2014 SKODA RAPID coolant level

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
8
Driving safety
8
Safety equipment
8
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-
ject of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants.■
You can find further information on safety concerning you and those trav-
elling with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning proper-
ly.
Ensure that the function of the wipers and the condition of the wiper
blades are free of any defects.
Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
Check the tyre inflation pressure.
Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
Secure all items of luggage.
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle.
Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 22 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 9, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving
safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g.
by your passengers or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-
tions.
Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.
Safety equipment
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiters for the front seats.
› Belt tensioners for the front seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Side airbags. 

8Safety

Instruments and Indicator Lights
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview
30
Revolution counter
31
Display
31
Speedometer
31
Coolant temperature gauge
32
Fuel gauge
32
Counter for distance driven
33

33
Display of the second speed
33
Auto Check Control
33
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. 20
Instrument cluster - Version 1
Fig. 21
Instrument cluster - Version 2
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
Engine revolutions counter » page 31
› with warning lights
» page 34
Display » page 31 
121)
Applies to cars with the instrument cluster - Version 1.
30Using the system

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. 23
Coolant temperature gauge
Read and observe on page 30 first.
Applies to cars with the instrument cluster - Version 1 » Fig. 20 on page 30 .
The display » Fig. 23 provides information on the engine coolant temperature.
The display only works if the ignition is switched on.
In vehicles with the instrument cluster - version 2, » Fig. 21 on page 30 the
coolant temperature is indicated only by one of the warning lights » page 36,

 Coolant
coming on or going off.
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 middle of the scale
A
» Fig. 23 . At very high ambient tempera-
tures 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 36,

 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. 24
Fuel gauge
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The display provides information on the fuel level in the container.
Fuel gauge types » Fig. 24
Display in the instrument cluster - Version 1
In the display of the instrument cluster - Version 2
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 39 .
The reserve zone is indicated by the red area of the scale » Fig. 24 - 
or by
displaying only the last two segments of the scale » Fig. 24 - 
in the magnify-
ing glass. 
1)
This function only applies to certain countries.
32Using the system

Some error messages and other information are displayed in the MAXI DOT
display. The messages are displayed simultaneously with the icons in the MAXI
DOT display or with the warning lights in the instrument cluster » page 34,
Indicator lights .
The menu item Vehicle status is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT
display whenever at least one fault message exists. After selecting this menu,
the first of the error messages is displayed.
If there are several error messages, the display will show 1/3, for example, be-
low the message. This indicates that the first of a total of three error messag-
es is being displayed.
Warning symbols in the MAXI DOT displayEngine oil pressure too low» page 36Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor defective» page 36Problem with the engine oil pressure» page 34Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are
too hot» page 34
 Problem with the engine oil pressure
If the  symbol is shown in the MAXI DOT display, you must have your vehicle
checked immediately by a specialist garage. The information about the maxi-
mum permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol.
 Clutches of the automatic DSG gearbox are too hot
A  symbol in the MAXI DOT display indicates that the temperature of the au-
tomatic gearbox DSG clutches is too high.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's manual!

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 62. 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 42, Using the information
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
35
 Brake system
35
 Seat belt warning light
35
 Generator
35
 Door open
36
 
Engine oil
36
 
Coolant
36
 Power steering
37
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
37
 Traction Control System (ASR)
37

Antilock brake system (ABS)
37
 Rear fog light
38
 Lamp failure
38
 Exhaust inspection system
38
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
38
 Engine performance check (petrol engine)
38
 Diesel particulate filter (Diesel motor)
38
 Fuel reserve
39
 Airbag system
39

34Using the system

CAUTIONIf in addition to the warning light  the warning light  » page 36 lights up
while driving,  stop driving - there is a risk of engine damage! Switch off the
engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
 Door open
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The indicator light 
illuminates if one or several doors or luggage compart-
ment lid are opened.
  Engine oil
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light  flashes (low oil pressure)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Oil pressure: Engine off! Owner's manual!
› Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el » page 141 .
› If the oil pressure is too low, top up the engine oil
» page 142.
If the oil level is within the specified range and the warning light flashes
 again after the engine is started,
do not continue driving!
Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
The indicator light  lights up (oil quantity too low)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Check oil level!
› Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el » page 141 .
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 sec-
onds . If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will
come on
again after driving about 100 km.
The indicator light  flashes (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Oil sensor: Workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light  flashes several
times and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
CAUTION
 Stop driving if for some reason it is not possible to top up the engine oil un-
der the current conditions. Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a
specialist garage.
  Coolant
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The  indicator light remains
illuminated until the engine reaches operating
temperature 1)
. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light 
lights up or flashes , either the coolant temperature is
too high or the coolant level is too low.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check coolant! Owner's manual!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and check the coolant lev-
el » page 143 .
›
If the coolant level is too low, add coolant to the reservoir » page 143.
If the indicator light 
does not illuminate after adding coolant and switching
on the ignition, you may continue your journey.
If the coolant is within the specified range and the warning light  is still
lit
after switching on the ignition, then there may be a malfunction of the cooling
fan.
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Check the fuse for the radiator fan, replace if necessary » page 171, Fuses in
the engine compartment .
If the coolant level and fan fuse are OK and the warning light 
lights up again
after switching on the ignition, do not continue driving!
Seek help from a specialist garage. 
1)
Applies to cars with the instrument cluster - Version 2.
36Using the system

