2014 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK ECU

NoteWe recommend that you use accessories from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Trailer
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Attaching and detaching trailers
125
Loading a trailer
126
Towing a trailer
126
Anti-theft alarm system
126
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.
Note
If there is an error in the trailer lighting, check the fuses in the fuse box in the
dash panel » page 173.
Attaching and detaching trailers
Fig. 122
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket, safety eyelet
Coupling
›
Install the tow bar.
›
Lift off protective cap
3
» Fig. 111 on page 120 towards the top.
›
Place the trailer onto the ball.
›
Grip the 13-pin socket on the handle
A
and swing out in the direction of the
arrow » Fig. 122 .
›
Insert the trailer cable into the 13-pin socket.
If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connector, you can use a suitable
adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories to establish a connection to the elec-
tricity.›
Hook the breakaway cable of the trailer to the security lock slot
B
.
The breakaway cable of the trailer has to sag when mounted into the security
lock slot for all trailer positions relative to the vehicle (sharp curves, reverse
driving and the like).
Uncoupling
The uncoupling of the trailer is carried out in reverse order.
›
Unhook the breakaway cable of the trailer from the security lock slot
B
» Fig. 122 .
›
Pull the trailer cable out of the 13-pin socket.
›
Remove the trailer from the ball head.
›
Place the cover
3
on the ball head » Fig. 111 on page 120 .
›
Grip the 13-pin socket on the handle
A
and swing out against the direction
of the arrow » Fig. 122.
Exterior mirrors
You can have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer is being towed and the head- lights may dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlights using the headlight beam control » page 59.
WARNING■
Incorrectly or improperly connected electrical installations may cause mal-
function of the entire vehicle electronics and lead to accidents and serious
injury from electric shock.■
Works on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist ga-
rages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical
connections for the tail lights or other current sources.
■
After coupling the trailer and connecting up the power socket, check the
rear lights on the trailer to ensure they are working.
■
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be applied when coupling and
uncoupling the trailer.
■
Never use the safety eyelet for towing!
125Hitch and trailer

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

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. 125
Opening the bonnet
Read and observe
and on page 141 first.
Open flap
›
Open the front door.
›
Pull the release lever underneath the dash panel in the direction of the ar-
row
1
» Fig. 125 .
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
.
The flap is then unlocked. 
142General Maintenance

›Grasp the bonnet catch and lift in the direction of arrow 3.›Remove the lid prop in the direction of arrow 4 from the holder.›
Secure the open flap inserting the end of the post into the opening in the di-
rection of arrow
5
.
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 flap – risk of accident!■
Make sure that when closing the bonnet, no body parts are crushed -
there is danger of injury!
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet by the locking lever » Fig. 125.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 126
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
Read and observe and on page 141 first.
Arrangement in the engine compartment » Fig. 126
Coolant expansion reservoir
147
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
143
Engine oil dipstick
145
Engine oil filler opening
146
Brake fluid reservoir
148
Vehicle battery
148
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 141 first.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled ac-
cording to the temperature of the coolant.
WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 127
Windscreen washer fluid reser-
voir
Read and observe and on page 141 first.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir
A
is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 127 . 

ABCDEF143Inspecting and replenishing

Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 132
Electrolyte level indicator
Read and observe and on page 149 first.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, » Fig. 132the
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 149 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. 
150General Maintenance

Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
Emergency equipment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Placement of the first-aid kit and warning triangle
158
Placement of the reflective vest
158
fire extinguisher
158
Vehicle tool kit
159
Placement of the first-aid kit and warning triangle
Fig. 135
First-aid kit / warning triangle
The following information is for the first aid kit and warning triangle from the
ŠKODA Original accessories valid.
For another first aid kit and warning triangle the storage compartments may
possibly be too small.
First-aid box
The first-aid box can be attached by a strap to the right-hand side of the
boot » Fig. 135 .
Warning triangle
The warning triangle can be attached to the rear wall trim panel with rubber
straps » Fig. 135 .
WARNINGThe first-aid kit and warning triangle must always be secured safely so that
they do not come loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle
collision which could cause injuries to occupants.
Note
■ Pay attention to the expiration date of the first-aid kit.■We recommend using a first-aid kit from ŠKODA Original Accessories, which
are available from a ŠKODA Partner.
Placement of the reflective vest
Fig. 136
Reflective vest
The reflective vest can be stored in a bracket under the driver's seat » Fig. 136.
fire extinguisher
Fig. 137
Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is attached by two straps in a holder underneath the driv-
er's seat.
Removing/attaching
›
Loosen the two straps by pulling the buckles in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 137 . 
158Do-it-yourself

