
143
Driving
Start-Stop function conditions
● The driver seat belt must be buckled.
● The engine hood must be closed.
● The engine must be at operating temperature
● The steering wheel must be straight.
● The vehicle must be on flat ground.
● The vehicle must not be in reverse.
● A trailer must not be connected.
● The temperature of the passenger compartment must be within the con-
venience limits ( AC
button should be selected).
● The windscreen de-mist function must be off.
● If in an increase in airflow is not requested.
● The temperature must not be set to HI or LO.
● The driver door must be closed.
● The diesel particulate filter must not be in regeneration mode, for diesel
engines.
● The battery charge must not be low for the next start.
● The battery temperature must be between -1 °C and 55 °C.
Start-Stop function interruption
In the following situations, the Start-Stop function will be interrupted and
the engine will automatically start:
● The vehicle starts moving.
● The brake pedal is pressed several times in a row.
● The battery has been discharged excessively.
● The Start-Stop System is manually deactivated.
● The windscreen de-mist function is turned on.
● The temperature of the passenger compartment exceeds the conven-
ience limits ( AC
button).
● If the airflow is increased by more than 3 presses. ●
Temperature setting HI or LO is selected.
● The engine coolant temperature is insufficient.
● The alternator is faulty, for example the V-belt has ruptured.
● If any of the conditions described in the previous section are not fulfil-
led.
WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the engine off for any reason. You
could lose control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and seri-
ous injury.
● The brake servo does not work with the engine off. You need more
force to stop the vehicle.
● Power steering does not work when the engine is not running. That is
why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system when driving through water (ford-
ing streams, etc.).
Note
● For vehicles with the Start-Stop function and a manual gearbox, when
the engine is started, the clutch must be pressed.
● When the conditions for the Start-Stop function are not fulfilled, the in-
strument panel displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than 270°, it will not be possible to
start the vehicle again. To start the vehicle, straighten the steering wheel so
that it is turned less than 270°.
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195
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and
refilling fluids, involves the danger 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 en-
gine 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 240. 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 expansion tank 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.
● Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning
cloths 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.WARNING (Continued)
● 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 trap-
ped in rotating engine parts. Danger 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 ap-
plied. Danger of death.
● If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical com-
ponents, 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 ground underneath your vehicle. If you
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a specialised
workshop.
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208Checking and refilling levels
Vehicle battery
Warnings on handling the battery
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves
and eye protection!
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery
is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as
the risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical
system:
● Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes, skin and clothing from acid
and particles containing lead.
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves and
eye protection. Do not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through the
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralise any acid
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.
WARNING (Continued)
● Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited. When han-
dling cables and electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks and electro-
static 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 en-
gine, 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 re-
verse 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.

209
Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● 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 in-
structions on working in the engine compartment on page 195
⇒
in Warnings on handling the battery on page 208. For vehi-
cles 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 250. The location of the battery in the luggage com-
partment can be seen in ⇒ fig. 174.
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 spe-
cialist 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 peri-
ods, 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
specifications of your vehicle.
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210Checking and refilling levels
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 208.
For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. They
must be disposed of appropriately and must not be disposed of with ordi-
nary household waste.
Wheels
General notes
Avoiding 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. –
When removed, the wheels and/or tyres should be stored in a
cool, dry and preferably dark location.
– Store tyres in a vertical position if they are not fitted on wheel
rims.
New tyres
New tyres must be run in ⇒ page 167.
The 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 Au-
thorised 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 dam-
age.

