2008 Seat Leon 5D check engine light

Driving and the environment185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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 wa
rm 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 consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as maximum
reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
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 reason why we recommend avoiding
short trips wherever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the
tyre pressures are just 1 bar too low, this can put the fuel consumption up by as much as 5 %. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear
and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all through the year: they will increase fuel consump-
tion by up to 10 %.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no unnec-
essary loads are being transported.
A roof carrier is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100- 120 km/h your car will use about 12%
more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof carrier
even when it is not in use.
Saving electrical energy
The engine activates the alternator, whic h produces electricity. With the need
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always
turn off electrical equipme nt when you do not need them. Examples of equip-
ment that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear window
heating or the seat heaters*.
Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priori ty in the design, choice of materials
and production of your new Seat.
Design measures for economical recycling•
Joints and connections designed for ease of dismantling
•
Modular construction to facilitate dismantling
•
Increased use of single-grade materials
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Checking and refilling levels
204Petrol additives
Petrol additives improve the quality of the petrol.The quality of the petrol influences running behaviour, performance and
service life of the engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol
containing additives. These additives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the
fuel system clean and prevent deposits from building up in the engine.
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems occur,
the required additives must be added during refuelling.DieselDiesel*Diesel fuel must correspond to DIN EN 590 (EN = “European standard”). It
must have a cetane number (CN) of at least 51. The cetane number indicates
the ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Notes on filling with fuel ⇒page 202.Biodiesel*The biodiesel fuel must comply with the DIN EN 14.214 (FAME) Standard.•
Biodiesel is a methylester obtained from rapeseed oil.
•
DIN is the German abbreviation for “Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.”,
the German standards institute.
•
EN means E uropean Norm.
•
FAME is the English abbreviation for “ Fatty Acid Methyl Ester” Your Authorised Service Centre can also be consulted to know if the vehicle
has been prepared for biodiesel use.
Things to note about RME fuel (biodiesel)
•
The performance of a vehicle using biodiesel maybe somewhat reduced.
•
Fuel consumption of a vehicle usin
g biodiesel may be slightly higher.
•
RME fuel is resistant to the cold down to approx. -10°C.
•
At temperatures below -10°C, we recommend using winter diesel fuel.
•
Your vehicle is designed to be refuelled with up to a maximum of 7%
blended biodiesel in accordance with standard DIN 51628.Caution
•
RME fuel can damage the fuel system in vehicles which are not suitably
adjusted.
•
If you decide to use biodiesel in your vehicle, please use only RME fuel
which is DIN E 14,214 compliant.
•
If you use biodiesel that does not me et the required standard, the fuel
filter could become clogged.Note
•
In case of low exterior temperatures and a fuel biodiesel percentage of
higher than 50%, an increase in gas emission may occur during operation of
the independent heating.
•
The fuel filter may become clogged when fuel is changed to biodiesel. For
this reason, we recommend you that, when having run 300 or 400 km after a
fuel change, the fuel filter change must also be done. Also note the instruc-
tions in the Inspection and Maintenance plan.
•
If the vehicle is to remain parked for more than about two weeks, we
recommend filling the fuel tank with biodiesel and driving about 50 km in
order to avoid damage to the injection system.
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Checking and refilling levels
208•
Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bonnet,
then carefully open the bonnet.
•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 205.
Closing the bonnet– Raise the bonnet slightly.
– Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its support.
– At a height of about 30 cm let it fall so it is locked.If 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 high quality oil is essential for the correct operation of the
engine and its long useful life, when topping up or replacement is necessary
use only those oils that conform to the requirements of 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 in stead. 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.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
214•
When the engine is warm or hot, th e cooling system is pressurised! Do
not unscrew the cap on the expansion t ank when the engine is hot. This is
a burn injury risk.Caution
•
When mixed with other additives the colour of G 12 will change to brown.
If this occurs you should have the coolant changed immediately. Failure to do
so will result in engine damage!
•
If a lot of coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down before
putting in cold coolant. This avoids damaging the engine. Large coolant
losses are an indication of leaks in the cooling system. See a specialised
workshop immediately and have the cooling system checked. Otherwise,
there is a risk of engine damage.
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper bladesTopping up washer fluid

