2013 Seat Exeo maintenance

219
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
CAUTION
● Brushes should only be used to clean the carpet and floor mats! Other
fabrics may be damaged if cleaned with a brush.
● If cream detergents or detergents for delicate garments are applied with
a damp cloth or sponge, they may, for example, leave rings when dry be-
cause of the surfactant components they contain. Generally, such rings are
very difficult or almost impossible to remove.
CAUTION
● Do not let water soak into Alcantara ®
under any circumstances.
● Do not use leather cleaning products, solvents, wax polish, shoe cream,
stain removers or similar products on Alcantara ®
.
● Never use brushes for cleaning damp material as they could damage the
surface. 
Cleaning and maintenance of natural leather upholstery
Consult a professional cleaning workshop if you have any doubts on clean-
ing and maintaining the leather equipment in your vehicle.
Maintenance and treatment
Nappa natural leather is delicate because it has no additional protective
layer.
● After cleaning, regularly apply a conditioner with sun-screen and im-
pregnating action. These products nourish the leather, soften it and make it
more breathable, as well as re-hydrating it. They also provide it with a pro-
tective film.
● Clean the leather every two or three months and remove stains as they
appear.
● Treat the leather regularly (about twice a year) with a suitable mainte-
nance product. ●
Apply as few cleaning and maintenance products as possible, always
using a dry, lint-free cotton or woollen cloth. Do not apply cleaning and
maintenance products directly to the leather.
● Remove recent ball-point pen and ink stains, lipstick, shoe cream and
similar stains as soon as possible.
● Maintain the colour of the leather. To do this, use a special cream espe-
cially coloured for leather to achieve the same overall colour, if necessary.
● Afterwards, go over it with a soft cloth.
Cleaning the vehicle
SEAT recommends using a slightly damp cotton or woollen cloth for general
cleaning purposes.
Generally, the leather should never be soaked at any point, nor should wa-
ter penetrate the seams.
Before cleaning the leather upholstery, bear in mind the following recom-
mendations ⇒ page 218, Cleaning the fabric on heated seats and electrical-
ly adjustable seats or seats with airbag components.CAUTION
● On no account use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers or
similar materials on leather.
● If the stain remains on the leather for long, it will soak in and be impos-
sible to remove.
● In the event of spilt liquids, dry immediately with an absorbent cloth to
prevent the liquid penetrating through the leather or seams.
● If the vehicle is left standing in the sun for long periods, the leather
should be protected against direct sunlight to prevent it from fading.
Note
The leather will usually change colour slightly with use. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

220Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Cleaning synthetic leather upholstery
Before cleaning the synthetic leather upholstery, bear in mind the following
recommendations ⇒ page 218, Cleaning the fabric on heated seats and
electrically adjustable seats or seats with airbag components
Only use water and neutral cleaning products to clean synthetic leather up-
holstery.
CAUTION
Do not use solvents, floor wax, shoe cream, stain removers or similar prod-
ucts on synthetic leather. These will stiffen the material, causing it to crack
prematurely. 
Plastic parts and dash panel cleaning
– Use a clean, damp cloth to clean plastic parts and the dash
panel.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a special sol-
vent-free plastic cleaning product.
WARNING
Never clean the dash panel and the airbag module surface with cleaners
containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface to become porous. If the
airbag triggered, plastic parts could become detached and cause inju-
ries.
CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material. Wooden trim cleaning*
–
Clean the wooden trim with a water-moistened clean cloth.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a gentle soap
solution.
CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material. 
Cleaning the radio and climate controls
To clean the radio and/or climate controls, use a soft damp cloth. For more
resistant dirt, a neutral soap solution may be used. 
Seat belt cleaning
A dirty belt may not work properly.
Check all seat belts regularly and keep them clean.
Seat belt cleaning
– Pull the dirty seat belt right out and unroll it.
– Clean dirty seat belts with a gentle soap solution.
– Allow it to dry.
– Do not roll the seat belt up until it is dry. 

