2012 Seat Mii ESP

184In the engine compartment
Opening the bonnet
● Before opening the bonnet, make sure that the windscreen wiper arms
are in place against the windscreen ⇒ 
.
● Pull the release lever 1 in the direction of the arrow
⇒ Fig. 109 A. The
bonnet is released from the lock carrier by a spring mechanism ⇒ .
● Lift the bonnet up slightly while pressing the release lever 2 B in the
direction of the arrow to completely open the bonnet.
● Take out the bonnet support rod from its clip in the direction of the ar-
row 3
C and place it in the corresponding open position 4 D (arrow).
Closing the bonnet
● Slightly lift the bonnet ⇒ 
.
● Take out the bonnet support rod from the opening catch 4 D and insert
it into its clip 3 C in the opening catch.
● Let the bonnet fall from a height of 30 cm into its clip; Do not apply pres-
sure!
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, open it once again and close it correct-
ly.
The bonnet is correctly closed when it is flush with the corresponding parts
on the bodywork.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could suddenly open while driving
leaving the driver without visibility. This could result in serious accident.
● After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured by
the locking mechanism in the lock carrier piece. The bonnet must be
flush with the surrounding body panels.
● While driving, if you notice that the bonnet is not correctly closed
then stop immediately and close it correctly.
● Only open and close the bonnet when there is nobody within its
range.
CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the bonnet and to the windscreen wiper arms, only
open the bonnet when the windscreen wipers are in place against the wind-
screen.
● Before driving, always lower the windscreen wiper arms. 

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. 
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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. 
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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. 

189
In the engine compartment
Engine coolant Introduction
Never work on the engine cooling system or if you are not familiar with the
operations 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. SEAT rec-
ommends visiting a Technical Service.
Negligent work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 180
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
● Only keep engine coolant in its original container, tightly shut and in
a safe place.
● Never store engine coolant in empty food containers or bottles as
other people may accidentally drink it.
● Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
● Ensure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowest outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
● If the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze causing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating
to stop working, vehicle occupants without sufficient clothing could
freeze.
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment. 
Coolant warning lamp
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.
lights upPossible causeSolution

Excessive engine coolant
temperature. Stop the vehicle!
Stop the vehicle safely as soon as pos-
sible. Switch off the engine and let it
cool.
Insufficient engine cool-
ant level. ¡Stop the vehicle!
Check the engine coolant when the en-
gine has cooled and, if it is low, refill
with engine coolant ⇒ page 191.
Engine coolant system
faulty. Do not drive any further.
Obtain professional assistance.
flash- esPossible causeSolution
Engine coolant system
faulty.You should obtain professional assis-
tance. 
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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. 

195
In the engine compartment
Colour indicatorNecessary operations
light yellow or col-
ourlessThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is too low.
Have the battery checked and, where applicable, re-
placed by a Specialised workshop.
blackThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is correct.
WARNING
Working with the vehicle battery involves a risk of corrosion, explosions
and electric shock.
● Always wear protective gloves and eye protection.
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindness. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
● Never tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid could spill out of the open-
ings to release gases and cause corrosion damage.
● Never open the vehicle battery.
● If battery acid splashes on you, immediately rinse your eyes and skin
abundantly with water for several minutes. Then seek medical care imme-
diately.
● If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.

Charging, replacing and connecting or disconnecting the
battery
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 ⇒ 
. SEAT recommends visiting a
Technical Service. Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and
has special safety features. If the battery must be replaced, consult a Tech-
nical Service for information on electromagnetic compatibility, the size and
maintenance, performance and safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT recommends you have the bat-
tery replaced by a Technical Service.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries conforming to TL 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73 Standards. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later.
Vehicles fitted with the Start-Stop system are equipped with a special bat-
tery. Therefore, this battery must only be replaced by another of the same
specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the electrical system, please note
the following:
●
Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
● The vehicle must be unlocked before disconnecting the battery, other-
wise the alarm will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive ⇒ 
.
Connecting the vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
electric devices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative ⇒ 
.
Different control lamps may light up after connecting the battery and switch-
ing the ignition on. They will be turned off after a short trip at a speed of
between 15 - 20 km/h (10 - 12 mph). If the warning indicators remain lit,
please visit a specialised workshop to have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a long time, it is possible that the
next service date is not displayed or calculated correctly ⇒ page 17. Respect
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