The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be
mixed with washer fluid.The windscreen washer and the headlight washing system are supplied with
fluid from the windscreen washer flui d container in the engine compartment.
The reservoir is located on the right-hand side of the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean the windscreen and headlights. We recom-
mend that you always add a product to the windscreen washer fluid.
Approved windscreen cleaning products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, these may be added all-year-round. Please
follow the dilution instructions on the packaging.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 142 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
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Checking and refilling levels217
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Removing the wiper blade
– Lift the wiper arm away from the glass ⇒ fig. 144.
– Slide the blade adapter in the direction of the arrow and remove the blade ⇒fig. 144.
Fitting the wiper blade
– With one hand, hold the top end of the wiper arm.
– Place the blade as shown in the ⇒fig. 145 and slide the adapter
along until it fits into place.Check the condition of the wiper blade regularly. Change as required.
If the windscreen wiper scrapes, it should be replaced if damaged, or cleaned
if soiled.
If this is not sufficient, refer to a qualified workshop.
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
•
A damaged or dirty window wiper could scratch the rear window.
•
Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the window.
•
Never move the windscreen wiper by hand. This could cause damage.
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 263. 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. 146 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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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
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 working 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 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 smoking 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 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 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°
•
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.

Wear eye protection

Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective
gloves and eye protection!

Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited!

A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the bat-
tery is under charge.

Keep children away from acid and batteries!
WARNING (continued)
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If and when
240
Fuse cover underneath the steering wheel
– Switch off the ignition and the component concerned.
– Identify the fuse corresponding to the damaged electric consumer ⇒page 242.
– 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 ampere rating.
Fuse cover in engine compartment
– Switch off the ignition and its failed electrical component.
– Prise off the fuse cover in the engine compartment by pressing the tabs towards the centre of the cover ⇒page 239, fig. 157 .
– Identify the fuse for the failed component ⇒page 242.
– Take the plastic clip from inside the fuse cover (at left-hand end of the dash panel), 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 ampere rating.
– Carefully fit the fuse cover back on to ensure no water can enter
the fuse box.The individual electrical circuits are pr otected by fuses. The fuses are located
behind a cover at the left-hand end of the dash panel and on the left-hand
side of the engine compartment. The electric windows are protected by circuit breakers
. These reset automat-
ically after a few seconds when the ov erload (caused for example by frozen
windows) has been corrected.
Fuses colour code
WARNING
Never “repair” damaged fuses and neve r replace them with fuses with a
higher rating. Failure to comply could result in fire. This 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 qualifi ed workshop as soon as possible.
Colour
Amperes
light brown
5
Red
10
Blue
15
Yellow
20
Natural (white)
25
Green
30
orange
40
Red
50
white
80
Blue
100
grey
150
violet
200
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Index
284Bulb defect
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116, 156CCar care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Automatic locking system for involuntary unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Automatic speed dependent locking and un- locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Emergency unlocking system . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Selective unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Central locking button Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Centre console with drinks holder . . . . . . . . . . 133
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Changing gear See Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Changing the lamps Main headlight lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
rear lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Changing the main headlight lamps
dipped beam lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
main beam lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
turn signal lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246 Changing the rear light lamps
Position light, fog ligh t and rear light on the
tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Changing the rear lights Indicator, side and brake lights on the bodywork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
luggage compartment lights . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Checking battery electrolyte level . . . . . . . . . . 220
Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Child seats on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Cigarette lighter* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Cleaning alloy wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle . . . . . . . . 191
Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Cleaning steel wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Climatronic
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Cloth seat covers cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Clothes hook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Control lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Controls Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Light switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Convenience closing Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Convenience opening Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212, 213 Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Coolant level warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Coolant Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Coolant temperature Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Cruise control* Turning off the cruise control system . . . . 173
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