
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications179
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be 
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket   are on the lower part of the 
vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should 
never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle and 
including the maximum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
from 350 mm to 420 mm (fully loaded vehicle)
959 mm
438 mm
209 mm
Fitting a towing bracket
•Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore, 
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre 
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.•The legal requirements in your country must be observed (e.g. the fitting 
of a separate warning lamp).•Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and 
reinstalled. The towing bracket securi ng bolts must be tightened using a 
torque wrench, and a power socket must be connected to the vehicle’s elec-
trical system. This requires specialised knowledge and tools.•Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment 
points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a specialised workshop.•If the towing bracket is incorrectly in stalled, there is serious danger of 
accident.
•For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the 
manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
•If the power socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to the 
vehicle’s electrical system.Note
Due to the specific design of the exhaust, the fitting of a conventional towing 
bracket is not recommended for some sports versions. Please consult your 
Dealer.
AA
ABACADAEAF
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels181
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
−
Insert the fuel nozzle into the mouth of the canister as far as 
possible.
− If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filling nozzle must be 
in contact with the canister during filling. This helps prevent an electro-
static charge building up.
− Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment. Fuel 
vapours are explosive. Danger of death.
Caution
•Fuel spills should be removed  from the paintwork immediately.•Never run the tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply could cause 
misfiring. As a result, unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and 
cause damage.•When filling the fuel tank after having run it completely dry on a vehicle 
with a diesel engine  the ignition must be switched on for at least 30 seconds 
without starting the engine. When you then start the engine it may take 
longer than normal (up to one minute) for the engine to start firing. This is due 
to the fact that the fuel system has to purge itself of air before starting.For the sake of the environment
Do not try to put in more fuel after the automatic filler nozzle has switched off; 
this may cause the fuel to overflow if it becomes warm.
PetrolPetrol types
The correct petrol types are listed on a sticker inside the fuel 
tank flap.Only unleaded petrol conforming to standard DIN EN 228  may be used for 
vehicles with catalytic converters (EN = “European Standard”).
Fuel types are differentiated by the  octane rating, e.g: 91, 95, 98 RON (RON 
= “Research Octane Number”, unit for determining the knock resistance of 
petrol). You may use petrol with a higher octane number than the one recom-
mended for your engine. However, this has no advantage in terms of fuel 
consumption and engine power.
Caution
•Even one tankful of leaded fuel would permanently impair the efficiency 
of the catalytic converter.•High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when using 
petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for the engine.For the sake of the environment
Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of the 
catalytic converter.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels183
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
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 lever 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 185.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 specialised 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 175. The engine compartment of the vehicle is a 
hazardous area.  ⇒.
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and 
refilling fluids, involves a risk of injury and scalding as well as the risk of 
accident or fire.•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining 
burns. Wait until no more steam or coolant is emitted, then allow the 
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.•Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.•Apply the handbrake and move the gear lever to neutral or selector 
lever to position P.•Keep children away from the vehicle.•Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.•Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This 
is a fire hazard.•Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the 
points where the jump leads are attached  ⇒page 225. The battery could 
explode.•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could 
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the 
key removed from the ignition!•Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant reservoir when the engine is hot. 
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!•Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick 
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.•A l w ays  ma ke  s u re  yo u  ha v e  n o t  l e f t  a n y  obj e c ts ,  s u ch  as  c l ea n in g  cl o t h s  
and tools, in the engine compartment.•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable 
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A 
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of 
injury.
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Checking and refilling levels185
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in 
rest position.
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dash panel 
⇒page 185, fig. 116  in the direction indicated (arrow). The 
bonnet will be released by a spring action  ⇒.
– Lift the bonnet using the release lever (arrow) and open the  bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and secure  it in fixture designed for this 
in the bonnet.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment.•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 183.
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.
Fig. 116  Bonnet opening 
leverFig. 117  Bonnet support 
rod
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Checking and refilling levels187
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The “Maintenance Programme” states whether your vehicle is fitted with a 
diesel particulate filter.
