2008 Seat Exeo ignition

Checking and refilling levels213
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or drips of coolant being released
from the engine compartment. Failure to comply could result in burns. Wait
until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the bonnet.Work in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components in
the engine compartment.Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or even fire when working in the engine compartment (e.g. when
checking and refilling fluids). Therefor e, always observe the warnings listed
below and follow all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of
any motor vehicle is a potentially hazardous area ⇒
WARNING
•
Switch the engine off.
•
Remove the ignition key.
•
Apply handbrake firmly.
•
Place the gear lever into neutral.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down.
•
Children should not be allowed to approach the engine compartment
•
Never spill liquids involved in vehicle operations on the engine
compartment, as these may catch fire (e.g. anti-freeze containing liquid
coolant).
•
Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especially
when working on the battery.
•
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is hot, as the fan could
start up suddenly.
•
Never open the expansion tank when the engine is hot. The cooling
system is under pressure.
•
Protect face, hands and arms from any hot steam or hot liquid coolant
released by covering the cap with a large, thick rag when opening the
expansion tank.
•
If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an
extra safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator
and radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system.
•
Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system or
the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near open flames
− Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.Caution
When topping up fluids, make sure the correct fluid is put into the correct
filler opening. This can otherwise cau se serious malfunctions or engine
damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any leaks are
detected at an early stage. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your
vehicle inspected in the garage.
WARNING (continued)
Exeo_EN.book Seite 213 Freitag, 17. Oktober 2008 11:24 11

Checking and refilling levels
218tion. The damage caused by the use of these anti-freezes may lead to a loss
of liquid coolant, causing serious damage to the engine.•
The anti-freeze G12++ can be mixed on ly with anti-freeze additives G11,
G12 and G12+.
Checking the liquid coolant level
The liquid coolant level can be checked at a glance.– Switch the ignition off.
– Check the coolant level on liquid coolant expansion tank ⇒fig. 167. When the engine is cold, it should be between the
“min” and “max” marks. When the engine is hot, it may be
slightly above the “max” mark.Its location is shown in the correspon ding general overview of the engine
compartment. The liquid coolant level should be checked with the engine switched off.
The liquid coolant level is monitored
by a warning lamp in the instrument
panel ⇒ page 77. However, we recommend that it should be checked occa-
sionally.
Liquid coolant losses
Any loss of liquid coolant normally indicates a leak in the cooling system. In
this case the cooling system should be inspected by a specialist garage
without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the liquid coolant.
If there are no leaks in the system, a loss of liquid coolant can only occur if
the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of overheating.
Caution
Radiator sealants must not be added to the liquid coolant. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system.Topping up the liquid coolant
Be careful when topping up with liquid coolant.– Switch the engine off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank ⇒fig. 167 with a cloth, an d
carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒ .
– Add liquid coolant.
– Screw on the cap tightly.
Fig. 167 Engine compart-
ment: Liquid coolant
deposit
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Checking and refilling levels219
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Make sure that the liquid coolant meets the required specifications
⇒
page 217, “Liquid coolant”. Do not use a different type of anti-freeze if
anti-freeze G12++ is not available. In th is case, use only water and bring the
anti-freeze concentration back up to the correct level as soon as possible.
Always top up with new liquid coolant.
Do not fill above the “max” mark. Excess liquid coolant is forced out of the
system through the valve in the filler cap when the engine gets hot.
If a lot of liquid coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down before
putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in serious engine
damage.
WARNING
•
The cooling system is under pressu re. Do not unscrew the cap on the
expansion tank when the engine is hot. Failure to comply could result in
burns.
•
The anti-freeze and liquid coolant c an be a health hazard. Therefore,
the anti-freeze should be stored in the original container in a safe place out
of reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used coolant into
a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper manner (observe environ-
mental regulations).
Radiator fan
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously.The auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as 10 minutes after stopping
the engine – even after the ignition is switched off. It may also start running
suddenly ⇒ after some while if•
stored heat raises the coolant temperature, or
•
the hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the sun.
WARNING
when working in the engine compartment be aware that the radiator fan
may start running suddenly, leading to the risk of injury.
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Checking and refilling levels221
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Changing windscreen wiper blades
If the windscreen wiper blades are in perfect condition, you
will benefit from an improved visibility. Damaged wiper
blades should be replaced immediately.
Removing the wiper blade
– Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen.
– Slide the retainer catch on the wiper blade in the direction indi-
cated ⇒fig. 169 . Hold onto the wiper blade at the same time.
– Pull the wiper blade out of its mounting on the wiper arm.
Fitting the wiper blade
– Slide back the retainer catch on the new wiper blade. The mounting on the wiper blade should now be visible.
– Fit the new wiper blade into the mounting on the wiper arm
⇒ fig. 170 .
– Slide the retainer catch on the wiper blade in direction so that it clicks into place on the wiper arm.
– Fold the wiper arm back down onto the glass.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. Th ey should be checked by a qualified
workshop and corrected if necessary.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!•
The ignition must not be switched on while the front wiper arms are in
a raised position. The wipers would return to their park position and
damage the paintwork on the bonnet.
Fig. 169 Removing the
wiper bladeFig. 170 Fitting the wiper
blade
AAAB
AC
AD
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Checking and refilling levels223
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Topping up and changing the brake fluid
It is best to have the brake fluid changed by a professional.Brake fluid absorbs damp. Therefore, 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. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid
will be considerably reduced. This could adversely affect the braking ability in
certain circumstances.
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.
Your vehicle's Service Schedule will tell you when the brake fluid has to be
renewed.
We recommend you have the brake fluid changed as part of a regular Inspec-
tion Service at your garage. They are familiar with the procedure and have the
necessary special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for
disposing of the old fluid.
