2012 SKODA RAPID instrument cluster

The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of the position
N (if the lever is in this position for longer than 2
seconds) into the position D or R
when the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/h or the vehicle is stationary and
the ignition is switched on. D
– Position for driving forward (normal programme)
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are automatically
shifted up and down in line with the engine load, vehicle speed and dynamic shift
programme.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever into position D
from Nwhen the vehicle is travelling at less than 5

km/h or is stationary.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when
towing a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift pro-
gramme » page 81 for a short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manual-
ly to the driving situations. S
– Position for driving forward (sports programme)
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power po-
tential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds
as in the position D .
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selec-
tor lever out of the position D into the position S. ÐManual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 71
Selector lever: Manual shifting of
gears
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever.
ä Switching to manual shifting
› Push the selector lever to the right out of position
D. The selector lever posi-
tion you have engaged is indicated in the information display of the instrument
cluster together with the engaged gear 1

» Fig. 70 on page 80
on the right.
Shifting up gears
› Press the selector lever forwards +
» Fig. 71.
Shifting down gears
› Press the selector lever backwards -
» Fig. 71.
It is possible to switch to manual shifting when the car is stationary and when
driving.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no risk
of the engine overrevving.
If you operate the kickdown function, the gearbox shifts into a lower gear in line
with the vehicle speed and engine speed. Note
The kickdown function is also available when manually shifting gears. Ð Selector lever lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 79.
Automatic selector lever lock

With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and
N. The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of this posi-
tion. The indicator light  » page 22 illuminates in the instrument cluster as a re-
minder for the driver when the selector lever is in the positions P and N.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position

N (e.g.
from R to D). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck. The selec-
tor lever lock will click into place if the lever is in the N position for more than 2
seconds without the brake pedal being pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if the vehicle is stationary or moving at speed
of less than 5 km/hour. The lock is switched off automatically into position N
when the car is travelling at a higher speed. £
ä
81
Automatic gearbox

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introductory information
The operational readiness of the airbag system is monitored electronically. The
airbag warning light  comes on for a few seconds each time the ignition is
switched on »
page 22.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed to offer additional
protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of: › an electronic control unit;
› Front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger
» page 100;
› side airbags » page 101;
› head airbags
» page 102;
› an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 22;
› a key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
» page 103;
› an warning light in the middle of the dash panel to indicate the front seat pas-
senger airbag is switched off » page 103.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:
› the warning light
 does not illuminate when the ignition is switched on;
› the warning light
 does not go out 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on;
› the warning light
 goes out and comes on again after the ignition is switched
on;
› the warning light
 comes on or flashes when driving;
› the warning light in the middle of the dash panel for the deactivated front seat
passenger airbag flashes. WARNING
■ The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
complete passive vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only
offer you optimal protection in combination with a seat belt which is fas-
tened.
■ To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size »
page 92, Correct seated position .
■ If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk
of injury in the event of an accident. ■ 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. ■ No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel)
must only be carried out by a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■ It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed. ■ The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.
■ The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
■ If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-
activating the front passenger airbag must be included! ■ When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements. Ð When are the airbags deployed?
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
In certain accident situations, the several airbags may be deployed simultaneous-
ly.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, rear-
end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover. £
99
Airbag system

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

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

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

No. Power consumer
29 Injection, coolant pump
30 Fuel pump, ignition system, cruise control 31 Lambda probe
32 High pressure fuel pump, pressure valve
33 Engine control unit
34 Engine control unit, vacuum pump
35 Switch illumination, number plate light, parking light, headlamp washer
system
36 Main beam 37 Rear fog light, DC-DC converter
38 Fog lights 39 Air blower for heating
40 Not assigned 41 Heated front seats
42 Rear window heater
43 Horn
44 Windscreen wipers 45 Boot lid lock, central locking system
46 Alarm 47 Cigarette lighter, power socket in the luggage compartment
48 ABS 49 Turn signal lights, brake lights50 DC-DC converter, radio 51 Electric windows (driver's window and rear left window)
52 Electric windows (front passenger's window and rear right)
53 Windscreen washer
54 START-STOP instrument cluster, steering wheel module, multi-function
steering wheel
55 Control unit for automatic gearbox
56 Headlight cleaning system 57 Low beam on the left
58 Low beam on the right Ð Fuses in the engine compartment
Fig. 123
Schematic representation of fuse box in engine compartment: Ver-
sion
1/version 2
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 156.
Fuse assignment in engine compartment
No. Power consumer
1 Generator
2 Not assigned
3 Vehicle interior (variant 1) » Fig. 123 Power supply for fuse block (variant
2) » Fig. 123
4 Electric auxiliary heater (variant 1) » Fig. 123 Vehicle interior (variant
2) » Fig. 123
5 Interior
6 Engine cooling fan, control unit for preheating unit 7 Electrohydraulic power steering
8 ABS 9 Radiator fan
10 Automatic gearbox 11 ABS
12 Central control unit
13 Electrical auxiliary heating system £ ä
158 Do-it-yourself