221
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
If large stains form on the belts, it will not retract correctly into the automat-
ic belt retractor.
WARNING
● Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts, as this can im-
pair the strength of the webbing. Ensure that seat belts do not come into
contact with corrosive fluids.
● Check the condition of the seat belts at regular intervals. If you notice
that the belt webbing, fittings, retractor mechanism or buckle of any of
the belts is damaged, the belt must be replaced by a specialised work-
shop.
● Do not attempt to repair a damaged seat belt yourself. The seat belts
must not be removed or modified in any way.
CAUTION
After cleaning, allow seat belts to dry completely before rolling them up.
Otherwise, the belt retractors could become damaged. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

230Checking and refilling levels
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 230,
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 PR QI6, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service pro-
grammed. If it lists the codes QI1, QI2, QI3, QI4 or QI7, the interval service
is dependent on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife service intervals*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the
characteristics and individual driving profiles, enable the extension of 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 231 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up
(once) with oil for fixed service intervals (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 230, 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 231 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*
All Exeo vehicles with a diesel engine have a diesel particulate filter and
must only be filled with VW 507 00 engine oil, which has a low level of soot
formation. 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 231 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). 
Oil properties
Engine typeSpecificationPetrolVW 502 00/VW 504 00Diesel. Engines with particu-
late filter (DPF) a)VW 507 00
a)
Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
Oils for LongLife service intervals *Engine typeSpecificationPetrolVW 504 00DieselVW 507 00 

238Checking and refilling levels
Topping up and changing the brake fluid
It is best to have the brake fluid changed by a professional.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Therefore, in the course of time it will absorb
water from the air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the
brake system could corrode. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid
will be considerably reduced. This could adversely affect the braking ability
in certain circumstances.
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.
Your vehicle's Service Plan will tell you when the brake fluid has to be re-
newed.
We recommend you have the brake fluid changed as part of a regular In-
spection Service at a Technical Service. They are familiar with the procedure
and have the necessary special tools and spare parts as well as the proper
facilities for disposing of the old fluid.
Be sure to always use the correct brake fluid. Only use brake fluid that ex-
pressly meets VW 501 14 standards.
You can buy VW 501 14 standard brake fluid in a SEAT dealership or SEAT
Official Service. If none is available, use only high quality brake fluid that
meets DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or USA Standards FMVSS 116 DOT
4.
Using any other kind of brake fluid or one that is not of a high quality may
affect operation of the brake system and reduce its effectiveness. Never use
a brake fluid if the container does not state that it complies with VW 501 14,
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or USA standards FMVSS 116 DOT 4.WARNING
● Brake fluid must always be kept closed in its original container. Keep
out of the reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.
● If the brake fluid is left in the system for too long and the brakes are
subjected to heavy use, vapour bubbles may form in the brake system.
This would seriously affect the efficiency of the brakes and the safety of
the vehicle, leading to the risk of accident.
CAUTION
Please note that brake fluid will attack the paintwork on contact.
For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and brake fluid must be collected and disposed of accord-
ing the applicable regulations. The SEAT Technical Service network has the
necessary equipment and qualified personnel for collecting and disposing
of this waste material. 
Vehicle battery General notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.
The battery is virtually maintenance-free and is checked in the Inspection
Services.
We recommend replacing the battery after 5 years. 

