2016 SKODA RAPID check engine light

Exterior mirrors
You should have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer using the standard rear-view mirrors.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer (accessory) is being towed
and the headlights may dazzle other road users. Set the range of the head-
lights » page 54 .
Power supply of the trailer / accessory power system
In the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer (accessory), the
trailer (accessories) is supplied with power from the vehicle (with ignition
switched on and off).
With the engine switched off, the vehicle battery is discharged by the connec-
ted consumers.
At low charge state of the vehicle battery, the power supply to the trailer (ac-
cessories) is interrupted.WARNING■ An improperly connected electrical installation of the trailer (accessories)
may result in an accident or serious injury from electrical shock.■
Do not make any adjustments to the electrical installation of the vehicle
and the trailer (accessories) - risk of an accident or serious injury from elec-
trical shock.
WARNING (Continued)■ After the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer (accessory)
the trailer / accessory lights should be checked for function.■
Never use the securing eye to tow - risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ An improperly connected electrical installation of the trailer (accessories) can
lead to the inoperability of the vehicle electronics.■
The total power consumption of all the connected consumers to the trailer
power supply must not exceed 350 watts, otherwise there is a risk of damage
to the electrical system of the vehicle.
Loading a trailer
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on the vehicle for “full load” » page 134.
Distribution of the cargo
Distribute the cargo in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the trailer axle as possible. Secure the load from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Nevertheless, maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot
avoid driving with this combination.
WARNINGA sliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safety
- there is a risk of accident!
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstances.Permissible trailer loadEngineTransmissionPermissible trailer load, braked (kg)Permissible trailer load, unbraked (kg)Gradients of up to 12%Gradients of up to 8% a)1.2 ltr./66 kW TSIMG9001000580DSG90010005901.2 l./81 kW TSIMG110012005901.4 l./92 kW TSIDSG12001200600DSG (Green tec)12001200610
113Towing device and trailer

EngineTransmissionPermissible trailer load, braked (kg)Permissible trailer load, unbraked (kg)Gradients of up to 12%Gradients of up to 8%a)1.6 l./66 kW MPIMG100011005701.6 l./81 kW MPIMG10001100580AG100011006001.4 l/66 kW TDI CRMG10001100610DSG100011006201.6 l/85 kW TDI CRMG12001200640a)
Only valid for some countries.
WARNINGThe maximum vertical load and the maximum trailer load must not be ex-
ceeded - there is risk of accident!
Towing a trailer
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive with the trailer any faster than 100 km/h
(when the towing vehicle is a passenger car of category M1) or 80 km/h (when
the towing vehicle is a truck of category N1).
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.
WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
CAUTION
With frequent towing, the vehicle is excessively loaded so this must also be
checked between service intervals.Anti-theft alarm system
The alarm is triggered if, with a vehicle with activated anti-theft alarm (herein-
after only warning system), the electrical connection to the trailer (accessory)
is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer (accessory) is
coupled or uncoupled » page 49.
Conditions for including a trailer (accessory) in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing
device.
The trailer (accessory) is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by
means of the trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer (accessory) is functional.
The vehicle is locked and the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
The trailer (accessory) is not equipped with LED taillights.114Driving

Engine oil
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specification
128
Check and refill
129
The engine has been filled ex-factory with a high-grade oil that can be used
throughout the year (except in extreme climate zones).
We recommend that the oil changes be carried out by a ŠKODA Service Part-
ner.
The engine oil should be changed at specified service intervals » page 117.
The engine uses up some oil, depending on driving style and operating condi-
tions (up to 0.5 l / 1 000 km). Consumption may be slightly higher than this dur-
ing the first 5 000 km.
WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 125.
CAUTION
Do not add any additives to the engine oil - risk of engine damage.
Note
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 128 first.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sep-
arately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
Vehicles with variable service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecification1.2 l/66, 81 kW TSIVW 504 001.4 l/92 kW TSIDiesel enginesSpecification1.4 l/66 kW TDI CRVW 507 001.6 l/85 kW TDI CR
Vehicles with fixed service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecification1.2 l/66, 81 kW TSI
VW 502 00
1.4 ltr./92 kW TSI1.6 l./81 kW MPIDiesel enginesSpecification1.4 l/66 kW TDI CRVW 507 001.6 l/85 kW TDI CR
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines without a DPF.
CAUTION
■
If no prescribed engine oil is available, then max. 0.5 l oil of the following
specifications can be refilled. ■Petrol engines: ACEA A3/ACEA B4 or API SN, (API SM);
■ Diesel engines: ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.128General Maintenance

