227
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
If large stains form on the belts, it will not retract correctly into the automat-
ic belt retractor.
WARNING
● Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts, as this can im-
pair the strength of the webbing. Ensure that belts do not come into con-
tact with corrosive fluids.
● Check the condition of the seat belts at regular intervals. If you notice
that the belt webbing, fittings, retractor mechanism or buckle of any of
the belts is damaged, the belt must be replaced by a specialised work-
shop.
● Do not attempt to repair a damaged seat belt yourself. The seat belts
must not be removed or modified in any way.
CAUTION
After cleaning, allow seat belts to dry completely before rolling them up.
Otherwise, the belt retractors could become damaged.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
228Accessories, replacement of parts and modifications
Accessories, replacement of parts and modifications
Accessories and spare parts
Always consult a SEAT dealership before purchasing acces-
sories and parts.
Your vehicle is designed to offer a high standard of active and passive safe-
ty.
Before purchasing accessories and parts, and before making technical
changes to your vehicle, we recommend you to consult your Technical Serv-
ice.
SEAT dealerships will be happy to provide you with the latest information
about the use, legal requirements and recommendations from the manufac-
turer regarding accessories and parts.
We recommend you use only SEAT Approved Accessories®
and SEAT Ap-
proved Spare Parts ®
. This way, SEAT can guarantee that the product in
question is suitable, reliable and safe. SEAT Technical Services have the
necessary experience and facilities to ensure that parts are correctly and
professionally installed.
Despite a continuous observation of the market, SEAT is not able to assess
the reliability, safety and suitability of those parts SEAT has not approved.
For this reason, SEAT cannot assume responsibility for any non-genuine
parts used, even if these parts have been approved by an official testing
agency or are covered by an official approval certificate.
Any equipment subsequently installed which has a direct effect on the driv-
er's control of the vehicle (e.g. cruise control system or electronically-con-
trolled suspension) must be approved by SEAT and bear the e mark (the Eu-
ropean Union's authorisation symbol). If any
additional electrical components are fitted which do not serve to con-
trol the vehicle itself (e.g. refrigerator box, laptop or ventilator fan), these
must bear the CE mark (European Union manufacturer conformity declara-
tion).
WARNING
Accessories, for example telephone holders or cup holders, should never
be fitted on the covers, or within the working range, of the airbags. Oth-
erwise, there is a danger of injury if the airbag is triggered in an accident.
Technical modifications
Modifications must always be carried out according to our
specifications.
Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or software in the
vehicle may cause malfunctions. Due to the way the electronic components
are linked together in networks, other indirect systems may be affected by
the faults. This can seriously impair safety, lead to excessive wear of compo-
nents, and also invalidate your vehicle registration documents.
SEAT Technical Services cannot be held liable for any damage caused by
modifications and/or work incorrectly performed.
For this reason, we recommend having all work performed by a SEAT Techni-
cal Service using Genuine SEAT®
Spare Parts.
229
Accessories, replacement of parts and modifications
WARNING
Incorrectly performed modifications or other kind of work on your vehicle
can lead to malfunctions and cause accidents.
Mobile phones and two-way radios
First consult your Technical Service if you wish to use a mobile telephone or
a two-way radio with a transmitting power output in excess of 10 watts.
Here you will receive information concerning the technical possibilities for
retrofitting this equipment.
Mobile telephones and two-way radios should be only fitted by a special-
ised workshop, for example a SEAT dealership.
WARNING
● Always concentrate primarily on driving. If you are distracted while
driving you could have an accident.
● Never attach the telephone mountings to the surfaces covering the
airbag units or within the range of the airbags. There is a high danger of
injury if the airbag is triggered.
Note
Please observe the operating instructions of your mobile telephone / two-
way radio. Athermic windscreen*
Fig. 176 Location of the
electronic toll collection
system
Vehicles with an athermic windscreen have an area without athermic treat-
ment above the rear view mirror ⇒ Fig. 176. This area has been designed for
the operating of electronic components of fitted devices (e.g. electronic toll
collection system).
Note
The customer should ensure that the electronic toll collection system is fit-
ted in the correct area to make sure it works correctly.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
231
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
● Fuel is highly flammable and can cause serious burns and other inju-
ries.
–Never smoke or use an open flame when filling the fuel tank of the
vehicle, or a spare fuel canister, with fuel. This is an explosion haz-
ard.
– Follow legal requirements for the use of spare fuel canisters.
– For safety reasons we do not recommend carrying a spare fuel can-
ister in the vehicle. The canister could be damaged in an accident and
leak.
● If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to carry a spare fuel canis-
ter, please observe the following points:
–Never fill the spare fuel canister inside the vehicle or on it. An elec-
trostatic charge could build up during filling, causing the fuel fumes
to ignite. This could cause an explosion. Always place the canister on
the ground to fill it.
– Insert the fuel nozzle into the mouth of the canister as far as possi-
ble.
– If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filling nozzle must
be in contact with the canister during filling. This helps prevent an
electrostatic charge building up.
– Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment. Fuel
vapours are explosive. Danger of death.
CAUTION
● Fuel spills should be removed from the paintwork immediately.
● Never run the tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply could cause
misfiring. As a result, unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
cause damage.
