2013 SKODA RAPID deactivate passenger airbag

Using the system
Cockpit
OverviewElectrical power windows
39
Door opening lever
35
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
50
Air outlet vents
76
Parking ticket holder
56
Operating lever:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher
43
›
Speed regulating system
114
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag
137
›with pushbuttons for radio, navigation system and mobile
phone
85
› with buttons for the operation of the information system
22
Instrument cluster
10
Operating lever:
› Windscreen wiper and wash system
49
›
Information system
22
Air outlets in the central part of the dash panel
76
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Radio
› Navigation system
Button for hazard warning light system
44
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag
140
Interior rear-view mirror
50
Key switch for switching off the passenger airbag (in front passen-
ger storage compartment)
140
Front passenger airbag
137
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
63
Air outlet vents
76123456789101112131415161718Power window in the front passenger door38Door opening lever35
Light switch and headlight beam control (on the dash panel)
41, 41
Bonnet release lever
164
Fuse box in the dashboard
197
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel
96
Ignition lock
98
Pedals
101
Bar with keys depending on the equipment fitted:
› 
Seat heater on the front left seat
54
› 
TCS
111
› 
Central locking system
34
› 
Rear window heater
47
› 
START STOP
116
› 
Seat heater on the front right seat
54
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)
101
›Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
102
Handbrake lever
100
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Cup holder
58
›
Multimedia holder
61
›Ashtrays
59
Storage compartment
58
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating
77
›
Operating controls for the air conditioning system
79
›Operating controls for Climatronic
82
Note
The position of some of the controls on right-hand drive models may differ from
that shown in » Fig. 1. The symbols on the controls and switches are the same as
for left-hand drive models.19202122232425262728293031329Cockpit

 Airbag systemFirst 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 airbag system.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Airbag
The operational capability of the airbag system is monitored electronically, includ-
ing when one of the airbags is switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using thevehicle system tester:
› The indicator light

lights up for around 4 seconds after the ignition is switch-
ed on and then flashes for around 12 seconds.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated.
If the air bag was switched off using the key-operated switch on the side of the
dash panel on the passenger side:
› The indicator light

comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› Switched off airbags are indicated by the indicator light


in the 

 

logo lighting up in the middle of the dash panel » Fig. 123 on page 140.
WARNINGIf there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist
garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the
event of an accident.

 Tyre inflation pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The indicator light 
lights up , if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure
in one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres » page 175.
If the indicator light 
flashes , there is a fault in the system.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Further information » page 178, Tyre pressure monitor .
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.
 Windscreen washer fluid level
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light 
comes on.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Top up wash fluid!
Top up with liquid » page 165, Windscreen washer system .

  Turn signal system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
Either the left 
or right 
indicator light flashes depending on the position of
the operating lever.
If there is a fault in the turn signal system, the indicator light flashes at twice its
normal rate.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Further information » page 43, Turn signal and main beam .

20Using the system

Switch-off display
The indicator light in the driver door flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out
and starts to flash at longer intervals after about 30 seconds.WARNINGIf the car is locked and the safe securing system activated, no people must re- main in the car as it will then not be possible to either unlock a door or open a
window from the inside. The locked doors make it more difficult for rescuers
to get into the vehicle in an emergency – risk to life!
Note
This function only applies to certain countries.
Individual settings
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 31.
Opening a single door
This function makes it possible to only unlock the driver's door. The other doors
remain locked and are only unlocked when the command is repeated.
Automatic locking/unlocking
All doors are locked from a speed of around 15 km/h. The button in the handle of
the boot lid is deactivated.
If the ignition key is withdrawn, the car is then automatically unlocked again. In addition, it is possible for the driver or front passenger to unlock the car by press- ing the central locking button 
.
The vehicle doors can be unlocked and opened at any time by pulling once on the door opening lever.
Note
Individual settings can be carried out in a specialist workshop.
Locking/unlocking the vehicle from the insideFig. 14
Central locking button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 31.
If the vehicle was not locked from the outside, you can also unlock or lock it with
the button » Fig. 14 , even without the ignition being switched on. While a door is
opened, the vehicle cannot be locked.
Locking
›
Press 
» Fig. 14 the button
The symbol 
in the button lights up.
Unlocking
›
Press 
» Fig. 14 the button
The symbol 
in the button goes out.
The following applies if your vehicle has been locked using the central locking button.
› It is not possible to open the doors or the boot lid from the outside (safety fea-
ture, e.g. when stopping at traffic lights etc.).
› The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by a single pull on the
opening lever of the respective door.
› In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked from the inside in order to enable rescuers to gain access to the vehicle. 
34Using the system

