2012 Seat Toledo check engine light

156Driving and the environment
Avoid driving at full speed
Fuel can be saved by driving at a slower speed.
Accelerating slowly not only considerably reduces fuel consumption, but al-
so reduces the environmental impact and vehicle wear.
If possible, you should never take advantage of the maximum speed of your
vehicle. Fuel consumption, exhaust emissions of toxic substances and
noise levels all increase very rapidly at higher speeds.
You can reduce fuel consumption by about one half if you do not drive faster
than three quarters of top speed. 
Reduce idling
Idling also consumes fuel.
In a vehicle that does not have the START-STOP function, stop the engine in
traffic jams, level crossings and at traffic lights that remain red for a long
period of time. After 30-40 seconds with the engine switched off, the fuel
savings are greater that the quantity of fuel required to restart the engine
again.
When the engine is idling, a great deal of time is required in order for the
engine to reach operating temperature. When heating the vehicle, however,
engine waste and emissions of toxic substances are elevated. Therefore, im-
mediately begin driving after switching on the engine. Doing so avoids high
engine speeds. 
Regular maintenance
A badly tuned engine unnecessarily consumes a large quantity of fuel. Conditions for economical driving can be created with regular maintenance
at an Official Service. Maintenance of your vehicle has positive repercus-
sions on traffic safety and conserving the value of the vehicle.
A badly tuned engine can result in fuel consumption that is 10% higher
than normal!
Additionally, check the
oil level after refuelling. Oil consumption depends
to a great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending on your
driving style, oil consumption can reach 0.5 litres per 1000 km (600 miles).
It is normal for the oil consumption of a new engine not to reach its mini-
mum level until after a period of running in time. Therefore, the oil con-
sumption of a new vehicle can only be judged correctly after covering 5000
km (3000 miles).
For the sake of the environment
● An additional reduction in consumption can be achieved using high-per-
formance synthetic oils.
● In order to detect leaks in good time, check the ground underneath the
vehicle regularly. If you notice stains from oils or other operating liquids,
contact an Official Service.
Note
We recommend that you have regular maintenance performed on your vehi-
cle a the SEAT Authorised Service. 

162Driving the vehicle with a trailer
WARNING
● Exceeding the maximum established load per axle and the maximum
towing bracket load in addition to the maximum permitted load or the
load of the vehicle + trailer assembly can cause accidents and serious in-
juries.
● A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the
vehicle + trailer assembly, resulting in accidents and serious injuries.

Towing a trailer
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard rear vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you should have addi-
tional exterior mirrors fitted. Observe the relevant statutory requirements of
the country you are in.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, also check the headlight beam settings with the
trailer hitched up. Adjust the headlight range settings if necessary
⇒ page 96, Range control of main lights .
Driving speed
For your own safety do not drive faster than the maximum permitted speed
indicated on the trailer.
At all times, immediately reduce speed if you detect the slightest swaying
movement of the trailer. Never try to “return the trailer to a straight posi-
tion” by accelerating.
Brakes
Brake in due course! If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes
gently at first and then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be caused by locking of trailer wheels. Change to a lower gear in good time be-
fore descending a slope in order to take advantage of the engine brake.
The trailer is incorporated into the vehicle anti-theft alarm system.
●
When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-theft alarm and a towing
bracket
● When the trailer is electrically connected to the vehicle via the towing
bracket socket
● When the vehicle electrical device and the towing bracket are operation-
al
● When the vehicle is locked and the vehicle anti-theft alarm device is ac-
tivated
Once the electrical connection is interrupted with the vehicle trailer locked,
the alarm sounds.
Always switch off the vehicle anti-theft alarm device before connecting or
disconnecting a trailer. The vehicle anti-theft alarm device could cause the
alarm to sound ⇒ page 88, Anti-theft alarm system.
Engine overheating
In the event that the coolant temperature gauge needle moves to the right
section of the scale or to the red area, immediately reduce speed. If the con-
trol lamp  flashes on the general instrument panel, stop the vehicle and
switch off the engine. Wait several minutes and check the coolant level in
the tank ⇒ page 179.
Please observe the following indications ⇒ page 68, Coolant level and tem-
perature .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. 

