2012 Seat Mii battery

238Practical information
If and when
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
If you suspect that the vehicle has a fault or is damaged when using it, be-
fore consulting a SEAT dealership or a specialised workshop, carefully read
the following instructions. Similarly, the terms in the alphabetical index
“Things to note” or “Checklist” may be of help.
ProblemPossible causes,
among othersPossible solution
The engine does
not start.
The vehicle battery is
flat.– Carry out the jump start
⇒ page 273.
– Charge the battery
⇒ page 193.
You are using an incor-
rect vehicle key.Use the correct key
⇒ page 28.
The fuel tank level is
insufficient.Refuel ⇒ page 171.
The vehicle cannot
be locked or un-
locked with the
key.
– Vehicle key battery is
flat.
– Too far away from
the vehicle.
– Buttons pressed out-
side the radius of
reach.– Change the battery
⇒ page 28.
– Move closer to the vehicle.
– Synchronize the vehicle
key ⇒ page 28.
– Manually lock or unlock
the vehicle ⇒ page 243.
Unusual noises.
Engine cold, City Safe-
ty Assist system, steer-
ing column electronic
lock.See entry “Noises” in the de-
tailed alphabetical index.
ProblemPossible causes,
among othersPossible solution
Handling is
strange.
Assistance systems ac-
tive.See entry “Assistance sys-
tems” in the detailed alpha-
betical index.
You are using an incor-
rect tyre pressure.Check the tyre pressure
⇒ page 210.
Damage to the wheel
trims or tyres.
Inspect wheel trims and
tyres regularly for damage
⇒ page 210 and replace
them if necessary
⇒ page 250.
Vehicle has no
jack, spare wheel
or tire mobility set
present.Equipment subject to
the vehicle.
No direct solution, depends
on the equipment. In this
case, you should contact a
SEAT Dealership
⇒ page 246.
Surface not correct-
ly illuminated.
– Headlights covered
for driving on the left-
hand side or right-
hand side.
– Headlight adjust-
ment too high.
– Faulty bulbs.
– Dipped headlights
switched off.– Cover the headlights for
driving on the left-hand side
or right-hand side
⇒ page 84.
– Adjust the headlight range
⇒ page 84.
– Change the bulbs
⇒ page 264.
– Switch on the dipped
headlights ⇒ page 84. 

239
Practical information
ProblemPossible causes,
among othersPossible solution
The electrical
equipment is not
working.Vehicle battery flat.Charge the battery
⇒ page 193.
Fuel tank level insuffi-
cient.Refuel ⇒ page 171.
A fuse is blown.Check fuse and change if
necessary ⇒ page 261.
Fuel consumption
higher than nor-
mal.
– Short trips.
– “Irregularities in the
accelerator pedal”.– Avoid short trips.
– Foresight when driving.
– Press the accelerator even-
ly.
Electrical equipment
connected.Switch off any unnecessary
electrical equipment.
Fault in engine man-
agement.Have the fault rectified
⇒ page 236.
Tyre pressure too low.Adjust tyre pressure
⇒ page 210.
Driving on hills.No direct solution.Driving with a heavy
load.No direct solution.
Driving at an excessive
engine speed.Shift up a gear.
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Checklist (Continued) 7. When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
8. Place an emergency warning triangle to indicate the position of your vehicle to other road users.
9. Allow the engine to cool and check if a specialist is required.
When being towed with the hazard warning lights system on, a change in
direction or traffic lane can be indicated as usual using the turn signals lev-
er. The hazard lights will be interrupted temporarily.
Examples of when to use the hazard warning lights system:
● If the vehicles ahead suddenly slow down or reach the end of a traffic
jam, to warn the vehicles behind.
● In case of an emergency.
● If the vehicle breaks down.
● When tow-starting or towing.
Always comply with the applicable laws regarding the use of hazard warn-
ing lights.
If the hazard warning lights system is not working, you must use an alterna-
tive method of drawing attention to your vehicle. This method must comply
with traffic legislation.
WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
accidents and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the general rules of safety.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass or fuel).
Note
The vehicle battery will discharge and run down if the hazard warning lights
remain on for too much time (even with the ignition turned off).
Note
For some vehicles, the brake lights will blink when braking suddenly at
speeds of approximately 80 km/h (50 mph) to warn vehicles behind. If brak-
ing continues, then the hazard warning lights system will automatically be
turned on at the speed of less than approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). The
brake lights remain lit. Upon accelerating, the hazard warning lights system
will be automatically turned off. 
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273
Practical information
Starting assistance
Introduction
If the engine fails to start because of a discharged battery, the battery of an-
other vehicle can be used to start the engine. Before starting, check the
magic eye on the battery ⇒ page 193.
For starting assistance, jump lead cables conforming to the standard
DIN 72553 are required (see the cable manufacturer instructions). The cable
section in vehicles with petrol engine must be at least 25 mm 2
.
Additional information and warnings:
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 180
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
WARNING
Incorrect use of jump leads and incorrectly jump starting could cause the
battery to explode resulting in serious injury. Please observe the follow-
ing rules to minimise the risk of a battery explosion:
● All work involving the vehicle battery and electrical system can cause
corrosion, fire and serious electric shocks. Always read and take into ac-
count the safety warnings and standards before beginning work on the
battery ⇒ page 193, Vehicle battery.
● The battery providing current must have the same voltage (12V) and
approximately the same capacity (see markings on battery) as the flat
battery.
● Never charge a frozen or recently thawed battery. A flat battery can al-
so freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C (+32 °F).
● If a battery is frozen and/or has been frozen then it must be replaced.
WARNING (Continued)
● A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is
being charged. Always keep lit cigarettes, open flames, sparks and fire
far from the battery. Never use a mobile telephone when connecting and
removing the jump leads.
● Charge the battery only in well ventilated areas given that when the
battery is charged by outside assistance, it creates a mix of highly explo-
sive gases.
● Jump leads should never enter into contact with moving parts in the
engine compartment.
● Never switch the positive and negative poles or connect the jump
leads incorrectly.
● Note the Instruction Manual provided by the manufacturer of the
jump leads.
CAUTION
To avoid considerable damage to the vehicle electrical system, note the fol-
lowing carefully:
● If the jump leads are incorrectly connected, this could result in a short
circuit.
● The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow
as soon as the positive terminals are connected. 
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274Practical information
How to jump start: description
Fig. 159 Diagram of con-
nections for vehicles
without Start-Stop sys-
tem
Fig. 160 Diagram of con-
nections for vehicles
with Start-Stop system
Jump lead terminal connections
1. Switch off the ignition of both vehicles ⇒ 
.
2. For vehicles without Start-Stop system :–
Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive +
termi-
nal of the vehicle with the flat battery A ⇒ Fig. 159.
– Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive ter-
minal +
in the vehicle providing assistance B.
– Connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative terminal
–
of the vehicle providing assistance B ⇒ Fig. 159.
– 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. However, connect it to
a point as far as possible from the battery A
.
3. For vehicles with Start-Stop system :
– Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive +
termi-
nal of the vehicle with the flat battery A ⇒ Fig. 160.
– Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive ter-
minal +
in the vehicle providing assistance B.
– Connect one end of the black jump lead X
to a suitable ground
terminal, a solid piece of metal in the engine block, or to the en-
gine block ⇒ Fig. 160.
– 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. However, connect it to
a point as far as possible from the battery A
.
4. Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the engine compartment. 

