2016 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK handbrake

Using the system
Cockpit
OverviewElectric windows
52
Door opening lever
48
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
62
Air outlet vents
84
Ticket holder
67
Operating lever (depending on equipment):
▶ Direction and high beam
55
▶Speed regulating system
103
▶Speed regulator
104
Steering wheel with horn / with driver's front airbag
15
Buttons for operating the information system
37
Instrument cluster
28
Operating lever:
▶ Windscreen wipers and washers
60
▶Information system
37
Depending on equipment fitted:
▶ Storage compartment
68
▶Infotainment » User Owner's Manual for Infotainment
Button for hazard warning light system
57
Warning light for the front passenger airbag
18
Interior rear-view mirror
62
Key switch for switching off the front passenger airbag (in front
passenger storage compartment)
18
Front passenger airbag
15
External Infotainment module (in the front passenger storage
compartment) » Owner's Manual - Infotainment
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
72
Electric window in the front passenger door
52
Storage compartments
68
Light switch
54
Headlight range control (in the dashboard)
5412345678910111213141516171819202122Bonnet release lever129
Steering wheel locking lever
11
Depending on equipment fitted:
▶ Ignition lock
87
▶Starter button
87
Storage compartment
68
Handbrake lever
90
Depending on equipment fitted:
▶ Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)
91
▶Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
92
Cup holder
69
AUX / USB input
68
Bar with keys depending on the equipment fitted:
▶  Left seat heating
66
▶
 Traction control (TCS)
97
▶
 Parking aid
99
▶
 Central locking system
47
▶
 Rear window heater
59
▶
 START STOP
88
▶
 Windscreen heater
59
▶
 Right seat heating
66
Controls for heating / air conditioning
82
Note
The layout of the controls on right-hand drive vehicles differs partially from
that shown in this layout » Fig. 16.2324252627282930313227Cockpit

Coolant temperature gaugeFig. 19
Coolant temperature gauge
Applies to cars with the instrument cluster - Version 1 » Fig. 17 on page 28 .
The display » Fig. 19 only works if the ignition is switched on.
Cold range - the pointer is in the range
A
, the engine has not yet reached its
operating temperature. Avoid high speeds and high engine loads.
Operating range - the pointer is in the range
B
.
High temperature range - the pointer is in the range
C
. The coolant tempera-
ture is too high. The warning light  illuminates in the instrument cluster
» page 35 .
Fuel gauge
Fig. 20
Fuel gauge: in the instrument cluster / the display of the instru-
ment cluster
The display » Fig. 20 only works if the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres.
If the fuel level reaches the reserve level A or B, the warning light  illumi-
nates in the instrument cluster » page 33.WARNINGFor the vehicle systems to function correctly, and thus for safe driving,
there must be sufficient fuel in the tank. Never drain the fuel tank com-
pletely – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! Irregular supply of fuel can
cause misfiring, which can result in damage to parts of the engine and the ex-
haust 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 a fraction less.■
The arrow 
next to the symbol 
within the fuel gauge displays the installa-
tion location of the fuel filler on the right side of the vehicle.
Warning lights
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
30
 Braking system
30
 Front seat belt warning light
30

 Power steering / steering lock (engine start push-button)
31
 Stability control (ESC) / Traction control (TCS)
31
 Traction control (TCS) deactivated
32
 Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
32
 Rear fog light
32
 Emission control system
32
 Preheating unit (diesel)
32
 Inspection of the engine electronics (petrol engine)
32
 Airbag system
32
 Tyre pressure
33
 Fuel reserve
33

29Instruments and warning lights

  Turn signal system33 Trailer turn signal lights34

Fog lights
34
 Speed regulating system / speed limiter
34
 Brake pedal (automatic transmission)
34
 Main beam
34

Automatic gearbox
34
 Rear seat belt warning light
34
 Generator
34
 Coolant
35
 Engine oil pressure
35
 Engine oil level
35
 Lamp failure
36
 Diesel particle filter (diesel)
36
 Windscreen washer fluid level
36

