Checking and refilling levels 210
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and
refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk
of accident or fire.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining
burns. Wait until no more steam or coolant is emitted, then allow the
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.
•Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
•Apply the handbrake and move the gear stick to neutral or selector
lever to position P.
•Keep children away from the vehicle.
•Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.
•Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This
is a fire hazard.
•Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the
points where the jump leads are attached Ÿpage 250. The battery could
explode.
•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the
key removed from the ignition!
•Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!
•Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths
and tools, in the engine compartment.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of
injury.
•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
−Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and long hair do not get
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any
work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting
clothes.
−Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is
engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. The vehicle could
move, even if the handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
•If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.
−Do not smoke.
−Never work near naked flames.
−Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Caution
When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you
fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result
in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
WARNING (continued)
Checking and refilling levels211
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. If you
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a qualified
workshop.
Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Before you open the bonnet, make sure that the windscreen wiper
arms are in contact with the windscreen. Failure to do so could
damage the paintwork.
Opening the bonnet
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dashboard
Ÿfig. 139 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet is
unlocked by a spring Ÿ.
– Gently lift the bonnet and press the unlock button Ÿfig. 140 in
the direction of the arrow.
– Open the bonnet to the point where it is held open by the gas
struts.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!
Fig. 139 Detail of the
footwell: The release lever
for the bonnet is located
in the driver side footwell
Fig. 140 Detail of the
radiator grille: opening
the bonnet
Checking and refilling levels219
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be
carried out cautiously.
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings Ÿpage 209
Caution
•Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen
washer fluid.
•Always use approved windscreen cleansing products diluted as per
instructions. If you use other washer fluids or soap solutions, the tiny holes
in the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked.
Changing the front windscreen wiper blades
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately.
Check the condition of the wiper blades regularly. Change them as
required.
Change the windscreen wiper blades
– Lift the wiper arm away from the glass. Do not pull the arm by the
blade.
– Turn the wiper blade as shown by arrow Ÿfig. 146 as far as
it will go and then pull it off as shown by arrow Ÿfig. 147 .
– Push a new wiper blade of the same length and version onto the
wiper arm and turn the wiper blade to the stop against the direc-
tion shown by arrow .
– Place the wiper arm in the starting position.
These are available from SEAT Service®.
If the windscreen wipers scrape, they should be replaced if they are
damaged, or cleaned if they are soiled.
Fig. 146 Windscreen
wipers raised
Fig. 147 Removing front
wipers
A1
A2
A1