Checking and refilling levels
200Brake 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 241. 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 58.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒page 188.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 188 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. 132 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels
202charge. 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 188 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 201.
– 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 241.
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.•Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must be replaced. Contact a special-
ised workshop.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
204The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of tyre
and the tread pattern.
Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. If you notice unusual
vibrations or the vehicle pulling to one side, this may indicate that one of the
tyres is damaged. The tyres should be checked immediately by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with
directional tread. Always observe the direction of rotation indicated when
fitting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-
planing, excessive noise and wear.
WARNING
•New tyres do not have maximum grip during the first 500 km. Drive
particularly carefully to avoid possible accidents.•Never drive with damaged tyres. This may cause an accident.•If you notice unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the tyres for damage.
Checking tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure can be seen on the sticker on the
inside of the tank flap.1. Read the required tyre inflation pressure from the sticker. The values refer to Summer tyres. 2. The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres are
cold. The slightly raised pressu res of warm tyres must not be
reduced.
3. Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.
Tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure is especially important at high speeds. The pressure
should therefore be checked at least once a month and before starting a
journey.
WARNING
A tyre can easily burst if the pressure is too low, causing an accident!•At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. In this way it becomes too hot, and this can cause tread separation
and tyre blow-out. Always observe the recommended tyre pressures.•If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prema-
turely and the vehicle will not handle well. Risk of accident!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.
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If and when
212
WARNING
Switch on the hazard warning lights and place the warning triangles in
position. This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the wheel on a slope, it is essential to lock the parallel
w h e e l o n t h e sa m e a x l e as t ha t t o b e cha ng e d , w i t h a we d ge o r si m i la r i n o r d e r
to immobilise the vehicle.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.Changing a wheelChange the wheel as described below
– Remove the hub caps or the integral trim .
– Slacken the wheel bolts.
– Raise the car with the jack at the corresponding point.
– Remove the wheel and then fit the spare wheel.
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly with the box spanner.
–Replace the hub cap.
After changing a wheel
After changing the wheel there are still tasks to complete.– Put the tools and jack back in the luggage compartment.
– Place the wheel with the defective tyre in the luggage compart-
ment and secure it.
– Check the tyre pressure of the newly fitted tyre as soon as possible.
– Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as possible with a torque wrench. The prescribed torque must be
120 Nm.
Note•If you notice that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing a wheel, they must be replaced before having the wheel bolt torque
checked.•For safety reasons, drive at moderate speeds until the wheel bolt tight-
ening torque has been checked.
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If and when
218Tyre repair
The following sections describe the procedures for repairing
a tyre.Using the sealing compound
– The instructions on the containe r give detailed information on
how to use the sealing compound.
Inflating the tyre.
– Remove the air compressor and hose from the container.
– Screw the retaining nut onto the valve.
– Plug the compressor cable into a 12 volt power socket.
– Turn on compressor and monitor the pressure shown on the pres- sure gauge.
Completing the repair
– Remove the compressor hose from the valve.
– Fit the valve cap.
– Unplug the compressor from the socket.
– Return all tools to their proper storing location.
NoteThe compressor should never be allowe d to run for longer than 6 minutes.
FusesChanging a fuse
Blown fuses must be replacedFuse cover
– Switch off the ignition and its failed electrical component.
– Identify the fuse corresponding to the damaged electric
consumer ⇒page 219.
– Take the plastic clip from inside the fuse cover, fit it onto the blown fuse and pull the fuse out.
– Replace the blown fuse (which will have a melted metal strip) with a new fuse of the same ampere rating.
Fig. 141 Fuses in the
dash panel
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If and when219
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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If and when
222BulbsGeneral notesBefore changing any bulb, first turn off the failed component.
Do not touch the bulb glass. Fingerprints vaporise in the heat, causing a
reduction in the bulb life and condensation on the mirror surface, thus
reducing efficiency.
A bulb should only be replaced by one of the same type. The type is inscribed
on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
It is highly recommended to keep a box of spare bulbs in the vehicle. At the
very least, the following spare bulbs, which are essential for road safety,
should be kept in the vehicle.
Double headlights
Dipped beam - H7 Long Life
Main beam - H7
Position - 2 x W5W Long Life
Turn signal - PY21W
Single headlight
Dipped/Main H4 Long Life
Position W5W Long Life
Turn signal PY 21W
Xenon headlights
13)/adaptive*
Dipped and full beam - D1S
14)
Position W5W Blue Long Life DRL (day light) P21W Super Long Life
Turn signals PY21W
Fog lights
Fog light/cornering - H11
Ta i l l i g h t s
Fog light - P21W
Reverse gear - R10W
Stop/position P21 /5W Long Life
Turn signal - PY21W
Side turn signal
Side turn signal - W5W
Number plate light
Number plate light - W5W Long Life
Note
•Depending on weather conditions (cold or wet), the front lights, the fog
lights, the tail lights and the turn signals may be temporarily misted. This has
no influence on the useful life of the lighting system. By switching on the
lights, the area through which the beam of light is projected will quickly be
demisted. However, the edges may continue to be misted.•Please check at regular intervals that all lighting (especially the exterior
lighting) on your vehicle is functioning properly. This is not only in the interest
of your own safety, but also that of all other road users.•Due to the difficulty in accessing some of the bulbs, any replacement work
should be done by a SEAT dealer. However, there is a description below as to
how to change these bulbs, except for the fog lights.
13)On this type of headlight, the bulb changes must be made by the SEAT dealer, given that complex elements must be removed from the vehicle and a reset must be made
on the automatic control system incorporated.
14)The Xenon bulbs discharge 2.5 times the light flux and have an average lifespan of 5
times more than that of halogen bulbs, this means that, except due to unusual circum-
stances, there is no need to change the bulbs for the whole life of the vehicle.
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If and when
234Towing and tow-startingTo w - s t a r t i n g *
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting
is preferable ⇒ page 231.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2nd or the 3rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing
vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
CommentsPlease observe the following points if you use a tow-rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto- matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake sooner than normal
and pressing the pedal gently.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times when towing.Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material.
Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a
towing bracket.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow.
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