Check and refillFig. 148
Dipstick variants
Read and observe
and on page 128 first.
Check and refill oil under the following conditions. The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine operating temperature is reached.
The engine is turned off.
Checking the level
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Pull the dipstick out and wipe with a clean cloth.
›
Push the dipstick back to the stop and then pull it out again.
›
Read the oil level and push the dipstick back in.
The oil level must lie in range
A
» Fig. 148 . If the oil level is below range
A
, oil
must be added.
Refilling
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening
D
» Fig. 146 on page 127 .
›
Add oil of the correct specification in portions of 0.5 litres » page 128.
›
Check the oil level.
›
Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.
CAUTION
■
The oil level must never be below range A » Fig. 148 – risk of damage to the
engine as well as to the exhaust system.■
If a top up with oil is not possible or the oil level is above range
A
, 
do not
continue driving! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist
garage.
NoteToo low engine oil level is shown in the instrument cluster by the warning light
 illuminating and also indicated by the message » page 35. Nevertheless, we
recommend checking the oil level on a regular basis using the dipstick.
Coolant
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking and refilling
130
The coolant helps to keep the engine temperature down, and consists of wa- ter and coolant additive (with additives that protect the cooling system against
corrosion and prevent furring).
The proportion of coolant additive in the coolant must be 40 to 60 %.
The correct mix of water and coolant additive should be checked and if neces-
sary corrected by a specialist garage.
WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 125.■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurised - risk of scalding or
injury from splashes of coolant!
■
To protect against the coolant splashing, cover the cap with a cloth when
opening.
■
Coolant and coolant fumes are harmful - avoid contact with the coolant. If
the coolant comes into contact with the eye or skin, wash the affected area
with plenty of water for several minutes, and where appropriate seek medi-
cal help.
CAUTION
Do not cover the radiator and install any parts (e.g auxiliary lights.) in front of
the air intakes - risk of the engine overheating.129Inspecting and replenishing

Checking and refillingFig. 149
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 129 first.
Check and refill coolant under the following conditions.The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is not warm (if the engine is warm the result of the check may
be wrong).
The engine is turned off.
Check the coolant level - the coolant level must lie between the marks
A
and
B
» Fig. 149. If the coolant level is below the mark
B
, top up with coolant.
Refilling
The reservoir must always contain a small amount of coolant »
.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and unscrew the
cap carefully .
›
Always top up using coolant of the correct specification.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
The specification for the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 149 .
If the specified coolant is not available, then refilling only with distilled or dem-
ineralised water, and get a specialist garage to correct the water-coolant addi-
tive mix as soon as possible.
CAUTION■ If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
aerate - risk of engine damage!  Stop driving! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 149 . The coolant could, when
heated, be expelled from the cooling system - risk of damage to the engine
parts.
■
If it is not possible to add coolant, 
do not continue driving! Switch off the
engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
A coolant additive which does not correspond to the correct specification can
reduce the anti-corrosion effect of the cooling system - risk of damage to the
cooling system and the engine.
■
If non-distilled (non-demineralised) water has been used to top up, the cool-
ant should be replaced by a specialist garage - risk of engine damage.
■
A loss of coolant indicates leaks in the cooling system - risk of engine dam-
age. Top up with coolant and then seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Note
Too low coolant level is indicated in the instrument cluster by the warning
light  and shown by the message » page 35. We still recommend inspecting
the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.
Brake fluid
Fig. 150
Brake fluid reservoir
Check the brake fluid under the following conditions.
The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
Check brake fluid level - the brake fluid level must lie between the markings
“MIN” and “MAX” » Fig. 150. 
130General Maintenance

Specification - the brake fluid must comply with the standard VW 501 14 (this
standard meets the requirements of FMVSS 116 DOT4).WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 125.■
If the fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below
the “MIN” » Fig. 150mark, this may be an indication of a leak in the brake
system. 
Stop driving - There is a risk of an accident! Seek help from a
specialist garage.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■Too low brake fluid level is indicated by the warning light  being shown on
the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corresponding message
» page 30 . We still recommend inspecting the brake fluid level in the reservoir
from time to time.
Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Check condition
132
Charging
132
Disconnect/reconnect and change
133
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Depending on the engine, the vehicle battery is either in the engine compart-
ment or the luggage compartment.
Automatic shutdown of consumers - vehicle battery discharge protection
The on-board power supply system tries to prevent the vehicle battery from
discharging in the following ways when it is subject to heavy loading. ▶ By increasing the engine idle speed.
▶ Through the power limitation of certain consumers.
▶ By switching off some consumers (heated seats, heated rear window) for as
long as necessary.
Warning symbols on the vehicle batterySymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection.Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the
vehicle battery.When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture
is produced.Keep children away from the vehicle battery.WARNINGBattery acid is highly corrosive - it can cause injury, chemical burns or poi-
soning! Corrosive vapours in the air irritate and damage the respiratory
tract and the eyes. The following guidelines must be observed.■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
■
If your eyes or skin come into contact with the electrolytic fluid, immedi-
ately wash the affected area for a few minutes long with a lot of water. Get
medical assistance without delay.
■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent (e.g. children).
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings.
WARNINGWorking on the car battery may cause explosion, fire, injury or chemical
burn! The following guidelines must be observed.■
Do not smoke, use open flames or light or transmitting devices.
■
A discharged vehicle battery may freeze slightly. Never charge up a fro-
zen or thawed vehicle battery. Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery.
■
Do not connect the battery terminals, bridging the two poles will cause a
short circuit. 
131Inspecting and replenishing

