2013 Seat Mii low oil pressure

15
Instrument panel
Instrument panel Control and warning lamps
The control and warning lamps are indicators of warnings, ⇒ , faults ⇒ or certain functions. Some control and warning lamps come on when the ig-
nition is switched on, and switch off when the engine starts running, or
while driving.
When certain control and warning lamps are lit, an audible warning is also
heard.
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
Handbrake applied.
⇒ page 134

 Do not continue driving!
The brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the brake system.

lights:  Do not continue driving!
The liquid coolant level is too low,
the engine liquid coolant temperature is too
high or
there is a fault in the liquid coolant system.
⇒ page 189
flashes: Engine coolant system faulty.⇒ page 189
 Do not continue driving!
Engine oil pressure too low.⇒ page 185

lights up or flashes:  Do not continue driv-
ing!
Fault in the steering.⇒ page 147
On the instrument panel: Driver or passen-
ger has not fastened seat belt.
⇒ page 56
Instrument panel display: A passenger in
the rear seats has fastened their seatbelt.
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
A passenger in the rear seats has not fas-
tened their seat belt.⇒ page 56

Faulty generator.⇒ page 193Vehicles with the Start-Stop system: it is
necessary to start the engine manually.⇒ page 160

flashes in addition to the rest of the seg-
ments of the fuel gauge: Fuel tank almost
empty.⇒ page 171

flashes quickly: The City Safety Assist sys-
tem* function brakes automatically or has
braked automatically. Or:
flashes slowly: City Safety Assist function is
not currently available.
⇒ page 155
 The City Safety Assist* function has been
connected manually. It switches off after 5
seconds.
 flashes: The City Safety Assist* function has
been manually disconnected.
 after the ignition is switched on: Indication
for the approach of the end of the period for
an inspection to be carried out.⇒ page 17

lights: ESC* faulty or disconnected by the
system. ALTERNATIVELY:
flashes: ESC* or ASR regulating.
⇒ page 134
lights: Traction Control faulty or switched off
by the system. ALTERNATIVELY:
flashes: Traction Control regulator operat-
ing.
ABS faulty or does not work. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications

25
Before starting the engine
Prior to a journey... Before starting the engine
Tips for driving
Introduction
Depending upon how you expect to use your vehicle, it may a good idea to
protect the engine from below. A guard underneath the engine may help to
reduce the risk of damage to the lower part of the vehicle and the oil sump
when driving over kerbs, or along dirt tracks or rough roads... Before instal-
lation, SEAT recommends going to a SEAT dealership.
Additional information and warnings:
● Ensure you are correctly seated ⇒ page 47
● Transporting ⇒ page 95
● Starting, changing gears, parking ⇒ page 119
● Ecological driving ⇒ page 144
● Notes for the user ⇒ page 233
WARNING
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics
may result in severe accidents and even loss of life.
● Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics may significantly alter per-
ception, affect reaction times and safety while driving, which could result
in the loss of control of the vehicle.
 Journey preparations and safe driving
Check list
For your own safety, for the safety of passengers in the car, and for that of
other road users, the following should be checked before and during each
journey
⇒ 
:
 Check that the lights and turn signals operate correctly.
 Check the tyre pressures (
⇒ page 210) and level of fuel
(⇒  page 171).
 Ensure there is good visibility through all the windows.
 Make sure that all objects and bags in the storage compartments, in
the luggage compartment and, where applicable, on the roof, are se-
curely fastened
⇒ page 95.
 Ensure there is nothing obstructing the free passage of the foot ped-
als.
 Use child retention systems appropriate for the child's body weight
and height
⇒ page 74.
 Correctly adjust front seat, head rests and rear-view mirrors to suit
your height
⇒ page 47, ⇒  page 93.
 Wear close-fitting shoes which do not prevent you from using the
pedals correctly.
 The driver's floor mat should be fixed to the floor, leaving the pedal
area unobstructed.
 Before starting out, ensure you are correctly seated and remain in
this position throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers
in the vehicle
⇒ page 47. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications

