2013 SKODA RAPID parking brake

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

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

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

Antilock brake system (ABS)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 ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: ABS
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
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.■
If the warning light  » page 15 is displayed together with warning light 
 do not continue your journey! 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!

 Rear fog light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The indicator light 
comes on when the rear fog light is switched on.
For further information, see » page 44.

 Bulb failure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
The indicator light  lights up if a bulb is faulty.
The indicator light  lights up within a few seconds after switching on the igni-
tion or when a light with a faulty bulb is switched on.
The following message, for example, may be shown in the MAXI DOT display. INFORMATION Check front right low beam!
The rear side lights and the licence plate lighting have several light bulbs. The in-
dicator light 
only lights up if all bulbs in the parking light (in one rear light) or
the licence plate lighting are faulty 1)
. For this reason, regular check that these
light bulbs are working correctly.

 Exhaust inspection system
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 exhaust inspection system.
The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.

 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
The indicator light 
lights up after the ignition has been switched on. Once the
light has gone out, the engine can be started immediately.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light 
does not come on
at all or lights up continuously .
If the warning light 
begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The system allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode. 

1)
Applies to vehicles with START-STOP system.
18Using the system

Folding backwards›If you removed the head restraint, you need to reinsert it with the backrest til-ted slightly forwards.›
Then push the seat backrest back into the upright position until the locking but-
ton
B
clicks into place – check by pulling on the seat backrest » .
›
Make sure that the red pin
C
is hidden.
WARNING■
The belts and the belt locks must be in their original position after folding
back the seat backrests – they must be ready to use.■
The seat backrests must be securely locked in position so that no objects in
the luggage compartment can slide into the passenger compartment on sud- den braking – risk of injury.
■
Ensure that the rear seat backrests are properly engaged. Only then can the
seat belt for the middle seat reliably fulfil its function.
CAUTION
Ensure that the seat belts are not damaged when operating the seat backrests. Under no circumstances must the rear seat belts be jammed by the folded back
seat backrests.
Practical equipment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Car park ticket holder
56
Storage compartments in the doors
57
Holder for reflective vest
57
Storage compartments in centre console
58
Cup holders
58
Cigarette lighter
59
Ashtray
59
12-volt power outlet
60
Waste container
60
Multimedia holder
61
Storage compartment in the front arm rest
62Glasses storage box62Storage compartment on the passenger side63
Clothes hook
63
Storage pockets on the front seats
64
Meshed pockets on the front seat backrests
64WARNING■ Do not place anything on the dash panel. These objects might slide or fall
down when driving (when accelerating or cornering) and may distract you
from concentrating on the traffic – there is the risk of an accident.■
When driving, ensure that no objects from the centre console or from other
storage compartments can get into the driver's footwell. You would then no
longer be able to apply the brakes or operate the clutch or accelerator pedal –
risk of accident!
■
No objects should be placed in the storage compartments nor in the drinks
holders; the vehicle occupants could be endangered if there is sudden braking
or the vehicle collides with something.
■
Ash and cigarette or cigar stubs must only be discarded in ashtrays!

Car park ticket holder
Fig. 42
Parking ticket holder
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
The note holder is designed e.g. for attaching car park tickets. 
56Using the system

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

WARNING■Do not depress the accelerator if changing the forward driving mode – risk
of accident!■
Never move the selector lever to mode R or P when driving – risk of acci-
dent!
■
When the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running, the vehicle must
be held in mode D, S or R with the brake pedal. Even when the engine is
idling, the power transmission is never completely interrupted – the vehicle
crawls.
CAUTION
■ If the selector lever is moved to mode N while driving, the accelerator pedal
must be released and you will need to wait until the engine has reached its idling speed before moving the selector lever to a forward driving mode again.■
At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the selector lev-
er position P.
■
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator
pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the se-
lector lever is in the position P.
Modes and use of selector lever
Fig. 93
Selector lever/display
Fig. 94
Shiftlock button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 101.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 93.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 93.
P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
Parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
R
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is at idling speed.
Before moving into mode R from mode P or N, depress the brake pedal while si-
multaneously pressing the lock button » Fig. 94.
N
– Neutral
The power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
D
- Mode for forwards travel (normal programme)
In mode D, the forward gears are automatically changed according to the engine
load, accelerator pedal actuation and driving speed.
S
- Mode for forwards travel (sports programme)
In mode S, the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher en-
gine speeds than in mode D.
Before changing to mode S from mode D, press the lock button » Fig. 94. 
102Driving

Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)The selector lever is locked in modes P and N to prevent the forwards travel
mode from being selected accidentally and setting the vehicle in motion. The warning light  illuminates in the instrument cluster » page 21.
The selector lever is released by depressing the brake pedal while while simulta-
neously pressing the lock button » Fig. 94.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving via position N (e.g. from R to
D ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck, e.g. in a bank of
snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in position N for more than
approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being depressed.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds up to 5 km/h.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D or vice versa, move
the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being accidentally se-
lected.
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 95
Selector lever: Manual shifting of
gears
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 101.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever.
This mode can be selected both while stopping and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 93 on page 102.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 24.
Switching to manual shifting›Push the gear selector from position D towards the right, or left in a right-hand
drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears›
Push the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 95 .
Shifting down gears
›
Push the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 95 .
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no riskof the engine overrevving.
Note
It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual shifting
of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and hence the
wear on the brakes » page 100, Information on braking .
Starting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 101.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press and hold the lock button » Fig. 94 on page 102.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 102 and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Parking
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake. 
103Starting-off and Driving