2013 SKODA RAPID key

Power steeringFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 96.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The power steering only works when the engine is running. It is still fully possible to steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-gine is not running (e.g. when towing). However, greater physical effort is re-
quired to turn the steering wheel.

Starting and stopping the engine
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobiliser
98
Ignition switch
98
Starting the engine
98
Switching off the engine
99
The engine can only be started using a correctly coded original key. The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time afterstarting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ When driving without the engine running, the ignition key must always be in
the position 2 » Fig. 90 on page 98 (ignition switched on). This position is
indicated by the illumination of certain indicator lights in the instrument clus-
ter. ■ If the key is not in position 2
, this could lead to unexpected the steering
locking - risk of accident!
■
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 could
be blocked – risk of accident!
WARNING (Continued)■ When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Children could otherwise
start the engine for example – risk of accident or injury!■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNING■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases from the engine contain substances such as odourless and col-
ourless carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) – risk to life! ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine may be damaged if the starter is activa- ted when the engine is running 3
» Fig. 90 on page 98.
■
Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start
aid » page 189 , Jump-starting .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the en-
gine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
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.
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. 97Starting-off and Driving

NoteAfter switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.
Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 97.
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
withdrawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display. Immobilizer active.
IMMOBILISER

Ignition switch
Fig. 90
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lockFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 97.
Petrol engines » Fig. 90
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on Starting engine
Diesel engines » Fig. 90
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 it is impossible or difficult to turn the key into posi-
tion
2
» Fig. 90 , move the steering wheel back and forth to unlock the steering.
Note
We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 97.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light 
illuminates after the ignition has been switched on. Start
the engine after the warning light 
has gone out.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe- riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever into position P
or N.
›
Switch on the ignition
2
» Fig. 90 on page 98. 

12312398Driving

›Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.›
Turn the key into position
3
to the stop and release immediately after the en-
gine has been started – do not apply the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
›
Release the handbrake.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Repeat
the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
Vehicles with manual transmission
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Depress clutch to start.
CLUTCH
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine will not start if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster and the following mes-
sage appears in the display.
Apply the brake to start.
BRAKE
CAUTION
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 197, Fuses in
the dash panel , or seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Switching off the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 97.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position
1
» Fig. 90 on
page 98.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed if
the selector lever is in position P.
Brakes
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
100
Handbrake
100WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switched
off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with manual
transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise, the func-
tion of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
could then start to move – risk of accident!
WARNING■ In the event of damage occurring to the standard fitted front spoiler or the
retrofitting of another front spoiler, wheel hubs etc. » page 149, Service work,
adjustments and technical alterations , It must be ensured that the air supply
to the front brakes is not impaired. The front brakes may overheat, which can
have a negative impact on the functioning of the braking system – risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 105.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.

99Starting-off and Driving

WARNING■Do not depress the accelerator if changing the forward driving mode – risk
of accident!■
Never move the selector lever to mode R or P when driving – risk of acci-
dent!
■
When the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running, the vehicle must
be held in mode D, S or R with the brake pedal. Even when the engine is
idling, the power transmission is never completely interrupted – the vehicle
crawls.
CAUTION
■ If the selector lever is moved to mode N while driving, the accelerator pedal
must be released and you will need to wait until the engine has reached its idling speed before moving the selector lever to a forward driving mode again.■
At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the selector lev-
er position P.
■
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator
pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the se-
lector lever is in the position P.
Modes and use of selector lever
Fig. 93
Selector lever/display
Fig. 94
Shiftlock button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 101.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 93.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 93.
P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
Parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
R
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is at idling speed.
Before moving into mode R from mode P or N, depress the brake pedal while si-
multaneously pressing the lock button » Fig. 94.
N
– Neutral
The power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
D
- Mode for forwards travel (normal programme)
In mode D, the forward gears are automatically changed according to the engine
load, accelerator pedal actuation and driving speed.
S
- Mode for forwards travel (sports programme)
In mode S, the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher en-
gine speeds than in mode D.
Before changing to mode S from mode D, press the lock button » Fig. 94. 
102Driving

Towing a trailer
Towing device
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
119
Adjusting the ready position
120
Fitting the ball head
121
Check proper fitting
121
Removing the ball head
122
Use and care
122
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal regulations for towing a trailer.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connec-
tor , you can use a suitable adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 50 kg.
WARNING■
Check that the tow bar is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting
recess before the start of every journey.■
Do not use the tow bar if it is not correctly inserted and secured in the
mounting recess.
■
Do not use the towing device if it is damaged or if there are parts missing.
■
Do not modify or adapt the towing device in any way.
■
Never release the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
Take care when handling the tow bar so as to avoid damaging the paintwork on
the bumper.
DescriptionFig. 104
Carrier for the towing device/tow bar
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
The tow bar can be removed and is kept in the spare wheel compartment or in a
compartment for the spare wheel in the boot » page 183.
Explanation of graphic 13-pin power socket
Safety eyelet
Mounting recess
Cap
Dust cap
Tow ball
Locking ball
Centering
Green marking on the handwheel
Handwheel
Key
Lock cap
Red marking on the handwheel
White marking on ball bar 
1234567891011121314119Towing a trailer

