2012 SKODA RAPID fuel

Layout of this Owner's Manual
(explanations)
This Owner's Manual has been systematically designed to make it easy for you to
search for and obtain the information you require.
Chapters, table of contents and subject index
The text of the Owner's manual is divided into relatively short sections which are
combined into easy-to-read chapters. The chapter you are reading at any particular
moment is always specified on the bottom right of the page.
The Table of contents is arranged according to the chapters and the detailed Sub-
ject index at the end of the Owner's Manual helps you to rapidly find the informa-
tion you are looking for.
Direction indications
All direction indications such as
“left”, “right”, “front”, “rear” relate to the direction of
travel of the vehicle.
Units of measurement
All values are expressed in metric units.
Explanation of symbols
 Denotes a reference to a section with important information and safety
advice in a chapter.
 Denotes the end of a section.
 Denotes the continuation of a section on the next page.
 Indicates situations where the vehicle must be stopped as soon as possi-
ble.
® Denotes a registered trademark.
Notes WARNING
The most important notes are marked with the heading WARNING. These
WARNING notes draw your attention to a serious risk of accident or injury.CAUTION
A Caution note draws your attention to the possibility of damage to your vehicle
(e.g. damage to gearbox), or points out general risks of an accident. For the sake of the environment
An Environmental note draws your attention to environmental protection aspects.
This is where you will, for example, find tips aimed at reducing your fuel consump-
tion. Note
A normal Note draws your attention to important information about the operation
of your vehicle.

Table of Contents
Abbreviations
Using the system
Cockpit 7
Overview 6
Instruments and Indicator Lights 8
Instrument cluster 8
Multifunction display (onboard computer) 11
MAXI DOT (information display) 14
Warning lights 16
Unlocking and locking 24
Vehicle key 24
Central locking system 25
Remote control 27
Anti-theft alarm system 29
Interior monitor and towing protection 29
Emergency locking of the doors 30
Boot lid 30
Electrical power windows 31
Lights and visibility 34
Lights 34
Interior light 38
Visibility 39
Windscreen wipers and washers 39
Rear window 42
Seats and Stowage 44
Front seats 44
Head restraints 46
Rear seats 47
Boot 48
Roof rack system 51Cup holder 52
Cup holder in the centre console 52
Cup holder in the rear armrest 53
Ashtray 53
Cigarette lighter, 12-volt power socket 53
Storage compartments 54
Clothes hooks 58
Parking ticket holder 58
Heating and air conditioning system 59
Heating and air conditioning system 59
Air outlet vents 60
Heating 60
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) 62
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning
system) 65
Starting-off and Driving 68
Starting and stopping the engine 68
Brakes and brake assist systems 70
Shifting 74
pedals 74
Parking aid 74
Cruise control system (CCS) 75
START/STOP 77
Automatic gearbox 79
Automatic gearbox 79
Communication 84
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems 84
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II 84
Voice control 87
Multimedia 89
Safety
Passive Safety 91
General information 91
Correct seated position 92Seat belts 95
Seat belts 95
Airbag system 99
Description of the airbag system 99
Front airbags 100
Side airbags 101
Head airbags 102
Deactivating airbags 103
Transporting children safely 105
Child seat 105
Driving Tips
Driving and the Environment 109
The first 1 500 km 109
Catalytic converter 109
Economical and environmentally friendly
driving 110
Environmental compatibility 112
Driving abroad 113
Avoiding damage to your vehicle 113
Driving through water on the street 114
Towing a trailer 115
Towing a trailer 115
General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle 117
Taking care of your vehicle 117
Inspecting and replenishing 124
Fuel 124
Engine compartment 126
Vehicle battery 133
3
Table of Contents

Instruments and Indicator Lights
Instrument cluster
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview 8
Engine revolutions counter 9
9
Coolant temperature gauge 9
Fuel gauge 9
Counter for distance driven 10
Service Interval Display 10
Digital clock 11
Recommended gear 11
WARNING
■ Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.
■ Never operate the controls in the instrument cluster while driving, only
when the vehicle is stationary! Ð Overview
Fig. 2
Instrument cluster
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
Engine revolutions counter
» page 9
Display:
› With counter for distance driven
» page 10
› With service interval display
» page 10
› With digital clock
» page 11
› With multifunction display
» page 11
› With information display » page 14
Speedometer » page 9
Coolant temperature gauge » page 9
Button for display mode:
› Setting the hours/minutes
› Activating/deactivating the second speed in mph or
km/h
› Service intervals – Display of the number of days and kilometres remaining
until the next Inspection Service
Button for:
› Reset trip counter for the distance driven
› Resetting Service Interval Display
› Set hours/minutes
› Activate/deactivate display mode
Fuel gauge » page 9 Ð
ä 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Using the system

