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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
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using 
small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before 
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area  , carefully close the cap.The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine 
compartment diagram  ⇒page 273.
Engine oil specification  ⇒page 216.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot 
engine components when topping up.
Caution
If the oil level is above the area   do not start the engine. This could result 
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a qualified work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above ar ea  . Otherwise oil can be drawn in 
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the 
exhaust system.
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the 
service schedule.We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme ⇒.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required!•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings 
⇒ page 213, “Safety instructions on wo rking in the engine compartment”.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
•
Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.
•
When removing the oil drain plug with  your fingers, keep your arm hori-
zontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
•
Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.
•
Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of 
the reach of children until it is disposed of.Caution
No additives should be used with engine  oil. This could result in engine 
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be 
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•
Because of the disposal problems, the necessary special tools and 
specialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil 
and filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.
AB
AA
AA
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Checking and refilling levels
226Brake 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 273. 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 noticeab
ly 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 73.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe 
the warnings  ⇒page 213.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 213 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 consider ably 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. 167  In the engine 
compartment: Brake fluid 
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels229
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the 
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires 
specialist knowledge.If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long 
periods, the battery should be checked by a qualified workshop between the 
scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle, the 
battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have the 
vehicle battery checked by an Authorised Service Centre where it will be re-
charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop only, as 
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be 
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has 
special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety spec-
ifications of your vehicle.
WARNING
•
We recommend you use only maintenance-free or cycle free leak-proof 
batteries which comply with the st andards T 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. This 
standard applies as of 2001.
•
Before starting any work on the batteries, you must read and observe 
the warnings  ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on page 227.
For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. They 
must be disposed of appropriately and must not be disposed of with ordinary 
household waste.
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        Page 270 of 297

General notes on the technical data 269
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Te c h n i c a l  D a t aGeneral notes on the technical dataOutstanding informationImportant considerations
All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence 
over this data.All data provided in this manual are valid for the standard model in Spain. The 
vehicle data card included in the inspection and maintenance schedule in the 
vehicles registration documents show which engine is installed in the 
vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted, 
for different models, for special vehicles and for other countries. Abbreviations used in this paragraph of the Technical Data
Abbrevia-
tion
Meaning
kW
Kilowatt, engine power measurement.
bhp
Brake horse power, formerly u sed to denote engine power
at rpm
Revolutions per minute - engine speed.
Nm
Newton metres, unit of engine torque.
l/100 km
Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km.
g/km
Carbon dioxide emissions in grams per km travelled.
CO2
Carbon dioxide
CN
Cetane number, indication of  the diesel combustion power.
RON
Research octane number, indication of the knock resistance 
of petrol.
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