CAUTIONEnsure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk
of damage to the paintwork.
Note
■ We recommend having all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
Check condition
Fig. 151
Vehicle battery: Open the cover / acid level indicator
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
The battery condition is checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of the
inspection.
Check the acid level
For car batteries with acid level indicator, acidity can be checked on the basis
of a colour display. In vehicle batteries with the label “AGM” there is no acid
level examination.
Depending on the equipment, the vehicle battery may be provided with a cov-
er, this can be opened in the direction of arrow » Fig. 151 -
 .
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. Therefore, carefully knock
on the display » Fig. 151 -
 .
Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must
be replaced.
Battery discharge
If frequent short journeys are made, the vehicle battery does not recharge suf-
ficiently.
The battery capacity decreases at low temperatures.
If the vehicle is not used for longer than 3 to 4 weeks, disconnect the negative
terminal 
of the battery or charge the battery constantly with a very low
charging current.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
Only charge the battery when the ignition and all consumers are switched off.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
Charging
›
For vehicles with the START-STOPP system or auxiliary heater, clamp the

terminal of the charger on the  pole of the battery, the
 terminal of the
charger on the earth point of the engine » page 145.
›
For vehicles without the START-STOPP system or auxiliary heater, clamp the
terminals of the charger on the associated battery poles (  on
,
 on
).
›
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.
›
Disconnect the terminals of the charger from the vehicle battery.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
WARNING■ When charging the vehicle battery, hydrogen is released - risk of explo-
sion. An explosion can be caused through sparking while unclamping or
loosening the cable plug.■
So-called“quick-charging” of the vehicle battery is dangerous and re-
quires a special charger and specialist knowledge. Therefore, have “Quick
loading” carried out by a specialist garage.
132General Maintenance

Preparing to use the breakdown kitRead and observe
on page 143 first.
For safety's sake, the following instructions must be observed before
undertaking a wheel repair on a road.
›
Park the vehicle as far as possible away from the traffic flow - choose a place
with a flat and firm surface.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , select 1st gear .
›
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle at the
prescribed distance.
›
Have all the occupants get out . While the repair is being carried out, the pas-
sengers should not stand on the road (instead they should remain behind a
crash barrier, for instance).
›
Uncouple any trailers.
Sealing and inflating tyres
Read and observe
on page 143 first.
Sealing
›
Unscrew the valve cap from the damaged tyre.
›
Insert the valve remover
2
» Fig. 164 on page 143 on the valve insert, so that
the valve insert fits into the slot of the valve remover.
›
Unscrew the valve insert and place it on a clean base (rag, paper etc.).
›
Forcefully shake bottle
10
» Fig. 164 on page 143 several times.
›
Firmly screw the inflation hose
3
onto the tyre inflater bottle
10
. The film on
the bottle cap is pierced.
›
Remove the plug from the inflation hose
3
and insert the bottle onto the
tyre valve.
›
Hold the bottle
10
with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflator bottle into the tyre.
›
Remove the filler plug from the tyre valve.
›
Screw in the valve insert with the valve remover
2
.
Inflating
›
Screw the tyre inflation hose
7
» Fig. 164 on page 143 firmly onto the tyre
valve.
› For vehicles with
manual transmission , set the lever in the neutral position.›On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.›
Start the engine.
›
Plug the connector
6
into the 12-volt socket » page 70.
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
9
.
›
Once tyre inflation pressure of 2.0-2.5 bar has been reached, turn off the air
compressor. Maximum run time of 6 minutes » .
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
7
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent
to “distribute” in the tyre.
›
Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose
7
back onto the tyre valve and repeat
the inflation process.
›
Stick the sticker
1
» Fig. 164 on page 143 on the dashboard in the driver's
field of view.
At a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar, the journey can be continued at a maximum speed of 80 km/h or 50 mph.
WARNING■ If the tire does not inflate at least. 2.0 bar, the damage is too great. The
sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre.  Do not drive the vehicle.
Seek help from a specialist garage.■
The tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot as the tyre is be-
ing inflated – there is a risk of burning.
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor if it has been running for as long as 6 minutes –
risk of damage to the compressor! Allow the air compressor to cool a few mi-
nutes before switching it on again.
Information on driving with repaired tyres
Read and observe
on page 143 first.
The inflation pressure of the repaired tyre must be checked after driving for 10minutes.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
The tyre cannot be properly sealed with the breakdown kit. 
Do not contin-
ue to drive! Seek help from a specialist garage. 
144Do-it-yourself