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
173
Checking and refilling levels
conditions for correct engine running. We do not, therefore, recommend
adding additives to the fuel.
CAUTION
● All SEAT vehicles with petrol engines can only run on unleaded petrol.
Refuelling just once with leaded petrol disables the exhaust system!
● Use of petrol with a lower RON to that prescribed could damage the en-
gine components.
● Under no circumstances may additives be used that contain metal parti-
cles (metal additives), primarily manganese and iron. LRP (lead replacement
petrol) fuels containing metal (metal additives) cannot be used. Risk of
damage to most engine parts or the exhaust system!
● Fuels marked as containing metal on the garage fuel pump cannot be
used. Risk of damage to most engine parts or the exhaust system!
● The use of unsuitable additives in petrol can cause damage to most en-
gine parts or the exhaust system.
Diesel fuel
Your vehicle can only run on diesel fuel that complies with the Standard EN
590 (in Germany, also DIN 51628, in Austria also ÖNORM C 1590 , in Russia
also GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 ).
Winter driving – winter-grade diesel
In winter use diesel fuel that complies with the Standard EN 590 (in Germa-
ny, also DIN 51628, in Austria also ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia also GOST R
52368-2005/EN 590:2004). “Winter-grade diesel” still performs well at
-20 °C (-4 °F).
In countries with other weather conditions, diesel is often available that be-
haves differently with regards to the temperature. The authorised SEAT deal-
ers and petrol stations in each country will inform you on the normal diesel
fuel of the country in question. Preheating the fuel filter
The vehicle is fitted with a glow plug system for the fuel filter. Therefore, the
reliability of the diesel is ensured at ambient temperatures of down to ap-
prox. -25 °C (-13 °F).
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, known as “thinners” (petrol or similar substances) should
not be mixed with the diesel fuel.
CAUTION
● Even one tankful of diesel fuel that does not comply with the standard
could damage engine parts, the fuel system and the exhaust system!
● If fuel different to the prescribed diesel fuel (e.g. petrol) is used by mis-
take, never start the engine or switch on the ignition! Risk of serious dam-
age to the engine! Contact an authorised SEAT dealer to clean the engine
fuel system.
● Water allowed to collect in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
● Your vehicle is not prepared for use of biofuel (RME) and, therefore, this
fuel must not be used for refuelling or driving. The use of biofuel (RME)
could cause serious damage to the engine or the fuel system.
Engine compartment
Introduction
Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or fire when working in the engine compartment, e.g. when check-
ing and refilling fluids. Therefore, always observe the warnings and follow
all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of any motor vehi-
cle is a potentially hazardous area .
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
174Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding! Wait until no steam or
coolant can be seen before opening the bonnet.
● Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
● Engage neutral in vehicles with manual gearbox and move the selec-
tor lever to position P in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
● Apply the handbrake firmly.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be closed when the vehi-
cle is moving. Therefore, after closing the bonnet always check that it is
properly secured.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when the ve-
hicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet prop-
erly. Risk of accident!
● Keep children away from the engine compartment.
● Do not touch hot engine parts. Risk of burns!
● Never spill fluids on hot engine compartments. These fluids can
cause a fire (e.g. antifreeze in coolant).
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especial-
ly when working on the battery.
● Never touch the radiator fan when the engine is hot. The fan may start
running suddenly!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant expansion tank when the en-
gine is hot. The cooling system is under pressure!
● Protect face, hands and arms from any hot steam or hot coolant re-
leased by covering the cap with a large, thick rag when opening the ex-
pansion tank.
● Do not leave any objects, such as cloths and tools, in the engine com-
partment.WARNING (Continued)
● When working underneath the vehicle, secure it so that it cannot roll
away and support it safely on suitable supports. The hydraulic jack is not
sufficient for this purpose. Risk of injuries!
● If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an
extra safety risk from rotating parts, such as the drive belt, alternator
and radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. You
should also note the following:
–Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Keep away from moving engine parts when wearing jewellery,
loose clothing or long hair. Risk of fatal injuries! All jewellery must be
removed, hair tied back and close-fitting clothing worn.
● Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system
or the electrical system is necessary.
–Always disconnect the battery from the onboard network.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.
CAUTION
● When topping up fluids, make sure the correct fluid is put into the cor-
rect filler opening. Otherwise this can cause serious malfunctions or engine
damage!
● Never open the bonnet using the release catch. Risk of damage.
For the sake of the environment
Due to the environment-friendly disposal of fluids, the equipment necessary
and the knowledge required, fluids must be changed by an authorised SEAT
dealer during the service inspections of the vehicle.
176Checking and refilling levels
Engine oil
General notes
The engine is factory-filled with a special multi-grade oil that can be used all
year round.
As the use of high quality oil is essential for the correct operation of the en-
gine and its long useful life, when topping up or replacement is necessary
use only those oils that conform to the requirements of the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should ap-
pear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the
oil can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change, indicated in the Maintenance Pro-
gramme, be performed by a Technical Service or a specialised workshop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in the ⇒ page 177,
Oil properties.
