2012 Seat Mii engine oil

147
Starting, changing gears, parking
Steering Introduction
The power steering* is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of this steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
With the electromechanical steering system, the power steering function au-
tomatically adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and
the wheel turning angle. The electromechanical steering only works when
the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 119
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 276
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more difficult to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
 Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution

(red)Electromechanical steering
faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible.

(yellow)Electromechanical steering
operation reduced.
The steering system should be
checked by a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short dis-
tance, the yellow warning light
no longer comes on, it will not
be necessary to take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop.
flashesPossible causeSolution

(red)Fault in the steering column
electronic lock. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.

(yellow)
Steering column deviation.Gently turn the steering wheel
to and fro.
Steering wheel not un-
locked or locked.
Remove the key from the igni-
tion and then switch the igni-
tion back on. If necessary,
check the messages displayed
on the instrument panel dis-
play.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after
the ignition has been switched
on. You should obtain profes-
sional assistance. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

176At the filling station
Note
● The filling nozzles of natural gas pumps can differ in the way they are
operated. If you are unacquainted with the pump, it is advisable that a
member of staff of the service station performs the refuelling operation.
● Noises heard when refuelling are normal and do not indicate the pres-
ence of a fault in the system.
● The vehicle natural gas system is prepared both for refuelling with a
small compressor (slow refuel) and a large compressor (fast refuel) in natu-
ral gas service stations. 
Refuelling precautions
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not famil-
iar with the operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards
and if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary
⇒ page 180, Working in the engine compartment! In such a case, have any
work carried out by a Specialised workshop. Check the following regularly,
preferably when you refuel:
¥ Windscreen washer fluid level
⇒ page 91
¥ Engine oil level
⇒ page 185
¥ Engine coolant level
⇒ page 189
¥ Brake fluid level
⇒ page 134
¥ Tyre pressure ⇒ page 210
¥ Vehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
– Turn signals
– Side lights, dipped beam and main beam headlights
– Rear lights
– Brake lights
– Rear fog light ⇒ page 84
Information on bulb replacement ⇒ page 264. 

180In the engine compartment
Care, cleaning and maintenance
In the engine compartment
Working in the engine compartmentIntroduction
Before working in the engine compartment, make sure that the vehicle is
parked on horizontal and firm ground.
The engine compartment of the vehicle is a hazardous area. Never work on
the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the op-
erations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially if
you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒ 
! In such
a case, have any work carried out by a Specialised workshop. Negligent
work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● Windscreen wash system ⇒ page 91
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 119
● Brake fluid ⇒ page 134
● Checks when filling up ⇒ page 171
● Engine oil ⇒ page 185
● Engine coolant ⇒ page 189
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
If the vehicle moves unexpectedly, this could cause serious injury.
● Never work underneath the vehicle if it is not secured against moving.
If you must work underneath the vehicle with the wheels in contact with
the ground then it should be parked on flat ground, the wheels should be
prevented from moving and the key must be removed from the ignition.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!.
The jack is not intended for this kind of work and its failure could lead to
severe injuries.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system.
WARNING
The engine compartment is a dangerous area capable of causing serious
injury.
● For all type of work, always take the utmost precautions, work care-
fully and note the general safety standards in force. Never take personal
risks.
● Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not
familiar with the necessary operations. If you are not sure about proce-
dures then visit a Specialised workshop to carry out the necessary work.
Incorrect work can cause serious injuries. 

182In the engine compartment
WARNING
Refill liquids and certain materials can catch fire easily in the engine
compartment, causing a fire and serious injury!
● Never smoke.
● Never work close to places exposed to flames or sparks.
● Never pour service fluids over the engine. These fluid may ignite hot
engine parts and cause injuries.
● If it is necessary to work on the fuel system or the electrical system,
please follow the instructions below:
–Always disconnect the vehicle battery.
– Never work close to heaters, heat sources or places exposed to
flames or sparks.
● Always keep a recently serviced and perfectly working fire extin-
guisher close by.
CAUTION
When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liquids
into the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause serious
malfunctions and damage the engine!
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. Take
the vehicle to a Specialised workshop to be checked if you see stains, oil or
other fluids on the ground. Collect any spilt service fluids and allow a pro-
fessional to dispose of them. Preparing the vehicle for work in the engine compartment
Checklist
Carry out the operations below in the order indicated before starting work in
the engine compartment
⇒ 
:
¥ Park the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
¥ Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a stand-
still.
¥ Apply the handbrake firmly
⇒ page 134.
¥ Move the gear lever into the neutral position
⇒ page 124.
¥ Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition
⇒ page 119.
¥ Wait for the engine to cool down.
¥ Always keep children and other people far from the engine compart-
ment.
¥ Ensure that the vehicle can not move off unexpectedly.
WARNING
Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe the
general rules of safety.
● Ignoring this checklist, drawn up for your own safety, could result in
serious injury.


185
In the engine compartment
Engine oil Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 180
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
Incorrectly handling engine oil can cause injury and serious burns.
● Always protect your eyes when handling engine oil.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
● Engine oil must only be kept closed in its original container. The same
applies to use oil until it has been disposed of.
● Never store engine oil in empty food containers or bottles as other
people may accidentally drink it.
● Regular contact with engine oil can be bad for the skin. If you come
into contact with engine oil, wash your skin with soap and water.
● With the engine running, the engine oil gets extremely hot and can
cause severe skin burns. Always wait until the engine has fully cooled.
For the sake of the environment
Similar to the other service liquids, spilled engine oil can be bad for the en-
vironment. Collect any spilt fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in
accordance with legislation and with the utmost respect for the environ-
ment. Warning and control lamps
flashesPossible causeSolution
Engine oil pressure too low.

Stop the vehicle!
Switch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level, and if necessa-
ry, refill with ⇒ page 186.
engine oil - If the warning indica-
tor flashes although the oil level
is correct, do not continue driv-
ing or leave the engine running.
Otherwise, the engine could be
damaged. You should obtain
professional assistance.
WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● 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. 
Engine oil specifications
Replacement engine oil must strictly comply with the specifications. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

186In the engine compartment
The correct oil must be used to ensure the correct operation and long serv-
ice life of the engine. The engine comes with a high-quality multigrade oil
that can generally be used all year round.
Only use an engine oil that complies to SEAT standards whenever possible
⇒ 
. Only refill engine oil using approved engine oil in accordance with the
corresponding SEAT standard ( ⇒ table on page 186). All oils indicated are
synthetic multigrade oils .
Engine oils are being continuously further developed. Technical Services
are permanently informed of any modifications. SEAT therefore recommends
that you have the engine oil changed by a Technical Service.
EnginesSpecifications of engine oil with a service dependent on time/dis- tance travelled
44 kW - 55 kW Petrol enginesVW 504 00, VW 502 00
CAUTION
● Only use engine oils whose specifications are expressly approved by
SEAT. The use of any other type of engine oil could cause engine damage!
● No additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused by the
use of such additives would not be covered by the factory warranty. Checking the engine oil level and topping up
Fig. 111 Marked engine
oil dipstick
Fig. 112 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
Preparations
● Park the vehicle on flat ground so that the engine oil reading is correct.
● The engine must be hot to be able to check the engine oil level. Stop the
engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the sump. 

187
In the engine compartment
● Open the bonnet  ⇒  page 180.
● The engine oil filler mouth can be recognised by the symbol  on the
cap ⇒ Fig. 112 and the dipstick by its coloured handle.
Check the engine oil level
● Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean cloth.
● Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go. If the dipstick to
measure engine oil has a mark, when you reintroduce it this mark should
slot into the corresponding groove located on the upper end of the tube.
● Remove the dipstick again and check the engine oil level ⇒ table on
page 187.
● After reading the oil level, replace the dipstick in the tube completely.
Engine oil topping up ranges
Fig. 111Operations required depending on the engine oil topping
up level:
Area ADo not top up oil
⇒ .Area BYou can add oil, but keep the level in this zone.
Area COil
must be added. After topping up the oil level should be
in area B.
Adding oil after checking the level
Only add engine oil in small quantities and in steps.
●
Unscrew the cap from engine oil filler mouth on the cylinder head
⇒ Fig. 112. If you are not sure where the cap is, request help from a special-
ist.
● Only refill using approved SEAT engine oil in small quantities (no more
than 0.5 ltr) ⇒ page 185.
● To avoid adding too much oil, each time you add a quantity, wait until
the oil has flowed into the crankcase so that it can be measured with the
dipstick.
● Check the oil level before adding any more oil. Do not top up with too
much engine oil ⇒ 
. ●
When the oil level is in at least the ⇒ Fig. 111 B
zone, insert the dip-
stick into the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping when the engine is run-
ning.
● After topping up the oil, ensure that the cap is screwed on to the filler
mouth correctly.
WARNING
Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact with hot engine components.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
● Always ensure that after topping of oil, the engine oil filler cap is cor-
rectly tightened. This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot engine parts
when the engine is running.
CAUTION
● If the engine oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. You
should obtain professional assistance. Otherwise catalytic converter and
engine damage may occur.
● When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liq-
uids into the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause seri-
ous malfunctions and damage the engine!
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A. Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the ex-
haust system. 
Engine oil consumption
The consumption of engine oil can be different from one engine to another
and can vary during the useful life of the engine. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

188In the engine compartment
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is
used, oil consumption can be up to 1 ltr./2000 km. In the case of new vehi-
cles, the consumption can exceed this figure over 5000 kilometres. For this
reason the engine oil level must be checked at regular intervals, preferably
when filling the tank and before a journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, or when climbing mountain passes, the oil
level should preferably be kept within area ⇒ Fig. 111 A
. 
Changing the engine oil
The engine oil must be changed regularly according to the specifications of
the Maintenance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of used oil and the need for suit-
able tools and special knowledge, always visit a Specialised workshop to
have the engine oil and filter changed. SEAT recommends visiting a Techni-
cal Service.
Detailed information on the service intervals are shown in the Maintenance
Programme.
Engine oil additives make new oil darker after the engine has been running
for a short period. This is normal and does not mean more frequent oil
changes are required.
WARNING
If, in exceptional circumstances, you must change the engine oil yourself,
please note the following:
● Wear eye protection.
WARNING (Continued)
● Always wait until the engine has completely cooled to avoid being
burned.
● Always keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drainage
bolt so that the oil does not run down your arms when it begins to drain.
● Use a suitable and large enough container to collect all of the used oil
in the engine.
● Never collect engine oil in empty food containers, cans, bottles and
other containers as not all people are able to identify engine oil.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
For the sake of the environment
Before changing the engine oil, find a suitable location or service for proper
disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Always dispose of engine oil with the utmost respect for the environment.
Never dispose of used engine oil in places such as a garden, woods, drains,
roads, paths, rivers and drainage systems. 