168Care of the vehicle and cleaning
Note
● Make sure, when washing the vehicle, that the least amount of water
possible enters the lock cylinders.
● We recommend the use of products from the selection of SEAT Original
Accessories to care for the door lock cylinder. 
Wheels
Wheel trims
If you wash the vehicle regularly, you must also thoroughly wash the wheel
trims. Regularly remove any brake abrasion residue and road salt from the
wheels, otherwise the wheel material could be damaged. Repair any dam-
age to the wheel paintwork immediately.
Alloy wheels
After thorough washing, treat the wheels with a protective product for alloy
wheels. Do not use abrasive products to care for the wheels.
WARNING
Moisture, ice and road salt may affect braking efficiency. Risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
Heavy dirt on the wheels could lead to their misalignment. This could result
in vibrations being transmitted to the steering wheel that under certain con-
ditions may cause premature steering wear. This dirt must be removed.
Note
We recommend you leave paint damage repairs to a SEAT Authorised Serv-
ice. Underbody sealant
The underside of the vehicle is coated to permanently protect it from chemi-
cal and mechanical agents.
Given that damage to the
protective coating during driving cannot be com-
pletely ruled out, we recommend you check the condition of the protective
coating on the underbody and suspension at regular intervals, preferably
before the start and end of the coldest season of the year.
Authorised SEAT dealers have suitable special products and the necessary
facilities and are aware of the techniques required for their application. We
therefore recommend all touch-up work or additional anti-corrosion meas-
ures be performed by an authorised SEAT dealer.
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converter, particulate filter or heat shields on the exhaust sys-
tem. Once the engine has reached operating temperature, these substan-
ces could catch fire. Risk of fire!

Cavity waxing
All cavities on the vehicle exposed to corrosion are permanently factory-pro-
tected by a wax solution .
This wax solution does not need to be checked or touched up. Should wax
run out of the cavities at high ambient temperatures, remove it using a plas-
tic scraper and clean away any stains using lighter fluid. 

172Checking and refilling levels
–Press the tank flap with your hand to close it.
– Check that the fuel flap is correctly closed.
CAUTION
● Switch off the auxiliary heater (heater and independent heater) before
filling the tank.
● The fuel tank is full as soon as the automatic filler nozzle cuts out. Do
not continue filling, as this will fill the expansion chamber.
Note
The fuel tank capacity is around 55 litres, of which 7 litres are the reserve. 
Unleaded petrol
Your vehicle must only be run on unleaded petrol that complies with the
Standard EN 228 (in Germany, also DIN 51626 – 1, or E10 for unleaded pet-
rol with 95 and 91 octane rating (RON) or DIN 51626 – 2, or E5 for unleaded
petrol with 95 and 98 RON).
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol (95/91 RON)
Use unleaded petrol with 95 RON. Unleaded petrol with 91 RON can also be
used, although this will result in a slight loss of power.
If, as an emergency measure, you have to fill the tank with petrol with a low-
er RON to that prescribed, use only moderate engine speeds and light throt-
tle. High engine speed and full throttle can seriously damage the engine!
Fill up with petrol with the correct RON as soon as possible.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol (min. 95 RON)
Use unleaded petrol with 95 RON. If unleaded petrol with
95 RON is not available, you can fill up with petrol
with 91 RON as an emergency measure. In this case, use only moderate en-
gine speeds and a light throttle. High engine speed and full throttle can se-
riously damage the engine! Fill up with petrol with the correct RON as soon
as possible.
Petrol with a RON below 91 cannot be used, even as an emergency meas-
ure. Risk of seriously damaging the engine!
Unleaded petrol with higher RON
Unleaded petrol with a higher RON to that prescribed can be used without
limits.
In vehicles running on prescribed unleaded petrol with 95/91 RON, there is
no notable increase in power or lower fuel consumption when petrol with a
RON higher than 95 is used.
In vehicles running on prescribed unleaded petrol with min. 95 RON, there
is an increase in power and a lower fuel consumption when petrol with a
RON higher than 95 is used.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol (98/(95) RON)
Use unleaded petrol with 98 RON. Unleaded petrol with 95 RON can also be
used, although this will result in a slight loss of power.
If unleaded petrol with 98 or 95 RON is not available, you can fill up with
petrol with 91 RON as an emergency measure. In this case, use only moder-
ate engine speeds and a light throttle. High engine speed and full throttle
can seriously damage the engine! Fill up with petrol with the correct RON as
soon as possible.
Petrol with a RON below 91 cannot be used, even as an emergency meas-
ure. Risk of seriously damaging the engine!
Fuel additives
Unleaded petrol complying with the EN 228 Standard (in Germany, also DIN
51626-1, or E10 for unleaded petrol with 95 RON and 91 RON or DIN 51626
– 2, or E5 for unleaded petrol with 95 and 98 RON) meets all of the 

