2013 SKODA RAPID key battery

 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

Vehicle keyFig. 11
Key: without/with remote control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 31.
Two keys are provided with the vehicle » Fig. 11.
Keys without remote control
Keys with remote control (remote control keys)
The transmitter with the battery is housed in the handle of the remote control key. The receiver is located in the interior of the vehicle.
The operating range of the remote control key is approx. 30 m. But this range ofthe remote control can be reduced if the batteries are weak.
The remote control key has a fold-open key bit which can be used for unlocking
and locking the car manually and also for starting the engine.
The spare key must by initialised by a specialist garage after repair or replace-
ment of the receiver unit. Only then can the remote control key be used again.
WARNING■ Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle – even if it is only
for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle.
Otherwise, children might start the engine or operate electrical equipment
(e.g. power windows) – risk of injury!■
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle has
come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise engage unintentionally –
risk of accident!
CAUTION■ Each key contains electronic components; therefore it must be protected
against moisture and severe shocks.■
Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean. Impurities (textile fibres, dust,
etc.) have a negative effect on the functionality of the locking cylinder and igni-
tion lock.
■
The battery must be replaced if the central locking or anti-theft alarm system
does react to the remote control at less than approx. 3 metres away » page 193.
Note
If you lose a key, please contact a specialist garage, which will be able to provide
you with a new one.
Unlocking/locking with the key
Fig. 12
Left side of the vehicle: Turning
the key for unlocking and lock-
ing the vehicle
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 31.
Unlocking
›
Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the direction of travel
(unlocking position)
A
» Fig. 12 .
Locking
›
Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the opposite direction
of travel (locking position)
B
» Fig. 12 .
If the driver's door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked.

32Using the system

Unlocking/locking with the remote controlFig. 13
Remote control key
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 31.
Explanation of graphic » Fig. 13
Unlocking the vehicle
Locking the vehicle
Unlocking the boot lid
Folding out/folding up of the key bit Warning light
Unlocking
The turn signal lights flash twice as confirmation that the vehicle has been un-
locked.
If you unlock the vehicle and do not open a door or the boot lid within the next 30 seconds, the vehicle will lock again automatically and the safelock system or anti-
theft alarm system will be switched on. This function is intended to prevent the car being unlocked unintentionally.
Locking
The turn signal lights flash once as confirmation that the vehicle has been locked.
If the doors or the boot lid remain open after the vehicle has been locked, the
turn signal lights do not flash until they have been closed.
Checking the battery condition
If the red indicator light
B
» Fig. 13 does not flash when you press a button on
the remote control key, the battery is empty. Replace the battery » page 193.
ABCAUTION■
Only operate the remote control when the doors and boot lid are closed and the
vehicle is in your line of sight.■
If the driver door is open, the vehicle cannot be locked using the remote control
key.
■
Operation of the remote control may temporarily be affected by signal interfer-
ence from transmitters close to the car and which operate in the same frequency
range (e.g. mobile phone, TV transmitter).
Note
For vehicles with an anti-theft alarm system, the acoustic signals can also be acti-
vated/deactivated when locking/unlocking at a ŠKODA partner
Safe securing system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 31.
The door locks are blocked automatically if the vehicle is locked from the outside.
Afterwards, it is not possible to open the doors with the door handle either from
the inside or from the outside.
This fact is pointed out by the following message on the display of the instrument
cluster after switching off the ignition.
Check deadlock! Owner's manual!CHECK SAFELOCK
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system is switched off, the door can be opened separately from the inside by a single pull on opening lever.
Switching off
The safelock can be switched off by locking twice within 2 seconds.
Switching on
The safelock switches on automatically the next time the vehicle is locked and
unlocked.
Switch-on display
The warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick succession, afterwards it
begins to flash evenly at longer intervals. 
33Unlocking and opening

Anti-theft alarm system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activating/deactivating
36
Interior monitor and towing protection
36
The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against vehicle break-ins. If an attempt is made to break into the vehicle, the system triggers au-
dible and visual warning signals (hereafter referred to only as alarm).
An alarm is triggered when the following monitored areas of the vehicle have afault.
› Bonnet.
› Boot lid.
› Doors.
› Ignition lock.
› Vehicle inclination
» page 36.
› Interior of car
» page 36.
› A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply.
› Socket of the factory-fitted towing device
» page 124, Driving with a trailer .
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is discon-
nected while the alarm system is activated.
The alarm is switched off by unlocking the vehicle or switching on the ignition.
CAUTION
Before leaving the vehicle, check that the doors and windows are closed in order
to ensure that the anti-theft alarm system is fully operational.
Note
The working life of the alarm siren is 5 years.
Activating/deactivating
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 36.
Activating
The alarm system is activated automatically approximately 30 seconds after the vehicle is locked.
If the vehicle is unlocked and a door or the boot lid not opened within the next
30 seconds, the vehicle will lock again automatically and the safe securing system
or anti-theft alarm system will be switched back on. This function is intended to
prevent the car being unlocked unintentionally.
Deactivating
The alarm system is deactivated automatically after the vehicle is unlocked. If the vehicle is not opened within 30 seconds, the alarm system is automatically activa-ted again.
Note
If the vehicle is unlocked by inserting the key into the driver door, the key must
be inserted into the ignition lock and the ignition switched on within 15 seconds
of unlocking the door to deactivate the alarm system.
Interior monitor and towing protection
Fig. 17
Button for interior monitor and
towing protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 36.
The interior monitor detects movements inside the car or the inclination of the vehicle, and then triggers the alarm. 
36Using the system

12-volt power outletFig. 50
12-Volt power socket
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 56.
The 12-volt power socket is located in the front centre console » Fig. 50.
Using the power socket
›
Remove the power socket cover or the cigarette lighter.
›
Connect the plug for the electrical appliance to the socket.
The 12-volt power sockets and any connected appliances can also be operated when the ignition is switched off or the ignition key is withdrawn »
.
WARNING■
Improper use of the 12-volt power socket and the electrical accessories can
cause fires, burns and other serious injuries.■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
■
If the connected electric device becomes too hot, switch it off and discon-
nect it from the power supply immediately.
CAUTION
■ The 12-volt power socket can only be used for connecting approved electrical
accessories with a total power uptake of up to 120 watt.■
Never exceed the maximum power consumption, otherwise the vehicle's elec-
trical system can be damaged.
■
Connecting appliances when the engine is not running will drain the battery of
the vehicle!
■
Only use matching plugs to avoid damaging the 12-volt power socket.

■ Only use accessories that have been tested for electromagnetic compatibility in
accordance with the applicable directives.■
Before turning the ignition on or off, and before starting the car, switch off the
device connected to the 12-volt power socket to prevent any damage caused by
voltage fluctuations.
■
Observe the operating instructions for the connected devices!

Waste container
Fig. 51
Waste container / open waste container
Fig. 52
Replace bags
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 56.
The waste container can be inserted into the slots in the doors » page 57.
Insert waste container
›
Position the waste container at the front edge of the slot. 
60Using the system

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

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