2013 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK ignition

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
System description
14
Airbag deployment
14WARNING■ An airbag can only offer you optimal protection in combination with a
fastened seat belt .■
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of
the complete passive vehicle safety concept.
■
To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect
when the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to
match the body size » page 7, Correct and safe seated position .
■
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased
risk of injury in the event of an accident.
WARNINGInformation on the use of the airbag system■If there is a fault, the airbag system must be checked by a specialist ga-
rage immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activa-
ted in the event of an accident.■
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
■
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of
system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering
wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or the bodywork.
■
It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system, as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
■
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one ac-
cident. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.
System description
Read and observe
on page 14 first.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the indicator light 
in the instrument cluster » page 35.
When the airbags are deployed, they fill with gas and inflate.
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated.
This is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the airbag system consists of the
following modules.
› Electronic control unit.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger
» page 15.
› Side airbags
» page 16.
› Head airbags
» page 17.
› Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 35.
› Key switch for the front passenger airbag
» page 18.
› Warning light for the front passenger airbag deactivation/activation in the
middle of the dash panel » page 18.
Note
■
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.■If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-
activating the front passenger airbag must be included!■
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements.
Airbag deployment
Read and observe
on page 14 first.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be
able to offer additional protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
In certain accident situations, the several airbags may be deployed simultane-
ously.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions,
rear-end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover. 
14Safety

WARNING (Continued)■The installation of impermissible accessories in the vicinity of the head
airbags can considerably impair the protection offered by the head airbag in
the event of it being deployed. When the deployed head airbag is inflated,
parts of the accessories fitted could be thrown into the interior of the car
and injure the occupants » page 119.■
The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the
deployment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens,
etc. are attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if
the head airbag is deployed.
■
There must not be any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. In ad-
dition, none of the occupants should lean their head out of the window
when driving, or extend their arms and hands out of the window.
Note
In vehicles with head airbags, the lettering  can be seen on the B column
cladding.
Deactivating airbags
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
18
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
18
Deactivating airbags
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
legal regulations, the airbag must be deactivated if using a forwards-facing
child seat in some countries) » page 20, Transporting children safely .
› If it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the mid-
dle of the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly
adjusted.
› 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 air-
bags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 18 .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other airbags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The operational capability of the airbag system is monitored electronically, in-
cluding 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 warning light

 3

» Fig. 12 on page 18 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. 12
Key switch for front passenger airbag/warning light for front pas-
senger airbag activation/deactivation
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch. 
18Safety

Switching off›Switch off the ignition.›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into position
2
» Fig. 12 OFF .
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
After switching on the ignition, check whether the warning light
3

 1)
is
illuminated in writing 




is illuminated in the centre panel.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into position
1
» Fig. 12 ON .
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
After switching on the ignition, check whether the warning light
3


 is
not illuminated in writing 



 is not illuminated in the centre
panel.
WARNING■ The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switch-
ed off.■
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag.
■
If the 

warning light is flashing, the front passenger airbag will not
be deployed in an accident! Have the airbag system checked by a specialist
garage immediately.
■
The key cannot be inserted in the key switch while driving.
■ Shocks can cause the key to turn in the slot and trigger the airbag!
■ The airbag could be triggered unexpectedly in an accident - it may result
in injury or death!
CAUTIONAn insufficiently folded out key bit can damage the key switch!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.
19Airbag system

Using the system
Cockpit
OverviewElectric window levers
52
Door opening lever
49
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
63
Air outlet vents
85
Parking ticket holder
69
Operating lever:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight
flasher
55
› Speed regulating system
108
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag
15
›with push-buttons for radio, navigation system and mobile
phone
89
› with buttons for the operation of the information system
37
Instrument cluster
26
Operating lever:
› Windscreen wiper and wash system
61
›Information System
37
Air outlets in the central part of the dash panel
85
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Radio
› Navigation system
Button for hazard warning light system
57
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag
18
Interior rear-view mirror
62
Key switch for switching off the passenger airbag (in front pas-
senger storage compartment)
18
Front passenger airbag
15
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
73
Air outlet vents
85
Power window in the front passenger door
5112345678910111213141516171819Door opening lever49
Light switch and headlight beam control (on the dash panel)
53, 54
Bonnet release lever
132
Fuse box in the dashboard
164
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel
8
Ignition lock
98
Pedals
101
Bar with keys depending on the equipment fitted:
› 
Seat heater on the front left seat
66
› 
TCS
106
› 
Central locking system
48
› 
Rear window heater
59
› 
START - STOP
109
› 
Seat heater on the front right seat
66
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)
101
›Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
102
Handbrake lever
100
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Cup holder
70
›Multimedia holder
72
›Ashtray
71
Storage compartment
69
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating
86
›Operating controls for the air conditioning system
86
›Operating controls for Climatronic
87
Note
The arrangement of the controls right-hand drive models may differ from the
layout shown in » Fig. 18 . The symbols on the controls and switches are the
same as for left-hand drive models.2021222324252627282930313225Cockpit

Instruments and Indicator Lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
26
Revolution counter
27
Display
27
Speedometer
27
Coolant temperature gauge
27
Fuel gauge
28
Counter for distance driven
28

