2013 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK battery

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

WARNING■When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive
gas mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling
over during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is
on.■
Creating a bridge between the poles on the battery (e.g. with metal ob-
jects - cables) creates a short circuit - risk of damage to the battery, explo-
sion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
■
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all electrical consumers and disconnect the negative
terminal (-).
■
“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
■
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be “rapidly charged” by a
specialist garage.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger
must not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery,
but only to the engine earth » page 158, Jump-starting in vehicles with the
START-STOP system .
Replacing
Read and observe
and on page 139 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and
size as the original battery. Suitable vehicle battery types can be purchased
from a specialist garage.
We recommend having the battery replaced by a specialist garage, where the
new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be
disposed of in accordance with national regulations.
Disconnecting and reconnecting
Read and observe
and on page 139 first.
Disconnecting
›
Switch off the ignition.
›First, disconnect the negative terminal (-) first, then the positive (+) terminal
of the battery.
Connecting›
First, connect the positive (+) first, then the negative (-) battery terminal.
After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, the following func-
tions or devices are partially or completely inoperative.
Function / deviceCommissioningRadio and/or navigation systemEnter code number » User radio
manual and/or » navigation
system user manualTime settings» page 29
CAUTION
■ Disconnect the vehicle battery only with the ignition turned off - there is a
risk of damaging the electrical system of the vehicle.■
Under no circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly –
risk of a cable fire.
Note
■ After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, we recommend
having the vehicle checked by a specialist to ensure that the full functionality
of all electrical systems is guaranteed.■
The data of the multi-function display will be reset.
Automatic load deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 139 first.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from dis-
charging when the battery is put under high levels of strain. This manifests it-
self by the following.
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where necessary, large convenience consumers such as seat heaters and
rear window heaters have their power limited or are shut off completely in
the event of an emergency. 
141Inspecting and replenishing

CAUTION■Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the
vehicle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on
a long time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned
on during longer parking.■
Consumers that are supplied via a 12-V power socket can cause the vehicle
battery to discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not impaired by consumers being deactivated. The driver is
often not aware of it having taken place.Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Service life of tyres
143
New tyres
144
Unidirectional tyres
145WARNINGThe national legal regulations must be observed for the use of tyres.WARNINGInstructions for the use of tyres■For the first 500 km, new tyres do not yet provide optimum grip, and ap-
propriate care should therefore be taken when driving – risk of accident!■
Only use radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
■
For reasons of driving safety, do not replace tyres individually.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity of moun-
ted tyres.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed for the mounted tyres.
■
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling.
■
Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any suspicion that a wheel is damaged, immediately
reduce your speed and stop! If no external damage is evident, drive slowly
and carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle checked.
■
Only use tyres or wheel rims that have been approved by ŠKODA for your
model of vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely affect the
road safety of your vehicle.
WARNINGInformation regarding tyre damage or wear■Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.■
Never drive with damaged tyres.
■
Immediately replace damaged wheel rims or tyres. 
142General Maintenance

WARNING■If you cannot inflate the tyre to at least 2.0 bar, this means the damage
sustained was too serious. The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the
tyre. 
Do not drive the vehicle! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
During inflation, the tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot.
■
Do not place the hot tyre inflation hose or hot air compressor on flamma-
ble materials – there is a risk of fire!
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest – there is a
risk of overheating! Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before
switching it on again.
Check after 10 minutes' driving
Read and observe
on page 155 first.
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes!
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
 Do not drive the vehicle! You cannot properly seal with tyre with the
breakdown kit.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or more
›
Adjust the tyre inflation pressure to the correct value (see inside of fuel filler
cap).
›
Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Jump-starting
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
158
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
158
The battery of another vehicle can be used to jump-start your vehicle if the en-
gine will not start because the battery is flat.
WARNING■ A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C. If the battery is frozen, do not jump start with the battery of an-
other vehicle – there is a risk of explosion!■
Pay attention to the warning instructions relating to working in the en-
gine compartment » page 131.
■
The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never touch each
other – there is a risk of short circuit!
■
The jump-start cable connected to the positive terminal of the battery
must not come into contact with electrically conducting parts of the vehicle
– there is a risk of short circuit!
■
Do not clamp the jump-start cable to the negative terminal of the dis-
charged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out of the bat-
tery being ignited by the strong spark resulting from the engine being star-
ted.
■
Route the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotat-
ing parts in the engine compartment.
■
Do not bend over the battery – there is a risk of caustic burns!
■
The vent screws of the battery cells must be tightened firmly.
■
Keep any sources of ignition (naked flame, smouldering cigarettes, etc.)
away from the battery – risk of explosion!
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with insufficient acid levels – risk of
explosion and chemical burns.
■
There must not be any contact between the two vehicles, otherwise cur-
rent may flow as soon as the negative terminals are connected.
CAUTION
■ The discharged battery must be properly connected to the system of the ve-
hicle.■
We recommend you buy jump-start cables from a car battery specialist.
157Emergency equipment and self-help

Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicleFig. 144
Jump-starting: A – flat battery, B
– battery providing current
Read and observe and on page 157 first.
The starting process using the battery of another vehicle requires the use of
jumper cables.
The jump-start cables must be attached in the following sequence.
›
Attach clamp
1
to the positive terminal of the discharged battery
A
» Fig. 144 .
›
Attach clamp
2
to the positive terminal of the battery supplying power
B
.
›
Attach clamp
3
to the negative terminal of the battery supplying power
B
.
›
Attach the clamp
4
to a solid metal component firmly connected to the en-
gine block or to the engine block itself.
Starting engine
›
Start the engine on the vehicle providing the power and allow it to idle.
›
Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
›
If the engine does not start, halt the attempt to start the engine after 10 sec-
onds and wait for thirty seconds before repeating the process.
›
Disconnect the cables in exactly the reverse order to the one described
above.
Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the bat-
tery supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of
the discharged battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and
insulated terminal clamps. Observe the instructions of the jumper lead manu-
facturer.
Positive cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is red.
Negative cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is black.
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 145
Engine earth: START-STOP system
Read and observe
and on page 157 first.
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, the jump-start cable of the charger
must never be connected directly to the negative pole of the vehicle battery,
but only to the engine earth.
› 1.2 l./63 kW TSI and 1.2 l./77 kW TSI engines
» Fig. 145 -

› 1.4 l./90 kW engine
» Fig. 145 -

› 1.6 l./77 kW TDI CR engine
» Fig. 145 -

Towing the vehicle
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye
159
Rear towing eye
160
Vehicles with a tow hitch
160
Vehicles with manual transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front or rear wheels raised.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at the rear, the au-
tomatic gearbox will be damaged!
When towing, the following guidelines must be observed. 
158Do-it-yourself

Driver of the tow vehicle›Engage the clutch gently when starting off or depress the accelerator partic-
ularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.›
Only then, approach correctly when the rope is taut.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
›
Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that
the turn signal lights, horn, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer sys-
tem can be used.
›
Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if the
vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the
engine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force
is required to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught.
Towing another vehicle requires a certain amount of practice. Both drivers
should be familiar with the particular points about towing a vehicle. Unskilled
drivers should not attempt to tow another vehicle or to be towed in one.
The vehicle must be transported on a special breakdown vehicle or trailer if it
is not possible to tow the vehicle in the way described or if the towing dis-
tance is greater than 50 km.
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing eyes » page 159
or » page 160 to the detachable ball head of the towing equip-
ment » page 112 .
WARNING■
The tow rope must not be twisted as it may in certain circumstances re-
sult in the front towing eye becoming unscrewed from your vehicle.■
Do not use one-sided twisted tow rope, because the towing eye could
become unscrewed on the vehicle under certain circumstances.
■
When towing, respect the national legal provisions, especially those
which relate to the identification of the towing vehicle and the vehicle be- ing towed.
CAUTION■ Do not start the engine by towing – 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 157, Jump-starting .■
If the gearbox no longer contains any oil because of a defect, your vehicle
must only be towed with the drive wheels raised clear of the ground or on a
special breakdown vehicle or trailer.
■
To protect both vehicles when tow-starting or towing, the tow rope should
be elastic. Thus only plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a similarly elastic
material should be used.
■
There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage resulting at the
points to which you attach the tow rope or tow bar when you attempt to tow a
vehicle which is not standing on a paved road.
Note
We recommend using a tow rope from ŠKODA Original Accessories, which is
available from a ŠKODA Partner.
Front towing eye
Fig. 146
Removing the cap/installing the towing eye
Read and observe
and on page 159 first.
Removing/installing the cap
›
Press on the cap in the area
A
» Fig. 146 .
›
Remove the cap in the direction of the arrow
1
.
›
After unscrewing the cap of the towing eye
B
, insert the cap in area
A
and
then press the opposite side of the cap.
The cap must engage firmly. 
159Emergency equipment and self-help