180Checking and refilling levels
B
(min.) and A (max.). When the engine is hot, it may be
slightly above mark A (max.).
The warning lamp  (red) in the general instrument panel ⇒ page 68, Cool-
ant level and temperature  will appear when the coolant level is too low.
However, we recommend checking the coolant level directly in the tank.
Coolant loss
Any loss of coolant normally indicates a leak. It is not sufficient merely to
top up the coolant. The cooling system should be inspected by an Official
Service without delay.
CAUTION
In the event of a fault that causes the engine to overheat, contact an author-
ised SEAT dealer immediately, as this could damage the engine. 
Topping up coolant
– Switch the ignition off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the coolant expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 119 with a
cloth and carefully unscrew the cap.
– Refill the level of coolant.
– Screw the cap on again until it clicks into place.
Do not use a different type of additive if the prescribed anti-freeze additive
is not available, in the event of an emergency. In this case, use only water
and bring the coolant concentration back up to the correct level as soon as
possible at an Official Service. Always top up with unused coolant.
Never fill the coolant tank above mark
A
(max.) ⇒ Fig. 119 Excess coolant
is forced out of the cooling system through the overpressure valve in the fill-
er cap of the expansion tank when the engine heats up.
WARNING
● The anti-freeze additive and, therefore, the entire coolant, are a
health hazard. Avoid touching the coolant. Coolant fumes are also a
health hazard. Store the coolant additive in a safe place out of the reach
of children. Risk of poisoning!
● If splashed into eyes, rinse immediately with clean water and seek
immediate medical advice.
● Seek immediate medical advice if the coolant is accidentally inges-
ted.
CAUTION
If the engine oil cannot be topped up under the given conditions,  do not
drive on. We recommend contacting an authorised SEAT dealer, as this can
damage the engine. 
Radiator fan
The radiator is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the
temperature of the coolant.
After the engine has been stopped and the ignition switched off, the radia-
tor fan may continue running for around 10 minutes. 

181
Checking and refilling levels
Brake fluid Checking brake fluid level
Fig. 120 Engine com-
partment: Brake fluid res-
ervoir
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment of
the vehicle.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ page 173.
– Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒ Fig. 120. It should
be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
The fluid level drops slightly after a period of time due to automatic com-
pensation for brake pad wear. This is quite normal.
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below
the “MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. If the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low, this will be indicated by the warning lamp in
the instrument panel 
⇒  page 66, Brake system .
WARNING
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN mark,  do not drive on.
Risk of accident! Seek professional help.

Changing brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Therefore, it gradually absorbs moisture from
the atmosphere. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. The water content also reduces the boiling point of
the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with one of the following standards or specifi-
cations:
● VW 50114
● FMVSS 116 DOT4
WARNING
Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left
in the brake system for too long. This would seriously affect the efficien-
cy of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle.
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the vehicle paintwork. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

182Checking and refilling levels
Windscreen washer
Fig. 121 Engine com-
partment: Windscreen
washer container
The container for the windscreen washer contains the cleaning fluid for the
windscreen or rear window and the headlight washer system. The container
is located in the engine compartment.
The container capacity is approx. 3.5 litres and, in vehicles with windscreen
washer system, approx. 5.4 litres 1)
.
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean the glass and the headlights
properly. We therefore recommend using clean water with a glass cleaning
product to eliminate any stubborn dirt (with an anti-freeze additive in win-
ter).
Although your vehicle has heated windscreen washer jets, anti-freeze
should always be added to the water in winter.
Ethanol can be used where glass cleaner with anti-freeze is unavailable. The
concentration of ethanol must be no greater than 15 %. However, remember
that anti-freeze in this proportion only protects down to -5 °C (23 °F).
CAUTION
● Never mix the windscreen washing water with anti-freeze used for the
cooling system or other additives.
● If the vehicle is equipped with a headlight washer system, only mix a de-
tergent that does not damage polycarbonates with the water.
Note
On topping up the fluid, do not move the filter on the container opening, as
this could contaminate the fluid pipes and, therefore, lead to a windscreen
washer malfunction. 
Battery Introduction
Warning symbols on the battery
SymbolMeaning
Always wear safety glasses!
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Always wear gloves and
hearing protection!
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and lit cigarettes
away when working on the battery!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the bat-
tery is under charge!
Keep children away from the battery! 
1)
Valid only for certain countries. 5.4 litres for both versions.

184Checking and refilling levels
● If the vehicle is not used for 3 or 4 weeks, the battery could run flat. This
is because some components use electricity even in standby mode (e.g.
control units). Prevent the battery from running flat by disconnecting its
negative terminal or leave it charging at a low current.
● If you frequently use the vehicle for short trips, the battery may not fully
charge and could run flat.
For the sake of the environment
A flat battery is particularly harmful waste for the environment. It must
therefore be disposed of according to current local law.
Note
Replace a battery once it is older than 5 years. 
Battery cover
Fig. 122 Battery: Open-
ing the cover
The battery is located beneath a plastic cover in the engine com-
partment.
– Open the battery cover in the direction indicated by the arrow
⇒ Fig. 122. –
The positive terminal (+) of the battery is connected in reverse
order. 
Checking battery acid level
Fig. 123 Battery: Acid
level indicator
We recommend you have the acid level regularly checked at an official tech-
nical service, particularly in the following cases.
● At high outside temperatures.
● On long daily trips.
● Whenever the vehicle is loaded ⇒ page 185, Charging the battery.
In vehicles equipped with a battery with colour indicator, the so-called mag-
ic eye ⇒ Fig. 123 changes colour to indicate the acid level.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. Therefore, carefully
knock the indicator before checking the acid level.
● Black – the acid level is correct.
● Colourless or light yellow – acid level too low, battery must be changed. 