
Checking and refilling levels239
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Winter operations
The battery is drained more in cold weather, which means that the starting
power is reduced. For this reason, have the battery checked and charged if
necessary before the start of winter.
Replacing the battery
A replacement battery
must have the same capacity, voltage and current
rating. It must also have the same dimensions as the original, factory-fitted
battery and have sealed caps. The SEAT batteries which have been specially
developed fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety specifications for
your vehicle.
We recommend you use maintenance-free batteries.
WARNING
•All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. If work is required
on the battery, this should be performed by a Technical Service or
specialist garage. Danger of caustic burns and explosion!•The battery must not be opened. Never try to change the battery's
liquid level. Explosive gas is released from the battery that could lead to an
explosion.Caution
•The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured.•Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the warnings
listed under ⇒.For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain toxic substances including sulphuric acid and lead.
Therefore, they must be disposed in line with environmental regulations and
must not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Make sure discon-
nected batteries cannot tip over. Sulphuric acid could be spilt!
Important safety warnings for handling a car batteryThe battery is located at the back of the engine compartment ⇒ page 295.
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.
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 batter y
is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
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Checking and refilling levels
240•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 alarm 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.
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 239 and ⇒.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
– Only if “fast-charging”: both battery cables must be discon- nected (first the “negative” cable, 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 the instructions given by the manufac-
turer of the battery charger.
The fast-charging procedure for a battery is dangerous ⇒ in “Important
safety warnings for handling a car battery” on page 239, as it requires a
WARNING (continued)
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Wheels and tyres243
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
2. The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres are
cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be
reduced.
3. Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.Tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure is especially important at high speeds. The pressure
should therefore be checked at least once a month and before starting a
journey.
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given are for cold tyres. Do not reduce the
slightly raised pressures of warm tyres ⇒.
WARNING
•Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking tyre pressure
value is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, there is
an increased danger of accidents - particularly at high speeds.•A tyre can easily burst if the pressure is too low, causing an accident!•At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. In this way it becomes too hot, and this can cause tread separation
and tyre blow-out. Always observe the recommended tyre pressures.•If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prema-
turely and the vehicle will not handle well. Risk of accident!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.
Tyre pressure monitoring*
The tyre pressure monitoring system constantly checks the
pressure of the tyres.The system warns the driver in the event of a loss of pressure by means of
symbols and messages in the instrument cluster display.
Note that tyre pressure also depends on tyre temperature. Tyre pressure
increases about 0.1 bar for each 10°C in tyre temperature increase. The tyre
heats up while the vehicle is being driven and the tyre pressure will rise
accordingly. For this reason, you should only adjust the tyre pressures when
they are cold (i.e. approximately at ambient temperature).
To ensure that the tyre pressure monitoring system works reliably, you should
check and, if necessary, adjust the tyre pressures at regular intervals and
store the correct pressures (reference values) in the system.
A tyre pr essure i nfor ma ti on lab e l is a tta che d to t he insi de o f the fu el ta nk f lap.
WARNING
•Never adjust tyre pressure when the tyres are hot. This may damage or
even burst the tyres. Risk of accident!•An insufficiently inflated tyre flexes a lot more at high speeds and
causes significant heating of the tyre. Under these conditions, the tyre
bead may be released or the tyre may burst. Risk of accident!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre wear.
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Wheels and tyres
244Significant 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 circumference 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 245 or after changing of swapping around wheels ⇒
page 180 - with the vehicle at a standstill and the engine running - press
⇒ fig. 188. 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 for about 2 seconds. There is a fault in the system if the indicator stays on
permanently after switching on the ignition. The instrument panel also
Fig. 188 Detailed view of
the centre console: Button
for the tyre pressure
monitoring system
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Wheels and tyres245
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
display TMPS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System). Please contact the nearest
specialist garage as soon as possible.
The tyre pressure warning lamp
lights up if the tyre pressure on one or
more wheels is significantly lower than the tyre pressure setting which was
confirmed by the driver ⇒.
WARNING
•If the tyre pressure warning lamp lights up
you must slow down
immediately and avoid any severe braking or steering manoeuvres. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible and check the tyres and their pressure.
•The driver is responsible for maintaining correct tyre pressures. There-
fore, the tyre pressure must be regularly checked.•Under certain conditions (e.g. driving at high speeds, on ice and snow
or on poor road surfaces) the tyre pressure warning lamp
may not light
up immediately or not at all.
•Please ask your Dealer or specialist garage whether run-flat tyres can
be used on your vehicle. Fitting this type of tyre in an undue manner could
lead to your driving licence being taken away from you. Furthermore, it may
led to damage to the vehicle or, under certain circumstances, may cause
accidents.•If you change normal tyres for run-flat tyres or vice versa, the control
unit must be reprogrammed by the Dealer or a specialist garage.Note
If you did not press the button for the tyre pressure monitoring system to
confirm a new tyre pressure setting after making changes to the tyre pres-
sures or changing one or more wheels, the warning lamp
may light up
although the tyre pressures are correct. In this case, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible and, after examining the tyres, press the button for the tyre pres-
sure monitoring system.
Tyre ser vice life
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving
style and fitting.
Fig. 189 Tyre tread wear
indicatorsFig. 190 Diagram for
changing wheels
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If and when
254Changing a wheelPreparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the car as far away from
the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as level
as possible.
– All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a
safe place (e.g. behind the roadside crash barrier).
–Apply the handbrake firmly.
–Engage 1st gear.
– When towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from your vehicle.
–Take the tools and the spare wheel ⇒ page 251 out of the
luggage compartment.
WARNING
If you have a puncture in heavy traffic, switch on the hazard warning lights
and place the warning triangle in a visible location. This is for your own
safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent
the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.Changing a wheel
Change the wheel as described below.– Remove the wheel cover.
–Loosen the wheel bolts ⇒ page 255.
– Raise the car with the jack ⇒page 256.
– Ta k e o f f the wheel with the flat tyre and then put on the spare
wheel ⇒page 257.
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly in diagonal sequence with the box
spanner ⇒page 255.
–Replace the cover .After changing a wheel
After changing the wheel, there are still tasks to complete.– Place the wheel with the defective tyre in the spare wheel well
and secure it.
– Put the tools and jack back in the luggage compartment.
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If and when257
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
An
unstable surface under the jack may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack.
Therefore, the jack must be fitted on solid ground offering good support. Use
a large, stable base if necessary. On a hard, slippery surface (such as tiles)
use a rubber mat or similar to prevent the jack from slipping.
WARNING
•Take all precautions so that the base of the jack does not slip. Failure to
do so could result in an accident.•The vehicle can be damaged if the jack is not applied at the correct
jacking points. There is also a risk of injury since the jack can slip off
suddenly if it is not properly engaged.
Removing and fitting the wheel
For removal and fitting the wheel, the following tasks must be
completed.
After loosening the wheel bolts and raising the vehicle with the jack,
change the wheel as described below:
Removing a wheel
– Unscrew the bolts using the hexagonal tool in the handle of the
screwdriver (vehicle tool) and place them on a clean surface
⇒ fig. 198 .
Fitting a wheel
– Screw in the wheel bolts and tighten them lightly using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle.The wheel bolts should be clean and easily screwed. Before fitting the spare
wheel, inspect the wheel condition and hub mounting surfaces. These
surfaces must be clean before fitting the wheel.
The hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle makes it easier to turn the
wheel bolts. The reversible screwdriver blade should be removed when the
tool is used for this purpose.
If tyres with a specific direction of rotation are fitted, note the direction of
rotation.
Note
Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to loosen or
tighten the wheel bolts.
Fig. 198 Changing the
wheel: Hexagonal socket
in screwdriver handle to
turn the wheel bolts
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If and when261
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
– Stick the “max. 80 km/h” adhesive, which is included with the
tyre sealant can, onto the instrument panel where the driver will
see it.
Filling the tyre
– Shake the tyre sealant can well.
– Screw the enclosed filling hose onto the sealant can as far as it will go. This will automatically pierce the foil sealing the can.
– Take the valve cap off the tyre valve and use the enclosed valve insert tool to unscrew the valve insert ⇒page 260, fig. 201 .
– Place the valve insert onto a clean surface.
– Remove the sealing plug from the filling hose and insert the hose into the tyre valve.
– Hold the tyre sealant can upside down and fill the complete contents of the can into the tyre.
– Then disconnect the hose and screw the valve insert firmly back into the tyre valve.
Inflating the tyre
– Screw the compressor filling hose onto the tyre valve and plug the connector into the cigarette lighter.
– Pump the tyre up to 2.0 to 2.5 bar and monitor the pressure shown on the pressure gauge. – If the tyre pressure remains lower than the value specified above
drive the vehicle approx. 10 metres forwards or backwards, so
that the sealant can spread evenly in the tyre. If the pressure is
still lower than the specification the tyre is too badly damaged
and cannot be repaired using the tyre sealant.
Final check
– After about 10 minutes, stop to check the tyre pressure.
– If tyre pressure is less than 1.3 bar, the tyre is too badly damaged. Do not drive on! You should obtain professional
assistance.
WARNING
•If you have a puncture in heavy traffic, switch on the hazard warning
lights and place the warning triangle in a visible location. This is for your
own safety and also warns other road users.•Make sure your pass engers wait in a safe place ( for instance behind t he
roadside crash barrier).•Please observe the manufacturers' safety notes on the compressor and
the instructions supplied with the tyre sealant can.•If it was not possible to build up a tyre pressure of 2.0 bar within 6
minutes this means that the tyre is too badly damaged. Do not drive on!•Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not
possible with the sealing compound.•If tyre pressure is less than 1.3 bar after driving about 10 minutes, the
tyre is too badly damaged. Do not drive on! Obtain technical assistance.Caution
Take special care if you have to repair a tyre on a slope.
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