
Lights and visibility93
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
7.  Always take the vehicle key wi th you when you leave the vehicle.You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for 
instance when:•
reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
•
there is an emergency
•
your vehicle breaks down due to a technical defect
•
you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are 
switched on. That is that the two turn signal indicator lamps 
  and the 
indicator lamp in the switch 
 will flash at the same time. The hazard 
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
WARNING
•
The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always 
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the attention 
of other road users to your stationary vehicle.
•
Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with 
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt 
petrol. This could start a fire!Note
•
The battery will run down if the hazard  warning lights are left on for a long 
time, even if the ignition is switched off.
•
The use of the hazard warning lights d escribed here is subject to the rele-
vant statutory requirements.
Turn signal and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the 
parking lights and the headlight flasher.The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following 
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up  ⇒fig. 61    to indicate  right, and 
all the way down   to indicate  left.
Signalling a lane change
– Push the lever up   or down   to the point where you incur  resistance and then release the lever. The turn signal will flash 
several times. The corresponding warning lamp will also flash.
Fig. 61  Turn signal and 
main beam headlight 
lever
A1
A2A1
A2
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Driving
140If, while driving, the selector lever accidentally moves to position  N, first 
release the accelerator pedal and wait until the engine slows to idling before 
selecting a forward gear  ⇒.
Starting
Select a range ( R, D, 3, 2, 1). Wait until the change has taken place and the 
power transmission of the drive wheels has stabilised (slight pressure is 
noticeable). Then depress the accelerator.
Stopping
In the case of a temporary stop, for example at a traffic light, it is not neces-
sary to move to position  N, it is sufficient to brake using the brake pedal. The 
engine should only run at idle speed.
Parking
On slopes, first pull handbrake on firmly and then connect block. This 
prevents overloading of the locking mechanism, making the subsequent 
deactivation easier ⇒ .
Emergency start
For vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox the engine can not be started by 
towing or pushing the vehicle ⇒ page 233.
If the vehicle battery is flat, a battery from another car can be used to jump-
start the car using a set of jump leads  ⇒page 133.
To w i n g
If the vehicle requires towing at any time, observe the instructions of 
⇒ page 233, “Towing and tow-starting”.
Back-up programme
In the event of a malfunction of  the gearbox electronics, emergency 
programmes are activated, according to the type of fault.•
The gearbox continues to connect gears automatically, but the operations 
are jerky. Consult the Authorised Service Centre.
•
The gearbox does not automatically engage gears.
In this case they can be changed manually.  3rd gear is only available in posi-
tions  D, 3 and  2 of the selector lever.
In positions  1 and R of the selector lever 1st  gear and reverse gear are avail-
able respectively as normal.
As the torque converter is required to work more, especially due to the lack of 
2nd  gear, it is possible that the gearbox oil may overheat. In this case, consult 
the Authorised Service Centre as soon as possible.
WARNING
•
In all the ranges the vehicle must always be held with the foot brake 
when the engine is running. This is because an automatic gearbox still 
transmits power even at idling speed , and the vehicle tends to “creep”.
•
If, when the car is at a standstill and the engine is idling, a range is 
connected, take care not to accelerate accidentally (for example, when 
working in the engine compartment), as the car will start to move immedi-
ately.
•
Before working on a running engine, place the selector lever in position 
P and apply the handbrake.
•
To prevent the vehicle from moving out of control, the handbrake 
should always be applied when the vehicle is at a standstill. In addition 
move the selector lever to position P.
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Driving and the environment
160Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For 
this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in 
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when 
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest 
sign of  snaking . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an  overrun brake, apply the 
brakes  gently at first  and then firmly. This will pr event the jerking that can be 
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear in good time before 
going down a steep descent. This enables you to use the engine braking to 
slow down the vehicle.
Heating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear 
and high engine speed, always monitor the temperature indicator for the 
coolant  ⇒page 51.
Electronic Stabilisation Program*
Do not switch off the ESP* when towing a trailer. The ESP* makes it easier to 
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.Driving economically and with respect for the 
environmentGeneral ObservationsFuel consumption, environmental pollution and wear to the engine, brakes 
and tyres depends in large part on your driving style. Fuel consumption may 
be reduced from 10 to 15 % by driving defensively and economically. Below  we will give you some suggestions to "alleviate" some of the strain in the 
environment and, at the same time, your wallet.
Anticipate the traffic situation well in advance
A vehicle uses most fuel when accele
rating. When you anticipate the situa-
tion, you will have to brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If it is 
possible, let the vehicle roll with a  gear engaged, for example, if you see a red 
light ahead.
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up through the gears  quickly. 
Running the engine at high rpm in  the lower gears uses an unnecessary 
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox:  Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible. We 
recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon 
reaching 2,000 rpms.
