Removing the rear seats ŠKODA Rapid may be needed in a variety of situations: from banal cleaning of the interior to repairing a fuel pump or replacing the trim. However, many owners are afraid of damaging the fasteners or electrical wiring (if we are talking about heated models), postponing the procedure “for later.” In fact, remove the rear seats Rapid the first (2012–2019) and second (2020–2023) generations can be done in 15–20 minutes, with a minimum of tools at hand.
In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with photos, comparison of nuances for a hatchback (Spaceback) and sedan, as well as list of common mistakesthat beginners admit. We took into account the features of different configurations - from basic Active to top Style with electric drives. Whether you need to get into the luggage compartment, replace the upholstery, or just give your seats a thorough wash, read on.
What tools will you need?
To remove the rear seats ŠKODA Rapid no professional tool required. In most cases, what is in the standard kit of a motorist will be enough:
- 🔧 10 mm socket wrench or socket — for unscrewing the fastening bolts (in some configurations).
- 🔨 Flat head screwdriver - to pry off plastic plugs or clamps.
- 🧲 Magnetic holder - Convenient for removing fallen nuts or bolts.
- 🧴 Silicone grease — if the fastenings have become sour (relevant for cars older than 5 years).
- 📸 Smartphone - to photograph the location of the wires (if there is heating).
B 90% of cases A flat screwdriver and a 10mm wrench are enough. However, if your Rapid included Sport or Monte Carlo with leather seats, may be needed plastic spatulas for careful removal of the trim. Also prepare rags — Dust and debris often accumulate under the seats.
⚠️ Attention! If your machine is equipped heated rear seats, before dismantling it is necessary disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Otherwise, you risk shorting the wires or blowing the fuse. F37 (10A), responsible for heating.
Step-by-step instructions: removing the rear seat on a ŠKODA Rapid
The dismantling process is the same for the hatchback Spaceback and sedan, but there are some nuances with the fastenings. Follow the algorithm:
- Lower the rear seatback (if it folds). In models without function
60:40The backrest is completely lowered. - Locate the seat cushion latches. They are located in front, closer to the front seats. Usually there are two of them - one on each side.
- Pull the pillow up with a force of about 10–15 kg. The latches should come out of the grooves. If it doesn’t give in, carefully pry it off with a screwdriver.
- Disconnect the heating connectors (if any). They are located under the pillow, closer to the back. Connectors are usually black or gray with latches.
- Remove the backrest (if necessary). To do this, unscrew the mounting bolts at the bottom (2 pcs.) and remove the plugs on the side panels.
On models Rapid 2020+ the backrest can be attached with additional plastic clips at the top. They need to be carefully pulled out by pulling towards you. Do not use excessive force - the clips are fragile!
Is the negative terminal of the battery disconnected?|Are there photos of the location of the wires (for heating)?|Are the tools prepared (10mm wrench, screwdriver)?|Have small items been removed from the trunk?-->
If the backrest cannot be removed, check whether it is in the way seat belts. On some modifications they must first be unfastened from the fastenings in the body. Also note ISOFIX child seats — their brackets can block dismantling.
Nuances for different bodies: hatchback vs sedan
Although ŠKODA Rapid hatchback (Spaceback) and sedan are built on the same platform PQ25, there are differences in the mounting of the rear seats:
| Parameter | Hatchback (Spaceback) | Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Number of pillow clamps | 2 (front) | 2 (front) + 1 extra in the middle |
| Backrest fastening | Bolts (2 pcs.) + clips at the top | Bolts (2 pcs.) + metal brackets |
| Access to the fuel pump | Through the hatch under the pillow | Requires backrest removal |
| Heating wire length | In short (risk of tension when removing) | Longer (more freedom) |
Hatchback owners should be careful with heating wires — they are shorter than in a sedan, and if removed carelessly, the connectors can be damaged. If you need to get to fuel pump, on Spaceback It is enough to remove only the pillow, whereas on a sedan you will have to remove the backrest as well.
One more point - trunk trim. In a sedan, it often interferes with the removal of the backrest, so it will have to be partially bent. Use plastic spatulasso as not to scratch the plastic.
Hatchback (Spaceback)|Sedan|Don't know|Other-->
Typical mistakes when removing rear seats
Even such a simple procedure as dismantling seats can turn into problems if you do not take into account several nuances. Here are the most common mistakes:
- 🔌 Forgetting to disconnect the battery before working with heating. This may result in a short circuit or a blown fuse.
- 🔧 Excessive force is used to the airbag fasteners. They are plastic and may break. Correct: pull up with even force.
- 📸 Do not photograph the location of the wires. Without a photo, it is then difficult to connect the heating back.
- 🔩 Lost bolts or nuts when unscrewing the back. They may fall under the trunk trim.
- 🚗 They don't check seat belts. If they are not unfastened, the backrest will not be removed.
It is especially dangerous to ignore disconnecting the battery on cars with the system Kessy (keyless entry). In the event of a short circuit, the key settings may be reset, and you will have to go to a service center for reflashing.
