2013 SKODA RAPID key

■Contact between the breakaway cable and the safety eyelet can result in me-
chanical wear on the surface protection of the eyelet. Such wear does not impair
the functioning of the safety eyelet and does not constitute a fault. It is excluded from the warranty coverage.■
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
■
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be applied when coupling and un-
coupling the trailer.

Anti-theft alarm system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 123.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connection
to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or uncou- pled » page 36 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing de-
vice.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer sock-
et.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
The vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system is
activated.
Note
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the an-
ti-theft alarm system.
125Towing a trailer

Seat belts
Using seat belts
Introduction
Fig. 114
Driver wearing seat belt
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
The physical principle of a frontal collision
131
Fastening and unfastening seat belts
132
Belt height adjustment on the front seats
133
Seat belts that are fastened correctly offer good protection in the event of an ac-
cident. They reduce the risk of an injury and increase the chance of survival in the
event of a major accident.
Correctly fastened seat belts hold occupants of the car in the correct seated posi-
tion » Fig. 114 .
The seat belts reduce the kinetic energy (energy of motion) to a considerable ex-
tent. They also prevent uncontrolled movements which, in turn, may well result in
severe injuries.
Occupants of a vehicle who have correctly fastened their seat belts have the ma-
jor benefit of the fact that the kinetic energy is absorbed as effectively as possi-
ble by the belts.
The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other passive safety measures,
such as the airbag system, also contribute to the kinetic energy being reduced as
effectively as possible. The energy produced is thus absorbed and there is less
risk of injury.
Particular safety aspects must be observed when transporting children in the ve-
hicle » page 142 , Transporting children safely .WARNING■
Fasten your seat belt before each journey – even when driving in town! This
also applies to the passengers seated at the rear – risk of injury!■
Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of
ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child » page 132, Fastening and
unfastening seat belts .
■
Maximum seat belt protection is only achieved if you are correctly seat-
ed » page 127 , Correct seated position .
■
The seat backrests of the front seats must not be tilted too far to the rear
otherwise the seatbelts can lose their effectiveness.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for the correct routing of the seat belt.■Always ensure that the webbing of the seat belts is properly routed. Seat
belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in
minor accidents.■
Adjust the height of the belt in such a way that the shoulder part of the belt
is roughly positioned across the middle of your shoulder – on no account
across your neck.
■
A seat belt which is hanging too loose can result in injuries as your body is
moved forward by the kinetic energy produced in an accident and is then sud-
denly held firm by the belt.
■
The belt webbing must not run across solid or fragile objects (e.g. specta-
cles, ball-point pens, bunches of keys etc.). Such objects can cause injury.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for handling the seat belts.■The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or twisted,
or chafe against any sharp edges.■
Make sure you do not catch the seat belt in the door when closing it. 
130Safety

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
System description
135
Airbag deployment
135WARNING■ An airbag can only offer you optimal protection in combination with a fas-
tened seat belt .■
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
complete passive vehicle safety concept.
■
To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size » page 127, Correct seated position .
■
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk
of injury in the event of an accident.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for handling the airbag system.■If there is a fault, the airbag system must be checked by a specialist garage
immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the
event of an accident.■
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
■
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■
It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
■
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.

System description
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 135.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the indicator light  in
the instrument cluster » page 20.
When the airbags are deployed, they fill with gas and inflate.
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.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the airbag system consists of the
following modules.
› Electronic control unit.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger
» page 137.
› Side airbags
» page 138.
› Head airbags
» page 139.
› Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 20.
› Key switch for the front passenger airbag
» page 140.
› Warning light for the front passenger airbag deactivation/activation in the mid-
dle of the dash panel » page 140.
Note
■
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.■If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the new
owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of deactivating
the front passenger airbag must be included!■
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to com-
ply with the national legal requirements.

Airbag deployment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 135.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer additional protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on. 
135Airbag system

Deactivating airbagsFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 139.
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones below.› If using a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat (due to different le-
gal regulations, the airbag must be deactivated if using a forwards-facing child
seat in some countries) » page 142, Transporting children safely .
› If it is not possible 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 adjus-
ted.
› If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of
a physical disability.
› If different seats have been fitted (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 140 .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other air- bags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The operational capability of the airbag system is monitored electronically, includ-
ing when one of the airbags is switched off.
Airbag deactivated using diagnostic equipment
› The warning light

lights up for approximately 4 seconds after the ignition is
switched on and then flashes again for approximately 12 seconds.
Front passenger airbag deactivated using the key switch in the storage com-
partment
› The warning light

lights up for approximately 3 seconds after the ignition is
switched on.
› The indicator light



3
» Fig. 123 on page 140 lights up after the ignition is
switched on.
Note■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA service partner will be able to inform you which, if any, of your vehi-
cle's airbags can or must be deactivated.

Deactivating the front passenger airbag
Fig. 123
Key switch for front passenger airbag/warning light for front pas-
senger airbag activation/deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 139.
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
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. 123 OFF .
›
After switching on the ignition, check whether the warning light
3

 1)
is illu-
minated in writing 




is illuminated in the centre panel.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position
1
» Fig. 123 ON .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side. 