Switching automatic mode onSwitching the intensive windshield defroster on/off - when this function
is switched on, the warning light illuminates in the button
Switching the airflow to the windows on and off
Switching the airflow to the upper body on and off
Switching the airflow to the footwell on and off
Switch recirculation on/off » page 87
Switch the cooling system on/off
After the cooling system is switched off, only the ventilation function remains active, whereby the lowest temperature that can be reached is the outside
temperature.
Setting temperature
The set temperature value appears in the display (pos. 2
» Fig. 86 ).
To switch between degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit, the keys

and  are to be pressed and held simultaneously.
The information appears in the display in the desired temperature measuring
unit (pos.
3
» Fig. 86 ).
The interior temperature can be set between +18 °C and +29 ℃. The interior
temperature is regulated automatically within this range.
If you select the temperature below +18 ℃, “LO” appears in the display.
If you select a temperature higher than +29 ℃, “HI” appears in the display.
At both end positions, Climatronic runs at maximum cooling/heating output
and the temperature is automatically not regulated.
Controlling blower
The Climatronic system controls the blower stages automatically in line with the interior temperature. However, the blower level can be manually adjusted
to suit your particular needs.
If the blower speed is reduced to a minimum, Climatronic is switched off.
The blower speed set is indicated by displaying the corresponding number of
segments (Pos.
9
» Fig. 86 ) in the display.
Automatic mode
The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant temperature and to demist the windows in the interior of the car.
To switch on press the button
. The display shows
 (pos.
4

» Fig. 86 ).

Automatic mode can be
switched off by pressing one of the buttons for the air
distribution or by increasing/decreasing the blower speed. The temperature is
nevertheless regulated.WARNING■ Do not switch off the Climatronic system for longer than necessary.■Switch on the Climatronic system as soon as the windows mist up.
Note
■Do not stick anything on or cover the interior temperature sensor11 » Fig. 86 ; it could have an unfavourable effect on the Climatronic system.■
During operation of the Climatronic, an increase in engine idle speed can oc-
cur under certain circumstances in order to ensure adequate heating comfort.
■
As soon as the windscreen mists up, press the symbol button 
. Press the
button 
once the windscreen has demisted.
Efficient handling of the cooling system
Read and observe
and on page 85 first.
The air conditioning system compressor uses power from the engine when incooling mode, which will affect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the
interior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order
to allow the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be on if the windows are open.
For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also reduced when fuel is saved » page 107.
malfunctions
Read and observe
and on page 85 first.
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5°C, there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry » page 169 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because
the coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 32. 
89Heating and air conditioning

Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum per-
missible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar 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 149.
Towing capacity and trailer weight
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 177 , 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 1000 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 drawbar 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■ The maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the permissible
weight of the trailer must not exceed - this could cause an accident!■
A sliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safe-
ty - there is a risk of accident!
Towing a trailer
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand
area or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light illuminates or starts to
blink in the instrument cluster.
The following guidelines must be observed » page 36.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Always drive particularly carefully with the trailer.■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.
CAUTION
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
Anti-theft alarm system
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connec-
tion to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 53 . 
122Driving

ReplenishingRead and observe
and on page 140 first.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 118 on page 139 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 140 .
›
Check the oil level » page 141.
›
Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.
›
Pull the dipstick out as far as the stop.
Coolant

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the coolant level
143
Replenishing
143
The coolant provides cooling for the motor.
It consists of water and coolant additive with additives that protect the cooling
system against corrosion and prevents furring.
The coolant additive level in the coolant must be at least 40%.
The coolant additive may be increased to a maximum of 60%.
The correct mixing ratio of water and coolant additive is to be checked if nec- essary by a specialist garage or is to be restored if necessary.
The description of the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reser-
voir » Fig. 121 on page 143 .
WARNINGThe 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 137.■
The coolant is harmful to health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
WARNING (Continued)■ 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
coolant.■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container, safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
CAUTION
■  Do not continue if for some reason it is not possible to fill with coolant un-
der the current circumstances! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from
a specialist garage.■
If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
ventilate - there is a risk of engine damage, 
do not continue driving! Switch
off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under
40%.
■
Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protec-
tion and cooling effect.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specification can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection of the cooling system.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 121 on page 143 .
■
If an error occurs, leading to the engine overheating, the help of a professio-
nal garage is to be sought - there is a risk of serious engine damage occurring.
■
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.
142General Maintenance