2012 SKODA RAPID battery

WARNING (Continued)
■ Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. If acid was
swallowed, seek immediate medical attention.
■ Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
■ When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive gas
mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over
during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is on. ■ Bridging of the poles will create a short circuit (e.g. through metal objects,
cables). Possible consequences of a short circuit: Melting of lead struts, explo-
sion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
■ It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or to carry
out any activities which produce sparks. Avoid creating sparks when working
with cables and electrical devices. Strong sparking represents a risk of injury. ■ Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the engine,
the ignition and all of the electrical components and disconnect the negative
terminal
(-) on the battery. If you wish to replace a bulb it suffices to switch off
the relevant light.
■ Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – risk of explosion and
caustic burns! Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■ Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low –
risk of explosion and caustic burns.
■ Never use a damaged vehicle battery – risk of explosion! Replace a damaged
vehicle battery immediately. CAUTION
■ The vehicle battery must only be disconnected if the ignition is switched off,
otherwise the vehicle's electrical system (electronic components) can be dam-
aged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system, first of all dis-
connect the negative terminal

(-) of the battery. Then disconnect the positive ter-
minal (+).
■ When connecting the battery to the electrical system, first connect the positive
terminal (+) of the battery. Then connect the negative terminal
(-). Under no cir-
cumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly – risk of a cable fire.
■ Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk of
damage to the paintwork.
■ Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle battery
housing from the effects of ultra-violet light. ■
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge. This is because certain electrical components consume electricity (e.

g.
control units) also in idle state. Prevent the battery from discharging by discon-
necting the battery's negative terminal or continuously charging the battery with
a very low charging current.
■ If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery will
not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge. For the sake of the environment
A vehicle battery that has been removed is a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations. Note
You should replace batteries older than 5 years. Ð Battery cover
Fig. 103
Vehicle battery: Open up the
cover
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
The battery is located in the engine compartment below a plastic box.
› Push the lid in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 103.
› The installation of the battery cover on the positive terminal side takes place in
the reverse order. Ð
ä
134 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

Jump-starting
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting 152
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system 153
The battery of another vehicle can be used to jump-start your vehicle if the en-
gine will not start because the battery is flat. Jump-start cables are required for
this purpose.
Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the battery
supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of the dis-
charged battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and in-
sulated terminal clamps. Observe the manufacturer's instructions.
Positive cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is red.
Negative cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is black.WARNING
■ A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just below
0 °C. In case of frozen battery carry out no jump-starting – risk of explosion!
■ Pay attention to the warning instructions relating to working in the engine
compartment » page 126, Engine compartment .
■ The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never make contact
with each other. In addition, the jump-start cable connected to the positive
terminal of the battery must not come into contact with electrically conduct-
ing parts of the vehicle – risk of short circuit!
■ Do not clamp the jump-start cable to the negative terminal of the dis-
charged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out the battery
being ignited by the strong spark which results from the engine being started. ■ Route the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotating
parts in the engine compartment. ■ Do not bend over the battery – risk of caustic burns!
■ The vent screws of the battery cells must be tightened firmly. WARNING (Continued)
■ Keep any sources of ignition (naked flame, smouldering cigarettes, etc.)
away from the battery – risk of an explosion!
■ Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low –
risk of explosion and caustic burns. Note
■ There must not be any contact between the two vehicles otherwise current
may flow as soon as the negative terminals are connected. ■ The discharged battery must be properly connected to the system of the vehi-
cle. ■ We recommend you buy jump-start cables from a car battery specialist. Ð Jump-starting
Fig. 117
Jump-starting using the battery
from another vehicle: A – flat ve-
hicle battery, B – battery provid-
ing current
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 152.
The jump-start cables must be attached in the following sequence.
Connecting positive terminals
›
Attach one end 1
» Fig. 117 to the positive terminal of the discharged battery
A
.
› Attach the other end 2
to the positive terminal of the battery supplying the
power B
.
Connecting negative terminal and engine block
› Attach one end 3
»
Fig. 117 to the negative terminal of the battery supplying
the power B
.
£
ä
152 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