239
Checking and refilling levels
Disconnecting the battery
If the battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle's functions will become
inoperative (e.g. electric windows). These functions will require resetting af-
ter the battery is reconnected. For this reason, the battery should only be
disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system when absolutely necessa-
ry.
Long periods of non-use
The battery will gradually lose its charge because certain electrical equip-
ment continues to draw current even when the ignition is off. If you park the
vehicle for long periods of time in winter you should take the battery out of
the vehicle and store it in a place protected from frost. This way it will not
freeze and become damaged. At warm outside temperatures it is sufficient
to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Even when the battery is
not connected you should charge it from time to time.
Winter operation
The battery is drained more in cold weather, which means that the starting
power is reduced. For this reason, have the battery checked and charged if
necessary before the start of winter.
Replacing the battery
A replacement battery must have the same capacity, voltage and current rat-
ing. It must also have the same dimensions as the original, factory-fitted
battery and have sealed caps. The SEAT batteries which have been specially
developed fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety specifications for
your vehicle.
We recommend you use maintenance-free batteries.
WARNING
● All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. If work is re-
quired on the battery, this should be performed by a Technical Service or
specialised workshop. Danger of caustic burns and explosion!
● The battery must not be opened. Never try to change the battery's liq-
uid level. Explosive gas is released from the battery that could cause an
explosion.
CAUTION
● The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured.
● Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the warnings
listed under ⇒ 
.
For the sake of the environment
 Batteries contain toxic substances including sulphuric acid and lead.
Therefore, they must be disposed of in line with environmental regulations
and must not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Make sure dis-
connected batteries cannot tip over. Sulphuric acid could be spilt! 
Important safety warnings for handling a vehicle battery
The battery is located at the back of the engine compartment ⇒ page 297.
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves
and eye protection!
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited! 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

294Description of specifications
Vehicle identification data
The most important information is given on the identifica-
tion plate and the vehicle data sticker.
Fig. 233 Vehicle data
sticker (luggage compart-
ment)
Vehicles for certain export countries do not have an identification plate.
Identification plate
The identification plate is located on the left rib inside the engine compart-
ment.
Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number (chassis number) can be read from out-
side the vehicle through a viewer in the windscreen. This is located on the
left-hand side of the vehicle in the lower area of the windscreen. It is also
located on the right hand side of the engine compartment. Vehicle data
The data sticker is placed on the inside of the spare wheel well, in the lug-
gage compartment and on the rear cover of the Maintenance Programme.
The following information is provided on the vehicle data sticker:
⇒ Fig. 233
Vehicle identification number (chassis number)
Vehicle type, model, displacement, engine type, finish, engine power
and gearbox type
Engine code, gearbox code, external paint code and internal equipment
code
Optional extras and PR numbers
Consumption values (l/100 km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km)
A
Urban consumption and CO 2 emissions
B Extra-urban consumption and CO 2 emissions
C Combined consumption and CO 2 emissions

Information on fuel consumption
Fuel consumption
The consumption and emission details shown on the vehicle
data sticker differ from one vehicle to another. The vehicle fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions can be consulted on the
vehicle data sticker in the spare wheel well, inside the luggage compart-
ment and on the rear cover of the Maintenance Programme.
The fuel consumption and CO 2 emission values refer to the weight category
assigned to your vehicle according to the engine and gearbox combination,
as well as the specific equipment fitted, and is only used to compare be-
tween the different models. 
1
2
3
45

Heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126Heating element wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Heated seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
High pressure cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
How to jump start description . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
I
Identification number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Identification plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Ignition key Safety interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Indicator lamps Glow plug system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Main beam headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Indicator lamps - overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Instruments Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 119
Interior lights Ambient lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Interior mirror With manual anti-dazzle setting . . . . . . . . 130
Interior monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Intermittent wipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
ISOFIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 J
Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252, 257
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Jump leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
K
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Air conditioner settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Remote control key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Settings for the driver seat . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
L
Lamps Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Cruise speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 119
Lights Adaptive headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Automatic headlight control . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Coming home function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Cornering light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Dipped beam headlights faulty . . . . . . . . . . 83
Dynamic headlight range control . . . . . . . 120
Headlight flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Leaving home function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Parking light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Reverse lights faulty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Switching on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Xenon lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Load compartment in the luggage compart- ment
see Loading the luggage compartment . . . 16
Loading the luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . 16
Locking the doors manually if the central lock- ing fails to work
Locking the doors manually if the centrallocking fails to work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Long periods of non-use Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Extending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Ski bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
see also Loading the luggage compartment . .16
Luggage rack see Roof rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
M
Main beam headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115, 122
Maintenance Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Mirrors Activating stored settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Automatic exterior mirror adjustment . . . . 137
Heated exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
311
Index