2012 Seat Mii oil temperature

15
Instrument panel
Instrument panel Control and warning lamps
The control and warning lamps are indicators of warnings, ⇒ , faults ⇒ or certain functions. Some control and warning lamps come on when the ig-
nition is switched on, and go out when the engine starts running, or while
driving.
When certain control and warning lamps are lit, an audible warning is also
heard.
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
Handbrake applied.
⇒ page 134

 Do not continue driving!
The brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the brake system.

lights up:  Do not continue driving!
The liquid coolant level is too low,
the engine liquid coolant temperature is too
high or
there is a fault in the liquid coolant system.
⇒ page 189
flashes: Engine coolant system faulty.⇒ page 189
 Do not continue driving!
Engine oil pressure too low.⇒ page 185

lights up or flashes:  Do not continue driv-
ing!
Fault in the steering.⇒ page 147
On the instrument panel: Driver or passen-
ger has not fastened seat belt.
⇒ page 57
Instrument panel display: A passenger in
the rear seats has fastened their seatbelt.
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
A passenger in the rear seats has not fas-
tened their seat belt.⇒ page 57

Faulty generator.⇒ page 193Vehicles with the Start-Stop system: it is
necessary to start the engine manually.⇒ page 160

flashes in addition to the rest of the seg-
ments of the fuel gauge: Fuel tank almost
empty.⇒ page 171

flashes quickly: The City Safety Assist sys-
tem* function brakes automatically or has
braked automatically. Or:
flashes slowly: City Safety Assist function is
not currently available.
⇒ page 155
 The City Safety Assist* function has been
connected manually. It switches off after 5
seconds.
 flashes: The City Safety Assist* function has
been manually disconnected.
 
after the ignition is switched on: Indication
for the approach of the end of the period for
an inspection to be carried out.⇒ page 17

lights up: ESC* faulty or disconnected by
the system. ALTERNATIVELY:
flashes: ESC* or ASR regulating.
⇒ page 134
lights up: Traction Control faulty or switched
off by the system. ALTERNATIVELY:
flashes: Traction Control regulator operat-
ing.
ABS faulty or does not work. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

21
Instrument panel
WARNING
Although the outside temperature is above freezing, some roads and
bridges may be frozen.
● At an outside temperature of above +4 °C (+39 °F), even when the
“ice crystal” is not visible, there may still be ice on the road.
● Never rely totally on the outside temperature indicator!
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they appear may result in faults in
the vehicle.
Note
Different versions of the instrument panel are available and therefore the
versions and instructions on the display may vary.
Note
When several warnings are active at the same time, the symbols are shown
successively for a few seconds. The symbols will stay on until the fault is
rectified. 
Service interval display
The inspection display appears on the instrument panel display ⇒ Fig. 9
or ⇒ Fig. 10 2.
SEAT makes a difference between services with engine oil change (Mainte-
nance Service) and services without engine oil change (Inspection Service).
The service interval display only gives information for service dates which
involve an engine oil change. The dates of the remaining services (for exam-
ple, the next Inspection Service or change of brake fluid) are listed on the
label attached to the door strut, or even in the Maintenance Programme. The set service intervals have been specified with
the service dependent on
time/distance travelled.
Inspection reminder
If the inspection period is due to expire shortly, Inspection reminder ap-
pears when starting the ignition abbreviated to  and a warning in km. The
number of kilometres shown is the maximum number that may be driven
until the next service.
Service due
After the service date, an audible warning is given when the ignition is
switched on and the abbreviation  displayed on the screen flashes for a
few seconds.
Note
The service message disappears after a few seconds, when the engine is
started or when OK
is pressed on the windscreen wiper lever.
Note
In vehicles in which the battery has been disconnected for a long period of
time, it is not possible to calculate the date of the next service. Therefore
the service interval display may not be correct. In this case, please check
the maximum permitted service intervals ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Pro-
gramme. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