Engine revolutions counter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The red scale of the rev counter 1
» Fig. 2 on page 8 indicates the range in which
the engine control unit begins to limit the engine speed. The engine control unit
restricts the engine speed to a steady limit.
You should shift into the next higher gear before the red scale of the revolution
counter is reached, or move the selector lever into position D if your car is fitted
with an automatic gearbox.
To maintain the optimum motor speed, observe the gearshift indica-
tor » page 11. For the sake of the environment
Shifting to a higher gear in good time helps to lower fuel consumption, minimises
operating noise levels, protects the environment and contributes to a longer life
and reliability of the engine. ÐFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 8.
Warning against excessive speeds
An audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120
km/h.
The audible warning signal is switched off when the vehicle speed falls below
this speed limit. Note
This function is only valid for some countries. ÐCoolant temperature gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The coolant temperature gauge 4
» Fig. 2 on page 8 operates only when the ig-
nition is switched on. ä
ä
ä The following guidelines regarding the temperature ranges must be observed to
avoid any damage to the engine.
Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high
engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves
into the mid-range of the scale, for a normal style of driving. The pointer may also
move further to the right at high engine loads and high outside temperatures. CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air in-
let impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine
overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads »

page 19,
Coolant temperature/coolant level  . Ð Fuel gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The fuel gauge 7
» Fig. 2 on page 8 only operates when the ignition is switched
on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres. The indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve mark-
ing » page 21 . CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! An irregular supply of fuel can
lead to irregular engine running. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system
and damage the catalytic converter. Note
On some vehicles, the fuel gauge is shown in the display of the instrument clus-
ter. Ð
ä
9
Instruments and Indicator Lights

■
If the instrument cluster is exchanged after a repair, the correct values must be
entered in the counter for the Service Interval Display. This work is carried out by
a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ After resetting the display with flexible service intervals, the displayed data is
the same as that for a vehicle with fixed service intervals. We therefore recom-
mend that the Service Interval Display is only reset by a

ŠKODA Service Partner,
who will reset the display with a vehicle system tester.
■ For more information on the service intervals » Service Plan. ÐDigital clock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The clock is set with the buttons 5
and 6
» Fig. 2 on page 8.
Select the display that you wish to change with the button 5
and carry out the
change with the button 6
.
On vehicles that are fitted with the information display, it is also possible to set
the clock in the menu Time » page 15. ÐRecommended gear
Fig. 3
Recommended gear
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The currently engaged gear B
is shown in the instrument cluster display
» Fig. 3.
In order to minimise the fuel consumption, a recommendation for shifting into an-
other gear is indicated in the display.
ä
ä If the control unit recognises that it is beneficial to change gear, an arrow A
is
shown in the display. The arrow points up or down, depending on whether you
should shift into a higher or lower gear.
At the same time, the recommended gear is indicated instead of the currently en-
gaged gear B
.
CAUTION
The driver is always responsible for selecting the correct gear in different driving
situations, such as overtaking. Ð Multifunction display (onboard computer)
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Memory 12
Operation 12
Multifunction display details 13
Warning against excessive speeds 14
The multifunction display can only be operated when the ignition is switched on.
After the ignition is switched on, the function displayed is the one which you last
selected before switching off the ignition.
The multi-functional indicator appears in the display » Fig. 4

on page 12.
In vehicles with an information display » page 14, there is an option to fade out
some of the information. WARNING
■ Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle. ■ Do not only rely upon the information given on the outside temperature dis-
play that there is no ice on the road. Even at temperatures around +4 °C, black
ice may still be on the road surface – warning, drive with care! £
11
Instruments and Indicator Lights

The following readouts of the selected memory will be set to zero by button B
:
› Average fuel consumption
› Distance driven
› Average speed
› Driving time ÐMultifunction display details
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 11.
Outside temperature
The current outside temperature is shown in the display.
If the outside temperature drops below +4
°C, a snow flake symbol (warning sig-
nal for ice on the road) appears before the temperature indicator and an audible
signal will sound. After pressing the rocker switch A
» Fig. 5 on page 12, the func-
tion which was shown last is indicated.
Driving time
The driving time which has elapsed since the memory was last erased, appears in
the display. If you want to measure the driving time from a particular moment in
time on, at this moment, reset the memory by setting the button B
» Fig. 5 on
page 12 to zero.
The maximum time indicated in both memories is 19 hours and 59

minutes and on
vehicles which are fitted with an information display, it is 99 hours and 59 mi-
nutes. The indicator is set back to zero if this period is exceeded.
Current fuel consumption
The current fuel consumption level is shown in the display in litres/100 km1)
. You
can use this information to adapt your driving style to the desired fuel consump-
tion.
The display appears in litres/hour if the vehicle is stationary or driving at a low
speed 2)
.
Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption since the memory was last erased is shown in the
display in litres/100 km 1)
» page 12.
ä
If you wish to determine the average fuel consumption over a certain period of
time, you must set the memory at the start of the new measurement to zero us-
ing the button B

