2013 Seat Leon 5D check engine

256Checking and refilling levels
Topping up engine oil 
Top up gradually with small quantities of engine oil.
Fig. 155 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ 
in
Working on components in the engine compartment on page 251.
– Unscrew cap from engine oil filler opening ⇒ Fig. 155.
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using
small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area B
, carefully close the cap.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment illustration ⇒ page 309.
Engine oil specification ⇒ page 253.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot
engine components when topping up.
CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A. Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the ex-
haust system. 
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the
service schedule. We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by a Technical Serv-
ice.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme. 

257
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Only change the engine oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge
required!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
⇒ page 251.
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries, such as acid burns, caused by
splashes of oil.
● When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm
horizontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.
● Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of
the reach of children.
CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil. This could result in engine
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
● Because of the disposal problems, the necessary special tools and spe-
cialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil and
filter changed by a Technical Service.
● Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
● Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be large
enough to hold all the engine oil. Cooling system
Engine coolant specifications
The engine cooling system is supplied from the factory with a specially trea-
ted mixture of water and, at least, 40 % of the additive G 13 (TLVW 774 J).
The engine coolant additive is recognisable by its purple colour. This mix-
ture of water and additive gives the necessary frost protection down to
-25°C (-13 °F) and protects the light alloy parts of the cooling system
against corrosion. It also prevents scaling and considerably raises the boil-
ing point of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the percentage of additive must al-
ways be at least 40 %, even in warm climates where anti-freeze protection is
not required.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
additive can be increased. However, the percentage of additive should not
exceed 60 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and, in turn, de-
crease the cooling capacity.
When the coolant is topped up, use a mixture of distilled water and, at
least, 40 % of the G 13 or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) additive (both are
purple) to obtain an optimum anticorrosion protection ⇒ 
. The mixture of
G 13 with G 12 plus (TL-VW 774 F), G 12 (red) or G 11 (green-blue) engine
coolants will significantly reduce the anticorrosion protection and should,
therefore be avoided ⇒ 
. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

258Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the coolant system, the engine may
fail leading to serious damage.
● Please make sure that the percentage of additive is correct with re-
spect to the lowest expected ambient temperature in the zone in which
the vehicle is to be used.
● When the outside temperature is very low, the coolant could freeze
and the vehicle would be immobilised. In this case, the heating would
not work either and inadequately dressed passengers could die of cold.
CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed with coolants which are not
approved by SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to
the engine and the engine cooling system.
● If the fluid in the expansion tank is not purple but is, for example,
brown, this indicates that the G 13 additive has been mixed with an inade-
quate coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case! This could result in serious faults and engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. If any fluids are
spilled, they should be collected and correctly disposed of, with respect to
the environment. Topping up coolant
Top up coolant when the level is below the MIN (minimum)
mark.
Fig. 156 Engine com-
partment: Coolant expan-
sion tank cap
Checking coolant level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Switch the ignition off
– Read off the coolant level on coolant expansion tank. When the
engine is cold, the coolant level should be between the marks.
When the engine is hot, it may be slightly above the upper
mark.
Topping up coolant
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the coolant expansion tank cap with a cloth and carefully
unscrew it to the left ⇒ 
. 

