2014 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK service

Note■If warning messages are displayed, these messages must be verified to ac-
cess the main menu » page 42, Using the information system .■
If the display is not activated at that moment, the menu always shifts to one
of the higher levels after approx. 10 seconds.
■
Using the factory-fitted radio or navigation system » Radio operating in-
structions or» navigation system operating instructions .
Settings
Read and observe
on page 46 first.
You can change certain settings by means of the MAXI DOT display. The cur-
rent menu item is shown in the top of the display under a line.
The following information can be selected (depending on the equipment in- stalled in the vehicle).
Language
You can set the language for the display texts here.
MFD data
Activate or deactivate certain displays of the multifunction display here.
Time
The time, time format (12 or 24 hour indicator) and the changeover between
summer/winter time can be set here.
Winter tyres
Here, the speed and the switching on and off of the acoustic signals when ex-
ceeding this speed can be adjusted. This function is, for example, used for win-
ter tyres where the maximum permissible speed is lower than the maximum
speed of the vehicle » page 152, Tyres and wheel rims .
As soon as the parking procedure is completed, an audible signal sounds and
the following message appears in the information display.
Winter tyres: maximum ... km/h.
Units
The units for the temperature, consumption and distance driven can be set
here.
Alt. speed dis.
Here, the display of the second speed in mph 1)
can be activated.
Further information » page 33, Display of the second speed .
Service
The days and kilometres remaining until the next service can be displayed
here.
Factory setting
The display functions can be restored to their factory settings here.
Compass point display
Read and observe
on page 46 first.
For vehicles with a factory fitted navigation system, an abbreviation for eachpoint of the compass (depending on the current direction of travel) is shown
on the top left-hand corner of the display.
The compass point display only operates when the ignition is switched on.
Service interval display
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Prompt in the MAXI DOT display
48
Prompt in the segment display
48
Resetting the service interval display
49
The service interval display shows the time and mileage to the next service
event.
The service due date is automatically displayed on the display and this infor-
mation can be displayed manually if necessary.
The kilometre indicator or the days indicator reduces in steps of 100 km or,
where applicable, days until the service due date is reached.
The information regarding the service intervals can be found in the service
schedule. 
1)
For models with the speedometer in mph, the second speed is displayed in km/h.
47Information system

NoteInformation is retained in the Service Interval Display even after the vehicle
battery is disconnected.
Prompt in the MAXI DOT display
Oil change service
If an oil change service is due, the following message appears: Oil change in ...
km or ... days.
As soon as the service interval date has been reached, the message Oil
change now! appears once the ignition has been switched on.
Inspection
If an inspection is due, the following message appears: Inspection in ... km
or ... days.
As soon as the service interval date has been reached, the message Inspec-
tion now! appears once the ignition has been switched on.
Displaying the distance and days until the next service interval
You can view the remaining distance and days until the next service appoint-
ment at any time when the ignition is switched on by going to the Service
menu item » page 47, Settings or from the Vehicle status in the main menu of
the Maxi DOTdisplay. » page 46, Main menu .
The following message is displayed for 10 seconds. Oil change ... km / ... days
Inspection ... km / ... days
Prompt in the segment displayFig. 29
Segment display: Example of a
message
Description of image » Fig. 29
Service due
Differentiating between types of service
Days remaining until the next service interval
Kilometres remaining until the next service interval 1)
Differentiating between types of service
The service type is determined by the number in position
A
» Fig. 29 .
Oil change service
Inspection
Service due
If a service becomes due, then the following information is displayed for about
10 seconds » Fig. 29.
› The number
1 or 2 is displayed in position
A
.
› The symbol
 and the number of days remaining until the next service inter-
val are displayed in position
B
.
› The symbol
 and the number of kilometres remaining until the next service
interval are displayed in position
C
.
As soon as the due date for the service has been reached, the flashing icon

and the message OIL CHNG or INSPEC_ appear in the display for about 20 sec-
onds after the ignition has been switched on.
Display the days and distance until the next service interval
You can press button
4
» Fig. 21 on page 30 repeatedly to display the remain-
ing distance and time to until the next service whenever the ignition is switch-
ed on. 
ABC1)
The kilometres remaining until the next service interval are displayed instead of the odometer.
48Using the system

