2012 SKODA RAPID ignition

›
Release the lever. The washer system stops and the wiper continues for anoth-
er 1 to 3 wiper strokes (depending on the duration of the spraying process). The
lever will stay in position after releasing it 6
.
Switching windscreen wipers off
› Move the lever back into the home position 0
» Fig. 28
. ÐHeadlight cleaning system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
When the low beam or main beam are switched on, and the windscreen wiper
lever is pulled into the position 5
» Fig. 28
on page
40, the headlights are
sprayed briefly. To clean the headlights, the windshield is also sprayed after every
ten squirts.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the headlight len-
ses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. The following guidelines
must be observed » page 120, Headlight lenses.
To ensure the proper operation of the cleaning system during the winter, any
snow should be removed from the washer nozzle fixtures and ice should be
cleared with a de-icing spray. CAUTION
Never remove the nozzles from the headlight cleaning system by hand – risk of
damage! ÐReplacing the front windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 29
Windscreen wiper blade
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Before replacing the windscreen wiper blade, put the windscreen wiper arms into
the service position.
Service position for changing wiper blades
› Closing the bonnet.
› Switch the ignition off and on again.
› Press the windscreen wiper lever into position 4
» Fig. 28
on page
40, the
windscreen wiper arms will move into the service position.
Removing the wiper blade
› Raise the windscreen wiper arm from the rear window and slightly tilt the
windscreen wiper blade towards the wiper arm, arrow A
»
Fig. 29
.
› Hold the windscreen wiper arm at the top end.
› Unlock the locking button 1
and remove the wiper blade in the direction of ar-
row B
.
Attaching the wiper blade
› Push the windscreen wiper blade until the stop and it locks in place.
› Check that the wiper blade is correctly attached.
› Fold the wiper arm back to the windscreen.
› Turn on the ignition and press the windscreen wiper lever into position 4
» Fig. 28 on page 40

, the windscreen wiper arms move to the home position. Ð
ä
41
Lights and visibility

Cup holder in the rear armrest
Fig. 44
Rear armrest: Cup holder
Two beverage containers can be placed into the cup holder.
You can change the size of the individual openings using the removable elements A
and B
» Fig. 44.
› Remove element A
or B
in the direction of the arrow and replace it in the
holder in the required position. ÐAshtray
Fig. 45
Centre console: Ashtray at the front/rear
Removing › Pull out the ashtray
» Fig. 45 upwards.
Install
› Insert the ashtray vertically. WARNING
Never place flammable objects in the ashtray – risk of fire! CAUTION
When removing do not hold the ashtray at the cover – risk of breakage. Ð Cigarette lighter, 12-volt power socket
Cigarette lighter
Fig. 46
Centre console: Cigarette lighter
The cigarette lighter is located in the front centre console » Fig. 46.
Operating the cigarette lighter
› Press in the button of the cigarette lighter
» Fig. 46.
› Wait until the button pops forward.
› Remove the cigarette lighter immediately and use.
› Place the cigarette lighter back into the socket. WARNING
■ Take care when using the cigarette lighter! Improper use of the cigarette
lighter can cause burns. ■ The cigarette lighter also operates when the ignition is switched off or the
ignition key withdrawn. Therefore never leave children unattended in the ve-
hicle. £
53
Seats and Stowage