275
Practical information
Starting
5. Start the engine of the vehicle with the boosting battery and let it run at idling speed.
6. 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
7. Before you remove the jump leads, switch off the headlights (if they are switched on).
8. When the engine is running, disconnect the leads in reverse or- der 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 182.
● 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.
WARNING (Continued)
● 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.
● The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to
touch. The jump lead attached to the positive battery terminal must not
touch metal parts of the vehicle, this can cause a short circuit.
● Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact
with any moving parts in the engine compartment.
● Do not bend over the batteries. This could result in chemical burns.
Note
The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as
soon as the positive terminals are connected. 
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276Practical information
Towing and tow starting
Introduction
When towing or tow starting, respect the legal requirements.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to tow a vehicle if the battery is flat.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● Electronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
⇒  page 236
WARNING
A vehicle with a flat battery should never be towed.
● Never remove the key from the ignition lock. Otherwise, the steering
wheel lock could suddenly lock. Then the vehicle will be uncontrollable.
You may lose control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
WARNING
When towing the vehicle, the handling and braking efficiency change
considerably. Please observe the following instructions to minimise the
risk of serious accidents and injury:
● As the driver of the vehicle being towed:
– The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does
not operate. Always remain aware to avoid collision with the towing
vehicle.
– More strength is required at the steering wheel as the power steer-
ing does not operate when the engine is switched off.
● As the driver of the towing vehicle:
– Accelerate gently and carefully.
– Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
– Brake well in advance than usual and brake gently.
CAUTION
● Carefully fit and remove the towing ring and its cover to avoid damage to
the vehicle (for example, paintwork).
● When towing, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and cause dam-
age!
Note
Fitting a towline anchorage to the rear bumper is not possible. The vehicle is
not suitable for towing other vehicles. 

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Practical information
Instructions for tow starting
In general, the vehicle should not be started by towing. Jump-starting is
much more preferable ⇒  page 273.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles can not be tow started:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it is possible that the engine control unit
does not operate correctly.
However, if your vehicle must absolutely be tow-started (manual gearbox):
● Engage the 2nd or 3rd gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down.
● Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
● Release the clutch when both vehicles are moving.
● As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever
into neutral. This helps to prevent a collision with the towing vehicle.
CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it. 
Notes on towing
Tow rope or tow bar
When towing, the tow bar is the safest and vehicle friendly way. You should
only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to avoid damage to both vehicles. It is
advisable to use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic mate-
rial. Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the tow ring or specially designed
fitting.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle:
●
Make sure the gear selector lever is in the N position.
● Do not drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) when towing a vehicle.
● Do not tow further than 50 km (30 miles).
● If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.
Situations in which the vehicle should not be towed
In the following cases, the vehicle should not be towed but transported on a
trailer or special vehicle:
● If the vehicle gearbox does not contain lubricant due to a fault.
● If the battery is flat as the steering cannot be unlocked, as a result, the
electronic steering lock and electronic parking brake cannot be disengaged.
● If the vehicle to be towed has an automatic gearbox and the distance to
be covered is greater than 50 km (30 miles).
Note
The vehicle can only be towed if the steering lock electronic gearbox lock is
deactivated. If the vehicle has no power supply or there is an electric system
fault, the engine must be started using jump leads to deactivate the steer-
ing column electronic gearbox lock. 
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