190In the engine compartment
WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Always observe any lit warning lamps.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they appear may result in faults in
the vehicle.
Note
On the display of the Portable Navigation System (supplied by SEAT)
⇒ page 222 an engine coolant temperature gauge can be seen. 
Engine coolant specifications
The engine cooling system is supplied from the factory with a specially trea-
ted mixture of water and, at least, 40 % of the additive G 13 (TLVW 774 J).
The engine coolant additive is recognisable by its purple colour. This mix-
ture of water and additive gives the necessary frost protection down to
-25 °C (-13 °F) and protects the light alloy parts of the cooling system
against corrosion. It also prevents scaling and considerably raises the boil-
ing point of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the percentage of additive must al-
ways be at least 40 %, even in warm climates where anti-freeze protection is
not required.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
additive can be increased. However, the percentage of additive should not exceed 60 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and, in turn, de-
crease the cooling capacity.
When the coolant is topped up, use a mixture of
distilled water and, at
least, 40 % of the G 13 or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) additive (both are
purple) to obtain an optimum anticorrosion protection ⇒ 
. The mixture of
G 13 with G 12 plus (TL-VW 774 F), G 12 (red) or G 11 (green-blue) engine
coolants will significantly reduce the anticorrosion protection and should,
therefore be avoided ⇒ 
.
WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the coolant system, the engine may
fail leading to serious damage.
● Please make sure that the percentage of additive is correct with re-
spect to the lowest expected ambient temperature in the zone in which
the vehicle is to be used.
● When the outside temperature is very low, the coolant could freeze
and the vehicle would be immobilised. In this case, the heating would
not work either and inadequately dressed passengers could die of cold.
CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed with coolants which are not
approved by SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to
the engine and the engine cooling system.
● If the fluid in the expansion tank is not purple but is, for example,
brown, this indicates that the G 13 additive has been mixed with an inade-
quate coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case! This could result in serious faults and engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. If any fluids are
spilled, they should be collected and correctly disposed of, with respect to
the environment. 

198Vehicle care and maintenance
For the sake of the environment
The remains of vehicle care products should not be disposed of with ordina-
ry household waste. Observe information provided by the manufacturer. 
Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap,
road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive ma-
terials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork.
High temperatures (for instance due to strong sunlight) further intensify the
corrosive effect. The vehicle undercarriage should also be thoroughly wash-
ed at regular intervals.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at the automatic car wash. The
standard precautionary measures prior to entering the car wash should be
taken to avoid damage to the vehicle (close all windows, fold in exterior mir-
rors). If the vehicle is fitted with additional components (spoiler, roof-rack,
aerial...), check with the car wash supervisor whether these can enter the
car wash ⇒ 
.
The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the vehicle can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car washing tunnel. However, wear and
damage to the paintwork will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT
recommends the use of car washes without brushes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to prevent wiper blades from
scratching, please observe the following ⇒ page 200, Cleaning windows
and exterior mirrors.
Washing the vehicle by hand
When washing the vehicle by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt
first, and rinse off as well as possible. Then clean the vehicle with a soft
sponge, glove or brush using only slight
pressure. Start at the roof and work downwards. Special vehicle shampoo
should only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second sponge for
this.
WARNING
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause injury.
● Protect arms and hands from sharp edges when cleaning the vehicle
undercarriage or the interior of the wheel hubs.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced
(and the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter)
on the brakes.
● “Dry the brakes and remove ice” by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process.
CAUTION
● The temperature of the water must not exceed +60 °C (+140 °F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
● Do not use rough sponges or similar which could damage the surface to
clean away the traces of insects.
● Never wipe the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge, always moisten
first. It is best to use soapy water.
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle
with a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around
the doors, rear lid, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze! 

204Vehicle care and maintenance
WARNING
Additional underseal or anti-corrosion products could catch fire due to
the high temperatures reached by the exhaust gas system and other en-
gine components.
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion products to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, heat shields or other parts of the ve-
hicle which reach high temperatures.

Cleaning the engine compartment
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially hazardous
area ⇒ page 180. The engine compartment should only be cleaned by qualified personnel. If
it is not correctly cleaned, the anti-corrosion coating and consequently elec-
trical components may be damaged. Moreover, water may filter directly into
the vehicle interior through the water chamber ⇒ 
.
If the engine compartment is very dirty, always take the vehicle to a Special-
ised workshop for professional cleaning. SEAT recommends visiting a Tech-
nical Service.
Water box
The water box is in the engine compartment, between the windscreen and
the engine, and beneath a perforated cover. Air is taken in through the wa-
ter box from outside to the vehicle interior via the heating and air condition-
ing system.
Leaves and other loose objects should be regularly cleaned away from the
water box either by hand or with a vacuum.
WARNING
When working on the engine or in the engine compartment, there is a
risk of injury, burns, accident or fire.
● Before starting work, please ensure you are familiar with the required
procedure and the safety precautions ⇒ page 180.
● SEAT recommends you have this work performed by a specialised
workshop.
CAUTION
If water is manually poured into the water box (for example, using a high
pressure cleaning appliance), this could cause significant damage to the ve-
hicle.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the engine compartment in areas allocated for this purpose, to
prevent dirty water which may be contaminated by oil, grease or fuel, from
entering the drains. In some districts, the engine compartment may not be
washed outside the wash bays provided for this purpose. 