Note
■ The cigarette lighter socket can also be used as a 12Volt socket for electrical ap-
pliances » page 54, 12-volt power socket.
■ Further information » page 144, Accessories, changes and replacement of
parts. Ð12-volt power socket
Fig. 47
Centre console: 12-Volt power
socket
The 12-Volt power socket is located in the front centre console » Fig. 47.
Using the power socket
› Remove the power socket cover or the cigarette lighter.
› Connect the plug for the electrical appliance to the socket.
Further information » page 144, Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .WARNING
■ Improper use of the 12-volt power socket and the electrical accessories can
cause fires, burns and other serious injuries.
■ Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The 12-volt power socket
and any connected appliances can also be operated when the ignition is
switched off or the ignition key is withdrawn. ■ If the connected electric device becomes too hot, switch it off and discon-
nect it from the power supply immediately. CAUTION
■ The 12-volt power socket can only be used for connecting approved electrical
accessories with a total power uptake of up to 120
watt.
■ Never exceed the maximum power consumption, otherwise the vehicle's elec-
trical system can be damaged.
■ Connecting electrical components when the engine is not running will drain the
battery of the vehicle – risk of battery draining!
■ Only use matching plugs to avoid damaging the 12-volt power socket.
■ Only use accessories that have been tested for electromagnetic compatibility in
accordance with the applicable directives.
■ Before turning the ignition on or off, and before starting the car, switch off the
device connected to the 12-volt power socket to prevent any damage caused by
voltage fluctuations. ■ Observe the operating instructions for the connected devices! Ð Storage compartments
Overview
The vehicle has the following storage compartments: Storage compartment on the front passenger side » page 55
Storage box for safety vest » page 55
Map pockets in the front seats » page 56
Meshed pockets at the front seat rests » page 56
Glasses storage box » page 56
Storage compartment in centre console » page 57
Multimedia holder » page 57
Storage compartments in the doors » page 57
Storage compartments in the boot » page 57£54
Using the 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

Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position 69
Power steering 69
Electronic immobiliser 69
Ignition lock 70
Starting engine 70
Switching off the engine 70
WARNING
■ Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
■ Maintain a distance of 25 cm 1
to the steering wheel
» Fig. 62 on page 69
–  . Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system
will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■ The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the
journey – risk of accident!
■ If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest. ■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3
o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure the arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.
■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2
» Fig. 63 on
page 70 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result
in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – risk of accident! WARNING (Continued)
■ Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block – risk of accident!
■ When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – risk of accident or injury!
■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas – hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death. ■ Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■ Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
■ You will place great stresses on the power steering system if the steering is
turned to full lock when the vehicle is stationary. Turning the steering to full lock
in such a situation will be accompanied by noises. Never leave the steering wheel
at full lock for more than 15

seconds when the engine is running – risk of damag-
ing the power steering!
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3
» Fig. 63 on
page 70), if the engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if
the starter is activated when the engine is running. ■ Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged. ■ Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■ 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 the catalytic converter. The battery from an-
other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 152, Jump-starting.
■ Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1

minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off. £
68 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

Ignition lock
Fig. 63
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
Petrol engines
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked.
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and the key cannot or can only be turned with difficulty
into the position 2
» Fig. 63, move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock. ÐStarting engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The pre-
glow warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine should be started immediately after the preglow warning light goes out.
ä 1
2
3
1
2
3
ä You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
› Before starting the engine, place the gearshift lever into neutral or place the se-
lector lever in the position P or N and firmly put on the handbrake.
› Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal, switch on the ignition 2
» Fig. 63 on
page 70 and start 3
– do not operate the accelerator. Depress the clutch pedal
until the engine starts.
› Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts. After letting go, the vehicle key
will return to position 2
.
› If the engine does not start within 10
seconds, abort the start-up process and
turn the key to position 1
. Repeat the start-up process after approx. half a mi-
nute.
› Release the handbrake before starting off. Ð Switching off the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position 1
» Fig. 63 on
page 70. Ð Brakes and brake assist systems
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information for braking 71
Handbrake 72
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 72
Antilock brake system (ABS) 73
Traction control (ASR) 73
Electronic differential lock (EDL) 73
£
ä
70 Using the system

Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
» page 17, Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. ÐHandbrake
Fig. 64
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 70.
Apply
› Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
› Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 64 .
› Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on. Ð
ä Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Fig. 65
ESC system: TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 70.
The ESC helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is being op-
erated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of travel.
The risk of skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability
depending on the conditions of the road surface.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as if the car starts to
skid, the ESC automatically brakes the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC):
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
› Brake assistant (HBA)
› Hill hold control (HHC)
It is not possible to deactivate ESC. You can only use the button  » Fig. 65
to
switch off ASR. The TCS warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when
the TCS is switched off. £
ä
72 Using the system