2011 Seat Altea XL coolant reservoir

Checking and refilling levels
234•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.•Al wa ys m ake s u re yo u ha ve n o t l e f t a ny o bj e c t s , s u ch as cl e an i n 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.•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
− Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and long hair do not get
trapped in rotating engine parts. Da nger of death. Before starting any
work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting
clothes.
− Never accelerate with a gear engaged without taking the necessary
precautions. The vehicle could move, even if the handbrake is applied.
Danger of death.•If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered. −
Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames.
− Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Caution
When topping up service fluids, make sure not to mistake them. Using the
wrong fluids could cause serious malfunctions and engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
should make regular checks on the grou nd underneath your vehicle. If you
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected at a specialised
workshop.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels241
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 233.
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 293.
Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications ⇒ page 240.
D o not use a d if fe re nt ty pe of add it ive if G 1 2+ add iti ve is n ot a vaila ble . In th is
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
⇒ page 240.
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 (purple) may be mixed with G 12 (red) and also with G 11.
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 233.•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. 168 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap
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Checking and refilling levels
242
Caution•When mixed with other additives the colour of G 12 will change to brown.
If this occurs you should have the coolant changed immediately. Failure to do
so will result in engine damage!•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 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 233.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. 169 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
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Technical Specifications293
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
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
Engine oil filler cap
Engine oil dipstick
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery (underneath the cover)
The checking and refilling of service fluids are carried out on the components
mentioned above. These operations are described in the ⇒page 233. Overview
You will find further explanations, instructions and restrictions on the tech-
nical specifications as of
⇒page 289.
Fig. 210 Diagram for the
location of the various
elements
A1A2A3A4A5A6
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