165
Care of the vehicle and cleaning
Note
● Remove stains from fresh ball-pen and other inks, lipstick, shoe cream
and similar stains on the fabric (leather), upholstery and fabric trim as soon
as possible.
● We recommend that you visit an authorised SEAT dealer to clean and
care for the interior of your vehicle, due to the problems that may arise
when cleaning and caring for the interior of your vehicle and to the utensils
and knowledge required.
Washing the vehicle
The best protection of the vehicle from the harmful influences of the envi-
ronment involves frequent washing and waxing. The frequency with which
the vehicle is washed depends on many different factors, such as:
● Frequency of use
● Type of parking (garage, underneath trees, etc.)
● Time of year
● Weather conditions
● Environmental conditions
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap,
road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive ma-
terials remain on the paintwork, the more damage they do. High tempera-
tures (for instance in strong sunlight) further intensify the corrosive effect.
After the winter season, it is important to have the underside of the vehicle
washed thoroughly. Automatic car washes
Your vehicle can be washed in an automatic car wash.
Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precautions such
as closing the windows, etc.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as spoilers or a roof carrier or
two-way radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to consult the car wash operator
beforehand.
The windscreen wiper rubbers must be degreased after going after the car
wash and waxing.
Washing by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt first
and rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a sponge, glove or brush. Start on the roof and
work down. Use only slight pressure when cleaning the painted surfaces of
the vehicle. A car shampoo should only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Wheels, sills and underside should be cleaned last. Use a second sponge
for this.
After washing, rinse the vehicle thoroughly and then dry with a chamois.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
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.
185
Checking and refilling levels
Note
● The battery acid level is also regularly checked during servicing at au-
thorised SEAT dealers.
● The acid level on “AGM” vehicle batteries cannot be checked for techni-
cal reasons.
● Vehicles equipped with the “START-STOP” system include a battery con-
trol unit to control the battery level for repeat engine starting.
Winter service
At low temperatures the battery provides only a fraction of the starting pow-
er it has at normal temperatures.
A flat battery can also freeze at temperatures slightly below to 0 °C (32 °F).
We therefore recommend you have the battery checked and, if necessary,
charged at an official SEAT technical service before the start of winter.
Charging the battery
A fully-charged battery is essential for reliable starting.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
– For “fast-charging” only: disconnect both battery connection ca-
bles (first the “negative” terminal and then the “positive”).
– Connect the charger cables to the battery terminals (red = “pos-
itive”, black = “negative”).
– Plug in the battery charger and switch on. –
After charging the battery: Switch off the battery charger and
disconnect the cable.
– Remove the charger cables.
– If necessary, reconnect both battery cables to the battery (first
the “positive” cable, then the “negative” cable).
When charging with a low current (e.g. with a small battery charger), the
battery does not have to be disconnected. The instructions of the battery
charger manufacturer must be followed.
Use a current equivalent to or lower than 0.1 of the battery capacity to fully
charge the battery.
Before “fast-charging” the battery however, both battery cables must be
disconnected.
“Fast-charging” a battery is dangerous and requires a battery charger and
special knowledge. Fast charges should be performed by an official techni-
cal service.
The battery caps should not be opened while the battery is being charged.
CAUTION
In vehicles fitted with the “START-STOP” system, the charger cable cannot
be directly connected to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery but
must be attached to the engine earthing point ⇒ page 207.
Disconnecting and connecting the battery
The following functions will either be inoperative or will not work properly
after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery:
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199
Self-help
WARNING (Continued)
● Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
● Never place parts of your body, e.g. arms and legs, underneath the
vehicle when supported only by the jack.
● Secure the base of the jack with suitable supports so that it cannot
slip. The jack could slide if the ground below it is soft and slippery and
the vehicle could slip off it. Therefore, place the jack on a firm surface or
use a large, stable base. On a slippery surface, e.g. tiles, use a non-slip
base such as a rubber mat.
● Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. Risk of injury.
● The jack should only be used in the correct jacking points.
CAUTION
● The prescribed tightening torque for wheel bolts on steel and alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.
● If the anti-theft wheel bolt is overly tightened, this could damage the
bolt and the adapter
Note
● The set of anti-theft wheel bolts or the adapter are available from au-
thorised SEAT dealers.
● Please observe the relevant local legal regulations when changing the
wheel.
Preparation work
Some preparation is required before changing a wheel:
– If you have a flat tyre, stop the vehicle as far away as possible
from moving traffic. The surface must be horizontal.–
All vehicle occupants should leave the vehicle . Vehicle occu-
pants should waiting in a safe place, e.g. behind the roadside
crash barrier) while the wheel is being changed.
– Switch off the ignition and engage neutral or move the selector
lever on the automatic gearbox to position P.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– If towing a trailer, unhitch it.
– Take the vehicle tool kit ⇒ page 198 and the spare wheel
⇒ page 198 out of the luggage compartment.
Changing a wheel
If possible, change the wheel on a level surface.
– Pull off the hub cap ⇒ page 191 or the wheel bolt covers
⇒ page 191.
– First loosen the anti-theft wheel bolts and then the other wheel
bolts ⇒ page 200.
– Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is no longer
touching the ground ⇒ page 201.
– Remove the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface
(cloth, paper, etc.).
– Take off the wheel.
– Lift the spare wheel into position and tighten the wheel bolts
lightly.
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204Self-help
Before using the tyre repair kit
The following jobs must be performed before using the tyre repair
kit:
–If you have a flat tyre, stop the vehicle well away from moving
traffic. Stop on flat, solid ground.
– All vehicle occupants should leave the vehicle. Vehicle occu-
pants should waiting in a safe place, e.g. behind the roadside
crash barrier) while the wheel is being changed.
– Switch off the ignition and engage neutral or move the selector
lever on the automatic gearbox to position P.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Check whether the tyre can be repaired using the tyre repair kit
⇒ page 202.
– If towing a trailer, unhitch it.
– Take the tyre repair kit out of the luggage compartment.
– Fix the sticker 2
⇒ Fig. 135 ⇒
page 203 onto the dash panel
where the driver will see it.
– Do not remove the foreign body, e.g. bolts or nails, from the
tyre.
– Unscrew the tyre valve cap.
– Using the valve extractor 1
, unscrew the valve insert and place
it onto a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.) Filling and inflating the tyre
Filling the tyre
–
Shake the tyre sealant can 10
⇒ Fig. 135 ⇒ page 203 thorough-
ly several times.
– Attach the flexible filling hose 3
onto the can 10. The foil seal-
ing the can will be automatically pierced.
– Remove the cap from the flexible filling hose 3
and insert the
open end as far as it will go into the tyre valve.
– Hold the can 10
upside down and fill the complete contents of
the can into the tyre.
– Remove the empty can from the tyre.
– Screw the valve insert back into the tyre valve using the valve
extractor 1
.
Inflating the tyre
– Screw the tyre filling hose 5
⇒ Fig. 135 ⇒ page 203 firmly onto
the tyre valve.
– Make sure that the bleed screw 7
is closed.
– Start the vehicle engine and leave it running.
– Plug the connector 9
into the 12-volt power socket.
– Turn the air compressor on with the switch 8
.
– Leave the air compressor running until the tyre pressure has
reached 2.0 - 2.5 bar. Max. operating time for the compressor is
8 minutes ⇒
!
205
Self-help
– Switch the compressor off.
– When an air pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar cannot be reached, un-
screw the flexible pipe 5
from the tyre valve.
– Drive the vehicle approx. 10 metres forwards or backwards, so
that the sealant can “spread evenly” in the tyre.
– Screw the flexible hose from the air compressor 5
back onto
the tyre valve and repeat the inflation process.
– If the pressure is still lower than specified, the tyre is too badly
damaged. The tyre cannot be repaired using the tyre sealant kit
⇒
.
– Switch the compressor off.
– Unscrew the flexible hose 5
from the tyre valve.
When a tyre pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar is reached then you can con-
tinue driving at a max. speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Check the tyre pressure after 10 minutes of driving ⇒ page 205.
WARNING
● The flexible tyre filling hose and the air compressor may heat up dur-
ing the filling process. Risk of injury!
● Do not place the hot flexible tyre filling hose or hot air compressor on
top of flammable materials. Risk of fire!
● If the tyre cannot be inflated to a minimum pressure of 2.0 bar then
the tyre is too badly damaged. The sealing product is unable to seal the
tyre . Do not drive on and obtain professional assistance.
CAUTION
Do not use the air compressor for longer than 8 minutes at a time. Risk of
overheating! Before using the air compressor again, leave it to cool down
for several minutes.
Check after 10 minutes of driving
Check the tyre pressure after 10 minutes of driving!
If the tyre pressure is less than 1.3 bar:
– Do not drive on! The tyre cannot be sufficiently filled using
the tyre repair kit.
– See professional assistance.
If the tyre pressure is over 1.3 bar:
– Correct the tyre pressure again to the correct value (see inside
of the fuel tank flap).
– Carefully resume your journey to the nearest specialised work-
shop at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Jump-starting
Introduction
If the engine fails to start because of a discharged battery, the battery can
be connected to the battery of another vehicle to start the engine. Suitable
jump leads are required.
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207
Self-help
Connecting negative terminals with the engine block
– Connect one end 3
⇒ Fig. 136 to the negative terminal of the
boosting battery B.
– Attach the other end 4
to a solid metal part firmly attached to
the engine block or to the engine block itself.
Starting the engine
– Start the engine of the vehicle and let it run at idling speed.
– Now start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
– If the engine fails to start, do not operate the start for longer
than 10 seconds. Wait for about 30 seconds and try again.
– Remove the jump leads from the engine in exactly the opposite
sequence to that described above. Jump-starting vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 137 Jump-starting
vehicles with the START-
STOP system
In vehicles fitted with the START-STOP system, the booster cable cannot be
directly connected to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery but must
be attached to the engine earthing point.
Towing the vehicle
Introduction
Vehicles with manual gearbox can be towed using a towbar or tow-
rope. They can also be towed with either the front or rear wheels
lifted off the road.
Vehicles with automatic gearbox can be towed using a towbar or
towrope. They can also be towed with the front wheels lifted off the
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications