depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gear, to prevent excessive
wear of the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 11.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on. WARNING
Never engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident! Note
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mecha-
nism to wear excessively. Ðpedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two correspond-
ing attachment points, may be used. Only use footmats from the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories, which are fitted
to two attachment points. WARNING
No objects are allowed in the driver's footwell – risk of obstruction or limita-
tion in operating the pedal! Ð Parking aid
Fig. 67
Parking aid: Range of sensors
The parking aid determines the distance between the rear bumper and an obsta-
cle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integrated in the rear
bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle
(area A
» Fig. 67). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as
the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area B
) – danger
area. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!
On vehicles with a factory-fitted radio or navigation system, the distance to the
obstacle is simultaneously graphically illustrated on the display, refer to the oper-
ating instructions for the radio or navigation system.
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the border of the danger area
starts (continuous tone) 5
cm further away from the vehicle. The length of the ve-
hicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing device.
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated
when towing a trailer. £
74 Using the system

START/STOP
Fig. 69
Dash panel: Button for the
START-STOP system
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights.
Information regarding the current state of the
START-STOP system is indicated in
the display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
› Take the vehicle out of gear.
› Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic renewed engine restart (start phase).
› Depress the clutch pedal.
Switching the
START-STOP system on and off
The START/STOP system can be switched on/off by pressing the button  » Fig. 69
.
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
If the vehicle is in the stop phase when manually switching off the system, the
engine starts immediately.
The

START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing. The general conditions for the proper functioning of the
START-STOP system are listed in the following overview. Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
› The clutch pedal is not depressed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The driver's door is closed.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The vehicle is at a standstill.
› The factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
› The engine is at operating temperature.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
› The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The engine speed is less than 1

200 rpm.
› The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
› There is sufficient pressure in the braking system.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
› The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
› No cleaning of the diesel particle filter takes place
» page 21.
› The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution).
Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase) › The clutch is depressed.
› The max./min. temperature is set.
› The defrost function for the windscreen is switched on.
› A high blower stage has been selected.
› The START STOP button is pressed.
Conditions for an automatic restart without driver intervention
› The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 3 km/h.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
too great.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is not sufficient.
› There is insufficient pressure in the braking system.
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's door is
opened during stop mode, the engine must be started manually with the key. The
following messages in the instrument cluster display must be observed. £
77
Starting-off and Driving