» Fig. 5 on page
12. After erasing the memory, no value appears
in the display until you have driven approx. 300 m.
The display is updated regularly while you are driving.
Range
The estimated range in kilometres is shown on the display. It indicates the dis-
tance you can still drive with your vehicle based on the level of fuel in the tank
and the same style of driving.
The display is shown in steps of 10 km. Once the fuel gauge pointer reaches the
reserve marking, the range is displayed in 5 km.
The fuel consumption over the last 50 km is used to calculate the range. The
range will increase if you drive in a more economical manner.
If the memory is set to zero (after disconnecting the battery), the fuel consump-
tion of 10 ltr./100 km is calculated for the range; afterwards the value is adapted
accordingly to the style of driving.
Distance travelled
The distance travelled since the memory was last erased is shown in the dis-
play » page 12. If you want to measure the distance travelled from a particular
moment in time on, at this moment, reset the memory by setting the button B
» Fig. 5 on page 12 to zero.
The maximum distance indicated in both memories is 1,999 km or 9,999
km on
vehicles with an information display. The indicator is set back to zero if this period
is exceeded.
Average speed
The average speed since the memory was last erased is shown in the display
in km/hour » page 12. To determine the average speed over a certain period of
time, set the memory to zero at the start of the measurement using button B
» Fig. 5 on page 12.
After erasing the memory, no value appears in the display until you have driven
approx. 300 m.
The display is updated regularly while you are driving. £1)
On some models in certain countries, the display appears in kilometres/litre.
2) On some models in certain countries, – -.- km/ltr. is displayed when the vehicle is stationary.
13
Instruments and Indicator Lights



Engine oil
» page 18
  Coolant temperature/coolant level
» page 19
 Power steering
» page 19
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
» page 19
 Traction control (TCS)
» page 20
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
» page 20
 Rear fog light
» page 20
 Bulb failure
» page 20
 Exhaust inspection system
» page 20
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
» page 21
 EPC fault light (petrol engine)
» page 21
 Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
» page 21
 Fuel reserve
» page 21
 Airbag system
» page 22
 Tyre control display
» page 22
 Windscreen washer fluid level
» page 22
 Turn signal (left/right)
» page 22 
Fog lights
» page 22
 Speed regulating system
» page 22
 Selector lever lock
» page 22
 Main beam
» page 23 WARNING
■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, this may result in severe injuries or major vehicle
damage.
■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes »
page 126, Engine compartment . Ð Handbrake 
The warning light  comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3
seconds at a speed of more than
6 km/h.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake! Ð Brake system 
The warning light  illuminates if the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 132. £
17
Instruments and Indicator Lights

Glow plug system 
(diesel engine)
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine can be started immediately after the pre-glow warning light goes out.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light  does not come on
at all or lights up continuously .
If the warning light  begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐEPC 
fault light (petrol engine)
If the warning light 

 lights up, there is a fault in the engine control. The engine
control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐDiesel particulate filter 
(diesel engine)
The diesel particulate filter separates the soot particles from the exhaust. The
soot particles collect in the diesel particulate filter where they are burnt on a reg-
ular basis.
If the warning light  lights up, soot has accumulated in the diesel particulate
filter.
To clean the diesel particle filter, the vehicle should be driven at an even speed of
at least 60 km/h » at engine speeds of 1 800 – 2 500 rpm for at least 15 mi-
nutes or until the warning light goes out with the 4th or 5th
gear engaged (auto-
matic gearbox: position S) when the traffic situation permits it.
The warning light  only goes out after the diesel particulate filter has been
successfully cleaned.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light  does not go out and the
warning light  begins to flash.
The following is displayed in the information display: Diesel particulate filter: Owner's manual! The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode. After
switching the ignition off and on again the indicator light, the indicator light

also lights up.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ The diesel particle filter achieves very high temperatures. Therefore do not
park in areas where the hot filter can come into direct contact with dry grass
or other combustible materials – risk of fire!
■ Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The recommendations indicated by the warning light must not tempt
you to disregard the national regulations for road traffic. CAUTION
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an in-
creased fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the
engine. Note
■ To assist the combustion process of the soot particles, we recommend that reg-
ularly driving over short distances should be avoided. ■ Using diesel fuel with an increased sulphur content can considerably reduce the
life of the diesel particle filter. A
ŠKODA specialist garage will be able to tell you
which countries use only diesel fuel with high sulphur content. Ð Fuel reserve 
The indicator light  will come on if the fuel level is less than 7 litres.
The following is displayed in the information display: Please refuel! Range ...

km Note
The text in the information display goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance. Ð
21
Instruments and Indicator Lights