WARNINGInformation for the front passenger■Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel. Not maintaining this
minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to proper-
ly protect you – risk to life!■
Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven – never
place your feet on the dash panel, out of the window or on the surfaces of the
seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury when braking or in the
event of an accident. If an airbag is deployed, you may suffer fatal injuries
when adopting an incorrect seated position!

Correct seated position for the driver
Fig. 113
The correct distance of the driver to the steering wheel/correctly
adjusted head restraint
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 127.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident,
we recommend the following setting.
› Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance
A

» Fig. 113 between the steer-
ing wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm.
› Adjust the driver’s seat in the forward/back direction so that the pedals can be
fully depressed with slightly bent legs.
› Adjust the seat backrest so that the highest point of the steering wheel can be
reached with your arms at a slight angle.
› Adjust the head restraint such that the top edge of the head restraint is at the
same level as the upper part of your head 1)
B.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 130, Using seat belts .
Driver seat adjustment » page 53, Adjusting the front seats .

Correct seated position for the front passenger
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 127.
For the safety of the front passenger and to reduce the risk of injury in the event
of an accident, we recommend the following setting.
› Position the front passenger seat back as far as possible. The front passenger
must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel so that the airbag
offers the greatest possible safety if it is deployed.
› Adjust the head restraint such that the top edge of the head restraint is at the
same level as the top of your head 1)

B
» Fig. 113 on page 128.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 130, Using seat belts .
In exceptional cases the front passenger airbag can be deactivated » page 139,
Deactivating airbags .
Front passenger adjustment » page 53, Adjusting the front seats .

Correct seated position for the passengers in the rear seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 127.
To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an ac-
cident, the occupants on the rear seats must observe the following.
› Adjust the head restraint such that the top edge of the head restraint is at the
same level as the top of your head
B
» Fig. 113 on page 128 » page 128.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 130, Using seat belts .
› Use a suitable child restraint system if transporting children in the vehi-
cle » page 142 , Transporting children safely .


1)
Not valid for sports seat.
128Safety

Front airbagsFig. 119
Driver's airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the
dash panel
Fig. 120
Safe distance to steering wheel/inflated airbags
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 136.
In the event of a severe frontal collision, the front airbag system offers additional
protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger.
The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel » Fig. 119 - 
.
The front airbag for the front seat passenger is located in the dash panel above
the storage compartment » Fig. 119 - 
.
When the airbags are deployed, they inflate in front of the driver and front pas- senger » Fig. 120 -
 . The forward movement of the driver and of the front pas-
senger is cushioned when they make contact with the fully inflated airbag and
the risk of injury to head and chest is thus reduced.
WARNINGCorrect seated position■It is important that the driver and front passenger maintain a distance of at
least 25 cm to the steering wheel or dashboard A
» Fig. 120 . Not maintaining
this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you – hazard! The front seats and the head restraints must always also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
■
The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to in-
juries if the sitting position or seated position is not correct.
■
There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag.
WARNINGFront airbag and transporting children■Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a prop-
er restraint system. If airbags are deployed in the event of an accident, the
child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!■
The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing child
seat on the front passenger seat » page 139, Deactivating airbags . If this is
not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries if
the front passenger airbag is deployed. When transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, pay attention to any relevant national regulations regarding
the use of child safety seats.
WARNINGGeneral■The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash panel
on the passenger side must not have stickers attached, be covered or modi-
fied in any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a cloth that is
dry or has been moistened with water. No objects such as cup holders, mobile
phone mounts, etc. must be attached to the covers of the airbag modules or
be located within their immediate vicinity.■
Never place objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag module in
the dash panel.

