Checking and refilling levels187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Brake 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 brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram ⇒page 232. 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 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 175.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 175 in
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course 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.
Fig. 128 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels
188•
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒ page 175.
•
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.
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 work ing 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 smoking 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 released when the
battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
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Checking and refilling levels189
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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 alar m 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 175 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 188.
– 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 232.
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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If and when213
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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.
– Remove 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 when
214Main 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 when215
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Side 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 when
216Turn 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 it from the 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
AD
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Index247
Index
AABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Acoustic signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Adjustable service interval display . . . . . . . . . . 58
Adjusting simp le headlights
driving on the left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
driving on the right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Adjusting the seat belt height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Air conditioning system Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Air recirculation Semi-automatic air conditi oning . . . . . . . . 121
Air recirculation mode Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Airbags
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Alarm system Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Alterations to the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Alternator Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Ambient temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . 55, 57
Anti-freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Athermic windscreen* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror* Activating the anti-dazzle function . . . . . . . 99
Deactivating anti-dazzle function . . . . . . . . . 99
Automatic car washes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Instructions for driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Auxiliary audio connection: AUX-IN . . . . . . . . . 112
BBall coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
BAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Battery Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Belt tension device Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143, 147
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Bulb changes general notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93, 129
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