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife service) or fixed (dependent on
time/distance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the “Maintenance Programme”
booklet is QG1, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service pro-
grammed. If it has the codes QG0 or QG2 the interval service is dependent
on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the
characteristics and individual driving profiles, allow to extend the oil
change service (LongLife service intervals). Because this oil is essential for extending the service intervals, it
must only
be used observing the following indications:
● Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service intervals.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 177 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up
(once) with oil for fixed service intervals ⇒ page 177 (up to a maximum of
0.5 litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife service interval” or it has been
disabled (by request), you may use oils for fixed service intervals, which al-
so appear in ⇒ page 177, Oil properties. In this case, your vehicle must be
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year/15 000 km (10 000 miles) (whatever
comes first) ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme.
● In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 177 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you
can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification ACEA A2 or
ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel engines) (up to 0.5
l).
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The “Maintenance Programme” states whether your vehicle is fitted with a
diesel particulate filter.
Only VW 507 00 engine oil, with reduced ash formation, may be used in die-
sel engines equipped with particulate filter. Using other types of oil will
cause a higher soot concentration and reduce the life of the DPF. Therefore:
● Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 177 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you
can use a small quantity of oil (once) conforming to the VW 506 00,
VW 506 01, VW 505 00, VW 505 01 or ACEA B3/ACEA B4 specification. (up
to 0.5 l).
177
Checking and refilling levels
Oil properties
Engine typeSpecificationPetrol without flexible service in-
tervalVW 502 00/VW 504 00
Petrol with flexible service inter-
val (LongLife)VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines with no Particu-
late Filter (DPF)VW 505 01/VW 506 01/VW 507 00
Diesel. Particulate Filter Engines
(DPF).
With or without flexible service in-
terval (with and without Long-
life) a)VW 507 00
a)
Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the engine oil. The deterioration
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed. Checking the engine oil level
Fig. 118 Engine oil dip-
sticks
The dipstick shows the engine oil level. ⇒ Fig. 118.
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle on a level surface and ensure the engine is at
operating temperature.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the bonnet.
– Wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back to the sump
and remove the dipstick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again as far as
it will go.
– Then pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
178Checking and refilling levels
Oil level in area A
–
Do not top up oil.
Oil level in area B
–
Oil can be topped up. After topping up the oil level could be in
area A.
Oil level in area C
–
Oil must be topped up. After topping up the oil level should be
in area B.
It is normal for the engine to consume a certain amount of oil. Depending
on how you drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is used, oil con-
sumption can be up to 0.5 litres per 1000 km (621 miles). Oil consumption
can also be higher for the first 5000 km (3000 miles).
You should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, ideally every
time you fill the tank or before setting off on a long trip.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained motorway
cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or caravan or climbing on moun-
tain passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area A
, but no
higher.
A warning lamp will appear on the instrument panel ⇒ page 67, Engine oil
if the oil level is too low. In this case, check the oil level as soon as pos-
sible. Top up with the required amount of oil.
CAUTION
● The oil level must never exceed area A ⇒ Fig. 118. Risk of damage to
the exhaust system!
● If the engine oil cannot be topped up under the given conditions, do
not drive on! Stop the engine and seek the professional assistance of an Of-
ficial Service, as this could cause serious damage to the engine. Topping up engine oil
–
Check the engine oil level ⇒ page 177, Checking the engine oil
level.
– Unscrew the cap from the filler opening.
– Put in the specified grade of oil 0.5 litres at a time ⇒ page 176.
– Check the oil level ⇒ page 177.
– Replace the oil filler cap carefully and push the dipstick all the
way in.
Changing engine oil
Engine oil must be changed with the frequency indicated in the Mainte-
nance Programme or according to the service interval indicator ⇒ page 57.
CAUTION
Do not mix engine oil with additives. Risk of damage to the engine! Damage
caused by these products is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.
179
Checking and refilling levels
Coolant
General notes
The cooling system is factory-filled with an anti-freeze product.
Coolant consists of a mixture of water and 40% anti-freeze additive. This
mixture gives the required anti-freeze protection at temperatures down to
-25 °C (-13 °F) and protects the cooling and heating system against corro-
sion. It also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant con-
siderably.
The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding water, even in
warmer seasons or in warm countries. The concentration of the anti-freeze
additive in the coolant must be at least 40 %.
If greater anti-freeze protection is required in very cold climates, the propor-
tion of the anti-freeze additive can be increased, but only up to 60 % (anti-
freeze protection down to approx. -40 °C (-40 °F)). Any excess in this propor-
tion would reduce the anti-freeze protection and affect the cooling effect.
Vehicles in countries with a cold climate are supplied with coolant protec-
tion down to around -35 °C (-31 °F). The proportion of anti-freeze additive in
these countries should always be at least 50 %.
The type of anti-freeze to be used for topping up is indicated on the coolant
tank cover ⇒ Fig. 119.
Amount of coolant
Petrol enginesTop-up quantity (in litres)1.2 l/55 kW MPI4,21.2 l/63 kW TSI7,01.2 l/77 kW TSI7,01.4 l/90 kW TSI7,0
Diesel enginesTop-up quantity (in litres)1.6 l/77 kW TDI CR6,5
CAUTION
● Anti-freeze that does not correspond to the correct specification may
particularly affect corrosion protection considerably.
● Faults caused by corrosion may lead to coolant leaks. Risk of serious en-
gine faults!
Checking coolant level
Fig. 119 Engine com-
partment: Coolant tank
The coolant expansion tank is located in the engine compartment
of the vehicle.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ page 173.
– Read off the coolant level on coolant expansion tank ⇒
Fig. 119.
When the engine is cold, the coolant should be between marks
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
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.