2013 SKODA RAPID warning

AdjustingFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings
on page 79.
Recommended basic settings of the air conditioning controls.
AdjustmentControl dial settings » Fig. 79 on page 80Symbol button » Fig. 79 on page 80Air outlet vents 4 » Fig. 77
on page 76ABCDefrost/defog windscreen and side windows a)Desired tempera-
ture3 or 4Do not switch onAutomatically switched onb)Open and align with the side
windowFastest heatingAs far as it will goto the right3Briefly switch onSwitched offOpeningComfortable heatingDesired tempera-
ture2 or 3

Do not switch onSwitched offOpeningThe fastest coolingTo the left up to
the stopbriefly 4, then 2 or 3Briefly switch on c)ActivatedOpeningComfortable coolingDesired tempera-
ture1, 2 or 3Do not switch onActivatedOpen and align to the roofFresh air mode – ventilationTo the left up tothe stopDesired positionDo not switch onSwitched offOpeninga)
We recommend that you do not use this setting in countries with high humidity levels. This can result in heavy cooling of the window glass and the following fogging from outside.
b)
Automatic switch-on can be deactivated by pressing the symbol button .
c)
Under certain conditions, recirculated air mode
» page 81 may switch on automatically; the indicator light will then light up in the symbol button
.
We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents
3 » Fig. 77 on page 76 in the
open position in all operating modes.
Recirculated air mode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 79.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, e.g. when driving through a tunnel or in a traffic jam.
Switching on/off
›
Press the symbol button 
.
The indicator light in the button lights up.
› Press the symbol button
 again.
The indicator light in the button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution controlC
» Fig. 79 on page 80 is turned to position . Recirculated air mode can be
switched on again from this position by repeatedly pressing the symbol button
 .
WARNINGNever leave recirculated air mode switched on over a longer period of time, as
“stale air” can cause driver and passenger fatigue, reduce attention levels and also cause the windows to mist up. Increased risk of accident. Switch off recir-
culated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up.

81Heating and air-conditioning

Switching on/off›Press the symbol button .
The symbol  (pos. 7
» Fig. 80 on page 82) appears in the display.
›
Press the symbol button  again.
The  symbol in the display goes out.
WARNINGNever leave recirculated air mode switched on over a longer period of time, as
“stale air” can cause driver and passenger fatigue, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. Increased risk of accident. Switch off recir-
culated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up.
Note
If recirculated air mode is switched on for around 15 minutes, the  symbol will
begin to flash in the display as a sign that recirculated air mode has been switch-
ed on for a long time. If the recirculated air mode is not switched off, the symbol
flashes for around 5 minutes.
Controlling blower
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 82.
The Climatronic system controls the blower stages automatically in line with the
interior temperature. However, the blower level can be manually adjusted to suit
your particular needs.
›
Turn the control dial
10
» Fig. 80 on page 82 to the left or to the right to in-
crease or decrease the blower speed.
If the blower is switched off, the Climatronic system is switched off.
The set blower speed is shown by displaying the corresponding number of seg-
ments in icon
9
in the display.
WARNING■ “Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce attention
levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident
increases.■
Do not switch off the Climatronic system for longer than necessary.
■
Switch on the Climatronic system as soon as the windows mist up.

Defrosting windscreen
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 82.
Switching on/off
›
Press the symbol button 
» Fig. 80 on page 82.
The symbol 
(pos.
5
» Fig. 80 on page 82) appears in the display.
›
Press the symbol button 
again or press the 
button.
The 
symbol in the display goes out.
More air flows out of the air outlet vents 1 and 2 » Fig. 77 on page 76. The temper-
ature control is controlled automatically.

84Using the system

Communication and multimedia
Universal telephone installation GSM II
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Introductory information
85
Phone Phonebook
86
Control telephone from the multifunction steering wheel - Version 1
86
Control telephone from the multifunction steering wheel - Version 2
87
Symbols in the display
88
Connecting the mobile phone to the hands-free system
88
Telephone operation in the MAXI DOT display
89
ŠKODA permits the operation of mobile phones and two-way radio systems with
a professionally installed external aerial and a maximum transmission power of
up to 10 watts.
Please consult a ŠKODA Partner for information about the possibility of installing and operating mobile phones and two-way radio systems with a transmission power of more than 10 W.
Operating mobile phones or two-way radio systems may interfere with the func-
tionality of the electronic systems in your vehicle.
The reasons for this are as follows:
› no external aerial;
› external aerial incorrectly installed;
› transmission power greater than 10 watts.
WARNING■
Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver, you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.■
The national regulations for using a mobile phone in a vehicle must be ob-
served.
WARNING (Continued)■ If a mobile phone or a two-way radio system is operated in a vehicle without
an external aerial or an external aerial which has been installed incorrectly,
this can increase the strength of the electromagnetic field inside the vehicle.■
Two-way radio systems, mobile phones or mounts must not be installed on
airbag covers or within the immediate deployment range of the airbags.
■
Never leave a mobile phone on a seat, on the dash panel or in any area
where it can become a projectile during a sudden braking manoeuvre, an acci-
dent or a collision — risk of injury.
■
The Bluetooth ®
function must be switched off by a specialist company be-
fore the vehicle can be transported by air.
Note
■ We recommend that the installation of mobile phones and two-way radio sys-
tems in a vehicle be carried out by a specialist garage.■
Not all mobile phones that enable Bluetooth ®
communication are compatible
with the universal telephone preinstallation GSM II. You can ask a ŠKODA Partner
whether your telephone is compatible with the GSM II universal telephone fitting.
■
The range of the Bluetooth ®
connection to the hands-free system is restricted
to the vehicle interior. The range is dependent on local factors, e.g. obstacles be- tween the devices and mutual interferences with other devices. If your mobilephone is in a jacket pocket, for example, this can lead to difficulties when estab-lishing a connection with the hands-free-system or transferring data.

Introductory information
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 85.
The universal telephone preinstallation GSM II (hands-free system) includes a
convenience mode for the mobile phone via voice control, the multifunction
steering wheel, the radio or navigation system.
The universal telephone preinstallation GSM II comprises the following functions. › Phone Phonebook
» page 86.
› Convenience operation of the telephone via the multifunction steering
wheel » page 87 .
› Telephone operation in the MAXI DOT display
» page 89.
› Voice control of the telephone
» page 90.
› Music playback from the telephone or other multimedia units
» page 92.
85Communication and multimedia

Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Steering
Introduction
Fig. 88
Correct seated position for the
driver
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position
96
Power steering
97WARNING■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure the arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.■
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
WARNING (Continued)■ Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance A » Fig. 88 between the
steering wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm. Not maintaining this minimum
distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to properly protect
you - hazard!■
If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.

Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 89
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever
below steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 96.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat » page 52.
›
Swivel the lever underneath the steering wheel downwards » Fig. 89.
›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
›
Push the lever upwards to the stop.
WARNINGThe lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the steering wheel cannot accidentally change position during the jour-
ney – risk of accident!

96Driving

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

Information on brakingFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 99.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system consid-
ers the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light flashes
automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped,
the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches on.
The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically after accelerating
or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance at a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift into
the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used,
reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed in-
termittently, not continuously.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns and
over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between service intervals.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
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 specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
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 15,  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.
Handbrake
Fig. 91
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 99.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the lock but-
ton » Fig. 91 .
›
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.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 6 km/h for more than 3 seconds. 
100Driving