Checking and refilling levels223
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Battery
Warnings 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 batteries. 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 smoking are prohibited. When handling
cables and electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks and electrostatic charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause
injury.
•A highly explosive mixture of gases is released 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 negative 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.
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protec-
tive gloves and eye protection!
ŽFires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited!
ŸA highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the
battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
WARNING (continued)
Checking and refilling levels 224
•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 Ÿ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 209 Ÿ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 223.
– 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 shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram Ÿpage 262.
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.
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires
specialist knowledge.
If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long
periods, the battery should be checked by a qualified workshop between the
scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle, the
battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have the
vehicle battery checked by an Authorised Service Centre where it will be re-
charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has
special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety spec-
ifications of your vehicle.
WARNING
•We recommend you use only maintenance-free or cycle free leak-proof
batteries which comply with the standards T 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. This
standard applies as of 2001.
•Before starting any work on the batteries, you must read and observe
the warnings Ÿ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on page 223.
If and when 232
Box spanner for wheel bolts
Jack. Before you return the jack to the tool box, you must fully wind in the
claw. The crank must then be folded tight against the side of the jack.
The removable towing bracket
44), the key for unlocking the sunroof in an
emergency44) and the anti-theft wheel bolt adaptor44) are stored next to the
vehicle tools.
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
We recommend you carry the wheel bolt adapter
44) in the vehicle tool kit at
all times.
The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is stamped on the front of the
adapter. You will need this number to replace the adapter if lost. Make a note
the code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a safe place - but
not in your vehicle.
WARNING
•Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to tighten
the wheel bolts. It is not suitable for tightening the bolts to the necessary
torque. This may cause an accident.
•The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing wheels
on this model. Never attempt to use it for lifting heavier vehicles or other
loads. Risk of injury.
•Use the jack only on firm, level ground.
•Never start the engine when you have raised the vehicle on the jack.
Risk of accident.
•Never place your body (e.g. arm or leg) underneath the vehicle if it is
only supported by the jack Risk of injury.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle - Risk of accident!.
Taking out the spare wheel
1. Lift the cover Ÿfig. 153 located on the floor of the luggage
compartment, next to the tailgate lock.
2. Pull the ring of the rubber seal upwards.
3. Remove the box spanner from the vehicle tools.
4. Fit the box spanner on the bolt, to the maximum, and hold in this
position. At the same time press the safety ring downwards
Ÿ.
5. Turn the box spanner several times to the left, until the spare
wheel can be fitted, hanging from a wire, vertically behind the
vehicle.
6. Separate the plastic pieces so that they may be inserted into the
central aperture of the rim and so free the wheel.
A6
A7
Fig. 153 Taking out the
spare wheel
AA
AB
AC
AD
AC