2013 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK ECU

Hitch and trailer
Hitch
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
112
Adjusting the ready position
113
Fitting the ball head
113
Check proper fitting
114
Removing the ball head
115
Use and care
115
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal regulations for towing a trailer.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection
between the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin
connector , you can use a suitable adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 50 kg.
WARNING■
Check that the tow bar is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting
recess before the start of every journey.■
Do not use the tow bar if it is not correctly inserted and secured in the
mounting recess.
■
Do not use the towing device if it is damaged or if there are parts missing.
■
Do not modify or adapt the towing device in any way.
■
Never release the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
Take care when handling the tow bar so as to avoid damaging the paintwork
on the bumper.
Note
Tow the vehicle by means of the detachable ball rod » page 160.DescriptionFig. 110
Carrier for the towing device / tow bar
Read and observe
and on page 112 first.
The tow bar can be removed and is located in the spare wheel compartment or
in a compartment for the spare wheel in the boot » page 150.
Support for the towing device and tow bar » Fig. 110
13-pin power socket
Safety eyelet
Mounting recess
Cap
Protective cap
Ball head
Locking ball
Centring
Green marking on the hand wheel
Hand wheel
Key
Lock cap
Red marking on the hand wheel
White marking on ball head
Note
On the bottom of the key is a code number. If you lose a key, please contact a
specialist garage which will be able to use this code number to provide you
with a new one.1234567891011121314112Driving

Fig. 114
Fit the lock cap
Read and observe and on page 112 first.
›
Remove the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 110 on page 112 by pulling
it downwards.
›
Put the tow bar in the ready position » page 113.
›
Grip the tow bar from below » Fig. 113and insert into the mounting recess un-
til it audibly clicks into place » .
The hand wheel
A
rotates back automatically and rests on the ball rod » .
›
Lock the hand wheel lock by turning the key
B
right as far as the stop in the
direction of the arrow
1
- the arrow on the key points towards the “closed
padlock” icon.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Fit the cap
C
on the hand wheel lock in the direction of the arrow
3
» Fig. 114 arrow.
›
Check that the tow bar is securely attached » page 114.
WARNING■
Do not hold the hand wheel with your hand when attaching the ball bar -
there is a risk of finger injury.■
After fitting the tow bar, always secure the lock and remove the key.
■
The tow bar must not be operated with the key inserted.
■
If the tow bar is not in the ready position, it cannot be fitted in the
mounting recess.
CAUTION
After removing the key, always replace the cover on the hand wheel lock – risk
of lock getting dirty.NoteStore the cover of the mounting recess in a suitable place in the luggage com-
partment store after removal.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 115
Correctly secured ball head
Read and observe and on page 112 first.
Check that the tow bar is fitted properly before each use.
Correctly secured ball head » Fig. 115
The tow bar does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.
The green marking
A
on the hand wheel points to the white marking on
the tow bar.
The hand wheel lies flush with the tow bar - there is no gap.
The hand wheel is locked and the key is removed.
The cap
B
is on the hand wheel.
WARNINGDo not use the towing device unless the tow bar has been properly locked!114Driving