Only VW 507 00 engine oil, with reduced ash formation, may be used in 
diesel engines equipped with particulate filter. Using other types of oil will 
cause a higher soot concentration and reduce the life of the DPF. Therefore:
•Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.•Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low 
⇒ page 187 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you can 
use a small quantity of oil (once) conforming to the VW 506 00, VW 506 01, 
VW 505 00, VW 505 01 or ACEA B3 / ACEA B4 specification. (up to 0.5 l).Oil properties
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 indi cates the level of the oil.Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
Engine type
Specification
Petrol without flexible service inter-
val
VW 502 00/ VW 504 00
Petrol with flexible service interval 
(LongLife)
VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines without Particulate 
filter (DPF)
VW 505 01 / VW 506 01 / VW 507 00
Diesel. Engines with particulate filter 
(DPF) 
With or without flexible service inter-
val (with or without LongLife)
a)
a)Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
VW 507 00
Fig. 118  Engine oil 
dipstick
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Checking and refilling levels189
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
– 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 illustration  ⇒page 235.
Engine oil specification  ⇒page 187.
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 specialised work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area  . 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 183, “Safety instructions on working 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.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 levels191
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Checking the coolant level and topping up 
The correct coolant level is important for fault-free func-
tioning of the engine cooling system.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒  in 
“Safety instructions on  working in the engine compartment” on 
page 183.
Opening the coolant expansion tank
– Switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
– To prevent scalding, cover the cap on the expansion tank with a 
thick cloth and carefully unscrew the cap  ⇒.
Checking coolant level
– Look into the open coolant expansion tank and read off the  coolant level. – If the level is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant.
To p p i n g  u p  c o o l a n t
–Only use 
new coolant liquid.
– Do not fill above the “MAX” mark.
Closing the coolant expansion tank
– Screw the cap on again  tightly.
The position of the coolant expansion reservoir is shown in the corresponding 
engine compartment illustration  ⇒page 235.
Ensure the coolant conforms to the required specifications. Do not use a 
different type of additive if G 12++ additive is not available. In this case use 
only water and bring the coolant concentration back up to the correct level as 
soon as possible by putting in the specified additive.
Always top up with new  coolant.
Do not fill above the “MAX” mark. Otherwise the excess coolant will be forced 
out of the cooling system when the engine is hot.
The G 12++ additive can be mixed with the G 12+ in any proportion.
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 183.•When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised! Do 
not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. This is 
a burn injury risk.
Fig. 120  In the engine 
compartment: Coolant 
expansion tank cap
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Checking and refilling levels193
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Changing windscreen wiper blades
If the windscreen wiper blades are in perfect condition, you 
will benefit from an improved visibility. Damaged wiper 
blades should be replaced immediately.To change the blades it is necessary to change the rest position of 
the wipers to the service position.
Service position (For changing wiper blades)
– Ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen.
– Turn ignition on and off and then (before approx. 9 sec.) move 
the windscreen wiper lever to the intermittent wipe position. The 
windscreen wipers will move to the service position.
Removing the wiper blade
– Lift the windscreen wiper arm. – Press on the securing tab.
– Extract the wiper blade from the wiper arm.
Fitting the wiper blade
– Insert the wiper blade onto the windscreen wiper arm until it 
clicks into place.
– Make sure that the blade faces down when fitting a blade with  integrated deflector blade.
– Place the wiper arms to their initial position.
If the  windscreen wipers smear ,  t h e y  s h o u l d  b e  r e p la ce d  i f  t h e y  a r e  d a m a ge d ,  
or cleaned if they are soiled.
If this does not produce the desired results, the setting angle of the wind-
screen wiper arms might be incorrect. They should be checked by a special-
ised workshop and corrected if necessary.
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
•Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers could scratch the windscreen.•Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to 
clean the windows. This could damage the windscreen wiper blades.•Never move the windscreen wiper or windscreen wiper arm manually. This 
could cause damage.
Fig. 122  Change wind-
screen wiper blade
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