1)
The warning light
  comes on for a few seconds after the ignition is switched on, goes out for
about 1 second and then comes on again.
140Safety

Inspecting and replenishing
Fuel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Refuelling
160
Unleaded petrol
161
Diesel fuel
162
The correct fuel grades for your vehicle are specified on the inside of the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 131 on page 160.
WARNINGThe national legal requirements must be observed if carrying a spare canister
in the vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehi-
cle for safety reasons. in the event of an accident, these canisters can become
damaged and fuel may escape – risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and the exhaust system.■
Immediately remove any fuel that has spilled onto the vehicle's paintwork – risk
of paint damage!
■
If the vehicle was not purchased in the country where it was intended to be op-
erated, you should check whether the fuel specified by the manufacturer is of-
fered in the country where the vehicle will be operated. You should also perhaps
check whether the manufacturer has recommended a different fuel for operation
of the vehicle in the corresponding country. Is this not the case, then you must
check whether it is permitted by the manufacturer to operate the vehicle with an-
other fuel type.

RefuellingFig. 131
Fuel filler
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 160.
Vehicles without lockable fuel filler flap
›
Press on the fuel filler flap in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 131 .
›
Open the flap manually in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Hold the filler cap with your hand and unlock by turning the key in the direction
of the arrow » Fig. 131 - 
.
›
Unscrew the filler cap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 131 - 
.
›
Place the filler cap onto the top of the fuel filler flap » Fig. 131 - 
.
›
Insert the pump nozzle into the fuel filler neck as far as it will go.
When the pump nozzle shuts off for the first time, the fuel tank is full »
.
›
Remove the pump nozzle from the fuel filler neck and put it back in the pump.
›
Screw in the filler cap in the opposite direction of the arrow » Fig. 131 - 
until it
audibly clicks into place.
›
Hold the filler cap with one hand, lock it by turning in the opposite direction of the arrow » Fig. 131 - 
and remove the key.
›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly.
Vehicles with lockable fuel filler flap
›
Press on the fuel filler flap in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 131 .
›
Open the flap manually in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Unscrew the filler cap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 131 - 
.
›
Remove the filler cap and place the it into the hole on the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 131 - 
. 
160General Maintenance

WARNINGInjuries or scolding or risks of accident or fire may occur when working in the
engine compartment. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warn- ing instructions outlined below and with the general applicable safety rules.
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed before starting work in the en-
gine compartment.■
Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until no more steam or coolant is escaping.
WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed when working in the engine com-
partment.■
Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
WARNING (Continued)■ Always store the coolant additive securely in its original container, and in
particular out of the reach of children – risk of poisoning!■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed at all times when work-
ing in the engine compartment while the engine is running.■
Pay particular attention to rotating engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, genera-
tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition system – risk to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – risk to life! Always remove any jewellery, tie
back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be carried
out on the fuel or electrical systems.■
Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read and observe the information and warning instructions on the fluid con-
tainers.■
Keep fluids in their original containers and keep securely out of the reach of
children! 
163Inspecting and replenishing

CAUTIONThe detachable ball rod and/or the vehicle can be damaged if an unsuitable towbar is used.
Note
The detachable ball rod must always be in the vehicle so that it can be used for
towing, if necessary.
Remote control
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Replacing the battery in the remote control key
193
Synchronising the remote control
194
CAUTION
■ The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original bat-
tery.■
When replacing the battery, pay attention to the correct polarity.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the used battery in accordance with national legal provisions.
Replacing the battery in the remote control keyFig. 159
Remove cover/take out battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 193.
The battery is located under a cover
A
» Fig. 159 .
We recommend having the key batteries replaced by a specialist garage. Howev- er, if you would like to replace the discharged battery yourself proceed as follows.
›
Flip out the key.
›
Press off the battery cover with your thumb or using a flat screwdriver in the region of the arrows
1
.
›
Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery down inthe region of the arrow
2
.
›
Insert the new battery.
›
Place the battery cover on the key and press it down until it clicks into place.
Note
■ The key has to be synchronised if the vehicle cannot be unlocked or locked with
the remote control key after replacing the battery » page 194.■
If a key has an affixed decorative cover, this will be destroyed when the battery
is replaced. A replacement cover can be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.

193Emergency equipment and self-help

Synchronising the remote controlFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 193.
If the vehicle does not unlock when pressing the remote control, the key may not
be synchronised. This can occur when the buttons on the remote control key are actuated a number of times outside of the operative range of the equipment or
the battery in the remote control key was replaced.
Synchronise the key as follows.
›
Press any button on the remote control key.
›
Pressing of the button means that the door will unlock with the key within 1 mi-
nute.

Emergency unlocking/locking
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Locking a door
194
Unlocking the tailgate
194
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
195
Locking a door
Fig. 160
Left rear door: Emergency lock-
ingFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 194.
An emergency locking mechanism is located on the face side of the doors which
have no locking cylinder, it is only visible after opening the door.
›
Remove the panel
A
» Fig. 160 .
›
Insert the key into the slot
B
and turn it into the horizontal position in the di-
rection of the arrow (mirror-inverted on the right doors).
›
Replace the cover.
After closing the door, it cannot be opened from the outside. The door is unlocked by pulling on the door opening lever and is then opened from the outside.

Unlocking the tailgate
Fig. 161
Emergency unlocking of the boot
lid
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 194.
Unlocking
›
Fold the rear seat backrest forward » page 55.
›
Insert the vehicle key into the slot in the trim panel as far as it goes » Fig. 161
.
›
Unlock the lid by moving it in the direction of the arrow.
›
Open the boot lid.

194Do-it-yourself