NoteOn the bottom of the key is a code number. If you lose a key, please contact a
specialist garage, who will be able to use this code number to provide you with a new one.
Adjusting the ready position
Fig. 105
Setting the ready position
Fig. 106
Ready position
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
Always adjust the ball head in the ready position before fitting.
›
Turn the key
A
in direction of the arrow
1
to the stop » Fig. 105.
›
Hold the tow bar with your left hand.
›Using your right hand, pull the handwheel B in the direction of the arrow 2and drag in the direction of the arrow 3 to the stop.
The handwheel remains locked in this position.
Ready position » Fig. 106
The key C
is in the unlocked position - the arrow on the key points to the
“padlock open” icon . The key cannot be removed.
The locking balls
D
can be pushed fully into the tow bar.
The red marking
E
on the handwheel points to the white marking on the
ball bar.
There is a clear gap of approx. 4 mm
F
between the handwheel and the tow
bar.
The tow bar is now ready to be inserted into the mounting recess.
WARNINGIf the tow bar cannot be correctly placed in the ready position, then it must
not be used.
CAUTION
When in the ready position, the key cannot be removed from the handwheel lock.120Driving

Fitting the ball headFig. 107
Insert the ball bar/lock the lock and remove the key
Fig. 108
Fit the lock cap
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 119.
›
Remove the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 104 on page 119 in a down-
wards direction.
›
Put the tow bar in the ready position » page 120.
›
Grip the tow bar from underneath » Fig. 107 and insert into the mounting recess
until it audibly clicks into place » .
The handwheel
A
rotates back automatically and rests on the ball rod » .
›
Lock the handwheel lock by turning the key
B
right as far as the stop in the
direction of the arrow
1
- the arrow on the key points towards the “closed pad-
lock” icon.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Fit the cap
C
on the handwheel lock in the direction of the arrow
3
» Fig. 108 .
›
Check that the tow bar is securely attached » page 121.
WARNING■
Do not hold the handwheel with your hand when attaching the ball bar -
there is a risk of finger injury.■
After fitting the tow bar, always secure the lock and remove the key.
■
The tow bar must not be operated with the key inserted.
■
If the tow bar is not in the ready position, it cannot be fitted in the mounting
recess.
CAUTION
After removing the key, always replace the cover on the handwheel lock – risk of
lock getting dirty.
Note
Store the cover of the mounting recess in a suitable place in the luggage com-
partment store after removal.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 109
Check that the tow bar is attach-
ed properly
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 119.
Check that the tow bar is fitted properly before each use.
Check the following points. The green marking
A
» Fig. 109 on the handwheel points to the white mark-
ing on the tow bar.
The handwheel lies flush with the tow bar - there is no gap. 
121Towing a trailer

The handwheel is locked and the key is removed.
The cap B
is on the handwheel.
The tow bar does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.WARNINGDo not use the towing device unless the tow bar has been properly locked!

Removing the ball head
Fig. 110
Removing the lock cover/releasing the lock
Fig. 111
Release ball bar
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 119.
›
Remover the cover
A
from the handwheel lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 110 .
›
Insert the key
B
into the lock.

›
Unlock the handwheel lock by turning the key B left as far as the stop in the
direction of the arrow2 - the arrow on the key points towards the “padlock
open” icon.›
Grip the tow bar from below » Fig. 111 and with the other hand pull the hand-
wheel
C
in the direction of the arrow
3
.
›
Turn the handwheel in the direction of the arrow
4
to the stop, and hold in this
position.
›
Remove the tow bar from the mounting recess downwards and in the direction
of the arrow
5
.
At the same time, the tow bar latches into the ready position and is therefore
ready to be re-inserted into the mounting recess »
.
›
Attach the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 104 on page 119.
WARNING■
Never allow the tow bar to remain unsecured in the boot. This could cause
damage on sudden braking, and could put the safety of the occupants at risk!■
Never remove the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
■ If the handwheel is not turned all the way to the stop, then it will return to its
initial position when the tow bar is removed, and will rest on the tow bar and not
engage into the ready position. The tow bar will then need to be brought into this position before the next time it is fitted.■
The mounting recess must be closed with the cover following removal. This pre-
vents foreign bodies from getting into the mounting recess.
Note
■ We recommend putting the protective cover onto the ball head before removing
the tow bar.■
Clean any dirt from the tow bar before stowing it away in the box with the vehi-
cle tool kit.

Use and care
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
Close the mounting recess with the cover to prevent any dirt from getting in. 
122Driving