Information on the oil change service is displayed at first, followed by informa-
tion on the inspection when button 4 is pressed again.
› The number
1 or 2 is displayed in position A
.
› The symbol

and the number of days remaining until the next service inter-
val are displayed in position
B
.
› The symbol

and the number of kilometres remaining until the next service
interval are displayed in position
C
.
Resetting the service interval display
We recommend that the display reset is completed by a specialist garage.
We recommend that you do not reset the service interval display yourself. In-
correctly setting the service interval display could cause problems to the vehi-
cle.
Variable service interval
For vehicles with variable service intervals, after resetting the oil change serv-
ice display, the values of a new service interval are displayed, which are based
on the previous operating conditions of the vehicle.
These values are then continuously matched according to the actual operating
conditions of the vehicle.
Unlocking and opening
Unlocking and locking
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
With the key on the lock cylinder unlock / lock
50
Unlocking/locking with the remote control key
50
Opening/closing a door
51
Safe securing system
51
Individual settings
52
Locking and unlocking the vehicle with the central locking button
52
Child safety lock
53
Malfunctions
53
Your car is equipped with a central locking system.
The central locking system allows you to lock and unlock all doors, the fuel fill-
er flap and boot lid at the same time.
Depending on the equipment configuration, the following is true after
unlocking
› The turn signal lights flash twice as confirmation that the vehicle has been
unlocked.
› The doors, the boot lid and the fuel filler flap are unlocked.
› The interior light, which is switched by the door contact, comes on.
› The SafeLock system is switched off.
› The indicator light in the driver door stops flashing.
› The anti-theft alarm system is deactivated.
If you unlock the vehicle and do not open a door or the boot lid within the next
30 seconds, the vehicle will lock again automatically and the SafeLock system
or anti-theft alarm system will be switched on. This function is intended to
prevent the car being unlocked unintentionally.
Depending on the equipment configuration, the following is true after
locking
› The turn signal lights flash once as confirmation that the vehicle has been
locked.
› The doors, the boot lid and the fuel filler flap are locked.
› The interior lights connected over the door contact go off. 
49Unlocking and opening

WARNING■Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visi-
bility and safe driving » page 172.■
Replace the windscreen wiper blades once or twice a year for safety rea-
sons. These can be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.
■
Do not use the windscreen washer system at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand. The window washer fluid could other-
wise freeze on the windscreen and restrict the view to the front.
■
Automatic wiping during rain is only a support. The driver is not released
from the responsibility to set the function of the windscreen wipers man-
ually depending on the visibility conditions.
CAUTION
■ If the ignition is switched off while the windscreen wipers are switched on,
the windscreen wipers will continue wiping in the same mode after the igni-
tion is turned back on. The windscreen wipers could freeze up in cold tempera-
tures between the time the ignition was turned off and when it was turned
back on again.■
In cold temperatures and during the winter, check before the journey or be-
fore switching on the ignition that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
windscreen. If the windscreen wipers are switched on when the blades are fro-
zen to the windscreen, this may damage both the blades and windscreen wip-
er motor!
■
Carefully peel frozen wiper blades off the windscreen.
■
Remove snow and ice from the windscreen wipers before driving.
■
Do not switch on the ignition if the front wiper arms are retracted. The wiper
arms could damage the paint of the bonnet.
■
If the windscreen wipers are handled carelessly, there is a risk of damage to
the windscreen.
Note
■ To avoid streaking, the wiper blades must be kept clean » page 136.■The windscreen washer nozzles for the windscreen are heated when the en-
gine is running and the outside temperature is less than approx. +10 °C.Activating the windscreen wipers and washersFig. 49
Operation of the wipers and washer: front and rear
Read and observe
and on page 66 first.
Lever positions
0Wipers off1Periodic windscreen wiping/automatic wiping in rain2Slow windscreen wiping3Rapid windscreen wiping4 Flick windscreen wiping, service position of the wiper
arms » page 172 , (spring-loaded position)5Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen (spring-tensioned position)6Wiping the rear window pane (the windscreen wiper wipes at regu-
lar intervals after a few seconds)7Automatic wipe/wash for the rear window (spring-tensioned posi-
tion)ASwitches for setting: the desired pause between the individual wip-
er strokes / the speed of the wiping in rain (operating lever in the
position 1
)
Interval windscreen wiping 
The wiping intervals are also speed-dependent regulated.
Automatic windscreen wiping in rain 
The wiping intervals are controlled depending on the rain intensity.
Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen 
The wash system operates immediately, the windscreen wipers wipe some-
what later. 
66Using the system