● When filling the fuel tank after having run it completely dry on a vehicle
with a diesel engine the ignition must be switched on for at least 30 sec-
onds without starting the engine. When you then start the engine it may take longer than normal (up to one minute) for the engine to start firing.
This is due to the fact that the fuel system has to purge itself of air before
starting.
For the sake of the environment
Do not try to put in more fuel after the automatic filler nozzle has switched
off; this may cause the fuel to overflow if it becomes warm.
Petrol Petrol types
The recommended fuel types are listed on a sticker inside
the fuel tank flap.
Only unleaded petrol conforming to standard DIN EN 228 may be used for
vehicles with catalytic converters (EN = “European Standard”).
Fuel types are differentiated by the octane rating, e.g: 91, 95, 98 RON (RON
= “Research Octane Number”, unit for determining the knock resistance of
petrol). You may use petrol with a higher octane number than the one rec-
ommended for your engine. However, this has no advantage in terms of fuel
consumption and engine power.
The correct fuel type for your vehicle is given in the technical table for the
engine, in the Technical Data section.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
233
Checking and refilling levels
Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.
Winter-grade diesel
When using summer-grade diesel fuel, difficulties may be experienced at
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel thickens due to wax separation. For
this reason, winter-grade diesel fuel is available in some countries during
the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22°C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel generally sold
has different temperature characteristics. Check with a Technical Service or
filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel fuels
available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter glow plug system, making it well
equipped for operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains
operational to approx. -24°C, provided you use winter-grade diesel that is
safe to -15°C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not
start at temperatures of under -24°C, simply place the vehicle in a warm
place for a while.
CAUTION
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners or similar products) with diesel fuel. Bonnet
Releasing the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Fig. 178 Detail of foot-
well area on driver side:
lever for unlocking the
bonnet.
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dash panel
⇒ Fig. 178 in the direction indicated (arrow).
The bonnet springs out of its lock.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
235
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an
added safety risk from the rotating parts (e.g. drive belts, alternator, ra-
diator fan, etc.) and from the high-voltage ignition system.
● Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system
or the electrical system is necessary:
–Always disconnect the battery.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near open flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.
CAUTION
When topping up fluids, make sure the correct fluid is put into the correct
filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunctions or engine
damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any leaks are
detected at an early stage. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your
vehicle inspected at the workshop.
● When the external temperature and level of humidity are high or when
the engine stops, it is possible for water to drop from the air conditioning
system evaporator potentially forming a small puddle on the ground. This is
normal and does not indicate a leak.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles some of the reservoirs mentioned below are lo-
cated on the other side of the engine compartment. Closing the bonnet
–
To close the bonnet, push it down until it overcomes the spring
pressure.
– Let the bonnet engage in the locking part. Do not force it ⇒
.
WARNING
● For safety reasons the bonnet must always be completely closed
when the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check that it is proper-
ly secured. The bonnet must be flush with the adjacent body panels.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when the ve-
hicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet. Fail-
ure to do so could result in an accident.
Engine oil General notes
The engine is factory-filled with a special multi-grade oil that can be used all
year round.
As the use of high quality oil is essential for the correct operation of the en-
gine and its long useful life, when topping up or replacement is necessary
use only those oils that conform to the requirements of the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should ap-
pear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the
oil can be used for both types of engines.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
236Checking and refilling levels
We recommend that the oil change, indicated in the Maintenance Pro-
gramme, be performed by a Technical Service or a specialised workshop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in ⇒ page 236, Oil
properties.
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife service) or fixed (dependent on
time/distance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the “Maintenance Programme”
booklet is PR QI6, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service pro-
grammed. If it lists the codes QI1, QI2, QI3, QI4 or QI7, the interval service
is dependent on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the
characteristics and individual driving profiles, allow to extend the oil
change service (LongLife service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the service intervals, it must only
be used observing the following indications:
● Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service intervals.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 237 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up
(once) with oil for fixed service intervals (up to a maximum of 0.5 litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife service interval” or it has been
disabled (by request), you may use oils for fixed service intervals, which al-
so appear in ⇒ page 236, Oil properties. In this case, your vehicle must be
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15 000 km (whatever comes first)
⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme. ●
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 237 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you
can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification ACEA A2 or
ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel engines) (up to 0.5
l).
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
All Exeo vehicles with a diesel engine have a diesel particulate filter and
must only be filled with VW 507 00 engine oil, which has a low level of soot
formation. 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 237 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 typeSpecificationPetrolVW 502 00/ VW 504 00Diesel. Engines with particu-
late filter (DPF) a)VW 507 00
a)
Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
Oils for LongLife service intervals *Engine typeSpecificationPetrolVW 504 00DieselVW 507 00
237
Checking and refilling levels
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 oil level
Fig. 180 Markings on oil
dipstick
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the service tempera-
ture 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. 180. If
the oil level is too low, add more engine oil ⇒ page 238.
Oil level in area a
–
Do not add oil ⇒ in Topping up the engine oil on
page 238.
Oil level in area b
–
You can add oil, but keep the level in this zone.
Oil level in area c
–
Oil must be added. Afterwards, the oil level should be in the
lined area B.
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. Therefore, the engine oil level must be
checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a
journey.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications