2017 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK tow

Adjusting the ready positionFig. 136
Remove cap from the lock / insert key into the lock
Fig. 137
Setting the ready position
Read and observe
on page 111 first.
The tow bar must be set prior to installation to the standby position
» page 112 , Check the setting of the standby position .
›
Grip the tow bar below the protective cap.
›
Remove the cover
A
from the lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 136 .
›
Insert the key into the lock
B
in the direction of arrow
2,
so that the arrow
on the key symbol 
shows.
›
Turn the key
B
to the stop in the direction of arrow
3,
so that the arrow on
the key symbol shows 
» Fig. 137 .
›
Pull the hand wheel
C
in the direction of the arrow
4
and turn in the direc-
tion of the arrow
5
to the stop. The hand wheel
C
remains locked in this
position.
Check the setting of the standby positionFig. 138
Ready position
Read and observe
on page 111 first.
Correctly adjusted standby position » Fig. 138
The key
A
is in the unlocked position - the arrow on the key points to the
symbol .
The locking ball
B
can be pushed fully into the tow bar.
The red marking
C
on the hand wheel points to the white marking on the
ball bar.
There is a clear gap of approx. 4 mm
D
between the hand wheel and the
tow bar.
When in the ready position, the key cannot be removed from the lock. The ball
bar is thus set ready for installation.
112Driving

Assembling the tow bar – Step 1Fig. 139
Remove cap for receiving shaft / use ball bar
Read and observe
on page 111 first.
The tow bar must be set to the standby position » page 112, Check the setting
of the standby position . If this is not in the standby position, then it must be
set to the standby position » page 112, Adjusting the ready position .
›
To prepare for the installation , remove the cap for the receiving shaft
A
in
the direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 139 .
›
To install , hold the ball rod from underneath » Fig. 139 .
›
Push the ball rod into the receiving shaft in the direction of arrow
2
until it
stops. The ball rod must audibly snap into place » .
The hand wheel
B
rotates back automatically and rests on the ball rod » .
WARNINGDo not hold the hand wheel with your hand when attaching the ball bar -
there is a risk of finger injury.Assembling the tow bar – Step 2Fig. 140
Secure the lock and remove key / place cap on lock
Read and observe
on page 111 first.
›
First perform step 1 of the tow bar assembly » page 113.
›
Turn the key
A
in the direction of arrow
1,
so that the arrow on the key
symbol 
» Fig. 140 shows.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Fit the cap
B
on the lock in the direction of the arrow
3
.
›
Check that the ball rod is securely attached » page 114.
WARNINGAfter fitting the tow bar, always secure the lock and remove the key. The
tow bar must not be operated with the key inserted.113Towing device and trailer

Check proper fittingFig. 141
Correctly secured ball head
Read and observe on page 111 first.
Correctly secured ball rod » Fig. 141
The tow bar does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.
The green marking
A
on the hand wheel points to the white marking on
the tow bar.
The steering wheel is tight against the ball rod.
The lock is locked and the key is removed.
The cap
B
is on the lock.
Removing the tow bar – Step 1
Fig. 142
Remove cap from the lock / insert key into the lock
Fig. 143
Unlock lock
Read and observe on page 111 first.
No trailer or other accessory is connected to the tow bar. We recommend put- ting the protective cover onto the ball head before removing the tow bar.
›
Remove the cover
A
from the lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 142 .
›
Insert the key into the lock
B
in the direction of arrow
2,
so that the arrow
on the key symbol  shows.
›
Turn the key
B
in the direction of arrow
3,
so that the arrow on the key
symbol 
» Fig. 143 shows.
Removing the tow bar – Step 2
Fig. 144
Release tow bar
Read and observe on page 111 first.
Removing
›
Grasp the ball bar from below » Fig. 144 .
›
Pull the hand wheel
A
in the direction of the arrow
1
.
›
Pull the steering wheel until it stops in the direction of arrow
2
. Hold in this
position. 
114Driving

›Remove the tow bar from the mounting recess downwards and in the direc-
tion of the arrow 3. At the same time, the ball rod latches into the ready po-
sition and is therefore ready to be re-fitted.
After removing the ball rod, insert the cap for the receiving shaft A
against
the direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 139 on page 113 .
If the hand wheel
A
is not turned all the way to the stop, then it will return to
its initial position when the tow bar is removed and will rest on the tow bar
and not engage into the ready position. The ball head then needs to be
brought into this position before the next time it is fitted » page 112, Adjusting
the ready position .
The ball rod must be cleaned before storing in the box with the vehicle tool
always.
WARNINGNever allow the tow bar to remain unsecured in the boot. This could cause
damage to the boot upon sudden braking, and could put the safety of the
occupants at risk.
Vertical load with mounted accessories
Fig. 145
Representation of the maximum
length of the mounted accesso-
ries and the permissible total
weight of the accessory depend-
ing on the load centre of gravity
Read and observe on page 111 first.
When using the accessories (e.g. bicycle carrier), the maximum length and the
permissible total weight including load must be considered.
The maximum length of the mounted accessories (from the ball of the towing
device) is 70 cm » Fig. 145 .
The total permitted weight of the accessories including load changes with in-
creasing distance of the load centre of gravity from the ball head of the towing
device.
Distance of the centre of gravity of the load from the ball headPermissible total weight of the ac- cessory, including load0 cm50 kg30 cm50 kg60 cm25 kg70 cm0 kg
CAUTION
Never exceed the permissible total weight of the accessories incl. load and
maximum length of the accessories - risk of damage to the towing device.
Note
We recommend that you use accessories from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Using the towing device
Trailer (accessory) connect and disconnect
Fig. 146
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket, safety eyelet
Connect and disconnect
›
Install the ball rod and remove the protective cap
3
» Fig. 135 on page 111 .
›
Place the trailer (the accessory) onto the ball head.
›
Grip the 13-pin socket on the handle
A
and swing out in the direction of the
arrow » Fig. 146 .
›
Insert the trailer / accessory cable into the 13-pin socket. (If the trailer / ac-
cessories have a 7-pin connector, use a corresponding reduction piece from
the ŠKODA Original Accessories).
›
Suspend the breakaway cable of the trailer at the safety eyelet
B
(the
breakaway cable must sag in all trailer settings in view of the vehicle).
Uncoupling takes place in reverse order. 
115Towing device and trailer

