2013 SKODA RAPID cooling

Table of Contents
Materials defect liability and ŠKODA warranty for
new cars5
Mobility warranty and ŠKODA extended
warranty
6
Abbreviations
Using the system
Cockpit
9
Overview
8
Instruments and Indicator Lights
10
Instrument cluster
10
Indicator lights
14
Information system
22
Driver information system
22
Multifunction display (MFD)
25
MAXI DOT display
27
Service interval display
28
Unlocking and opening
31
Unlocking and locking
31
Anti-theft alarm system
36
Luggage compartment lid
37
Electrical power windows
38
Lights and visibility
41
Lights
41
Interior lighting
45
Visibility
46
Windscreen wipers and washers
48
Rear mirror
49Seats and useful equipment52Adjusting the seats52
Seat features
54
Practical equipment
56
Luggage compartment
64
Variable loading floor in the luggage
compartment (Rapid Spaceback)
70
Roof rack system
74
Heating and air-conditioning
76
Heating, ventilation, cooling
76
Heating
77
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning system)
79
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning
system)
82
Communication and multimedia
85
Universal telephone installation GSM II
85
Voice control
90
Multimedia
92
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
96
Steering
96
Starting and stopping the engine
97
Brakes
99
Manual gear changing and pedals
101
Automatic transmission
101
Running in
104
Economical driving and environmental
sustainability
105
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
109
Driving abroad
110
Assist systems
111
Brake assist systems
111
Parking aid
113Cruise Control System114START-STOP116
Towing a trailer
119
Towing device
119
Trailer
123
Safety
Passive Safety
126
General information
126
Correct seated position
127
Seat belts
130
Using seat belts
130
Inertia reels and belt tensioners
133
Airbag system
135
Description of the airbag system
135
Airbag overview
136
Deactivating airbags
139
Transporting children safely
142
Child seat
142
Fastening systems
145
General Maintenance
Vehicle care
147
Service intervals
147
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
149
Washing your car
152
Taking care of your vehicle exterior
153
Taking care of the interior
157
Inspecting and replenishing
160
Fuel
160
Engine compartment
162
Engine oil
166
Coolant
1683Table of Contents

Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale, this indicates that the engine has not yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and
high engine loads. This prevents possible damage to the engine.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves into the mid-range of the scale. At very high ambient temperatures or heavy en- gine loads, the pointer may move even further to the right.
High temperature range
If the pointer reaches the red area of the scale, the coolant temperature is too high. Further information » page 16,   Coolant .
CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet im-
pair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
Fuel gauge
Fig. 5
Fuel gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 10.
The instrument cluster can have one of the following types of fuel gauge » Fig. 5.
Instrument cluster with the MAXI DOT display
Instrument cluster with the segment display
The fuel gauge only works if the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres. The warning light lights up when the amount of fuel reaches the reserve zone  » page 19 .
The reserve zone is indicated by the red area of the scale » Fig. 5 -  or by display-
ing only the last two segments of the scale » Fig. 5 -  in the magnifying glass.
CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine
and the exhaust system.
Note
■ After filling up, it can occur that during dynamic driving (e.g. numerous curves,
braking, driving downhill and climbing a steep hill) the fuel gauge indicates ap-
prox. a fraction less. When stopping or during less dynamic driving, the fuel gauge displays the correct fuel level again. This is not a fault.■
The arrow  next to the icon  within the fuel gauge displays the installation
location of the fuel filler on the right-hand side of the vehicle.

Counter for distance driven
Fig. 6
Segment display / MAXI DOT dis-
play
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 10.
Daily trip counter (trip)
The daily trip counter
A
» Fig. 6 indicates the distance driven since the counter
was last reset - in intervals of 100 metres or 1/10 of a mile.
Reset daily trip counter
›
Press and hold the
6
» Fig. 2 on page 10 button. 
12Using the system

The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.Release parking brake!
 Brake system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The indicator light  illuminates if the brake fluid level in the braking system is
too low or there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Brake fluid: Log book!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 170 .
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 switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 44 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 162, Engine compartment .
■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 18 ,  Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a specialist garage.
■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – risk of accident!

 Seat belt warning light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
The indicator light 
comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt.
The indicator light 
goes out if the driver or front passenger has fastened their
seat belt.
If the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and the vehicle
speed exceeds 20 km/h, the indicator light  flashes and you will hear an acoustic
signal.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
90 seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the indicator light  lights up
permanently.
 Generator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
If the warning light lights up 
when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. The electrical system re- quires checking.
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights » page 44 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
CAUTION
If the  indicator light (cooling system fault) lights up in addition to the  indica-
tor light while driving,  do not continue driving! Stop the engine - there is a risk
of engine damage!
 Open door
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The warning light 
comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid
is opened. 
15Instruments and Indicator Lights

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 switch on the hazard warning lights » page 44 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.■
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.