CAUTIONDo not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumula-
tion of heat when the engine is switched off.
Note
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.
Brakes and parking
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
106
Handbrake
107
Parking
107WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle could then start to move – risk of accident!
■
Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 111, New
brake pads .
CAUTION
Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not nec-
essary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer brak-
ing distance and excessive wear.Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 106 first.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing 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 by applying the brakes several times »
.
Long or steep slopes
Before travelling a long distance with 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 com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Emergency brake display
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders 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 stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
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 appropri-
ately, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage. 
106Driving

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.■
When the outdoor temperature is below -10 ° C, the selector lever, when
starting, must always be in P mode.
■
When stopping on a slope, never try to keep the vehicle in position by 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
selector lever is in the position P.
Modes and use of selector lever
Fig. 102
Selection lever / lock button / display
Read and observe
and on page 108 first.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 102.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 102.
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 en-
gine is at idling speed.
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 en-
gine 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
engine speeds than in mode D.
Before changing to mode S from mode D, press the lock button in the direction
of arrow
1
» Fig. 102 .
Fault in the automatic gearbox
A fault in the automatic gearbox is noticeable e.g. with the following.
› Only certain gears are selected.
› The reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
CAUTION
If a fault occurs on the automatic gearbox, help from a professional service
provider should be sought immediately - there is a risk of damaging the vehi-
cle.
Selector lever lock
Read and observe
and on page 108 first.
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 selector lever is only locked when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds
up to 5 km/h.
The selector lever lock is indicated by the illumination of the warning light.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the 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 posi-
tion N for more than approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being de-
pressed.
Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)
›
Press the brake pedal and the lock button at the same time in the direction
of
1
» Fig. 102 on page 109 . 
109Starting-off and Driving

Loading a trailer
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 153.
Towing capacity and trailer weight
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 181 , 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■ 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 level 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 . 
126Driving

General Maintenance
Care and maintenance
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Vehicle operating under different weather conditions
128
Statutory checks
128
ŠKODA Service Partners
129
ŠKODA Original parts
129
ŠKODA Original accessories
129
Spoiler
130
Airbags
130
Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles
131
The instructions and guidelines from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. must be observed when
carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations to your vehicle.
Adhering to these instructions and guidelines helps ensure road safety and
helps keep your vehicle in a good technical condition. After carrying out modifi-
cations, repairs or technical alterations, the vehicle will comply with German
road transport regulations (StVZO).
Always consult a ŠKODA Partner » page 129before buying accessories or
parts, or before carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations
to your vehicle.
WARNING■ Works on your vehicle, which have been carried out unprofessionally, can
cause operational faults – risk of accident!■
Interference on the electronic components and their software can lead to
operational faults. This interference can also impair not directly affected
systems because of the networking of the electronic components. The op-
erational safety of the vehicle may be at significant risk and can lead to in-
creased wear of parts.
For the sake of the environmentTechnical documents regarding alterations carried out on the vehicle must be
kept by the vehicle user in order to be handed over to the recyclers at a later
date. This ensures that the vehicle is recycled in an environmentally sound
manner.
Note
■ We recommend only having these modifications and technical alterations
carried out by a specialist garage.■
Any damage caused by technical alterations made without the approval of
the manufacturer is excluded from the warranty » Service schedule .
■
The ŠKODA Partner accepts no liability for products that have not been ap-
proved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. even though these may be products with an op-
erational approval or that have been approved by a government testing insti-
tute.
■
We advise you only to use ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original
Parts which have been expressly approved for use on your vehicle. Reliability,
safety and suitability for your vehicle are guaranteed with these.
■
ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original Parts can be purchased from
ŠKODA Partners, who will also perform the professional assembly of the pur-
chased parts.
Vehicle operating under different weather conditions
Read and observe
on page 128 first.
If you would like to operate your vehicle in countries other than those with its
intended weather conditions, you should contact a ŠKODA Partner.
He will advise you if certain precautions need to be taken to ensure the full
functioning of the vehicle as well as to prevent damage.
This involves, for example, the coolant, battery replacement and the like.
Statutory checks
Read and observe
on page 128 first.
Many countries have legislation requiring the operational reliability and road
worthiness and/or exhaust gas properties of a vehicle to be tested at specific
intervals. These tests can be carried out by workshops or testing stations that
have been legally authorised for this purpose. 
128General Maintenance