Removing the ball headFig. 116
Removing the lock cover/releasing the lock
Fig. 117
Release tow bar
Read and observe and on page 112 first.
›
Remover the cover
A
from the hand wheel lock in the direction of the
1
» Fig. 116 arrow.
›
Insert the key
B
into the lock.
›
Unlock the hand wheel lock by turning the key
B
left as far as the stop in
the direction of the arrow
2
- the arrow on the key points towards the “pad-
lock open” icon.
›
Grip the tow bar from below » Fig. 117and with the other hand, pull the hand
wheel
C
in the direction of the arrow
3
accordingly.
›
Turn the hand wheel in the direction of the arrow
4
to the stop, and hold in
this position.
›
Remove the tow bar from the mounting recess downwards and in the direc-
tion of the arrow
5
.
At the same time, the tow bar latches into the ready position and is therefore
ready to be re-inserted into the mounting recess »
.
›Attach the cover for the mounting recess 4
» Fig. 110 on page 112 .WARNING■
Never allow the tow bar to remain unsecured in the boot. This could
cause damage on sudden braking and could put the safety of the occu-
pants at risk!■
Never remove the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
■ If the hand wheel is not turned all the way to the stop, then it will return to
its initial position when the tow bar is removed and will rest on the tow bar
and not engage into the ready position. The tow bar will then need to be
brought into this position before the next time it is fitted.■
The mounting recess must be closed with the cover following removal. This
prevents foreign bodies from getting into the mounting recess.
Note
■ We recommend putting the protective cover onto the ball head before re-
moving the tow bar.■
Clean any dirt from the tow bar before stowing it away in the box with the
vehicle tool kit.
Use and care
Read and observe
and on page 112 first.
Close the mounting recess with the cover to prevent any dirt from getting in.
Always check the tow bar before hitching a trailer. Apply suitable grease
where necessary.
Use the protective cover when stowing away the tow bar, in order to stop the
boot from getting dirty.
In the event of dirt, clean the surfaces of the mounting recess and treat with a
suitable preservative.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the upper part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not
remove any grease.115Hitch and trailer

Trailer
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Loading a trailer
116
Driving with a trailer
116
Anti-theft alarm system
117WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
Loading a trailer
Read and observe
on page 116 first.
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced. Whereby the maximum per-missible draw bar load must be utilised. If the draw bar load is too low, it jeop-
ardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving
with this combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 143,
Service life of tyres .
Towing capacity and trailer weight
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 172 , Technical data .
The details given in the vehicle's technical documentation always take prece-
dence over the details in the Owner's Manual.
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1,000 metres above
mean sea level.
The engine output falls as altitude increases, as does the vehicle's climbing
power. Therefore, for every additional 1,000 m in height (or part), the maximum
permissible towed weight must be reduced by 10%.
The towed weight is made up of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehi-
cle and the loaded trailer.
The trailer and draw bar load information on the type plate of the towing de-
vice is merely a test value for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values
are detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and draw bar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer -
risk of accident and serious injuries!■
A sliding cargo can adversely affect stability and driving safety significant-
ly - there is a risk of accident!
Driving with a trailer
Fig. 118
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket
Read and observe on page 116 first.
Before starting off
›
Grip the 13-pin socket on the handle
A
and swing out in the direction of the
arrow » Fig. 118 .
›
Lift off protective cap
5
» Fig. 110 on page 112 towards the top.
After the journey
›
Grip the 13-pin socket on the handle
A
and swing out against the direction
of the arrow » Fig. 118.
›
Place the protective cover
5
» Fig. 110 on page 112 on the ball head. 
116Driving