227
If and when
Fuses in engine compartment above battery
Fig. 142 Fuses in engine
compartment
Non-metal fuses
NumberConsumerAmpsS1ABS ESP Control unit25S2Electroblower climate heater/fan30S3Automatic gearbox control unit30S4ABS ESP Control unit10S5Electronic control unit5S6Injection module30
Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras.
Please note that the above list contains all data at the time of going to
press, so it is subject to modifications. Bulb change
General notes
Before changing any bulb, first turn off the failed component.
Do not touch the bulb glass. Fingerprints vaporise in the heat, causing a re-
duction in the bulb life and condensation on the mirror surface, thus reduc-
ing efficiency.
A bulb should only be replaced by one of the same type. The type is inscri-
bed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
Below, the light source used for all functions is broken down.
Double headlights - H7 Long Life
- H7
- W5W Long Life - PY 21W
Single headlight - H4 Long Life
- W5W Long Life - PY 21W
Dipped beam
Main beam
Position
Turn signal
Dipped/Main
Position
Turn signal
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

240If and when
–Press the bulb sideways and remove it from its housing
⇒ fig. 167.
Jump-starting
Jump leads
The jump lead must have a sufficient wire cross section. If the engine fails to start because of a discharged battery, the battery can
be connected to the battery of another vehicle to start the engine.
Jump leads
Jump leads must comply with standard DIN 72553 (see manufacturer's doc-
umentation). The wire cross section must be at least 25 mm 2
for petrol en-
gines and at least 35 mm 2
for diesel engines.
Note
● The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow
as soon as the positive terminals are connected.
● The discharged battery must be properly connected to the vehicle elec-
trical system. How to jump start: description
Fig. 168 Diagram for
connecting jump leads if
the vehicle providing as-
sistance the current is
not fitted with the Start-
Stop system: flat battery
A
and battery providing
current B.
Fig. 169 Diagram for
connecting jump leads if
the vehicle providing as-
sistance is fitted with the
Start-Stop system: flat
battery A
and battery
providing current B.
Jump lead terminal connections
1. Switch off the ignition of both vehicles ⇒
.

241
If and when
2. Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal
⇒ fig. 168 +
or ⇒
fig. 169 + of the vehicle with the flat bat-
tery A.
3. Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive ter-
minal +
in the vehicle providing assistance B.
4. On vehicles with no Start-Stop system , connect one end of the
black jump lead to the negative terminal -
in the vehicle pro-
viding assistance B ⇒ fig. 168.
5. On vehicles with the Start-Stop system , connect one end of the
black jump lead X
to a suitable ground terminal, to a solid
metal part bolted to the engine block or to the engine block it-
self ⇒ fig. 169.
6. Connect the other end of the black jump lead X
to a solid met-
al component bolted to the engine block or to the engine block
itself of the vehicle with the flat battery. Do not connect it to a
point near the battery A
.
7. Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the engine compartment.
Starting
8. Start the engine of the vehicle with the boosting battery and let it run at idling speed.
9. Start the engine of the vehicle with the flat battery and wait one or two minutes until the engine is running.
Removing the jump leads
10. Before you remove the jump leads, switch off the headlights (if they are switched on). 11. Turn on the heater blower and heated rear window in the vehi-
cle with the flat battery. This helps minimise voltage peaks
which are generated when the leads are disconnected.
12. When the engine is running, disconnect the leads in reverse order to the details given above.
Connect the battery clamps so they have good metal-to-metal contact with
the battery terminals.
If the engine fails to start, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and
try again after about half a minute.
WARNING
● Please note the safety warnings referring to working in the engine
compartment ⇒ page 194, Working in the engine compartment.
● The battery providing assistance must have the same voltage as the
flat battery (12V) and approximately the same capacity (see imprint on
battery). Failure to comply could result in an explosion.
● Never use jump leads when one of the batteries is frozen. Danger of
explosion! Even after the battery has thawed, battery acid could leak and
cause chemical burns. If a battery freezes, it should be replaced.
● Keep sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes away from batteries, dan-
ger of explosion. Failure to comply could result in an explosion.
● Observe the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the jump
leads.
● Do not connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to
the negative terminal of the flat battery. The gas emitted from the battery
could be ignited by sparks. Danger of explosion.
● Do not attach the negative cable from the other vehicle to parts of the
fuel system or to the brake line.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications