Vehicle maintenance and cleaning167
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Underbody maintenance
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it from chemical
and mechanical damage.The protective coating can be damaged when driving. We recommend you to
check the protective coating under the body and on the running gear, and
reinstated if necessary, before and after the winter season.
We recommend you to go to your Authorised Service Centre to carry out repair
work and additional anti-corrosion work.
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust system. The heat of
the exhaust system or the engine could cause them to ignite! Fire hazard.Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine compartment.Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of the power unit are given anti-
corrosion treatment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly important in winter when the car is
frequently driven on salted roads. To prevent the salt corroding the vehicle,
the entire engine compartment should be thoroughly cleaned before and
after winter.
Yo u r A u t h o r i s e d S e r v i ce Ce n t re has got the necessary equipment to provide
the correct cleaning and preserving products. For this reason, we recommend
having this work performed by them. The anti-corrosion protection is usually removed if the engine compartment
is cleaned with grease removing solutions, or if you have the engine cleaned.
On commissioning the work, ensure that all surfaces, seams, joints and
components in the engine compartment are given anti-corrosion treatment.
WARNING
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 178.•Before opening the bonnet, switch the engine off, apply the parking
brake firmly and always remove the key from the ignition.•Allow the engine to cool before you clean the engine compartment.•Do not clean the vehicle underbody, wheel arches without protecting
your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on sharp-edged metal parts.
Failure to comply could result in injury.•Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking.•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature-controlled and could
start automatically, even when the key is removed from the ignition!For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits could be removed when the engine is washed.
The polluted water must be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason,
engine washing should be carried out only by a qualified workshop or a petrol
station.
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Checking and refilling levels177
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Petrol 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 175.Biodiesel*The biodiesel fuel must comply with the DIN EN 14.214 (FAME) Standard.•Biodiesel is a methyl ester obtained from rapeseed oil.•DIN is the German abbreviation for “ Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.”,
the German standards institute.•EN means European N orm.•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 using biodiesel may be slightly higher.•Biodiesel fuel is resistant to cold down to approx. -10°C.•At temperatures below -10°C, we recommend refuelling with special
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 meet 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
178Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel thickens due to wax separation.
Therefore, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in some countries during
the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22°C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel generally sold
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel
fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater, making it well equipped for
operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains operational to
approx. -24°C, provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15°C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start
at temperatures of under -24°C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Working in the engine compartmentSafety instructions on working in the engine compartment
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the
engine must be carried out cautiously.Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment:
1. Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3. Move the gear stick to neutral or the selector lever to position P.
4. Wait for the engine to cool down.
5. Keep children away from the vehicle.
6. Raise the bonnet ⇒page 180.You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know
exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work
carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and
batteries, are being constantly developed. SEAT provides a constant flow of
information to the Authorised Service Centres concerning modifications. For
this reason, we recommend you to have service fluids and consumables
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant
instructions ⇒page 170. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a
hazardous area ⇒.
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Checking and refilling levels181
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•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 178.
Closing the bonnet– Slightly raise the bonnet
– 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 good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long
service life of the engine, when it becomes 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.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
182Oil propertiesViscosity
The viscosity class of the oil is selected according to the diagram.
When the ambient temperature falls outside the limits of the scale for a short
period, an oil change is not required.
Mono-grade oil
Single grade oils are generally not suitable for all year round use, due to
ranges of viscosity
11). These oils are only useful in a climate that is constantly very cold or very
warm.
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the engine oil. The deterioration
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding
an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.
Engine type
Specification
Petrol
VW 501 01/ VW 502 00/ VW 504 00
Diesel
VW 505 01/ VW 507 00/ VW 506 01
Diesel Engines with Particulate filter
(DPF)
a)
a)Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
VW 507 00
Fig. 115 Types of oil
according to temperature
11)Viscosity: oil density
Fig. 116 Engine oil
dipstick
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Checking and refilling levels183
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the service temperature
is reached then stop.
– Wait two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil level ⇒ page 182,
fig. 116. Top up with engine oil if necessary.Oil level in area
–Do not add oil.
Oil level in area
–Oil can be topped up. The indicated oil level should be after the zone
Oil level in area
–Oil must be topped up. The indicated oil level should be after in zone
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is used, oil
consumption can be up to 0.5 l/1,000 km. Oil consumption is likely to be
higher for the first 5,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must be
checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a
journey.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be
carried out cautiously.•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 178.
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 an Authorised
Service Centre.Topping up engine oil
Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 178.
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒fig. 117 .
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
AAAB
AA
AC
AA
AA
Fig. 117 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
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Checking and refilling levels185
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.•Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be large
enough to hold all the engine oil.CoolantCoolant specifications
Coolant is a mixture of water and at least 40% coolant addi-
tive.The cooling system must be filled with a mixture of water and at least 40% of
our coolant additive G 12++ or an additive with the specification TT-VW 774 G
(recognised by its purple colour). This mixture gives the necessary frost
protection down to -25°C and protects the alloy parts of the cooling system
against corrosion. It also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the
coolant.
The concentration of coolant must always be at least 40% - even if frost
protection is not required.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
the antifreeze additive G 12++ can be increased. However, the percentage of
coolant additives should not exceed 60%, as this would reduce the frost
protection. It would also reduce the cooling effect. A mixture with 60%
coolant additive will give frost protection to approximately -40°C.
WARNING
•The coolant additive is toxic. There is a toxic risk. Always keep the
coolant additive in the original container which should be stored out of the
reach of children. The same applies to coolant which you have drained off.
•The coolant additive G 12++ must be added in sufficient quantities to
provide anti-freeze protection at th e coldest ambient temperatures that
can be expected. At extremely cold ambient temperatures, the coolant
could freeze, causing the vehicle to breakdown. As the heater would also
not work in this situation, there is a risk of suffering exposure!Caution
•Other additives may give considerably inferior corrosion protection. The
resulting corrosion in the cooling system can lead to a loss of coolant,
causing serious damage to the engine.•If additive G12++ is not available, this can be mixed with G12+, bearing in
mind that the protection against corrosion will be reduced.WARNING (continued)
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Index
248CCar care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Car phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Automatic speed dependent locking and un-locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Emergency unlocking system . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Locking system for involuntary unlocking . . 72
Selective unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Central locking button locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Changing bulbs on rear lights . . . . . . . . . 216, 217
Changing double headlight lamps dipped headlights and side lights . . . . . . . 213
main headlights and side lights . . . . . . . . 214
Changing gear See Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Changing gear with the Tiptronic gear system 137
Changing lamps interior light and reading light . . . . . . . . . . 218
Changing the lamps Main headlight lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212, 214
number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Side indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Changing the main headlight lamps
turn signal lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Changing the single headlight lamps dipped/main beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Changing windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . 188
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Checking battery electrolyte level . . . . . . . . . . 192
Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Child seats on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Cleaning alloy wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Cleaning steel wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Climatronic
automatic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
manual mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Cloth seat covers cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Coming home function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Control wing mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Control lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Controls Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Light switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Convenience closing Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Convenience opening Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185, 186
Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Coolant level warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Coolant Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Coolant temperature Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Correct adjustment of front head restraints . . . 12
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
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