Skoda Rapid Owner's Manual page 147

Warning light
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 144.
Illumi-
Possible cause Remedy
nates
Visit a specialist garage. Have the electrical sys-
tem checked.
Alternator is distur-

Switch off unnecessary electrical loads. Vehicle
bed.
battery is not charged by the alternator while
driving.
When switching on the ignition, some warning and indicator lights illuminate
briefly as a function test. They will extinguish after a few seconds.
WARNING
Ignoring illuminated warning lights and text messages may result in breaking
down in traffic, accidents and serious injury.
● Never ignore illuminated warning lights and text messages.
● Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.
NOTICE
Ignoring illuminated indicator lights and text messages may lead to vehicle
damage.
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 144.
Regularly check the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery at high mileage, in
countries with warmer climates and with an old car battery. The vehicle battery is
otherwise maintenance free.
Preparations
● Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine compartment ⇒ p age 131.
⇒ p age 131.
● Open the bonnet

Vehicle overview Before driving
Checking the battery electrolyte level
● Provide for adequate lighting to see the colours clearly. Never use open flames
or smouldering objects as lighting.
● The round window at the top of the vehicle battery changes its colour depend-
ing on the electrolyte level.
Colour display
Light yellow or col-
ourless
Black
WARNING
Work on the vehicle battery may cause severe chemical burns, explosions or
electric shocks.
● Always wear eye protection and gloves.
● Battery acid is very aggressive. You may chemically burn the skin and
cause blindness upon contact with the eyes. When handling the vehicle bat-
tery, protect especially your hands, arms and face from acid splashes.
● Never tilt the vehicle battery. Acid could leak from the venting openings,
causing chemical burns.
● Never open a vehicle battery.
● If acid splashes on skin or in the eyes, rinse the affected area immediately
with cold water for several minutes. Then consult a doctor immediately.
Ð
● If acid was swallowed, seek immediate medical attention.
Charging, replacing, disconnecting or connecting the vehicle
battery
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 144.
Charging the vehicle battery
Charging the vehicle battery should be carried out by a specialist garage, because
the technology of the factory-installed vehicle battery requires a voltage-limited
charging method ⇒
When driving Maintenance, cleaning, servic-
ing
In the engine compartment
Action
Electrolyte level of the vehicle battery is too low. Have the
vehicle battery checked and replaced, if necessary, at a
specialist garage.
Electrolyte level of the vehicle battery is fine.
. Škoda recommends a Škoda partner for this purpose.
Do-it-yourself
145
Ð
£