2012 SKODA RAPID traction control

Abbreviations
Abbreviation Definition rpm Engine revolutions per minute
ABS Anti-lock brake system TCS Traction control
CO 2 in g/km discharged quantity of carbon dioxide in grams per driven kilo-
meter
DSG Automatic double clutch gearbox EDL Electronic differential lockESC Electronic Stability Control
HBA Hydraulic brake assist HHC Uphill start assist kW Kilowatt, measuring unit for the engine output
MFD Multifunction display N1 Panel van intended exclusively or mainly for the transporta- tion of goods
Nm Newton meter, measuring unit for the engine torque
TDI CR Diesel engine with turbocharging and common rail injection system
TSI Petrol engine with turbocharging and direct injection Ð 5
Abbreviations



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

The warning light
 flashes yellow (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil sensor: Workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes  several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 37. ÐCoolant temperature/coolant level 

The indicator light  lights up until the engine reaches operating temperature 1)
.
Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light  lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is too
high or the coolant level is too low.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Check coolant! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant » page 130,
and refill the coolant if necessary » page 131.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the radia-
tor fan, replace if necessary » page 159, Replacing the fuses in the engine com-
partment .
Do not continue driving if the warning light   does not go off even though the
coolant level is correct and the fuse for the fan is in working order!
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 37.
■ Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cooling
system is pressurized – risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the engine
to cool down before removing the cap.
■ Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off. Ð Power steering 
If the indicator light  lights up, there is a fault in the power steering system.
The power steering operates with reduced steering assist or does not function at
all.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after you start the engine, the ESC
might be switched off due to technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on
again. If the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on,
the ESR is fully functional again.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ESC.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
or Error: traction control (ASR)
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 72, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .£1)
Not valid for vehicles with information display.
19
Instruments and Indicator Lights

Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. ÐTraction control system (TCS) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ASR
can be switched off for technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on again. If
the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on, the ASR
is fully functional again.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ASR.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: traction control (ASR)
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 73, Traction control (ASR) . ÐAntilock brake system (ABS) 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: ABS
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 37.
■ If the warning light  » page 17
is lit simultaneously with warning light ,
 do not continue your journey! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – risk of accident! Ð The rear fog light 
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog lights are operating » page 35.Ð Bulb failure 
The warning light  comes on if a bulb is faulty:
› within a few seconds of the ignition being switched on;
› when switching on the defective light bulb.
The following is displayed in the information display: Check front-right dipped beam! Note
The rear side lights and the licence plate lighting have several light bulbs. The in-
dicator light  only lights up if all light bulbs of the licence plate lighting or the
parking light (in one rear light) are defective. For this reason, regular check that
these light bulbs are working correctly. Ð Exhaust inspection system 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the exhaust inspection system.
The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð
20 Using the system

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

The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be advisable to switch off
the system in certain exceptional circumstances, such as:
›
when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to
“rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
Ensure the TCS is switched on again afterwards.
Hydraulic brake assist (HBA)
The HBA is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. It increases
the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance. To achieve the
shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly and
held in this position until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the
brake assist system.
The brake assist function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is
released.
Hill hold control (HHC)
The HHC makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system holds the brake
pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx. 2 seconds af-
ter the brake pedal is released. The driver can therefore move his foot from the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the slope, without having to
actuate the handbrake. The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate
the accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts
to roll back.
The HHC is active as of a 5 % slope, if the driver door is closed. It is always active
on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving downhill, it is inac-
tive. ÐAntilock brake system (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 70.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
ä The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the
pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal during the intervention of the
ABS. The ABS deactivates if the brake pedal is released. Never interrupt the appli-
cation of the brakes during the intervention of the ABS! Ð Traction control (ASR)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 70.
If the wheels are slipping, the TCS adapts the engine speed to the conditions of
the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate and climb
steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light 1)
flashes in the in-
strument cluster. Ð Electronic differential lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 70.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and
transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to
avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as
a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as
the brake has cooled down. Ð
ä
ä
1)
Valid for vehicles without Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
73
Starting-off and Driving

START STOP
Jump-starting 153
Steering force assistance 69
Steering wheel 69
Storage 54
Storage compartments 54
Sun visors 39
Switching off the engine 70
T
Taking care of the vehicle Artificial leather 122
Material coverings 122
Materials 122
Natural leather 122
Seat belts 123
Taking care of your vehicle 117
Automatic car wash system 118
Chrome parts 119
Cleaning the wheels 121
Door lock cylinders 120
Headlight lenses 120
High-pressure cleaner 118
Plastic parts 119
Polishing the paintwork 119
Preservation 119
Rubber seals 120
Washing 118
Washing by hand 118
Wash system 118
TCS Warning light 20
Technical data 164
Telephone 84
Tiptronic 79
see automatic gearbox 81
Tool 145
TOP TETHER 108
Towing 153
Towing a trailer 115Towing eye 154
Towing protection 29
Traction control 73
Trailer 115
Towing a trailer 115
Transport Boot 48
Roof rack system 51
Transporting children safely 105
Two-way radio systems 84
Type plate 164
Tyre repair 149
Tyres see Wheels and tyres 139
U
Underbody protection 121
unlock Central locking system 26
Unlocking Remote control 28
Uphill start assist 72
USB 90
V
Vehicle battery Automatic load deactivation 136
Charging 135
Checking the electrolyte level 135
Operation in winter 135
Replacing 136
Safety instructions 133
Vehicle Condition see Auto Check Control 16
Vehicle data sticker 164
Vehicle dimensions 165
Vehicle key 24
Vehicle tool kit 145Visors
see Sun visors 39
W
Warning lights 16
Warning symbols see Warning lights 16
Warning triangle 145
Washing 117
Automatic car wash system 118
by hand 118
Chrome parts 119
High-pressure cleaner 118
Weights 164
Wheel bolts Anti-theft wheel bolt 149
Caps 141
Loosening and tightening 148
Wheels 137
Wheels and tyres Changing a wheel 146
Full wheel trim 141
General information 137
Handling wheels and tyres 139
new tyres 139
Service life of tyres 138
Snow chains 143
Spare wheel 140
Wheel bolts 142
Winter tyres 142
Windows De-icing 120
See Electrical power windows 31
Windscreen washer fluid Checking 132
Replenishing 132
Warning light 22
Winter 132
Windscreen washer system 132
Windscreen wipers 40
174 Index