Automatic gearbox:  Accelerate slowly and avoid the “kick-down” position.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel 
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly at 
higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at level 
crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after only 
30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart the 
engine.
The engine takes a very long time to  warm up when it is running at idling 
speed. Mechanical wear and pollutant emissions are also especially high 
during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately 
after starting the engine . Avoid running the engine at high speed.
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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 bonnet does not close, do not pr
ess downwards. Open it once more and 
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could open while you are driving and 
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•
After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The 
bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.
•
If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is 
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk 
of accident.
Engine oilEngine oil specifications
The engine oil used must conform with exact specifications.Specifications
The engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be 
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme 
cold.
As the use of good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long 
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change 
the oil, always use an oil that complies to the VW standards.
If it is not possible to find oil conforming to the VW standards then oil 
conforming to the ACEA or API standard s with an appropriate viscosity at 
atmospheric temperature should be used  instead. The use of this type of oil may have some repercussions on the performance of the engine for example, 
long starting time, increased consumption and a higher emission level.
If a top up is required then different oils may be mixed as long as they all 
conform to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should 
appear on the container of the service oil; the container will display together 
the different standards for petrol and diesel engines, the oil can be used for 
both types of engines.
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Checking and refilling levels193
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
However, if the level goes down noticeably 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 180.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Program indicates the brake fluid change 
intervals.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 180 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 considerably 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.
It is important that you use only 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.
•
Before opening the bonnet to check  the brake fluid level, read and 
observe the warnings  ⇒page 180.
•
Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe 
place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.
•
Complete the brake fluid change according to the Maintenance 
Program. 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 cause an accident.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.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
194BatteryWarnings 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 ey es, 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 smoki ng 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 bu lb is changed, you need only switch 
off the light.
•
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you 
disconnect the battery! The alar m will otherwise be triggered.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system, 
disconnect first the negative ca ble 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 elec trical 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!
Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the 
battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
198Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators” 
⇒ page 197, fig. 134 , running across the tread . Depending on the make, 
there will be six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on 
the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the 
positions of the tread wear indicators. The minimum tread depth required by 
law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indica-
tors). Worn tyres must be replaced. D ifferent figures may apply in export 
countries  ⇒.
Tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out. 
For this reason, the tyre pressure should be checked at least once per month 
⇒ page 197.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisable 
to change them around as shown  ⇒page 197, fig. 135. All the tyres will then 
last for about the same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results 
in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause excessive 
wear on steering, suspension and tyre s. A wheel must also be rebalanced 
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessiv e tyre wear, impairing the safety of 
the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel align-
ment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre bursts during driving!•
The tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to 
the tread wear indicators. Failure to do so could result in an accident. Worn 
tyres do not grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There is also a greater 
risk of “aquaplaning”.
•
At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes 
more. This causes it to overheat. This can cause tread separation and tyre 
blow-out. Risk of accident. Always  observe the recommended tyre pres-
sures.
•
If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the running gear checked 
by an Authorised Service Centre.
•
Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake fluid away from tyres.
•
Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.New tyres and wheels
New tyres and wheels have to be run-in.The tyres and wheel rims are an essenti al part of the vehicle's design. The 
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteristics 
of the vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and safe 
handling  ⇒.
Tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and not individually (i.e. both front 
tyres or both rear tyres together). A knowledge of tyre designations makes it 
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If and when219
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Some of the electrical items listed in
 the table are only fitted on certain 
models or are optional extras.
Please note that the above list, while correct at the time of printing, is subject 
to alterations.
Bulb changeGeneral notesBefore changing any bulb, first  turn off the equipment concerned.
Do not touch the bulb glass. Fingerprints vaporise in the heat, causing a 
reduction in the bulb life and condensation on the mirror surface, thus 
reducing efficiency.
A bulb should only be replaced by one  of the same type. The type is inscribed 
on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
It is highly recommended to keep a box of spare bulbs in the vehicle. At the 
very least, the bulbs that most affect road safety should have spares in the 
vehicle. Rear lights on frame
Brake/position 12V/P21/5W
Turn signals 12V/P21W
Rear lights on tailgate
small position light 12V/W5W
antifog lamp 12V/P21W
reverse lamp 12V/P21W
Single reflector headlamps*
full beam/dipped beam 12V 60/55W (H4)
turn indicator 12V/PY 21W
position lamp 12/W5W
Double reflector headlamps
dipped beam 12V/55W (H7)
roadway 12V/55W (H3)
turn signals 12V/PY21W
position lights 12V/W5W
10
Cable control unit 5
11 Clima fan 5
12 Vacant
13 Jatco unit for automatic gearbox 5
14 Vacant
15 Vacant
16 Vacant
Number
Consumer Amperes
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