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 137.
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 loadEngineGearboxPermissible trailer load, braked (kg)Permissible trailer load, unbraked (kg)Gradients of up to 12 %Gradients of up to 8% a)1.2 l/66 kW TSIMG9001000580DSG90010005901.2 ltr./81 kW TSIMG110012005901.4 ltr./92 kW TSIDSG12001200600DSG (Green tec)12001200610
116Driving

EngineGearboxPermissible trailer load, braked (kg)Permissible trailer load, unbraked (kg)Gradients of up to 12 %Gradients of up to 8%a)1.6 l./81 kW MPIMG10001100580AG100011006001.4 l/66 kW TDI CRMG10001100610DSG100011006201.6 l/85 kW TDI CRMG12001200630a)
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.117Towing device and trailer

WARNING■When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking
system can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!■
Take care when cleaning the underbody or the inside of the wheel wells -
there is a risk of injury from sharp metal parts!
CAUTION
■ Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight, do not exert pressure on the body
while washing. The temperature of the washing water should be no more than
60 °C max. - otherwise there is a risk of damaging the vehicle paint.■
Before driving through a car wash fold in the exterior mirrors - risk of dam-
age.
■
For vehicles with roof antenna the antenna rod should be unscrewed before
driving through a car wash - there is a risk of damage.
CAUTION
Washing the vehicle with high-pressure cleaners■Films should not be washed with any high-pressure cleaners - risk of dam-
age.■
Do not aim the water jet directly at the lock cylinders or the door or opening
joints when washing the vehicle in the winter – there is a risk of freezing.
■
Hold a large spraying distance to the rear camera lens, to plastic parts (e.g.
Roof racks, spoilers, protective strips and the like), as well as soft materials
such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
■
The sensors of the parking aid can be sprayed only for a short time and there
must be a minimum distance of 10 cm - there is a risk of damage.
Exterior car care
Read and observe
and on page 122 first.
Vehicle compo- nentsCircumstancesRemedy
Paint
Spilled fuelClear water, cloth, (clean as soon as
possible)No water drop-
lets form on the
paintUse hard wax preserve (at least twice a
year), apply wax to clean and dry bodyPaint has gone
mattUse polish, then wax (if the polish does
not contain any preservative ingredi-
ents)Plastic partsSoilingClear water, cloth / sponge, possibly
cleaners provided for this purposeChrome
and anodised
partsSoilingclear water, cloth, possibly cleaners
provided for this purpose, clean then
polish with a soft dry clothFilmsSoilingSoft sponge and mild soap solution a)Windows
and door mirrorsSoilingWash with clean water and dry with a
wipe specifically for that purposeHead / taillightsSoilingSoft sponge and mild soap solution a)
Reversing cameraSoilingWash with clean water and dry with a
soft clothSnow/iceHand brush / de-icerDoor lock cylin-
dersSnow/iceDe-icing fluid specifically for that pur-
poseWiper / wiper
bladesSoilingWindscreen cleaner, sponge or clothWheelsSoilingClear water, then apply appropriate
substancea)
Mild soap solution = 2 tablespoons of natural soap to 1 litre of lukewarm water.
The jack is maintenance-free. If necessary, the moving parts of the jack should
be lubricated with a suitable lubricant.
The towing device is maintenance-free. Coat the ball head of the towing de-
vice with a suitable grease whenever necessary. 
123Care and 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
140
Location of reflective vest
140
fire extinguisher
140
Vehicle tool kit
141
Placement of the first aid kit and warning triangle
Fig. 160
Placing of the first-aid kit and the warning triangle
The following information is for the first aid kit and warning triangle from the
ŠKODA Original accessories valid.
Placing the first-aid kit
The first-aid box can be attached by a strap to the right-hand side of the boot
» Fig. 160 .
Placing of the warning triangle - variant 1
The warning triangle can be inserted into the recess under the loading edge
and secured with the fastener tape » Fig. 160 -
 .
Placing of the warning triangle - variant 2
On vehicles with the vehicle battery in the boot warning triangle can be stow-
ed in a box under the floor covering in the luggage compartment » Fig. 160 -
 .
WARNINGProperly secure the first aid kit and the warning triangle - there is a risk of
injury in the event of sudden braking or a vehicle collision.
Location of reflective vest
Fig. 161
Storage compartment for the re-
flective vest
The reflective vest can be stored in a bracket under the driver's seat » Fig. 161.
fire extinguisher
Fig. 162
Release the fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is attached by two straps in a holder underneath the driv-
er's seat.
›
To remove the fire extinguisher, release the safety catches on the two belts
in the direction of arrow » Fig. 162 and remove the fire extinguisher.
›
To secure , place the fire extinguisher back in the mount and secure with the
belts.
The Owner´s Manual is fitted next to the fire extinguisher.
Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. After this date,
the correct function of the device is not guaranteed. 
140Do-it-yourself