224Vehicle care and maintenance
Fluids and consumables
All vehicle fluids and consumables , such as notched belts, tyres, coolant
fluids, engine oils, spark plugs and batteries are continually being devel-
oped. Therefore all fluids and consumables should be changed at a Special-
ised workshop. Technical Services are permanently informed of any modifi-
cations.
WARNING
The incorrect use or handling of fluids or consumables may result in acci-
dent, serious injury, burns or intoxication.
● Therefore, fluids must always be stored closed in their original con-
tainer.
● Never store fluids in empty food containers or bottles as other people
may accidentally drink the fluid.
● Keep all fluids and consumables out of reach of children.
● Read and observe the information and warnings given on the fluid
containers.
● Only work in the open air or in well-ventilated zones, when using
products which give off harmful vapours.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, acetone or any other volatile
liquid in the maintenance of the vehicle. These are toxic and highly flam-
mable. They could lead to fire or explosions!
CAUTION
● Only use appropriate fluids. Never mix the fluids. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine damage!
● Accessories and other components mounted in front of the air inlet re-
duce the cooling effect of the coolant. If the engine is running under great
strain in high outside temperatures, it could overheat.
For the sake of the environment
Leaking fluids could pollute the environment. Collect any spilt fluids in suit-
able containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation and with re-
spect for the environment. 
Repairs and technical changes
When performing repairs and technical modifications, SEAT's directives
must be observed! ⇒ 
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 may significantly affect the vehicle's performance, increase
component wear and could mean that the vehicle registration documents
are no longer valid.
Your SEAT Official Service cannot be held liable for any damage caused by
technical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly.
The SEAT Official Service does not accept liability for damage resulting from
technical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly; neither is the SEAT
warranty valid in these cases.
SEAT recommends you have any technical modifications or repairs per-
formed at a SEAT Official Service and that you use genuine SEAT spare
parts ®
.
Vehicles with special accessories and equipment
The manufacturers of additional equipment guarantee that the equipment
complies with applicable laws and regulations with respect to the environ-
ment, in particular Directives 2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehicles while the second refers to
the restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances
and preparations. 

236Vehicle care and maintenance
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Changing gear ⇒  page 124
● Refuelling ⇒  page 171
● Fuel ⇒ page 177
● Engine oil ⇒ page 185
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Information stored in the control units ⇒ page 222
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 276
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust sys-
tem.
 Control lamps
lights
upPossible causeSolution
Fault in engine management
(Electronic Power Control).Take the vehicle to a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
Fault in catalytic converter.
You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next Specialised work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.
flashesPossible causeSolution

Combustion fault which could
damage the catalytic convert-
er.You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next Specialised work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.
Several warning and control lamps light up for a few seconds when the igni-
tion is switched on while a test of the function is being carried out. They will
switch off after a few seconds.
CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descriptions
and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Note
While the control lamps  or  maintain lit up, the engine will present
faults, a higher consumption of fuel and a loss of engine power. 

Driving abroadCheck list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Driving advice Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Temporary spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Driving in winter Fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Tyre pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Windscreen washer bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Driving through water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Driving tips Driving a loaded vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Dust filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
E
Ecological driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Economic driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
EDL See "Brake assist systems" . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Electrical components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117, 241
Electrical consumers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Electrical power socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Electric windows Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
see Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Electronic differential lock system (EDL) . . . . 140 Electronic immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . 139
Emergency brake indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Emergency locking and unlocking . . . . . . . . . 243
Driver door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Passenger door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Emission control system Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Engaging gears Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Engine Noises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine and ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 12 Volt sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Unauthorised vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Water box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Checking the level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Filler mouth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
G 12 plus-plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
G 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Refilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Engine management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Checking the oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Filler mouth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 see Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . 139
Event Data Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Exterior aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Controlling function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Vehicle care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Exterior views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
F
FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Fault Parking distance warning system . . . . . . . 150
295
Index