137Airbag 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

Transporting children safely
Child seat
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
143
Child safety and side airbag
144
Classification of child seats
144
Use of child seats fastened with a seat belt
144
Children are generally safer on the rear seats than on the front passenger seat.
In contrast to adults, the muscles and bone structure of children are not yet fully developed. Thus children are exposed to increased risk of injury.
Children should be transported in accordance with the relevant statutory provi-sions.
Child seats complying with the ECE-R 44 standard must be used. ECE-R stands
for: Economic Commission for Europe – Regulation.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard are identified with a testmark that cannot be removed: a large E within a circle with the test number be-
low.
WARNING■ The national legal requirements must be observed when using child seats.■One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's lap.■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Certain outside climatic con-
ditions can cause life-threatening temperatures in the vehicle.
■
The child must be secured in the vehicle during the entire journey! Other-
wise, the child would be thrown through the vehicle in the event of an acci-
dent, causing fatal injuries to both the child and other occupants.
WARNING (Continued)■ Children are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent if they lean forward or adopt an incorrect seated position when the vehi-
cle is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported on the
front passenger seat as they can suffer severe, or even fatal injuries if the air-
bag system is deployed!■
Pay particular attention to the information provided by the manufacturer of
the child safety seat regarding the correct routing of the belt. Seat belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in minor
accidents.
■
Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running properly. One
should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by sharp-edged fittings.
■
The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing child
seat on the front passenger seat. Further information » page 143, Use of a
child seat on the front passenger seat .
CAUTION
When installing a child seat in which the child faces forward, adjust the head re-
straints so that they are as high as possible.
Note
We recommend that you use child seats from ŠKODA Original Accessories. Thesechild seats were developed and also tested for use in ŠKODA vehicles. They meet
the ECE-R 44 standard.
142Safety

Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
Never use a backwards-facing child restraint system on a seat that is protected by an active airbag installed in front of it. This could cause the child severe injury
or even death.Fig. 124
Sticker on the B column on the
front passenger side.
Fig. 125
Front passenger sun visor / label
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 142.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you install child seats on the rear seats
whenever possible.
The following instructions must be followed when using a child seat on the front passenger seat.
› The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing child
seat »
.
› If possible, adjust the front passenger seat backrest so that it is as vertical, so
as to ensure secure contact between the passenger seat backrest and the back of the child seat.
› If possible, move the front passenger seat backwards so that there is no con-
tact between the front passenger seat and the child seat behind it.
› With child safety seats in groups 2 or 3, make sure that the loop-around fittings
attached to the child seat headrest is positioned in front of or at the same
height as the loop-around fittings on the B pillar on the passenger side.
› Set the height-adjustable front passenger seat as high up as possible.
› Set the front passenger seat belt as high up as possible.
› Place and fasten the child seat on the seat and the child in the child seat ac-
cording to the specifications in the manufacturer's user manual of the child seat .WARNING■ The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing child
seat on the front passenger seat » page 139, Deactivating airbags .■
Never use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat if the passen-
ger airbag is activated. This child safety seat is positioned in the deployment
area of the front passenger airbag. The airbag may cause the child severe, or
even fatal injuries, in the event of it being deployed.
■
This fact is also indicated by the label that can be found in one of the follow-
ing locations. ■ On the B-column on the front passenger side » Fig. 124. The sticker is visi-
ble upon opening the front passenger door. ■ On the front passenger's sun visor. In some countries, the sticker is loca-
ted on the front seat passenger's sun visor » Fig. 125.
■
With child safety seats in groups 2 or 3, make sure that the loop-around fit-
tings attached to the child seat headrest is positioned in front of or at the
same height as the loop-around fittings on the B pillar on the passenger side.
■
As soon as the rear-facing child seat is no longer being used on the passen-
ger seat, the front passenger airbag should be re-activated again.

143Transporting children safely