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Checking and refilling levels
180Changing windscreen wiper blades
If the windscreen wiper blades are in perfect condition, you
will benefit from an improv ed visibility. Damaged wiper
blades should be replaced immediately.Removing the wiper blade
– Lift wiper arm and place the blade at right angles to the wiper
arm.
– Press the retaining spring in direction of the arrow ⇒fig. 126.
– Unhook wiper blade in direction of arrow ⇒fig. 126 and
remove it from the wiper arm in the opposite direction.
Fitting the wiper blade
– Fit the safety spring on the wiper arm until it clicks into place. – Make sure that the blade faces down when fitting a blade with
integrated deflector blade.
If the windscreen wipers rub , they should be replaced if they are damaged,
or cleaned if they are soiled.
If this does not produce the desired results, the setting angle of the wind-
screen wiper arms might be incorrect. They should be checked by a qualified
workshop and corrected if necessary.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!•
Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.
•
The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.Caution
•
Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers could scratch the windscreen.
•
Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the windows. This could damage the windscreen wiper blades.
•
Never move the windscreen wiper or windscreen wiper arm manually. This
could cause damage.Note
•
The wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the
bonnet is properly closed.
Fig. 126 Change wind-
screen wiper blade
AA
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Checking and refilling levels
182Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service
schedule.– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the coolant expansion tank is shown in the corresponding
engine compartment diagram ⇒page 224. The brake fluid reservoir has a
black and yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear. However, if the level goes down noticeab
ly in a short time, or drops below the
“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒page 60.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒page 169.Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be renewed every two years.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 169 in
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the cour se of time, it will absorb water from
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. This also consider ably reduces the boiling point of the
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which
could impair the braking effect.
For this reason the brake fluid must be renewed every two years.
It important that you use only use brake fluid compliant with the US standard
FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
Fig. 128 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒page 169.
•
Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. This represents a toxic danger.
•
Have the brake fluid changed every two years at the latest. Heavy use
of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system
for too long. This would seriously affect the efficiency of the brakes and the
safety of the vehicle. This may be an accident risk.Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid must be drained and disposed of in the proper manner observing
environmental regulations.
BatteryWarnings on handling the battery
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical
system:•
Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes , skin and clothing from acid and
particles containing lead.
•
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves and
eye protection. Do not tilt the batter ies. This could spill acid through the
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralize any acid
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.
•
Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoki ng are prohibited. When handling
cables and electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks and electrostatic
WARNING (continued)
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protec-
tive gloves and eye protection!
Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the
battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
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Checking and refilling levels
184charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause
injury.•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is
under charge. The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room
only.
•
Keep children away from acid and batteries.
•
Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the
engine, the ignition and all consumers. The minus cable on the battery
must be disconnected. When a light bulb is changed, you need only switch
off the light.
•
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you
disconnect the battery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system,
disconnect first the negative cable and then the positive cable.
•
Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery.
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable. Never
reverse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.
•
Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery which
has frozen. A flat battery can freeze at temperatures around 0
°C.
•
Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
•
Never use a defective battery. This may be fatally explosive. Replace a
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine
is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time, as
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
•
If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from frost. If it “freezes” it will be damaged.
Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries.– Open the bonnet and open the battery cover at the front ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 169 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 183.
– Check the colour display in the magic eye on the top of the battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently until they disperse.The position of the battery is show n in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒page 224.
The round window (“magic eye”) on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge level and electrolyte level of the battery.
If the colour in the window is colourless or bright yellow, the electrolyte level
of the battery is too low. Have the battery checked by a qualified workshop.
The colours green and black are used by the workshops for diagnostic
purposes.
WARNING (continued)
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Page 208 of 252
If and when
206
Side lights
Indicator lights
Dipped headlight lamp
–Raise the bonnet.
– Remove the loops ⇒fig. 142 outwards in the direction of the
arrow and remove the cover.
– Rem ove the lamp cable connector ⇒ fig. 143.
– Undo the retainer spring and remove.
– Remove the lamp and fit the new lamp in the same position, making sure it sits correctly.
– Press the retaining spring on the lamp base and clip on.
– Plug in the connector.
– Fit the plastic cover and replace the loops ⇒fig. 142.
– Check the headlight adjustment
ACAD
Fig. 142 Dipped head-
light lamp
Fig. 143 Dipped head-
light lamp
A2
AA
A2
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If and when207
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Main beam lights–Raise the bonnet. – Remove the loops
⇒fig. 144 outwards in the direction of the
arrow and remove the cover.
– Remove the lamp cable connector ⇒ fig. 145.
– Undo the retainer spring and remove.
– Remove the lamp and fit the new lamp in the same position, making sure it sits correctly.
– Press the retaining spring on the lamp base and clip on.
– Plug in the connection cable.
– Fit the plastic cover and replace the loops ⇒fig. 144 .
– Check the headlight adjustment
Fig. 144 Main beam lampFig. 145 Main beam lamp
A2
AB
A2
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If and when
208Side beam lights– Raise the bonnet. – Remove the loops
⇒fig. 146 in the direction of the arrow and
remove the cover.
– Pull on the cables to release the lamp holder from the casing ⇒fig. 147.
–Pull on the lamp and replace.
– To assemble proceed in reverse order.
– Fit the plastic cover and secure the loop.
Fig. 146 Side lightsFig. 147 Side lights
A1
AC
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If and when209
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Turn indicator lamps–Raise the bonnet. – Remove the loops
⇒fig. 148 in the direction of the arrow and
remove the cover.
– Turn the lamp holder to the left and remove from casing ⇒fig. 149 .
– Installation is done in the reverse order.
– Fit the plastic cover and secure the loop.
Fig. 148 Indicator lightsFig. 149 Indicator lights
A1
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