217
Checking and refilling levels
To change the blades it is necessary to change the rest position of
the wipers to the service position.
Do not change the windscreen wipers when out of the service posi-
tion, as it could cause paint to flake off the bonnet due to friction
with the windscreen wiper arm.
Service position (For changing wiper blades)
– Ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen.
– Turn ignition on and off and then (before approx. 9 sec.) move
the windscreen wiper lever to the intermittent wipe position.
The windscreen wipers will move to the service position
⇒ Fig. 140.
Removing the wiper blade
– Lift the windscreen wiper arm.
– Press on the securing tab ⇒ Fig. 141.
– Extract the wiper blade from the wiper arm.
Fitting the wiper blade
– Insert the wiper blade onto the windscreen wiper arm until it
clicks into place.
– Place the windscreen wiper arms to their initial position.
If the windscreen wipers smear , they should be replaced if they are dam-
aged, or cleaned if they are soiled.
If this does not produce the desired results, the setting angle of the wind-
screen wiper arms might be incorrect. They should be checked by a special-
ised workshop and corrected if necessary.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!
● Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.
● The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.
CAUTION
● Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers could scratch the windscreen.
● Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the windows. This could damage the windscreen wiper blades.
● Never move the windscreen wiper or windscreen wiper arm manually.
This could cause damage.
● To avoid damage to the bonnet and the windscreen wiper arms, the lat-
ter should only be lifted off the windscreen when in service position.
Note
● The windscreen wiper arms can be moved to the service position only
when the bonnet is properly closed.
● You can also use the service position, for example, if you want to fix a
cover over the windscreen in the winter to keep it clear of ice.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
219
Checking and refilling levels
Brake fluid Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the serv-
ice schedule.
Fig. 144 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding en-
gine compartment illustration ⇒ page 267. The brake fluid reservoir has a
black and yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear.
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. A display on the
instrument panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ page 65.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and ob-
serve the warnings ⇒ page 206.
Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme indicates the brake fluid
change intervals. We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by a Technical Serv-
ice.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒
in
Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment on page 206 in
section “Safety notes for working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb water from
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of
the brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock
which could impair the braking effect.
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.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
220Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
● Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and ob-
serve the warnings ⇒ page 206.
● Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.
● Complete the brake fluid change according to the Maintenance Pro-
gramme. 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 effectiveness of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may
cause an accident.
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the vehicle paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from
the paintwork immediately.
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
Warnings on handling the battery
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves and
eye protection!
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery
is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as
the risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical
system:
● Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes, skin and clothing from acid
and particles containing lead.
● Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves and eye
protection. Do not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through the
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralise any acid
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.
221
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited. When han-
dling cables and electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks and electro-
static charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can
cause injury.
● A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is
under charge. The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room
only.
● Keep children away from acid and batteries.
● Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all consumers. The negative cable on the battery
must be disconnected. When a light bulb is changed, you need only
switch off the light.
● Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you
disconnect the battery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.
● When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle on-board network,
disconnect first the negative cable and then the positive cable.
● Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery.
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable. Never re-
verse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.
● Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery which
has frozen. A flat battery can also freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C
(+32 °F).
● Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
● Never use a defective battery. This could cause an explosion. Replace
a damaged battery immediately.
● For vehicles with the battery in the luggage compartment: Check that
the battery gas ventilation hose is securely attached.CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time,
as the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
● If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from freezing. If it freezes it will be damaged.
Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries. – Open the engine bonnet and the battery cover ⇒
in Safety in-
structions on working in the engine compartment on page 207
⇒
in Warnings on handling the battery on page 220. For vehi-
cles with the battery under the spare wheel, open the rear lid
and lift the floor covering. The battery is located next to the
spare wheel.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye" on the top of the
battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently
until they disperse.
The position of the battery is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒ page 267. The location of the battery in the luggage com-
partment can be seen in ⇒ Fig. 195.
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge state and electrolyte level of the battery.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
238If and when
Vehicle fuses
Fig. 152 Left side of
dash panel fuse box cov-
er
Fig. 153 In the engine
compartment: fuse box
cover
Only replace fuses with a fuse of the same amperage (same colour and
markings) and size. Identifying fuses situated below the driver-side dash panel by colours
ColourAmp ratingpurple3Light brown5Brown7.5Red10Blue15Yellow20White or transparent25Green30Orange40
Opening and closing the fuse box situated below the dash panel
●
Opening: remove the fuse box cover.
● Closing: click the cover back into place.
To open the engine compartment fuse box
● Open the bonnet ⇒ page 206.
● Press the locking tabs to release the fuse box cover ⇒ Fig. 153.
● Then lift the cover out.
● To fit the cover, place it on the fuse box. Push the locking tabs down un-
til they click audibly into place.
CAUTION
● Always carefully remove the fuse box covers and refit them correctly to
avoid problems with your vehicle.
● Protect the fuse boxes when open to avoid the entry of dust or humidity.
Dirt and humidity inside fuse boxes can cause damage to the electrical sys-
tem.
241
If and when
Single headlight bulb change
Single headlight bulb
Fig. 155 Single head-
light
Side lights - Dipped beam/main beam.
Turn signal.
A
B
Turn signal bulb
Fig. 156 Single turn sig-
nal lamp
– Raise the bonnet.
– Turn bulb holder ⇒ Fig. 156 A
to the left and pull.
– Remove the bulb by pressing on the bulb holder and rotating at
the same time to the left.
– Installation involves all of the above steps in reverse sequence.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
242If and when
Dipped/main beam headlights
Fig. 157 Dipped beam/
main beam, single head-
light
Fig. 158 Dipped beam/
main beam, single head-
light
– Raise the bonnet.
– Move the loop ⇒ Fig. 157 1
in the direction of the arrow and
remove the cover. –
Remove connector ⇒ Fig. 158 2
from the bulb.
– Unclip the retainer spring ⇒ Fig. 158 3
pressing inwards to the
right.
– Extract the bulb and fit the replacement so that the rim of the
attachment plate is on the reflector cut-out.
– Fit the connector.
– Fit the cover and close the strap. Make sure that the gasket sits
well on the casing cover during the operation.
– Check whether the new bulb is working.
Side light
Fig. 159 Side lights
– Raise the bonnet.
244If and when
–Raise the bonnet.
– Move the loop 1
in the direction of the arrow and remove the
cover ⇒ Fig. 161.
– Remove connector ⇒ Fig. 162 2
by pulling outward.
– Remove the bulb by pulling it out and fitting the new one.
– Installation involves all of the above steps in reverse sequence.
– Fit the cover and close the strap. Make sure that the gasket sits
well on the casing cover during the operation.
– Check whether the new bulb is working.
Main beam headlights
Fig. 163 Main beam
headlights
Fig. 164 Main beam
headlights
– Raise the bonnet.
– Move the loop 1
in the direction of the arrow and remove the
cover ⇒ Fig. 163.
– Remove connector ⇒ Fig. 164 2
by pulling outward.
– Extract the bulb and fit the replacement so that it sits correctly
into the cut-out on the reflector.
– Installation involves all of the above steps in reverse sequence.
– Fit the cover and close the strap. Make sure that the gasket sits
well on the casing cover during the operation.
– Check whether the new bulb is working.