›Remove the fire extinguisher.›For mounting, fit the fire extinguisher back into the holder and secure it with
straps.
Please read carefully the instructions which are attached to the fire extin-
guisher.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person once a year.
The national legal requirements must be observed.WARNINGThe fire extinguisher must always be secured safely so that they do not
come loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle collision
which could cause injuries to occupants.
Note
■ The fire extinguisher must comply with national legal requirements.■Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. Proper function-
ing of the fire extinguisher is not assured once it has passed its expiry date.■
The fire extinguisher is part of the scope of delivery in certain countries only.
Vehicle tool kit
Fig. 138
Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit is housed in a box in the spare wheel or in the storage
space for the spare wheel.
Depending on the equipment, not all the components listed in the on-board
tool kit have to be contained in it.
Screwdriver
Spanner for removing and installing the tail light
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eyelet
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Depending upon vehicle equipment: Jack with sign / puncture repair kit
Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps
Replacement bulb setWARNINGThe factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift heavier vehicles or other loads.
CAUTION
■ Screw the jack back into the starting position before storing in the box with
the tool kit.■
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the boot.
■
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.
Note
The declaration of conformity is included with the jack or the log folder.
Reserve and temporary spare wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Remove / store wheel
160
Spare wheel
160
When using an emergency or spare wheel make sure to mount a wheel with
the appropriate dimensions and design as soon as possible.
After changing the spare wheel, the tyre pressure should be adjusted. In vehi- cles with tyre pressure monitoring, tyre pressure values are to be stor-
ed » page 119 . 
123456789159Emergency equipment and self-help

WARNING■If, in the case of puncture occurring, the spare tyre with a non-bound di-
rection or an opposite direction of rotation must be mounted, then drive
carefully. The best properties of the tyre are no longer present in this situa-
tion.■
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted
to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used
briefly in the event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of
driving is adopted.
■
If the dimensions or design of the temporary spare wheel differ from the
fitted tyres, never drive faster than 80 km/h (or 50 mph).
■
Never use the temporary spare wheel if it is damaged.
Remove / store wheel
Fig. 139
Take out the wheel
Read and observe on page 160 first.
The spare wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the boot and is fixed in place with a special bolt » Fig. 139.
Take out the wheel
›
Open the boot lid.
›
Lift up the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Loosen the belt and take out the box with the tool kit.
›
Unscrew the nut in direction of arrow » Fig. 139.
›
Take out the wheel.
Stow the wheel
›
Place the wheel into the spare wheel well with the wheel rim pointing down-
ward.
›
Pull the fixing band through the opposite holes in the wheel rim.
› Screw on the nut in the opposite direction to the arrow
» Fig. 139 until the
wheel is safely secured.›
Place the box with the tool kit back into the spare wheel and secure it with
the tape.
›
Fold back the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Close the boot lid.
Spare wheel
Read and observe
on page 160 first.
A warning label is displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel.
Please note the following if you intend to use the temporary spare wheel. › The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
› Be particularly observant when driving.
› The emergency spare is inflated to the maximum inflation pressure for the
vehicle » page 153 .
› Only use this temporary spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage,
since it is not intended for permanent use.
WARNING■ Never drive with more than one temporary spare wheel mounted!■Only use the temporary spare wheel when absolutely necessary.■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
■
The snow chains cannot be used on the temporary spare wheel.
■
Observe the instructions on the warning sign of the temporary spare
wheel.
Changing a wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preliminary work
161
Full wheel trim
161
Wheel bolts
161
Changing a wheel
162
Follow-up work
162
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
162

160Do-it-yourself