2012 SKODA RAPID gearbox

WARNING
■ In view of the high temperatures which can be produced in the catalytic con-
verter, the vehicle should be parked in such a way that the catalytic converter
cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials under the vehicle –
risk of fire!
■ Never use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields – risk of fire! CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and exhaust system. ■ Just filling the tank with leaded petrol once will damage the exhaust system! ÐEconomical and environmentally friendly driving
Introductory information
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
› your personal style of driving;
› the conditions under which your vehicle is operated;
› technical aspects.
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10
-15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment. It is necessary
to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to make best use of
these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness. The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to
avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
Ð Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving,
less braking and consequently less accelerating are required. If possible, let your
vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set
of traffic lights is on red, for example. Ð Shifting to save energy
Fig. 91
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approx. 2

000 revolutions.
An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe the
recommended gear » page 11, Recommended gear .
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 91.
Automatic gearbox › Slowly
apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress it to the kickdown
position.
› If the accelerator pedal is only depressed slowly on a vehicle fitted with an au-
tomatic gearbox, an economic driving programme is automatically selected.
£
110 Driving Tips

Driving through water on the street
Fig. 94
Driving through water
The following must be observed to avoid damage to the vehicle when driving
through bodies of water (e.g. flooded roads):
› Therefore determine the depth of the water before driving through bodies of
water. The water level must fit around the strut on the side member as a maxi-
mum » Fig. 94;
› Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed. At a higher speed, a water
wave can form in front of the vehicle which can cause water to penetrate into
the air induction system of the engine or into other parts of the vehicle;
› Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off;
› Deactivate the
START-STOP system before driving through water » page 77,
START/STOP. WARNING
■ Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power and
extend the braking distance – risk of accident!
■ Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■ After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and dried
as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for the pur-
pose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this.
Do not place any other road users in jeopardy. CAUTION
■ When driving through bodies of water, parts of the vehicle such as the engine,
gearbox, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.
■ Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permissible
water level for your vehicle. ■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water making it difficult or im-
possible to drive through the body of water. ■ Do not drive through salt water. The salt can lead to corrosion. Any vehicle parts
that have come into contact with salt water must be rinsed immediately with
fresh water. Note
After driving through a body of water, we recommend that the vehicle is checked
by a
ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð114
Driving Tips

Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 124.
Your vehicle can only be operated with
diesel fuel, which complies with the
standard EN
590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in
Austria, GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia).
Operation in winter – Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the winter, only use diesel fuel, which complies with the standard EN 590
(standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in Austria,
GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia). “Winter-grade diesel fuel” will still
operate properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuels
available have a different temperature characteristic. The ŠKODA Service Partners
and filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with infor-
mation regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures operation of
a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of -25 °C.
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar products) must not
be added to the diesel fuel. CAUTION
■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!
■ If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that the
fuel system is cleaned by a

ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
■ Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must not
be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) can cause considerable damage
to parts of the engine or fuel system. Ð
ä Engine compartment
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet 128
Engine compartment overview 128
Checking the engine oil level 129
Replenishing the engine oil 129
Changing engine oil 130
Coolant 130
Checking the coolant level 130
Replenishing the coolant 131
Radiator fan 131
Checking the brake fluid 132
Brake fluid change 132
Windscreen washer system 132
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the en-
gine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and
with the general applicable rules of safety. The vehicle's engine compartment is
a hazardous area . WARNING
■ Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
■ Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■ If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P .
■ Firmly apply the handbrake.
■ Allow the engine to cool.
■ For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when driving.
This is why after closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to en-
sure it has engaged properly. £
126 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

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

›
Attach the other end 4
to a solid metal part which is connected firmly to the
engine block, or to the engine block itself.
Starting engine
› Start the engine on the vehicle providing the power and allow it to idle.
› Now start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
› If the engine does not start, terminate the attempt to start the engine after
10 seconds and wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the process.
› Disconnect the cables in exactly the
reverse order to the one described above. ÐJump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 118
Jump-starting – START-STOP system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 152.
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, the jump-start cable of the charger
must never be connected directly to the negative pole of the vehicle battery, but
only to the engine earth.
› 1.2 ltr./63
kW TSI and 1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI engines » Fig. 118 - 
› 1.4 ltr./90 kW engine
» Fig. 118 - 
› 1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR engine
» Fig. 118 -  Ð
ä Towing the vehicle
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye 154
Rear towing eye 155
Vehicles with manual transmission can be towed in with a tow bar or a tow rope
or with the front or rear wheels raised.
Vehicles with automatic transmission can be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at rear, the automatic
gearbox is damaged!
A tow bar is the safest way of towing a vehicle and also minimises any shocks.
Only use a tow rope if a suitable tow bar is not available.
When towing, the following guidelines must be observed.
Driver of the tow vehicle
› Release the clutch particularly gently when starting off or depress the accelera-
tor particularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
› On vehicles with a manual transmission, only push down on the accelerator
pedal once the rope is taught.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
› Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not blocked and so that the
turn signal lights, horn, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer system can
be switched on.
› 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 en-
gine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force is re-
quired to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught. £
153
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