2007 Seat Cordoba ESP

Checking and refilling levels177
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
– Park the vehicle on an even surface.
– After stopping the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain
back into the sump.
–Raise the bonnet ⇒page 174.
– Pull out the dipstick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a cloth and insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level ⇒ page 176,
fig. 123.
– Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go.The position of the dipstick is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒page 230.
If the oil level is in area ⇒page 176, fig. 123 , do not top up with oil.
If the oil level is in area , you may top up with oil (approx. 0.5 l).
If the oil level is in area , you mu st top up with oil (approx. 1.0 l).
It is normal for the engine to consume a certain amount of oil. Consumption
can be up to 1.0 litres per 1,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, prefer ably when filling the tank and before a
journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towi ng a trailer or climbing on mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area and not above
this.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartm ent, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 172.Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact an Authorised
Service Centre.Topping up engine oil

Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.
AA
ABAC
AA
AA
Fig. 124 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
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Checking and refilling levels
178
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 172 .
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒ page 177, fig. 124.
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area , carefully close the cap.The position of the oil filler openi ng is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram ⇒ page 230.
Engine oil specification ⇒page 175.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure tha t no oil comes into contact with hot
engine components when topping up.
Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a qualified work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area . Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the
exhaust system.
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the
service schedule.We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
The two different oil change intervals are shown in the ⇒ Booklet “Service
schedule”.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required!•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
⇒ page 172, “Safety instructions on wo rking in the engine compartment”.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
•
Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.
•
When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm hori-
zontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
•
Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.
•
Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of
the reach of children until it is disposed of.Caution
No additives should be used with engine oil. This could result in engine
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be
covered by the factory warranty.
AB
AA
AA
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Checking and refilling levels
180Checking the coolant level and topping up

The correct coolant level is important for fault-free func-
tioning of the engine cooling system.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 172.
Opening the coolant expansion tank
– Switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
– To prevent scalding, cover the cap on the expansion tank with a thick cloth and carefully unscrew the cap ⇒.
Checking coolant level
– Look into the open coolant expansion tank and read the coolant level. – If the level is underneath the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant.
Topping up coolant
–Only use
new coolant.
– Do not fill above the “MAX” mark.
Closing the coolant expansion tank
– Screw the cap on again tightly.
The position of the coolant expansion re servoir is shown in the corresponding
engine compartment diagram ⇒page 230.
Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications ⇒page 179.
Do not use a different type of additive if coolant additive G 12+ is not avail-
able. In this case use only water and bring the coolant concentration back up
to the correct level as soon as possible by putting in the specified additive
⇒ page 179.
Always top up with new coolant.
Do not fill above the “MAX” mark. Otherwise the excess coolant will be forced
out of the cooling system when the engine is hot.
The coolant additive G 12+ (dyed purple ) may be mixed with G 12 (dyed red)
and also with G 11.
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 ⇒page 172.
Fig. 125 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap
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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
If the
windscreen wipers smear , 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.
Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service
schedule.– Read the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram ⇒page 230. 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.
Fig. 128 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels
186•
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 172 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 185.
– 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 ⇒page 230.
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 that 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 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on page 185.
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Checking and refilling levels
188Checking tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure can be seen on the sticker on the
inside of the tank flap.1. Read the required tyre inflation pressure from the sticker. The
values refer to Summer tyres. For Winter tyres, you must add 0.2
bar to the values given on the sticker.
2. The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres are cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be
reduced.
3. Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.Tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure is especially important at high speeds. The pressure
should therefore be checked at least once a month and before starting a
journey.
WARNING
A tyre can easily burst if the pressure is too low, causing an accident!•
At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. In this way it becomes too hot, and this can cause tread separation
and tyre blow-out. Always observ e the recommended tyre pressures.
•
If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prema-
turely and the vehicle will not h andle well. Risk of accident!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.
Tyre service life
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving
style and fitting.
Fig. 129 Tyre tread wear
indicatorsFig. 130 Changing
wheels
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If and when195
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Put the hazard warning lights on and place the warning triangle in position.
This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent
the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.Changing a wheelChange the wheel as described below
– Remove the wheel cover. Also refer to ⇒page 196.
– Slacken the wheel bolts.
– Raise the car with the jack in the corresponding zone.
– Ta k e o f f the wheel and then put on the spare wheel.
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly in diagonal sequence with the box
spanner.
–Replace the hub cap.
After changing a wheel
After changing the wheel there are still tasks to complete.– Put the tools and jack back in the luggage compartment.
– Place the wheel with the defective tyre in the luggage compart-
ment and secure it.
– Check the tyre pressure of the newly fitted tyre as soon as
possible.
– Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as possible with a torque wrench. The prescribed torque is 120 Nm.
Note•
If you notice that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing a wheel, they must be replaced before having the wheel bolt torque
checked.
•
In the interest of safety, drive at moderate speeds until the wheel bolt
torque has been checked.
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If and when
196Wheel trims
The wheel trims must be removed to gain access to the wheel
bolts.Removing
– Insert the extraction hook from the tools in the corresponding
hole ⇒fig. 131 .
– Pull off the hub cap.
Wheel covers*
The wheel covers must be removed for access to the wheel
boltsRemoving
– Remove the wheel cover using the wire hook ⇒fig. 132.
6)
– Hook this into one of the cut-outs of the wheel cover.
Fitting
– Fit the wheel cover onto the wheel rim by pressing it firmly. Put pressure initially on the point of the cut out for the valve. Next fit
the rest of the hubcap.
Fig. 131 Changing a
wheel: Removing the
wheel trim
6)The central hub cap may vary according to the model or version.
Fig. 132 Remove hub
caps
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