 START-STOP system
36
 Display of a low temperature
36
 Distance warning (Front Assist)
36
 Advance warning / emergency braking (Front Assist)
37
 Service
37
The warning lights in the instrument cluster 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.
The warning lights are at the following locations in the instrument cluster
» Fig. 17 on page 28 or » Fig. 18 on page 28 .
▶ Engine revolutions counter
1
▶Display
2
▶Speedometer
3
▶Bar with warning lights
4
Warning lights in the display
Depending on the importance the warning light  (danger) or
 (warning) illu-
minate along with some of the warning lights in the list with the warning
lights
4
» Fig. 17 on page 28 and » Fig. 18 on page 28 .
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. Place the warning triangle at the prescribed
distance.
■
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 128, Engine compartment .
 Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
 lights up – the hand brake has been applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 5 km/h while the
handbrake is still on.
▶ Release the handbrake.
Braking system
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
 illuminates – the brake fluid level in the brake system is too low.
▶ Park the vehicle, 
stop driving! Seek help from a specialist garage.
WARNINGA fault to the braking system can increase the vehicle's braking distance -
risk of accident!
 Front seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
 lights up - the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
At a speed of over 25 km/h, the warning light 
flashes and an audible warning
sounds at the same time. 
30Using the system

Switch on/off ignitionFig. 104
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock / starter button
Read and observe
and on page 86 first.
Positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock » Fig. 104 -

Ignition switched off, engine switched off
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Switching on /off ignition in vehicles with starter button
›
Press the » Fig. 104 -
 button, the ignition is turned on / off.
On vehicles with manual transmission , the pedal must not be depressed to
switch on / off the ignition, otherwise the engine will start.
On vehicles with automatic transmission , the brake pedal must not be de-
pressed to switch on / off the ignition, otherwise the engine will start.
Starting / stopping the engine
Read and observe
and on page 86 first.
Before starting the engine
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , shift gear stick to neutral, depress
the clutch pedal and hold it there until the engine starts.
›
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in position
P or N and » depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.
123Starting the engine›On vehicles with ignition lock, turn the key to position 3 and the engine
starts » Fig. 104 on page 87 
. Then release the key, the engine will start au-
tomatically.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position 1
. Re-
peat the start-up process after 30 s.
›
On vehicles with starter button, press the button briefly » Fig. 104 on
page 87 - 
, the motor will start automatically.
For vehicles with diesel engines the glow plug warning light 
goes on during
starting. The engine can be started after the indicator light goes out.
Switching off the engine
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
On vehicles with ignition lock, turn the key to position
1
» Fig. 104 on
page 87
 .
›
On vehicles with
starter button, press the button » Fig. 104 on page 87 -
 ,
the engine and the ignition will be switched off simultaneously.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed
if the selector lever is in position P.
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey if the en-
gine has been working at high revs over a prolonged period, but leave it to run
at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off.
Emergency shutdown of the engine in vehicles with starter button
The system is equipped with a protective device against accidental switching
off, the engine can only be shut off while driving in the event of an emergency.
›
Keep the knob pressed » Fig. 104 on page 87 -
 or press it twice within 1
second.
After the emergency stop of the engine, the steering lock will remain un-
locked.
CAUTION
When the outdoor temperature is below -10 ° C, the selector lever when start-
ing must always be in P mode. 87Starting-off and Driving

Requirements for the system to function correctly
The following conditions must be met for the system to function correctly.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The driving speed was higher than 4 km/h after the last stop.
No trailer or other accessory is connected to the trailer socket.
System status
The system status is shown in the display when the vehicle comes to a halt
» Fig. 106 .
The engine is switched off automatically; when moving off, the ignition
process will be initiated automatically.
The engine is not switched off automatically.
The engine does not shut down when the vehicle stops, if e.g. the following
applies.
▶ The engine temperature for the proper function of the system has not yet
been reached.
▶ The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
▶ The current consumption is too high.
▶ High air conditioning or heating output (high fan speed, big difference be-
tween the desired and actual interior temperature).
If the engine has shut down automatically but the system detects that the en- gine is required to run (e.g. if the brake pedal is pressed repeatedly) then the
system automatically starts up the engine.
More information about the current system status can be displayed on the In-
fotainment screen » Owner´s Manual - Infotainment .
If there is a system fault , the following message will appear in the display of
the instrument cluster. Seek help from a specialist garage.Note■ If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's
door is opened after the engine has switched off automatically, the engine will
have to be restarted manually.■
No automatic engine shut-down takes place when a vehicle with automatic
transmission is moving at low speed (e.g. during a traffic jam) and remains sta-
tionary after pressing the brake pedal lightly. Automatic engine shut-down
takes place if you press the brake pedal down with more force.
■
For vehicles with automatic transmission there is no automatic engine shut-
down when the system detects a manoeuvring action due to a large steering
angle.
Manually deactivating/activating the system
Fig. 107
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
›
To deactivate/activate the system, press the 
button » Fig. 107 .
When the system is deactivated, the symbol 
in the button lights up.
If the system is deactivated, it will be reactivated automatically after the igni-
tion has been switched off and on.
Note
If the system is deactivated when the engine is turned off automatically, then
the automatic start process takes place.
Brakes and parking
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handbrake
90
Parking
91