Use only the genuine brake fluid specified by the factory Specialist garages
know that the brake fluid -DOT 4- is factory approved. The brake fluid must be
new.
WARNING
•
Therefore, it must always be kept closed in its original container. Keep
out of the reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.
•
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 car, leading to the risk of accident.Caution
Please note that brake fluid will attack the paintwork on contact.
For the sake of the environment
If the fluid has to be drained out of the brake system, use an appropriate
container to catch the used brake fluid and dispose of it in the proper
manner.BatteryGeneral notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The battery is virtually maintenance-free and is checked in the Inspection
Services.
We recommend that you replace a battery once it is older than 5 years.
Disconnecting the battery
If the battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle's functions will become
inoperative (e.g. electric windows). These functions will require resetting
after the battery is reconnected. For th is reason, the battery should only be
disconnected from the vehicle's electr ical system when absolutely necessary.
Long periods of non-use
The battery will gradually lose its charge because certain electrical equip-
ment continues to draw current even when the ignition is off. If you park the
vehicle for long periods of time in winter you should take the battery out of
the vehicle and keep it in a frost-proof room. Store the battery in a place
where it cannot “freeze up” and become damaged. At warm outside temper-
atures it is sufficient to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Even
when the battery is not connected you should charge it from time to time.
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Checking and refilling levels225
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
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°
•
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.
Charging the battery
A fully-charged battery is important for reliable starting.– Note the warnings ⇒ in “Important safety warnings for
handling a car battery” on page 224 and ⇒.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
– Only if “fast-charging”: both battery cables must be discon- nected (first the “negative” cabl e, then the “positive” cable).
– Connect the charger cables to the battery terminals, noting the colour code (red is used for “positive”, black or brown for “nega-
tive”).
– Now connect the battery charger to the power point and switch on.
– After charging the battery: switch off the battery charger and disconnect the power point cable.
– Finally disconnect the charger cables from the battery.
– If necessary, reconnect both battery cables to the battery (first the “positive” cable, then the “negative” cable).When charging with a low current (for instance with a small battery charger)
the battery does not normally have to be disconnected. However, both
battery cables must be disconnected before “ fast-charging” the battery with
a high current. However, always follow th e instructions given by the manufac-
turer of the battery charger.
Fast-charging a battery is dangerous ⇒ in “Important safety warnings for
handling a car battery” on page 224, since it requires a special charger and
WARNING (continued)
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Wheels and tyres229
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Significant tyre pressure lossThe tyre symbol
 is displayed and indicates that the tyre pressure for a least
one tyre is insufficient.
- Stop the vehicle.
- Switch the engine off.
- Check the tyre(s).
- Change the wheel if necessary.
Tyre pressure monitoring (RKA+)*
The type pressure monitor display on the instrument panel
indicates that the pressure is too low.The tyre pressure monitoring system makes use of the ABS sensors to
compare the rolling circumference and the frequency characteristics of the wheels. If the rolling cir
cumference or frequency characteristic changes on
one or more wheels, the tyre pressure warning lamp
 will light up. The fault
will also be indicated by a warning buzzer. The position of the affected tyre
will also be shown (if only one tyre is affected) on the centre display of the
instrument panel.
The rolling circumference and frequency characteristics can change if:
•
the tyre pressure is too low.
•
the tyre has suffered structural damage.
•
the wheels or the inflation pressures have been changed without initial-
ising the system (see Adjusting the tyre pressure settings).
•
there is a greater load on the wheels of one axle (e.g. if you are carrying
more passengers or luggage).
•
the road surface under the left wheels is different to the road surface
under the right wheels for a long period.
•
when driving with snow chains.
Adjusting the tyre pressure settings (initialising the tyre pressure
monitoring system)
After any incident regarding the wheels of your vehicle, e.g. after modify the
tyre pressure ⇒page 230 or after changing of swapping around wheels ⇒
page 180 - with the vehicle at a standstill and the engine running - press
⇒ fig. 172 . The yellow warning lamp
 will light up. Hold the button down
for 2 seconds until the warning lamp goes out and an acoustic warning is
given. You can now release the button.
If the wheels are subjected to extremely stress (e.g. heavy load), the tyre pres-
sure must be increased to the recommended value for the maximum load
(see the adhesive label on the inside of the fuel tank flap) and then initialise
the system.
Tyre pressure warning lamp on
When you switch on the ignition, the tyre pressure warning lamp
 will light
up. If the warning lamp flashes and then remains lit after you switch on the
ignition, there is a fault in the system. The instrument panel also display
Fig. 172 Detailed view of
the centre console: Button
for the tyre pressure
monitoring system
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If and when247
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
FusesChanging fuses
If a fuse has blown, it must be replaced.
– Switch off the ignition and its failed electrical component.
– Remove the fuse cover using a screwdriver ⇒fig. 185 .
– Identify the fuse for the failed component ⇒page 248, “Fuse
assignment”.
– Take the plastic clip from inside the fuse cover, fit it onto the
blown fuse, and pull the fuse out.
– Replace the blown fuse (which will have a melted metal strip) with a new fuse of the same amp rating.
–Fit the fuse cover back on.The individual electrical circuits are pr otected by fuses. The fuses are located
behind a cover at the left-hand end of the instrument panel.
Two spare fuses and a sticker identifying the fuses are provided on the inside
of the fuse cover. There is also a crank handle for operating the sun roof* by
hand (if the electrical system fails).
Caution
Never “repair” damaged fuses and never replace them with fuses with a
higher rating. Failure to comply could result in fire. It could also cause
damage to other parts of the electrical system.
Note
If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical system
must be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Fig. 185 Left side of dash
panel: Fuse box coverFig. 186 Schematic
drawing of fuse box at the
left-hand end of instru-
ment panel: Fuses
(without fuse cover)
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