2012 SKODA RAPID dashboard

Using the system
Cockpit
Overview
Electrical power windows 32
Electric exterior mirror adjustment 42
Air outlet vents 60
Lever for the multifunction switch:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher 36
› Speed regulating system 75
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag 100
› With pushbuttons for radio, navigation system and mobile
phone 84
Instrument cluster: Instruments and warning lights 8
Lever for the multifunction switch:
› Multifunction display 11
› Windscreen wiper and wash system 40
Air outlet vents 60
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Radio
› Navigation system
Switch for hazard warning lights 37
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag 103
Key-operated switch for the front seat passenger airbag 103
Storage compartment on the front passenger side 55
Front passenger airbag 100
Light switch and headlamp beam adjustment 34, 36
Bonnet release lever 128
Fuse box in the dashboard 157
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel 69
Ignition lock 70
Regulator for left seat heating 461
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 TCS switch 72
Central locking system 27
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) 74
› Selector lever (automatic gearbox) 80
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Cup holder 52
› Ashtray holder 53
Storage compartment 57
Switch for rear window heater 39
Regulator for right seat heating 46
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating 60
› Operating controls for the air conditioning system 62
› Operating controls for Climatronic 65
Note
The arrangement of the controls and switches and the location of some items on
right-hand drive models may differ from that shown in »
Fig. 1. The symbols on
the controls and switches are the same as for left-hand drive models. Ð 21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
7
Cockpit

Counter for distance driven
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
Daily trip counter (trip)
The trip counter shows the distance driven since the time the counter was last
reset.
To reset the display of the daily trip counter, press button
6
» Fig. 2 on page 8
for longer.
Odometer
The odometer indicates the total distance in kilometres or miles which the vehicle
has been driven.
Fault display
If there is a fault in the instrument cluster Error will appear continuously in the
display. Ensure the fault is rectified as soon as possible by
ŠKODA a specialist ga-
rage. Note
For vehicles fitted with the information display, if the display of the second speed
is activated in mph or km/h, this driving speed is indicated instead of the counter
for the total distance driven. ÐService Interval Display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
Service Interval Display
Before the next service interval, a key symbol
 and the remaining kilometres
are indicated on the display for several seconds after switching on the ignition. At
the same time, the remaining days until the next service interval are displayed.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Service in ...

km or ... days.
The kilometre indicator or the days indicator reduces in steps of 100 km or, where
applicable, days until the service due date is reached. ä
ä
As soon as the due date for the service is reached, a flashing key symbol
 and
the text Service appears in the display for several seconds after the ignition has
been switched on.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Service now!
Displaying the distance and days until the next service interval
You can use the button 5
to display the remaining distance and days until the
next service interval » Fig. 2 on page 8

.
A key symbol  and the remaining distance appear for several seconds in the
display. At the same time, the remaining days until the next service interval are
displayed.
In vehicles equipped with the information display, you can reset the service inter-
val display in the menu Settings » page 15.
Resetting Service Interval Display
It is only possible to reset the Service Interval Display, if a service message or at
least a pre-warning is shown in the instrument cluster display.
We recommend that this reset is completed by a ŠKODA specialist garage.
The ŠKODA specialist garage: › Resets the memory of the display after the appropriate inspection
› Adds an entry to the Service Schedule
› Affixes the sticker with the entry of the following service interval to the side of
the dashboard on the driver's side
Reset the service interval display by using the reset button 6
»
Fig. 2 on page 8.
On vehicles equipped with the information display, you can reset the service in-
terval display in the menu Settings » page 15. CAUTION
We recommend that you do not reset the Service Interval Display yourself as this
can result in the incorrect setting of the Service Interval Display, which can also
cause possible problems with the operation of your vehicle. Note
■ Never reset the display between service intervals, as this will result in the incor-
rect display. ■ Information is retained in the Service Interval Display even after the vehicle bat-
tery is disconnected. £
10 Using the system

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

Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors such
as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard, soft), the impact angle, vehicle
speed, etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which oc-
curs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the rele-
vant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured
during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in
the control unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suf-
fer severe damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal collision:
› driver’s front airbag;
› passenger’s front airbag.
The following will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision: › front side airbag on the side of the accident;
› head airbags on the side of the accident.
In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
› the interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
› the hazard warning light is switched on;
› all the doors are unlocked;
› the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted. Note
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated. This
is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle. Ð Front airbags
Fig. 82
Driver airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the
dashboard Fig. 83
Safe distance to steering wheel/inflated airbags.
In the event of a severe frontal collision, the front airbag system offers additional
protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger.
The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel » Fig. 82 – .
The front airbag for the front seat passenger is located in the dash panel above
the stowage compartment 
– » Fig. 82.
If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and infla-
ted in front of the driver and front passenger » Fig. 83 – . The forward move-
ment of the driver and of the front passenger is cushioned when they make con-
tact with the fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury to head and chest is thus
reduced. £
100 Safety