29
Display of the second speed
29
Auto Check Control
29
The instrument cluster gives the driver basic information such as the current
speed, engine speed, the state of some vehicle systems and the like.
Fault display
If there is a fault in the instrument cluster, the Error message will appear in
the display.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
WARNINGConcentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for road safety.
Note
When the ignition is on, the instrument cluster is illuminated 1)
. The brightness
level is automatically adjusted depending on the ambient lighting.OverviewFig. 19
Instrument cluster
Read and observe
on page 26 first.
Engine revolutions counter » page 27
› with warning lights
» page 30
Display » page 27
Speedometer » page 27
› with warning lights
» page 30
Coolant temperature gauge 1)
» page 27
Button for display mode:
› Time settings
» page 29
› Enable/disable the display of the second speed 2)
» page 29
› Service intervals - Display of the number of days and kilometres remain-
ing until the next service 2)
» page 43
Button for: › Reset counter for distance travelled (trip)
» page 28
› Setting the time
› enable / disable the mode selected by means of the
5
key
Fuel gauge 1)
» page 28
12345671)
Applies to vehicles using the MAXI DOT display.
2)
Applies to vehicles with a segment display.
26Using the system

Revolution counterRead and observe
on page 26 first.
The tachometer
1
» Fig. 19 on page 26 shows the actual engine speed per mi-
nute.
The beginning of the red scale range of the tachometer indicates the maxi-
mum permitted engine speed of a driven-in and operating warm engine.
You should shift into the next highest gear before the red scale of the revolu- tion counter is reached, or select mode D on the automatic gearbox.
The gear recommendation is important to note in order to maintain the opti-
mum engine speed » page 38.
CAUTION
The pointer of the tachometer must reach the red area for only a short time -
there is a risk of engine damage!
Display
Fig. 20
Display types
Read and observe on page 26 first.
Display types » Fig. 20
Segment display
MAXI DOT display.
The following information will be displayed.
› Distance travelled
» page 28
› Time
» page 29
›Details of the information system
» page 37
› Details of the service interval display
» page 43
CAUTION
Pull out the ignition key if coming in contact with the display (e.g. when clean-
ing) to prevent any possible damage.
Speedometer
Read and observe
on page 26 first.
The speedometer
3
» Fig. 19 on page 26 displays the current speed in km/h or
mph.
Warning at excessive speeds
An audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/
h 1)
. The audible warning signal is switched off when the vehicle speed falls be-
low 120 km/h.
Coolant temperature gauge
Fig. 21
Coolant temperature gauge
Read and observe on page 26 first.
The display » Fig. 21 provides information on the engine coolant temperature.
The display only works if the ignition is switched on.
In vehicles with a segment display, the coolant temperature is indicated only by the lighting up or going out of one of the warning lights » page 32, 

Coolant . 
1)
This function only applies to certain countries.
27Instruments and Indicator Lights

Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale, this indicates that the engine
has not yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle
and high engine loads. This prevents possible damage to the engine.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer
moves into the mid-range of the scale. At very high ambient temperatures or
heavy engine loads, the pointer may move even further to the right.
High temperature range
If the pointer reaches the red area of the scale, the coolant temperature is too high. Further information » page 32, 

Coolant .
CAUTION
■
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
Fuel gauge
Fig. 22
Fuel gauge
Read and observe
on page 26 first.
The display provides information on the fuel level in the container.
Fuel gauge types » Fig. 22
Indication in the instrument cluster with the MAXI DOT display
Indication in the display of the instrument cluster with the Segment Dis-
play
The display only works if the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres.
The warning light lights up when the amount of fuel reaches the reserve zone
 » page 35 .
The reserve zone is indicated by the red area of the scale » Fig. 22 - 
or by
displaying only the last two segments of the scale » Fig. 22 - 
in the magnify-
ing glass.
CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and the exhaust system.
Note
■ After filling up, it can occur that during dynamic driving (e.g. numerous
curves, braking, driving downhill and climbing a steep hill) the fuel gauge indi-
cates approx. a fraction less. When stopping or during less dynamic driving, the
fuel gauge displays the correct fuel level again. This is not a fault.■
The arrow 
next to the icon 
within the fuel gauge displays the installation
location of the fuel filler on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
Counter for distance driven
Fig. 23
Display: Segment display / MAXI
DOT display
Read and observe on page 26 first.
Display » Fig. 23
Counter for distance travelled (trip)
Odometer
Counter for distance travelled (trip)
The counter indicates the distance you have driven since it was last reset - in
steps of 100 metres or 1/10 of a mile. 
AB28Using the system

The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.Gearbox overheated. Stop! Log book!
 do not continue to drive! Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait
until the 
icon goes out – risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your
journey as soon as the symbol disappears.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning lights » page 57. The warning triangle must be set up at the pre-
scribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
Note
■ If the MAXI DOT display shows warning messages, these messages must be
confirmed in order to access the main menu » page 37, Using the informa-
tion system .■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always in-
dicated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue
to be indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Indicator lights
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
30
 Brake system
31
 Seat belt warning light
31
 Generator
31
 Door open
31
 
Engine oil
31
 
Coolant
32
 Power steering
32
 Stability Control (ESC)
32
 Traction control (ASR)
33

Antiblock brake system (ABS)
33
 Rear fog light
33
 Lamp failure
33 Exhaust inspection system34 Glow plug system (diesel engine)34

Engine performance check (petrol engine)
34
 Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
34
 Fuel reserve
35
 Airbag system
35

Tyre inflation pressure
35
 Windscreeen washer fluid
36
 
Turn signal system
36
 Fog lights
36
 Cruise control system
36
 Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
36
 Main beam
36
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Some warning lights can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in
the display of the instrument cluster.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights light up briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine.
WARNING■ Ignoring illuminated indicator lights and related messages or instructions
in the instrument cluster display may lead to serious personal injury or
damage to the vehicle.■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning lights » page 57. The warning triangle must be set up at the pre-
scribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 131, Engine compartment .
 Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light 
illuminates if the handbrake is applied. 
30Using the system