Another common problem is plating damage when removing the backrest. If you have Rapid included Lounge with leather seats, use soft cloth between the tool and the casing to avoid leaving scratches.
What to do if the airbag lock is broken?
If the plastic seat cushion retainer is cracked or broken, don't panic. It can be temporarily replaced with a standard one metal bracket (suitable for fastening furniture) or order an original part using the catalog number 6Q0 881 201 (for Rapid 2012–2019) or 5E0 881 201 (for 2020+ models). In extreme cases, the pillow can be secured with zip ties, but this is unsafe in the event of an accident.
How do I remove the seat to access the fuel pump?
One of the most common reasons for removing rear seats on ŠKODA Rapid - replacement or repair fuel pump. In a hatchback Spaceback the process is simpler than in a sedan. Follow the instructions:
- Remove rear seat cushion (as described above).
- Underneath you will see fuel pump access hatch (black plastic square). Unscrew its fastenings (4 bolts of 10 mm).
- Disconnect pump power connector (orange or red wire).
- Carefully remove fuel hoses, having first relieved the pressure in the system (start the car and let it stall).
- Unscrew pump pressure ring counterclockwise (you will need a special puller or a large screwdriver).
In a sedan, access to the pump is more difficult: you will have to remove seat back and fold back the trunk trim. Also note gas tank ventilation tube — it can be easily damaged during careless dismantling.
⚠️ Attention! Before working on the fuel system be sure to release the pressure! To do this, locate the fuel pump fuse (F28, 15A) in the block under the steering wheel, pull it out, start the car and let it stall. The hoses can then be safely disconnected.
If you just need to change fuel pump screen, it is not necessary to remove the entire seat. In a hatchback Spaceback Just unscrew the hatch and pull out the pump along with the float. The mesh is attached with latches and can be replaced in 5 minutes.
How to put the seats back?
Installation of rear seats ŠKODA Rapid easier than dismantling, but there are also nuances here. Follow the reverse sequence:
- If filmed back, first install it in place, tighten the bolts and snap the clips.
- Connect heating connectors (if any). Make sure the wires are not twisted or strained.
- Install seat cushion, aligning the clamps with the grooves in the body. Press until you hear a click.
- Check reliability of fasteningby pulling the pillow up. It shouldn't move.
After installation, turn on the ignition and check operation heated seats (if there is one). If the indicator on the button does not light up, check the fuse F37 and reliability of connector connections.
If you removed the seats for interior cleaning, before installation, treat the clamps silicone grease - this will prevent squeaks and make the next dismantling easier. Also check if there is any remaining under the seats small items (coins, keys) that can block the latches.
Always check the operation of the seat belts after installing the seatback. If the belt does not lock or is blocked, the backrest mount is not installed correctly.
When to contact the service?
Although removing the rear seats ŠKODA Rapid - a procedure that even a beginner can handle; there are cases when it is better to trust the professionals:
- 🔥 If during dismantling heating wires are damaged and you need to solder the connectors.
- 🔧 If they broke seat cushion clamps and the fasteners need to be replaced.
- ⚡ If after installation heating does not workand you can't find the reason.
- 🛠️ If necessary remove the back trim for frame repair (for example, after an accident).
The average cost of dismantling/installing rear seats in a service center is: 800–1,500 rubles. If replacement of fasteners or repair of wiring is required, the price may rise to 3,000–5,000 rubles, depending on the complexity.
It is also worth contacting the service if you are not confident in your abilities. For example, on models with system Canton (premium audio system) speaker wires run under the rear seat and can be easily damaged if removed carelessly.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing seats on the ŠKODA Rapid
Is it possible to remove just the seat cushion without touching the backrest?
Yes, the pillow can be removed independently of the backrest. It is enough to pull it up, overcoming the resistance of the clamps. This is convenient if you need to wash a seat or get to the fuel pump door (in a hatchback).
What should I do if the airbag latches do not click when installed?
Check whether the grooves in the body are dirty. Often sand or small debris gets there. Clean the grooves and lubricate the latches with silicone grease. If the latches are broken, they need to be replaced (see the spoiler above for the part number).
How to remove the seat if the backrest does not fold (basic configuration)?summary>
In basic versions Rapid (for example, Active) the backrest does not fold. In this case, you will have to remove it entirely: unscrew the two bolts at the bottom and the two bolts in the side panels (under the plastic plugs).
Active) the backrest does not fold. In this case, you will have to remove it entirely: unscrew the two bolts at the bottom and the two bolts in the side panels (under the plastic plugs).Can removed seats be washed with water?
Yes, but with caution. Do not direct the water jet at foam padding - It takes a long time to dry and can become moldy. Better to use foam cleaner and a soft brush. After washing, dry the seats in the sun or with a hair dryer.
Why does the seat squeak after installation?
Creaking usually occurs due to friction of plastic clips about the metal of the body. Solution: Lubricate the fasteners silicone grease (don't use WD-40 - it will corrode the plastic). Also check to see if there is a foreign object under the seat.