Note
Fuses 1 - 7 are replaced by a specialist ŠKODA garage. ÐReplacing the fuses in the engine compartment
Fig. 124
Vehicle battery: Cover for the fuse box (variant 1) Fig. 125
Vehicle battery: Cover for the fuse box (variant 2)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 156.
›
Press together the interlocks of the cover simultaneously in the direction of the
arrow 1
» Fig. 124.
› Push the cover in the direction of the arrow 2
.
› Use a flat screwdriver to release the fixtures in the openings 3
.
› Lift the cover upwards in the direction of the arrow 4
.
Ð
ä Bulbs
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Headlights 160
Changing the bulb for the low beam 160
Changing the bulb for main beam, separate daytime running lights, and
parking light 161
Changing the bulb for the front turn signal light 161
Changing light bulbs for fog lights 162
Changing the bulb for the licence plate light 162
Tail lamp assembly 163
Replacing the bulbs in the tail lamp assembly 163
Some manual skills are required to change a bulb. For this reason, if uncertain, we
recommend that bulbs are replaced by a ŠKODA specialist garage or other expert
help is sought.
› Switch off the ignition and all of the lights before replacing a bulb.
› Faulty bulbs must only be replaced with the same type of bulbs. The designa-
tion is located on the light socket or the glass bulb.
› A stowage compartment for replacement bulbs is located in a plastic box in the
spare wheel or underneath the floor covering in the boot. WARNING
■ Accidents can be caused if the road in front of the vehicle is not sufficiently
illuminated and the vehicle cannot or can only be seen with difficulty by other
road users.
■ Always read and observe the warnings before completing any work in the
engine compartment »

page 126, Engine compartment .
■ Bulbs H7 and H15 are pressurised and may burst when changing the bulb -
risk of injury! We therefore recommended wearing gloves and safety glasses
when changing a bulb. £
159
Fuses and light bulbs

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

Child safety
Side airbag 106
Child safety lock 25
Child seat Classification 106
ISOFIX 107
on the front passenger seat 105
Suitability 107
TOP TETHER 108
Chrome parts refer to Taking care of your vehicle 119
Cigarette lighter 53
Cleaning 117
Artificial leather 122
Headlight lenses 120
Material coverings 122
Materials 122
Natural leather 122
Plastic parts 119
Wheels 121
Climatronic Recirculated air mode 66
Clock 11
Clothes hooks 58
Cockpit 12-volt power socket 54
Ashtray 53
Cigarette lighter 53
General view 7
Light 38
Storage compartments 54
Compartments 54
Computer see Multifunction display 11
Coolant Checking 130
Replenishing 131
Temperature gauge 9
Warning light 19
Correct seated position 92
Counter for distance driven 10Cruise control system (CCS) 75
Cup holder front 52
rear 53
D
DAY LIGHT see Daytime running lights 35
Daytime running lights 35
Deactivating an airbag 103
Defrsoting rear window 39
Delayed locking of the boot lid see Boot lid 31
Diesel refer to Fuel 126
Diesel fuel Operation in winter 126
Diesel particulate filter 21
Digital clock 11
Dipstick 129
Display Coolant temperature 9
Fuel gauge 9
Service interval 10
Distance driven 10
Door Child safety lock 25
Doors Emergency locking 30
Driving Abroad 113
Driving through water on the street 114
Emissions 164
Fuel consumption 164
Maximum speed 167
E
Economical and environmentally friendly driving 110EDL 73
Electrical power windows Button in the driver's door 31, 32
Button in the rear door 32
Electronic differential lock 73
Electronic immobiliser 69
Emergency Automatic gearbox 82
Changing a wheel 146
Hazard warning light system 37
Jump-starting 152
locking of the doors 30
Selector lever-unlocking 83
Towing the vehicle 153
Tyre repair 149
Unlocking the boot lid 31
Emissions 164
Engine Running in 109
Starting engine 70
Switching off the engine 70
Engine compartment Brake fluid 132
Coolant 130
Overview 128
Vehicle battery 133
Engine oil Capacity 166
Changing 130
Checking 129
Replenishing 129
Specification 166
Warning light 18
Engine revolutions counter 9
Environment 110
Environmental compatibility 112
Environmentally friendly driving 110
ESC 72
Warning light 19
171
Index