89Starting-off and Driving

The wear and tear on the brake pads is dependent on the operating condi-
tions and driving style. In difficult conditions (e.g. urban, sporty driving), the
condition of the brakes should be checked between services by a specialist ga-
rage.
Brake response can be slower if the brakes are covered in moisture or, in win-
ter, have a layer of ice or salt on them . The brakes should be cleaned and
dried by applying the brakes many times over »
.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the brake pads can 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
over »
.
Before negotiating a long or steep gradient , reduce speed and shift down a
gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. If, nevertheless, there is a need for additional braking, it
should be carried out at intervals.
Emergency braking warning - if it is necessary to brake hard, the system may
cause the brake lights to automatically flash, to alert the traffic behind.
New brake pads must first be “run in” because these do not initially have the
best possible braking effect. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or
so.
If the brake fluid level is too low, it can cause faults in the braking system ;
the warning light  will light up in the instrument cluster
» page 30,
 Braking
system . If the warning light does not light up, yet the stopping distance is per-
ceived to be longer than before, the driving style should be adapted in view of
the unknown cause of the problem, and braking kept to a minimum - seek the
help of a specialist garage without delay.
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
WARNING■ 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!
WARNING (Continued)■ Do not depress the brake pedal if there is no requirement to slow down.
This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear - risk of accident!■
Only brake for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the
traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
■
Recommendations for new brake pads should be followed.
■
When stopping and parking, the parking brake should always be applied
firmly, otherwise the vehicle could move off - risk of accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
Otherwise, the front brakes could be in danger of overheating – risk of acci-
dent!
Handbrake
Fig. 108
Handbrake
Read and observe on page 90 first.
The handbrake secures the vehicle against unwanted movement when stop-
ping and parking.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Releasing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 108 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on. 
90Driving

A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied. The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven
at a speed of over 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.WARNINGDisengage the handbrake completely. A handbrake which is only partially
disengaged can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have a nega-
tive effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!
Parking
Read and observe
on page 90 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , select gear 1 or reverse gear R .
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNING■
The parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle in places where the underside of your vehicle could come
into contact with flammable materials (e.g. dry grass, leaves, spilled fuel or
the like). - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave people unattended in the car who
could, for example, lock the vehicle or release the brake - risk of accidents
and injury!
Manual gear changing and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
91
Pedals
91Manual gear changingFig. 109
The shift pattern
The gearshift pattern for the individual gear positions is shown on the gear
lever » Fig. 109 .
The gearshift indicator should be observed when changing gear » page 38.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear
to the clutch.
Engaging reverse gear
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal must be fully depressed.
›
Switch the gear lever to N.
›
Push the shift lever downwards fully to the left and then forward into
R » Fig. 109 .
The reversing lights will come on once the reverse gear is engaged, provided
the ignition is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gear shift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gear shift mech-
anism to wear excessively.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances! 
91Starting-off and Driving

CAUTIONThe following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of dam-
age to the engine and to the exhaust system.■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above men-
tioned standards (e.g. petrol) is used, do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition!
■
The biofuel RME must not be used!
CAUTION
Diesel fuel additives■The diesel fuel in accordance with the prescribed standards meets all the
conditions for a smooth running engine. Therefore, we recommend that you do
not add any fuel additives to the diesel - there is a risk of engine damage or
damage to the exhaust system.
Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
129
Engine compartment overview
129
Windscreen washer fluid
130WARNINGNever cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a cov-
er) – risk of fire!WARNINGWhen working in the engine compartment, the following instructions must
be observed - otherwise risk of injury or fire. The engine compartment of
your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Stop the engine and remove the ignition key, on vehicles with the KESSY
system, open the driver's door.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
WARNING (Continued)■ For vehicles with manual transmission the lever into the neutral position.
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment■Keep everyone away from the engine compartment.■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
Never touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may still turn suddenly
about 10 minutes after switching off the ignition!
■
Do not smoke in the vicinity of the engine and avoid the use of open
flames or sparks.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
This presents a fire hazard and the risk of engine damage.
■
Read and observe the information and warning instructions on the fluid
containers.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
If it is necessary to work on the engine with the engine running, beware
of rotating engine parts and electrical plants - they can be fatal!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system, particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
CAUTION
Only refill using fluids with the proper specification - risk of damage to the ve-
hicle!
Note
■ Fluids with the proper specifications can be purchased from the ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories or from the ŠKODA Genuine Parts ranges.■
We recommend you have the operating fluids replaced by a specialist garage.
128General Maintenance