 Power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
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 assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
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 indicator 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 system.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
or Error: Traction control (ASR)
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Further information » page 111, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on the ignition. If the indicator light does not go out
after moving a short distance, this means that there is an error in the system.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Traction Control System (ASR)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
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 message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Traction control (ASR)
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Further information » page 112, Traction Control System (TCS) .
Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, the indicator
light  comes on after switching on the ignition. If the indicator light does not go
out after moving a short distance, this means that there is an error in the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
17Instruments and Indicator Lights

Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Engine performance check (petrol engine)First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the engine control. The system
allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
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 indicator light 
lights up, soot has accumulated in the filter.
To clean the filter, and where traffic conditions permit »
, drive as follows for at
least 15 minutes or until the indicator light 
goes out.
› 4 or 5 Gear engaged (automatic transmission: position S).
› Vehicle speed at least 70 km/h.
› Engine speed between 1800-2500 rpm.
If the filter is properly cleaned, the warning icon 
goes out.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light 
does not go out and the
warning light 
begins to flash.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Diesel particulate filter: Log book!
The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode. After switching the ig-
nition off and on again the indicator light, the indicator light 
also lights up.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
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 – there is the 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.■
Using diesel fuel with increased sulphur content can significantly reduce the
service life of the diesel particle filter. A ŠKODA Partner will be able to tell you
which countries use diesel fuel with increased sulphur content.
Note
■ To assist the combustion process of the soot particles in the filter, we recom-
mend that regularly driving short distances be avoided.■
If the engine is turned off during the filter cleaning process or shortly after-
wards, the cooling fan may turn on automatically for a few minutes.

 Fuel reserve
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
The indicator light  will come on if the fuel level is less than 7 litres.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Please refuel. Range: ... km
Note
The text in the display goes out only after refuelling and driving a short distance.
19Instruments and Indicator Lights

Heating and air-conditioning
Heating, ventilation, cooling
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Air outlets
76
Using the cooling system economically
77
Operational problems
77
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The cooling system prevents the windows from misting up during
winter months.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling ef-
fect.
Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode for the air-condi-
tioning system » page 81 or for Climatronic » page 83.
WARNINGFor your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the windows
are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about how to cor-
rectly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to demist and defrost
the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
CAUTION
■ The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free from ice, snow or leaves,
for example, to ensure that the heating and cooling system works properly.■
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air con-
ditioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is not a leak!
Note■ The used air escapes through the vents at the back of the boot.■We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the in-
terior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning sys- tem. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is oper-ating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (re-
placement of compressor).

Air outlets
Fig. 77
Air outlet vents
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 76.
Warmed, unwarmed or cooled air flows out of the air outlet vents depending on
the regulator position for the heating or the air-conditioning system and the at-
mospheric conditions.
On air outlet vents 3 and 4 » Fig. 77 , the direction of air flow can be changed and
the vents can also be opened or closed individually and the amount of airflow ad-
justed.
Set the air flow direction
›
To adjust the height of the air flow, turn the horizontal fins upward or down- ward using the movable adjuster
A
» Fig. 77 . 
76Using the system

›To adjust the lateral direction of the air flow, turn the vertical fins with the mov-
able adjuster A to the left or to the right.
Setting the amount of airflow›
Turn knob
B
» Fig. 77 upwards all the way to the stop to fully open the air out-
let.
›
Turn knob
B
downwards all the way to the stop, to close the air outlet.
The knob can be adjusted to any position in between.
An overview of the available settings for adjusting the direction of the air out- let.
Setting the direction of the air outletActive air outlet vents1, 2, 41, 2, 4, 54, 53, 4
Note
Do not cover the air outlet vents with objects of any kind.
Using the cooling system economically
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 76.
The air conditioning system compressor uses power from the engine when in cooling mode, which will affect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the inte-rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to al- low the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be on if the windows are open.
For the sake of the environmentPollutant emissions are also lower when fuel is being saved » page 105, Econom-
ical driving and environmental sustainability .
Operational problems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 76.
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry » page 197 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 11.
If you are not able to resolve the operational problem yourself, or if the cooler
output has reduced, switch off the cooling system and seek assistance from a
specialist garage.

Heating
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Control elements
78
Adjusting
78
Recirculated air mode
79
77Heating and air-conditioning

We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 3 » Fig. 77 on page 76 in the
open position in all operating modes.
Note
If the air distribution is positioned only towards the windows, the total amount of
air is used to defrost the windows and thus no air will be fed to the footwell. This
can lead to restriction of the heating comfort.
Recirculated air mode
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 77.
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 control
C
» Fig. 78 on page 78 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.

Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects: Control elements
80
Adjusting
81
Recirculated air mode
81
The cooling system only operates if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on » page 80, Control elements .
The engine is running.
The outside temperature is above approx. +2 °C.
The blower switch is switched on (positions 1-4).
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected.
The cooling system is switched off at excessive coolant temperatures in order to guarantee a cooling effect when the engine is under a high load.
CAUTION
■ Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow out of
the vents when the cooling system is switched on.■
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when getting
out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold.
Note
We recommend that you have the air conditioning system cleaned by a specialist
garage once every year.79Heating and air-conditioning