
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 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 levels
192
Caution•If you notice a change in the colour of the liquid because it has been in 
use for a long time, it is re commended to change it, as it will have lost some 
of its properties and could cause damage to the vehicle.•If a lot of coolant fluid has been lost, wait for the engine to  cool down 
before putting in cold coolant. This avoids damaging the engine. Large 
coolant losses are an indication of leaks in the cooling system. See a special-
ised workshop immediately and have the cooling system checked. Other-
wise, there is a risk of engine damage.Washer fluid and windscreen wiper bladesTopping up washer fluid 
 Y
The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be 
mixed with washer fluid.
The  windscreen washer  and the headlight washers  are supplied with fluid 
from the windscreen washer fluid container in the engine compartment. The 
container holds approx. 2 litres; in vehicles with headlight washers* it holds 
approx. 4.5 litres.
The reservoir is located on the right-hand side of the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean th e windscreen and headlights. We recom-
mend that you always add a product to the windscreen washer fluid. 
Approved windscreen cleaning products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, these may be added all-year-round. Please 
follow the dilution instructions on the packaging.
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
•Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen 
washer fluid.•Always use approved windscreen cleansing products diluted as per 
instructions. If you use other washer fluids or soap solutions, the tiny holes 
in the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked.
Fig. 121  In the engine 
compartment: Cap of 
windscreen washer fluid 
reservoir.
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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 levels197
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause 
injury.
•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.•For vehicles with the battery in the luggage compartment: Check that 
the battery gas ventilation hose is securely attached.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 freezing. If it freezes it will be damaged.Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries.– Open the engine bonnet and the battery cover  ⇒ in “Safety 
instructions on working in  the engine compartment” on 
page 183  ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on 
page 196. For vehicles with the battery under the spare wheel, 
open the tailgate and lift the floor covering. The battery is located 
next to the spare wheel.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye" on the top of the  battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently until  they disperse.The position of the battery is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram  ⇒page 235. The location of the battery in the luggage 
compartment can be seen in  ⇒page 235, fig. 159 .
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top of the battery changes colour, 
depending on the charge state and electrolyte level of the battery.
There are two different colours:•Black: correct charge status.
WARNING (continued)
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If and when205
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must 
not be used on the compact tempo-
rary spare wheel.
If you have a puncture on one of the front wheels  when using snow chains, fit 
the compact temporary spare in place of one of the rear wheels. You can then 
attach the snow chains to the wheel taken from the rear and use this wheel to 
replace the punctured front wheel.
WARNING
•The tyre pressures must be checked and corrected as soon as possible.•Do not drive faster than 80 km/h. Higher speeds can cause an accident.•Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering. Risk of acci-
dent.•Never use two or more compact spare tyres at the same time, risk of 
accident.•No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on 
the compact temporary spare wheel rim.
Tyre repair kit*
The tyre repair kit (for vehicles not including a spare wheel) is 
stored under the floor panel in the luggage compartment.Your vehicle is equipped with the Tyre Mobility System “Tyre repair kit”.
The tyre repair kit consists of a container with sealing compound to repair the 
puncture and a  compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The kit will 
reliably seal punctures up to a size of about 4 mm caused by the penetration 
of a foreign body into the tyre.
Note
•Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not 
possible with the sealing compound.Changing a wheelPreparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle 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 area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Switch the engine off. Switch the hazard warning lights on and  place the warning triangles in position.
–Apply the handbrake  firmly.
– Engage the  first gear, or put the selector lever to position P  for 
those vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Take the vehicle tools  and the spare wheel  out of the luggage 
compartment.
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If and when213
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
The individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses. The fuses are located 
behind a cover at the left-hand end of the dash panel. When the steering 
wheel is on the right, the fuses are on the right-hand side of the dash panel, 
behind a cover.
The electric windows are protected by 
circuit breakers. These reset automat-
ically after a few seconds when the overload (caused for example by frozen 
windows) has been corrected.
Fuses colour code
WARNING
Never “repair” damaged fuses and never replace them with fuses with a 
higher rating. Failure to comply could result in fire. This could also cause 
damage to other parts of the electrical system.
Note
•If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical 
system must be checked by a specialised workshop as soon as possible.•If you replace a fuse with higher-rating fuse, you could cause damage to 
another location in the electrical system.
•Always keep some spare fuses in the vehicle. These are available from 
SEAT dealers.Fuses on left side of dash panelFuses
Colour
Amps
Beige
5
Brown 
7.5
Red
10
Blue
15
Ye l l o w
20
Natural (white)
25
Green
30
Number
Consumer
Amps
1
Power steering/Engine operation
7.5
2
Diagnostics/Heater/Autoclimate/Cli-
matronic/Electric anti-dazzle mirror/Naviga-
tor/Air conditioning pressure switch/ Climate 
fan/ Kisi/ AFS Control unit/Coming home 
relay/Soundaktor
10
3
Petrol engine control unit/Flow meter/Diesel 
engine control unit/Relay coils/Engine opera-
tion/Bi-turbo fuel control unit
5
4
ABS/ESP switch (turning sensor)/Light lever
10
5
Reverse light/Heating nozzles
10
6
Instrument panel
5
7
Rear fog light
7.5
8
Va can t
9
Headlight lever
10
10
Headlight lever/Clutch (Petrol)/Brakes (all)
5
11
Airbag control unit
5
12
Automatic gearbox/ Headlight lever
10
13
Exterior mirror control
5
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Technical Specifications235
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Technical SpecificationsChecking fluid levelsFrom time to time, the levels of the different  fluids in the 
vehicle must be checked. Never fill with incorrect fluids, 
otherwise serious damage to the engine may be caused.
Coolant expansion tank
Engine oil dipstick
Engine oil filler cap
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery
Windscreen washer fluid container
The checking and refilling of service fluids are carried out on the components 
mentioned above. These operations are described in the  ⇒page 183.
Overview
You will find further explanations, instructions and restrictions on the tech-
nical specifications as of  ⇒page 231.Note
The layout of parts may vary depending on the engine.
Fig. 158  Diagram for the 
location of the various 
elements
Fig. 159  For vehicles with 
the battery in the luggage 
compartment.
A1A2A3A4A5A6
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