
Seats and storage compartments157
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Note
The use of electrical appliances with the engine switched off will cause a
battery discharge.230 volt socket for Europlug*
Electrical equipment can also be connected to the 230 volt
socket in the centre console.The 230 Volt socket can only be used when the engine is running
⇒.
In vehicles with folding cover:
– Hold the cover of the socket at the lower recess.
– Lift the cover to open ⇒ fig. 137. Inserting the Europlug
– Insert the Europlug in the socket. The childproof safety device on
the socket is deactivated.
– If necessary, press the Europlug as far as possible into the socket
to ensure it is correctly inserted and will not jump out of place
while driving over a bump or similar.
LED warning lamp above socket
Equipment which may be connected
The 230 volt socket can be used to connect electrical equipment with a Euro-
plug. Please note that the power consumption in this socket must not exceed
150 watts (peaks of 300 watts).
Even when more than one appliance is connected, the total consumption of
all the appliances must not exceed 150 watts. If necessary, please refer to the
manufacturer's label to confirm the power consumption of the connected
equipment.
All connected appliances should be in perfect working order without any
faults.
WARNING
•Heavy appliances or connectors (for example, adapters) which hang
down directly from the Europlug socket may damage the socket with the
resultant risk of injury.
Fig. 137 Centre console:
230 volt socket
Steady green
light:
The childproof safety device is disconnected. The socket
is ready for use
Flashing red
light:
There is a fault, for example, disconnection due to
excess current or temperature
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Driving
174Switching on the ignition/pre-heating glow plugs
If the key is difficult to turn in the lock, move the steering wheel (to take the
load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key turns freely. In the case of
vehicles with a diesel engine, the key is turned to this position to preheat the
glow plugs.
Starting the engine
The engine is started in this position. Electrical components with a high
power consumption are switched off temporarily.
After the engine has started, the ignition key returns to position by itself.
The ignition key has to be turned back to position before re-starting the
engine. The starter inhibitor in the ignition lock prevents the starter motor
from engaging when the engine is running, as this could cause damage.
Switching off the ignition
Turn the ignition key to this position.
WARNING
•Never remove the ignition key until the vehicle is stationary! Otherwise
the steering lock could engage suddenly, which could cause an accident.•Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle, even if you only
intend to be gone for a short time. This is particularly important if there are
children in the vehicle, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine
or use power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could
cause injuries.Note
•If the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, it will be
necessary to leave the key in position for about 5 seconds before starting
the engine.
•Vehicles with automatic gearbox: After switching off the ignition, you can
only remove the ignition key if the selector lever is in position “P” (parking
lock). The selector lever is locked after the ignition key has been removed.Starting and stopping the engineStarting the engine
The engine can only be started with an original SEAT key.Vehicles with a petrol engine:
– Use the foot brake.
– Manual gearbox: Push the clutch pedal all the way down.
– Move the gear lever into neutral (automatic gearbox: selector lever to P or N) ⇒.
A2
A3
A2
A1
A1
A2
Fig. 148 Ignition key
positions
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Checking and refilling levels229
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Opening the bonnetBefore opening the bonnet make sure that the windscreen wiper
arms are not lifted away from the glass. Otherwise the paint may be
damaged.
– Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒.
– Press the release catch under the bonnet upwards ⇒fig. 176 .
This will release the arrester hook under the bonnet.
– Open the bonnet.The bonnet is held in position by a gas-filled strut.
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). Always observe the warnings listed below and
follow all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of the vehicle
is a potentially hazardous area ⇒
WARNING
•Switch the engine off.•Remove the ignition key.•Apply the handbrake firmly.•If your vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox, place the gear lever
in neutral. If you are driving an automatic vehicle, place the selector lever
in position P.•Wait for the engine to cool down.•Children should not be allowed to approach the engine compartment.•Never spill liquids used for vehicle operation on the engine compart-
ment, as these may catch fire (e.g. coolant).•Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especially
when working on the battery.
Fig. 176 Release catch
under the bonnet
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Checking and refilling levels
230•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 coolant fluid
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
added safety risk from the rotating parts (e.g. drive belts, alternator, radi-
ator 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 cause 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 at the workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles some of the reservoirs mentioned below are
located on the other side of the engine compartment.Closing the bonnet– To close the bonnet, push it down until it overcomes the spring
pressure.
– Let the bonnet engage in the locking part. Do not force it ⇒ .
WARNING
•For safety reasons the bonnet must always be completely closed when
the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check that it is properly
secured. The bonnet must be flush with the adjacent body panels.•Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when the
vehicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet.
Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Engine oilGeneral notesThe 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.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels241
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Topping up and changing the brake fluid
It is best to have the brake fluid changed by a professional.Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Therefore, in the course of time it will absorb
water from the 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 Plan 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 a workshop. 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 approved brake fluid. Specialised workshops are informed about
the factory-approved brake fluid -DOT 4-. The brake fluid must be new.
WARNING
•Brake fluid must always be kept closed in its original container. Keep
out of the reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.•If the brake fluid is left in the system for too long and the brakes are
subjected to heavy use, vapour bubbles may form in the brake system. This
would seriously affect the efficiency of the brakes and the safety of the
vehicle, leading to the risk of accident.Caution
Please note that brake fluid will attack the paintwork on contact.
For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and fluid must be collected and disposed of according the
applicable regulations. The SEAT service network has the necessary equip-
ment and qualified personnel for collecting and disposing of this waste
material.Vehicle batteryGeneral notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The battery is virtually maintenance-free and is checked in the Inspection
Services.
We recommend replacing the battery after 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 this reason, the battery should only be
disconnected from the vehicle's electrical 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 store it in a place protected from frost. This way it will not
freeze and become damaged. At warm outside temperatures 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 levels
242Winter operation
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 di mensions 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 bat te r y, t his s hould be pe r form ed by a Te chnical Ser vice or qual ified
workshop. 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 cause 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 of in line with environmental regulations
and must not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Make sure
disconnected batteries cannot tip over. Sulphuric acid could be spilt!
Important safety warnings for handling a vehicle batteryThe battery is located at the back of the engine compartment ⇒page 301.
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. Neutralise 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, open flames and smoking are prohibited. When handling
cables and electrical equipment, av oid 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!
Ž
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited!
Ÿ
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery
is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
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Checking and refilling levels243
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•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 could cause an explosion. 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 vehicle battery” on page 242 and ⇒.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
– Only if fast-charging: both battery cables must be disconnected (first the negative cable, then the positive cable).
– Connect the charger cables to the battery terminals, noting the colour code (red = positive; black or brown = negative).
– Now connect the battery charger to the power socket 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 vehicle battery” on page 242, as it requires a
special charger and the corresponding level of knowledge. We therefore
recommend that this work should only be performed by a qualified workshop.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
244A flat battery can freeze at temperatures of around 0 °C. The battery must be
defrosted before charging ⇒. It is advisable to replace the battery if it has
frozen, because the ice can crack the battery casing and allow the battery
acid to escape.
The battery caps should not be opened while the battery is being charged.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen battery. Failure to comply could result in an
explosion.
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