Removing/installing the towing eye›Manually screw the towing eye as far as it will go in the direction of the ar-
row 2
» Fig. 146 » .
For tightening purposes, we recommend, for example, using the wheel
wrench, towing eye from another vehicle or a similar object that can be pushed through the eye.
›
Unscrew the towing eye against the direction of the arrow
2
.
WARNINGThe towing eye must always be screwed in fully and firmly tightened, oth-
erwise the towing eye can tear when towing or tow-starting.
Rear towing eye
Fig. 147
Rear towing eye
Read and observe and on page 159 first.
The rear towing eye is located below the bumper on the right.
Remove the protective cap before using the towing eye. » Fig. 147. Replace the
protective cap after using the towing eye.
Vehicles with a tow hitch
Read and observe
and on page 159 first.
For vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the pre-installed detachable
tow-bar may be used » page 112, Hitch .
Towing the vehicle using the towing device is a viable alternative solution to using the towing eye.
CAUTIONThe detachable ball rod and/or the vehicle can be damaged if an unsuitable
tow bar is used.
Note
The detachable ball rod must always be in the vehicle so that it can be used for
towing, if necessary.
Remote control
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Replacing the battery in the remote control key
161
Synchronising the remote control
161
CAUTION
■ The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original
battery.■
We recommend having faulty rechargeable batteries replaced by a ŠKODA
service partner.
■
Pay attention to the correct polarity when changing the battery.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the used battery in accordance with national legal provisions.160Do-it-yourself

Replacing the battery in the remote control keyFig. 148
Remove cover/take out battery
Read and observe
on page 160 first.
The battery change is carried out as follows.
›
Flip out the key.
›
Press off the battery cover
A
» Fig. 148 with your thumb or using a flat
screwdriver in the region of the arrows
1
.
›
Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery down in
the region of the arrow
2
.
›
Insert the new battery.
›
Place the battery cover
A
on the key and press it down until it clicks into
place.
Note
■ The key has to be synchronised if the vehicle cannot be unlocked or locked
with the remote control key after replacing the battery » page 161.■
If a key has an affixed decorative cover, this will be destroyed when the bat-
tery is replaced. A replacement cover can be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.
Synchronising the remote control
Read and observe
on page 160 first.
If the vehicle does not unlock when pressing the remote control, the key may
not be synchronised. This can occur when the buttons on the remote control
key are actuated a number of times outside of the operative range of the
equipment or the battery in the remote control key has been replaced.
Synchronise the key as follows.
› Press any button on the remote control key.›Pressing of the button means that the door will unlock with the key within 1
minute.
Emergency unlocking/locking
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Locking the door without a locking cylinder
161
Unlocking the tailgate
162
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
162
Locking the door without a locking cylinder
Fig. 149
Emergency locking: Left/right rear door
An emergency locking mechanism is located on the face side of the doors
which have no locking cylinder. It is only visible after opening the door.
Emergency locking » Fig. 149
Cover
Door locked
Door unlocked
Before using the emergency closing mechanism, remove cover
A
» Fig. 149 .
After use, reinstall the cover into the corresponding hole in the door.
After closing the locked door, it cannot be opened from the outside. The door
is unlocked by pulling on the door opening lever and is then opened from the
outside.
A161Emergency equipment and self-help