The airbag allows the gas to flow out of the inflated airbag in a controlled manner
(depending on the load of the particular car occupant) in order to cushion head
and chest areas. The airbag then deflates subsequently to such an extent, after
an accident, to again provide a clear view forward.
WARNING
■ For the driver and front passenger, it is important to maintain a distance of
at least 25 cm to the steering wheel or dashboard A
» Fig. 83. Not maintain-
ing this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you – hazard! The front seats and the head restraints must
always also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
■ The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to in-
juries if the sitting position or seated position is not correct.
■ There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. ■ Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a prop-
er restraint system. If airbags are deployed in the event of an accident, the
child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!
■ It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag when attach-
ing a child safety seat to the front passenger seat where the child is seated
with its back facing in direction of travel » page 103, Deactivating airbags. If
this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal inju-
ries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. When transporting a child on
the front passenger seat, pay attention to any relevant national regulations
regarding the use of child safety seats.
■ The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash panel
on the passenger side must not have stickers attached, be covered or modi-
fied in any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a cloth that is
dry or has been moistened with water. No objects such as cup holders, mobile
phone mounts, etc. must be attached to the covers of the airbag modules or
be located within their immediate vicinity.
■ Never place objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag module in
the dash panel. Ð Side airbags
Fig. 84
Location of the side airbag in the driver's seat/gas-filled side airbag
In the event of severe side collisions, the side airbag system provides additional
protection for the upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of passengers in the ve-
hicle.
The side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the front
seats » Fig. 84 – .
When the side airbags » Fig. 84 –  are deployed, the head airbag and belt ten-
sioner are also automatically deployed on the relevant side.
The load of the occupants is cushioned when plunging into the fully inflated air-
bag and the risk of injury to the entire upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) is
reduced on the side facing the door. WARNING
■ Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side
airbag. You might suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. This ap-
plies in particular to children who are transported without using a suitable
child safety seat » page 106, Child safety and side airbag .
■ There must not be any further persons, animals as well as objects posi-
tioned between the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No ac-
cessories, such as cup holders, should be attached to the doors. ■ If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may be
exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This can re-
sult in serious injuries » page 105, Child seat. £
101
Airbag system

Deactivating airbags
Deactivating airbags
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
› using a child seat on the front passenger seat, in which the child has its back to
the vehicle's direction of travel (in some countries this must be in the direction
of travel due to different legal regulations applying) » page 105, Child seat ;
› not being able to maintain a distance of at least 25
cm between the middle of
the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjusted;
› special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability;
› other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 103.
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA Service Partner to switch off any other air-
bags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
› The airbag indicator light
 lights up for around 4 seconds after the ignition is
switched on and then flashes for around 12 seconds.
If the airbag was switched off using the key switch on the side of the dash pan-
el:
› The airbag warning light
 comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition is
switched on;
› Airbags that are switched off are indicated in the middle of the dashboard by
the indicator light
  in the display      » Fig. 86 on page 103 3
.
Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.
■ A ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to inform you which airbags in your vehicle
can/must be deactivated. Ð Key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
Fig. 86
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag/warning light
for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Deactivating an airbag › Switch off the ignition.
› Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position 2
» Fig. 86 OFF.
› Check whether the airbag indicator light 3

 in the display 
   
 in the middle of the dash panel lights up when the ignition is turned on.
Activating an airbag
› Switch off the ignition.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position 1
» Fig. 86 ON
.
› Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
› Check whether the airbag indicator light 3

 in the display 
   
 in the middle of the dash panel does not light up when the ignition is turned
on.
Indicator light in the display      (front passenger airbag
switched off)
In cases where the front passenger airbag is switched off the airbag indicator
light comes on for a few seconds after switching on the ignition, goes out for
about a second and then comes on again.
There is a system fault in the deactivated airbag » if the airbag warning light
flashes. Immediately visit a ŠKODA specialist garage. £
103
Airbag system

General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle
Taking care of your vehicle
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing the vehicle 118
Automatic car wash systems 118
Washing by hand 118
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner 118
Preserving and polishing the vehicle paintwork 119
Chrome parts 119
Paint damage 119
Plastic parts 119
De-icing windows and exterior mirrors 120
Radio reception and aerial 120
Headlight lenses 120
Rubber seals 120
Door lock cylinders 120
Wheels 121
Underbody protection 121
Protection of hollow spaces 121
Artificial leather and materials 122
Fabric covers on electrically heated seats 122
Natural leather 122
Seat belts 123
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat-
ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.
We recommend using care products from
ŠKODA Original Accessories that are
available from ŠKODA Service Partners. The instructions for use on the package
must be observed. WARNING
■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the in-
structions.
■ Always store care products in a safe place, out of the reach of children – risk
of poisoning! ■ When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the brake system
can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident! ■ Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – risk of accident!
■ Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – risk of
cuts!
■ Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature
inside the vehicle is high. CAUTION
■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.
■ Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■ Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
■ If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner, en-
sure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints – risk of freezing!
■ Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts – risk of damaging the surface of paintwork. ■ Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, in the vicinity of the
heating elements or near the window aerial. These may get damaged. With re-
gard to the antenna, they may interfere with the radio or navigation system.
■ Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corrosive
and acidic cleaning agents – risk of damaging the heating elements or window
aerial.
■ Do not attach scents and air fresheners to the dashboard – risk of damage to
the dashboard.
■ To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods
while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
■ Do not clean the roof trim with a brush – risk of damage to the trim surface. £
117
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle