2008 Seat Cordoba change time

Lights and visibility
92
7. Always take the vehicle key with 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 de scribed 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. 60 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. 60 Turn signal and
main beam headlight
lever
A1
A2A1
A2
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Seats and stowage
114the boot using rubber straps. The fire ex tinguisher can be fixed on the left-
hand side of the boot floor, fastened with velcro.
Note
•
The first aid kit, the warning triangles and the fire extinguisher are not
supplied with the vehicle as standard.
•
The first aid kit, the warning triangles and the fire extinguisher should
meet legal requirements.
•
The expiry date of the content of the first aid kit should be checked.
•
Ensure that the fire extinguisher is fully functional. The fire extinguisher
should, therefore, be checked regularly. The sticker on the fire extinguisher
will inform you of the next date for checking.
•
Before acquiring accessories and emergency equipment see the instruc-
tions on ⇒ page 167, “Accessories, parts replacement and modifications”.
Luggage compartmentStowing luggage
All luggage must be securely stowed.Please observe the following points to ensure the vehicle handles
well at all times:
– Distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment
as possible.
WARNING
•
Loose luggage and other loose items in the vehicle can cause serious
injuries.
•
Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly move and
change the way the vehicle handles.
•
During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects in the
passenger compartment can be flung forward, injuring vehicle occupants.
•
Always put objects in the luggage compartment.
•
When you transport heavy objects, always keep in mind that a change
in the centre of gravity can also cause changes in vehicle handling.
•
Please observe information on safe driving ⇒page 7, “Safe driving”.Caution
Hard objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating
element in the rear window and cause damage.
Note
The ventilation slots in front of the rear side windows must not be covered as
this would prevent stale air being extracted from the vehicle.Luggage compartment coverThe tray behind the rear seat back can be used for clothing.
The groove between the tray and the re ar window heater should never be
covered to allow free air ventilation.
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Driving137
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
If, while driving, the selector lever accidentally moves to position
N, first
release the accelerator pedal and wait un til the engine slows to idling before
selecting a forwards 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
in vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox the engine can not be started by
towing or pushing the vehicle ⇒page 224.
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 130.
To w i n g
If the vehicle requires towing at any time, observe the instructions of
⇒ page 224, “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 vehi cle is at a standstill. In addition
move the selector lever to position P.
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Driving and the environment
156Driving 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 accelerating. 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 quickly through the gears.
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.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey, you
will not waste fuel. A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved
fuel efficiency as well as maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A maladjusted engine may mean an increase of 10 % over normal fuel
consumption.
Check the oil level every time you fill the tank. Oil consumption depends to a
great extent on the engine load and engi ne speed. It is quite normal that the
oil consumption of a new engine only reaches its lowest level after a certain
mileage. This means that the oil consumption can only be properly assessed
after about 5,000 km. Depending on your personal driving style, oil consump-
tion can be up to 0.5 litres per 1,000 km.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture.
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not regularise until having
driven some four kilometres. This is the reaso n why we recommend avoiding
short trips wherever possible.
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Checking and refilling levels
178If the bonnet does not close, do not press 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 qualit y oil is necessary for the correct operation and long
service life of the engine, when it be comes 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 standards 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 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 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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Checking and refilling levels
192Ty re s e r vi ce l i fe
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving
style and fitting.
Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
⇒ page 192, fig. 129 , 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 lett ers “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. Different 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 191.
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 192, fig. 130. 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 tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive 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.
Fig. 129 Tyre tread wear
indicatorsFig. 130 Changing
wheels
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