Inspecting and replenishing
Fuel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Refuelling
129
Lead-free petrol
130
Diesel fuel
131
The correct fuel grades for your vehicle are specified on the inside of the fuel
filler flap » Fig. 120 on page 129 .
CAUTION
■
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of
fuel can cause misfiring, which can result in damage to parts of the engine and
the exhaust system.■
Immediately remove any fuel that has spilled onto the vehicle's paintwork –
risk of paint damage!
■
If the vehicle was not purchased in the country where it was intended to be
operated, you should check whether the fuel specified by the manufacturer is
offered in the country where the vehicle will be operated. You should also per-
haps check whether the manufacturer has recommended a different fuel for
operation of the vehicle in the corresponding country. If no prescribed fuel is
available, then you must check whether it is permitted by the manufacturer to
operate the vehicle with another fuel type.
Refuelling
Fig. 120
Tank closure
Read and observe on page 129 first.
Refuelling can be done if the following conditions are met.
The vehicle is unlocked.
The engine and the ignition are switched off.
›
Press on the fuel filler flap in the direction of the arrow
1
according-
ly » Fig. 120 .
›
Open the cover in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Unscrew the filler cap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 120- 
.
›
Place the filler cap onto the top of the fuel filler flap » Fig. 120- 
.
›
Insert the pump nozzle into the fuel filler tube as far as it will go » .
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time »
.
›
Remove the pump nozzle from the fuel filler neck and put it back in the
pump.
›
Place the filler cap onto the fuel filler neck and turn it in the opposite direc-
tion to the arrow until it securely engages » Fig. 120-
 .
›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly.
WARNING■ Do not smoke when refuelling and do not use a mobile phone.■Fuel vapours are explosive - it can be fatal!■
Observe the local regulations regarding fuel handling.
WARNINGInstructions for filling the reserve canister■Never fill the reserve can inside the vehicle.■
Never place the reserve can on the vehicle.
■
Always place the reserve can on the floor.
■
The national legal requirements must be observed if carrying a spare can-
ister in the vehicle.
■
We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehicle for safe-
ty reasons. In the event of an accident, these canisters can become dam-
aged and fuel may escape – risk of fire! 
129Inspecting and replenishing

WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
For vehicles with manual transmission the lever into the neutral position.
■
On vehicles with automatic transmission, shift the selector lever into the
P position.
■
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.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment■Keep all people, especially children, away from 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!
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
Pay particular attention to moving engine parts, e.g. V-ribbed belt, gener-
ator, radiator fan - danger 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.
WARNINGInformation for working on the fuel system or the electrical system■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
containers.■
Keep the working fluids in sealed original containers and safe from peo-
ple who are not completely independent, e.g. children.
■
Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
■
If you intend to work underneath the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle
from rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks; the car
jack is not sufficient – risk of injury!
CAUTION
Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!
For the sake of the environment
In view of the requirements for the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids and the special tools and knowledge required for such work, we recommend
that fluids be changed by a specialist garage.
Note
■ Please consult a specialist garage for any questions relating to fluids.■Fluids with the proper specifications can be purchased from the ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories or from the ŠKODA Genuine Parts ranges.
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 121
Bonnet release lever / release lever 
132General Maintenance

Fig. 122
Securing the bonnet
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
Open flap
›
Open the front door.
›
Pull the release lever underneath the dash panel in the direction of the ar-
row
1
» Fig. 121 .
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers
are correctly in place against the windscreen, otherwise the paintwork on the
flap could be damaged.
›
Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow
2
and the flap is un-
locked.
›
Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
›
Take the bonnet support out of its holder
3
in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 122 and secure the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the sup-
port in the opening
4
.
Close the flap
›
Lift the bonnet.
›
Decouple the bonnet support and press into the holder designed to hold it.
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm –
do not push it in !
WARNING■
Check that the bonnet is closed properly.■If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the
vehicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident!■
Make sure that when closing the boot lid, no body parts are crushed -
there is danger of injury!
CAUTIONNever open the bonnet by the locking lever » Fig. 121.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 123
Principle illustration: Engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
Arrangement in the engine compartment » Fig. 123
Coolant expansion reservoir
137
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
134
Engine oil filler opening
136
Engine oil dipstick
135
Brake fluid reservoir
138
Vehicle battery
138
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled ac-
cording to the temperature of the coolant. 
123456133Inspecting and replenishing

Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 129
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 139 first.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, » Fig. 129the
colouring of the display can indicate the acidic level.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must
be replaced.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist garage, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tem-
peratures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures
just below 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary,
recharged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
Note■ The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part
of the inspection service.■
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 139 first.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
A charging operation can be performed if the following conditions are satis-
fied.
The engine is turned off.
The ignition is switched off.
All consumers are turned off.
The bonnet is open.
“Fast charging” with high currents
›
Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“positive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
Charging with low voltages
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables from the battery if you recharge
the vehicle battery, for example from a mini-charger.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging. 
140General Maintenance