259
Checking and refilling levels
– Top up the coolant only if there is still coolant in the expansion
tank, otherwise you could damage the engine. If there is no
coolant in the expansion tank, do not continue driving. You
should obtain professional assistance ⇒ 
.
– If there is still some coolant in the expansion tank, top up to the
upper mark.
– Top up with coolant to the upper mark until the level becomes
stable.
– Screw the cap back on correctly.
Any loss of coolant fluid normally indicates a leak in the cooling system.
Take the vehicle straight to a specialised workshop to have the cooling sys-
tem examined. If there are no leaks in the engine cooling system, a loss of
coolant can only occur if the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as
a result of overheating.
WARNING
● The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap on the
coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot: risk of burns!
● The antifreeze and coolant fluid can be a health hazard. Therefore,
the antifreeze should be stored in the original container in a safe place
out of reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.
● If working inside the engine compartment, remember that, even when
the ignition is switched off, the radiator fan may start up automatically,
and therefore there is a risk of injury.
CAUTION
Do not top up the expansion tank with coolant fluid if it is empty! Air could
enter the cooling system. In this case, stop driving. Seek specialist assis-
tance. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage. Brake fluid
Fig. 157 Engine com-
partment: brake fluid res-
ervoir, lid
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must be between the MIN and MAX markings.
However, if the brake fluid level goes down noticeably in a short time, or
drops below the MIN mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. Seek
specialist assistance. A warning light on the instrument panel display moni-
tors the brake fluid level ⇒ page 69.
In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid reservoir is on the other side of
the engine compartment.
Changing brake fluid
The regular intervals at which the brake fluid should be replaced are listed
in the Service Plan. We recommend you have the brake fluid replaced at a
SEAT Official Service, during an Inspection Service. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

260Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
● Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. Risk of 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. This may cause an accident.
CAUTION
Brake fluid should not come into contact with the vehicle paintwork, as it is
abrasive. 
Battery General information
The battery is located in the engine compartment and is almost mainte-
nance-free. It is checked as part of the Inspection Service. Nevertheless,
check the terminals are clean and have the correct tightening torque, espe-
cially in summer and winter.
Disconnecting the battery
The battery should only be disconnected in exceptional cases. When the
battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle's functions are “lost” ( ⇒ table
on page 260). These functions will require resetting after the battery is re-
connected.
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm* before you disconnect the battery Other-
wise the alarm will be triggered.
effectReprogrammingOne-touch function of the electric
windows⇒ page 104, One-touch opening and
closing*
Remote control keyIf the vehicle does not respond to the
key, they should be synchronised
⇒ page 91
Digital clock⇒ page 63
ESC warning lampAfter driving for a few metres, the
warning lamp goes out again.
If the vehicle is not used for long periods
The vehicle has a system for monitoring the current consumption when the
engine is left unused for long periods of time ⇒ page 226. Some functions,
such as the interior lights, or the remote door opening, may be temporarily
disabled to prevent the battery from running flat. These functions will come
back on as soon as the ignition is switched on and the engine started.
Winter conditions
During the winter, the starting power may be reduced, and if necessary, the
battery should be charged ⇒ 
in Important safety warnings for handling a
vehicle battery on page 261 
Important safety warnings for handling a vehicle battery
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. Please refer to a SEAT
Official Service or a workshop specialising in batteries: risk of burns or ex-
ploding battery!
The battery must not be opened. Never try to change the fluid level of the
battery. Explosive gas is released from the battery that could cause an ex-
plosion. 

261
Checking and refilling levels
Wear eye protection.
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves
and eye protection. In the event of electrolyte splashes, rinse off
with plenty of water.
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited.
The battery should only be charged in a well-ventilated zone. Risk
of explosion!
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
WARNING
● When repairing or working on the electrical system, proceed as fol-
lows:
● 1. Remove the key from the ignition. The negative cable on the bat-
tery must be disconnected.
● 2. When the repair is finished, reconnect the negative pole of the bat-
tery.
● 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.
● Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
● Never use damaged batteries. This could cause an explosion! Replace
a damaged battery immediately.
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. Charging the battery
Terminals for charging the battery are fitted in the engine
compartment.
–
Note the warnings ⇒ 
in Important safety warnings for han-
dling a vehicle battery on page 261 and ⇒ .
– Switch off all electrical equipment. Remove the ignition key.
– Raise the bonnet ⇒ page 252.
– Open the battery cover.
– Connect the charger clamps as described to the positive pole of
the battery (+) and, exclusively to an earth on the bodywork
(–).
– Only use a charger which is compatible for use with 12 V nomi-
nal voltage batteries. The charge must not exceed a voltage of
15 V.
– Now connect the battery charger to the power socket and switch
on.
– After charging the battery: switch off the battery charger and
disconnect the power socket cable.
– Finally disconnect the charger cables from the battery.
– Replace the battery cover correctly.
– Close the bonnet ⇒ page 253.
Important: Before you charge the battery make sure you read the manufac-
turer's instructions for using the battery charger. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

262Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Never charge a battery that has frozen: replace battery! Failure to do so
may lead to an explosion.
Note
Use only the terminals in the engine compartment to charge the battery. 
Replacing the battery
The new battery should have the same specifications (am-
perage, load and voltage) as the used battery.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent power management system to
control the distribution of electrical energy ⇒ page 226. The power manage-
ment function ensures that the battery is charged much more efficiently
than on vehicles without a power management system. To maintain this
function after replacing the battery, we recommend that the replacement
battery used is of the same make and type as the original fitted battery. To
make proper use of the power management function after the battery has
been changed, have the battery coded to the power management mode at a
specialised workshop.
CAUTION
● Some vehicles, for example those with the Start-Stop system* are fitted
with a special battery (AGM-type or EFB-type battery). If any other type of
battery is fitted, the Start-Stop function may be considerably reduced and
the vehicle may not stop on repeated occasions.
● Make sure that the vent hose is always attached to the original opening
on the side of the battery. Gases or battery acid can otherwise escape and
possibly cause damage.
● The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured. ●
Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the warnings lis-
ted under ⇒  page 260, Important safety warnings for handling a vehicle
battery.
● Do not forget to replace the battery coverings, where applicable. This
helps to protect against excess temperatures. This in turn extends the vehi-
cle service life.
For the sake of the environment
 Batteries contain toxic substances including sulphuric acid and lead. They
must be disposed of appropriately and must not be disposed of with ordi-
nary household waste. Make sure disconnected batteries cannot tip over.
Sulphuric acid could be spilt! 
Windscreen washer reservoir and wiper
blades
Windscreen washer
Fig. 158 Engine com-
partment: Windscreen
washer reservoir top 

283
Emergencies
– Take out the temporary spare wheel.
Chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must not be used on the temporary
spare wheel.
If you have a puncture on one of the front wheels when using snow chains,
fit the temporary spare wheel in place of one of the rear wheels. Fit the snow
chains on the rear wheel that you have removed and replace the punctured
front wheel with this wheel.
WARNING
● After fitting the temporary spare wheel, check the tyre pressures as
soon as possible. Failure to do so may cause an accident. The tyre pres-
sures are listed on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
● Do not drive at over 80 km/h (50 mph) when the temporary spare
wheel is fitted on the vehicle: risk of accident!
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering: risk of ac-
cident!
● Never use more than one temporary spare wheel at the same time,
risk of accident.
● No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on
the compact temporary spare wheel rim.

Extraction of the spare wheel in vehicles with SEAT SOUND
10 speakers (with subwoofer)*
– Disassemble the subwoofer’s floor panel (carpet) as follows:
– LEON / LEON SC model: first, pull the carpet in the direction of
the backrest and then pull the carpet upwards to remove it. LEON ST Model: lift and secure the luggage compartment floor
as explained in
⇒ page 148.
– Disconnect the subwoofer’s speaker cable.
– Turn the securing wheel anti-clockwise.
– Remove the subwoofer speaker and the spare wheel.
– When replacing the spare wheel, place the subwoofer speaker
in the direction indicated by the arrow and with the word
“FRONT” facing forward.
– Reconnect the speaker cable and firmly rotate the securing
wheel clockwise so that the subwoofer system and wheel are
firmly in place. 
Jump starting Jump leads
The jump lead must have a sufficient wire cross section.
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.
Jump leads
Jump leads must comply with standard DIN 72553 (see cable manufactur-
er's instructions). The wire cross section must be at least 25 mm 2
for petrol
engines and at least 35 mm 2
for diesel engines. 
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