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 levels
188
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the service temperature is reached and 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 ⇒fig. 118 . 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 vehicle is used,
oil consumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely to be
higher for the first 5000 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 183.
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
E
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 183.
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒fig. 119.
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
AAAB
AA
AC
AA
AA
Fig. 119 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
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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 levels
190•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
(known for its purple colour). This mixture provides the necessary freeze
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 freeze
protection is not required.
If greater freeze protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
the G 12++ additive can be increased. However, the percentage of coolant
add it iv es s ho uld n ot e xcee d 6 0% , as this w o uld re d uce t he fr ee ze pro tec ti on.
It would also reduce the cooling effect. A mixture with 60% additive will give
antifreeze protection to approx. -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 G 12++ additive must be added in sufficient quantities to provide
anti-freeze protection at the coldest ambient temperatures that can be
expected. At extremely cold outside temperatures, the coolant could
freeze, causing the vehicle to breakdown. As the heater would not work
either, there is a risk of freezing to death.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 add it ive G 12 ++ is not availa ble , t his can b e m ixed wi th G 12 +, b ea ri ng in
mind that the protection against corrosion will be reduced.WARNING (continued)
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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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Checking and refilling levels
194
Note•The wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the
bonnet is properly closed.Changing the rear wiper blade
A good rear wiper blade is essential for clear rear vision.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately.Removing the wiper blade
– Lift the rear wiper arm.
– Release the blade by pulling it in the direction of the arrow . Fitting the wiper blade
– Insert the wiper blade onto the windscreen wiper arm until it
clicks into place.
Check the condition of the wiper blade regularly. Change as required.
If the windscreen wiper scrapes , i t s h o u ld b e r e p la ce d i f d a m a ge d , o r c l ea n e d
if soiled.
If this is not sufficient, refer to a specialised workshop.
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
•A damaged or dirty window wiper could scratch the rear window.•Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the window.•Never move the windscreen wiper by hand. This could cause damage.
Fig. 123 Changing the
rear window wiper blade
A2
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Checking and refilling levels195
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Brake 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 illustration ⇒page 235. 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 noticeably 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 56.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒page 183.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme 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 183 in
section “Safety notes for working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course 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 considerably 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 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. 124 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels
198•Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must be replaced. Contact a special-
ised workshop.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 specialised 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 specialised 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 standards 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 196.For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. They
m ust b e d isp ose d of app ro pr iate ly a nd m ust no t b e disp ose d of wit h or di na r y
household waste.WheelsGeneral notesAvoiding damage
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very
slowly and at a right angle.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (cuts, cracks or blisters, etc.). Remove any foreign objects embedded in the treads.
Storing tyres
– When you remove the tyres, mark them in order to maintain the same direction of rotation when they are installed again.
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