2016 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK ignition

Front airbags - the forward thrust of the driver and of the front passenger is
cushioned when they make contact with the fully-inflated airbag, and the risk
of injury to head and chest is thus reduced.
The front airbags can be identified by the lettering 
featured on the steer-
ing wheel and on the dashboard on the passenger side.
Side airbags - the load of the occupants is cushioned when plunged into the
fully inflated airbag. The risk of injury to the entire upper body (chest, stomach
and pelvis) is reduced on the side facing the door.
The side air bags can be identified by a label with the lettering 
marked on
the front seat backrests.
Head airbags - the forward movement of the body is cushioned when it makes
contact with the fully inflated airbag, and the risk of injury to head and chest is
thus reduced.
The head airbags are provided with the lettering  marked on the B-pillar
cladding.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the airbag system consists of the
following parts. ▶ Individual airbags.
▶ Warning light  in the instrument cluster
» page 32.
▶ Key switch for the front passenger airbag » page 18.
▶ Warning light for the front passenger airbag in the middle of the dash panel
» page 18 .Airbag deploymentFig. 8
Inflated airbags
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
When triggered, the airbag fills with gas and unfolds. The inflation of the air- bag is carried out in a fraction of a second.
When the airbag inflates, smoke is released. This is not a sign of a fire in the
vehicle.
Triggering conditions
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. The important factors here are the hard-
ness of the object with which the vehicle collides, the angle of impact, vehicle
speed etc.
A decisive factor in the deployment of the airbags is the degree of deceleration
at the time. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured during
the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the
control unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer
severe damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal
collision.
▶ Driver’s front airbag.
▶ Front passenger airbag. 
16Safety

WARNINGInformation on the use of the airbag system■Any work on the airbag system, including the installation and removal of
system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering
wheel), must only be carried out by a specialist garage. Further information
» page 119 .■
No changes of any sort should be made to parts of the airbag system, the
front bumper or the bodywork.
■
Do not manipulate individual parts of the airbag system, as this might re-
sult in the airbag being deployed.
Airbag deactivation
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
18
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
18
Deactivating airbags
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated switch
» Fig. 10 on page 18 -
 .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other
airbags.
A warning light indicates that the airbag has been  deactivated
» page 32.
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones below. ▶ If a child seat must be used on the front passenger seat, where the child is
transported facing towards the rear » page 19.
▶ If it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the mid-
dle of the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly
adjusted.
▶ If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because
of a physical disability.
▶ If different seats have been fitted (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side air-
bags).
WARNINGIf an airbag is deactivated at the time of the vehicle being sold, the pur-
chaser must be informed!
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
Fig. 10
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag / warning
light for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
Switch positions » Fig. 10 - 
The front passenger airbag has been deactivated - the warning light1)
 
lights up after switching on the ignition » Fig. 10- 
The front passenger airbag is activated - the warning light 

does not
light up when the ignition is turned on
Switch off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position 
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
›
Close the storage compartment on the front passenger side.
›
Check that the warning light 

lights up after the ignition is switched on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side. 
1)
The warning light
  comes on for a few seconds after the ignition is switched on, goes out for about
1 second and then comes on again.
18Safety

›Fold the key bit out
completely for the radio key » .›Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position 
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
›
Close the storage compartment on the front passenger side.
›
Check that the warning light 

does not light up after the ignition is
switched on.
WARNING■ The key cannot be inserted into the key switch while driving. Shocks can
cause the key to turn in the slot and trigger the airbag! The airbag could be
triggered unexpectedly in an accident - it may result in injury or death!■
The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switch-
ed off.
■
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag.
■
If the 

warning light is flashing, the front passenger airbag will not
be deployed in an accident! Have the airbag system checked by a specialist
garage immediately.
CAUTION
An insufficiently folded out key bit can damage the key switch!Transporting children safely
Child seat
 Introduction
To reduce the risk of injury in an accident, children should only be transported
in child seats!
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
20
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
21
Child safety and the side airbag
21
Classification of child seats
21
Use of child safety seats which are secured using a seat belt
21
Please refer to the instructions in this Owner's Manual and the child seat man-
ufacturer's instructions with regard to the installation and use of the child
seat.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you always transport children on the
rear seats. Only transport a child on the passenger seat in exceptional circum-
stances.
Child seats complying with the ECE-R 44 Economic Commission for Europe
standard must be used.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard are identified with a test
mark that cannot be removed: Large E in a circle, approval no. underneath.
WARNING■ One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's lap.■When leaving the vehicle, do not leave children unattended in the vehicle.
In an emergency, they might not be able to get out of the vehicle on their
own or to help themselves. Can be fatal at very high or very low tempera-
tures!■
The child must be secured in the vehicle during the entire journey! Other-
wise, the child would be thrown through the vehicle in the event of an acci-
dent, causing fatal injuries to both the child and other occupants. 
19Transporting children safely

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

If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
approx. 2 minutes, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light 
illuminates permanently.
  Power steering / steering lock (engine start push-button)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
Fault in the power steering
 lights up – this indicates a complete failure of the power steering and the
steering assist is no longer working (significantly higher steering forces).
 lights up – this indicates a partial failure of the power steering and the
steering forces can be greater.
▶ Switch off the ignition, start the engine again and travel a short distance.
▶ If the warning light  does not go out, stop the vehicle,

do not continue
to drive . Seek help from a specialist garage.
▶ If the warning light  does not go out, it is possible to continue driving ap-
propriately. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
Steering lock defective (engine start push-button)
An audible signal sounds as a warning.
 flashes
Steering column lock faulty. Stop!STOP VEHICLE STEERING FAULTY
▶ Park the vehicle, and 
stop driving . After switching off the ignition, it is no
longer possible to lock the steering, to activate the electrical components
(e.g. Infotainment ), to switch on the ignition again and to start the engine.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
 flashes
Steering lock: Workshop!STEERING WORKSHOP
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
Steering lock not unlocked (engine start push-button)
 flashes
Move the steering wheel!MOVE STEERING WHEEL
▶ Move the steering wheel slightly back and forth, thereby facilitating unlock-
ing the steering lock.
▶ If the steering does also not unlock then, the help of a specialist garage is
required.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning
light 
comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after the motor is restarted and a short drive, the indicator light does not go
out, there is a system error.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
 Stability control (ESC) / Traction control (TCS)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
 flashes – the ESC or TCS is currently active.
System fault
 lights up – there is an ESC or TCS fault.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
If the warning light  comes on after starting the engine, the TCS may be
switched off for technical reasons. ▶ Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light  does not illuminate after you switch the engine back on,
the ASR is fully functional again.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the indicator
light  comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after a short drive, the indicator light does not go out, there is a system er- ror.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
For more information on the ESC system » page 97, Stability Control (ESC) or
TCS system » page 97, Traction control (TCS) .
31Instruments and warning lights

 Traction control (TCS) deactivatedRead and observe
on page 30 first.
 illuminates – the TCS system is disabled.
 Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
 lights up – there is an ABS fault.
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
WARNING■ If the warning light  illuminates simultaneously with warning light 
» page 30 ,  Braking system ,  do not continue your journey! Seek help
from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
 Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
 lights up – the rear fog light is switched on.
 Emission control system
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
 lights up – there is a fault in the emission control system. The system
makes it possible to drive on in emergency mode - there may be a noticeable
reduction in engine performance.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
Preheating unit (diesel)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
 flashes – there is a fault in the engine management system. The system
makes possible operation emergency mode - there may be a noticeable reduc-
tion in engine performance.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light 
does not come
on or illuminates continuously.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
 Inspection of the engine electronics (petrol engine)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
 lights up – there is a fault in the engine management system. The system
makes it possible to drive on in emergency mode - there may be a noticeable
reduction in engine performance.
▶ Continued driving is possible with appropriate caution. Seek assistance from
a specialist garage immediately.
 Airbag system
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
System fault
 lights up - there is a fault in the airbag system.
Error: AirbagAIRBAG ERROR
▶
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The front passenger airbag has been disabled with the key switch
 illuminates for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been switched on.
One of the airbags or a belt tensioner has been disabled by the diagnostic
tool
 illuminates for around 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on and then
flashes for approximately 12 seconds. 
32Using the system