138Starting, changing gears, parking
A layer of salt on the discs and brake pads will reduce the effectiveness of
the brakes and increase braking distance. If you drive for a prolonged peri-
od on salted roads without braking then brake carefully several times to
eliminate the layer of salt on the brakes ⇒ 
.
If the vehicle remains parked for considerable lengths of time, is used little,
or if the brakes are not used, there may be corrosion on the brake discs and
a build up of dirt on the brake pads. If the brakes are not used frequently, or
if rust has formed on the discs, SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and
discs by braking firmly a few times at a moderately high speed. Only do this
without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users ⇒ 
.
Faults in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle does not react as usual (that
the braking distance has increased suddenly) it may be possible that there
is a fault in the braking system. This is indicated by the warning lamp .
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop immediately and have the fault
repaired. Drive at a moderate speed and be prepared to use more pressure
on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping distances.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the engine is running and the pressure
applied by the driver on the brake pedal increases.
If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then the
brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the braking
distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate ⇒ 
.
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficiency.
● For the first 320 km (200 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached
their maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in” first. For this, to
compensate for reduced braking efficiency the brake pedal will have to
be pressed with more force.
WARNING (Continued)
● To avoid losing control of the vehicle and causing serious accidents,
always take great care when driving with new brake pads.
● When running in new brake pads, always respect the safety distances
between you and other vehicles and do not cause situations requiring ex-
treme braking performance.
WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less efficient and braking distances in-
crease.
● When driving on slopes, brakes can be overloaded and overheat
quickly.
● Reduce speed or reduce the gear when faced with steep and long
slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and to reduce
the strain on the brake system.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to
the brakes and cause them to overheat.
WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take time to brake and this increases
braking distances.
● Test the brakes carefully.
● Dry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by braking gently several
times, when visibility, weather, and road and traffic conditions permit. 

146Starting, changing gears, parking
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other con-
ditions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in prac-
tice it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi / + 200 kPa) can help to save fuel.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine
oil, help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the re-
sistance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving
style. For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel con-
sumption up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle. Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Option-
al equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce
the aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds.


147
Starting, changing gears, parking
Steering Introduction
The power steering* is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of this steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 119
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Tow starting and towing away ⇒ page 278
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more difficult to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
 Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution

(red)Power steering faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a specialised
workshop as soon as possible.

(yellow)Power steering operation
reduced.
The steering system should be
checked by a specialised
workshop as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short dis-
tance, the yellow warning
lamp no longer comes on, it
will not be necessary to take
the vehicle to a specialised
workshop.
flashesPossible causeSolution

(red)Fault in the steering column
electronic lock. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.

(yellow)
Steering column deviation.Gently turn the steering wheel
to and fro.
Steering wheel not un-
locked or locked.
Remove the key from the igni-
tion and then switch the igni-
tion back on. If necessary,
check the messages displayed
on the instrument panel dis-
play.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after
the ignition has been switched
on. Seek specialist assistance. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications

176At the filling station
Note
● The filling nozzles of natural gas pumps can differ in the way they are
operated. If you are unacquainted with the pump, it is advisable that a
member of staff of the service station performs the refuelling operation.
● Noises heard when refuelling are normal and do not indicate the pres-
ence of a fault in the system.
● The vehicle natural gas system is prepared both for refuelling with a
small compressor (slow refuel) and a large compressor (fast refuel) in natu-
ral gas service stations. 
Refilling precautions
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not famil-
iar with the operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards
and if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary
⇒  page 180, Working in the engine compartment ! In such a case, have any
work carried out by a Specialised workshop. Check the following regularly,
preferably when you refuel:
 Windscreen washer fluid level
⇒ page 89
 Engine oil level
⇒ page 185
 Engine coolant level
⇒ page 189
 Brake fluid level
⇒ page 134
 Tyre pressure ⇒ page 210
 Vehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
– Turn signals
– Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
– Rear lights
– Brake lights
– Rear fog light ⇒ page 82
Information on bulb replacement ⇒ page 266. 

185
In the engine compartment
Engine oil Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 180
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
Incorrectly handling engine oil can cause injury and serious burns.
● Always protect your eyes when handling engine oil.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
● Engine oil must only be kept closed in its original container. The same
applies to use oil until it has been disposed of.
● Never store engine oil in empty food containers or bottles as other
people may accidentally drink it.
● Regular contact with engine oil can be bad for the skin. If you come
into contact with engine oil, wash your skin with soap and water.
● With the engine running, the engine oil gets extremely hot and can
cause severe skin burns. Always wait until the engine has fully cooled.
For the sake of the environment
Similar to the other service liquids, spilled engine oil can be bad for the en-
vironment. Collect any spilt fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in
accordance with legislation and with the utmost respect for the environ-
ment. Warning and control lamps
flashesPossible causeSolution
Engine oil pressure too low.

Stop the vehicle!
Switch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level, and if necessa-
ry, refill with ⇒ page 186.
engine oil - If the warning indica-
tor flashes although the oil level
is correct, do not continue driv-
ing or leave the engine running.
Otherwise, the engine could be
damaged. Seek specialist assis-
tance.
WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they appear may result in faults in
the vehicle. 
Engine oil specifications
Replacement engine oil must strictly comply with the specifications. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications

198Vehicle care and maintenance
For the sake of the environment
The remains of car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary
household waste. Observe information provided by the manufacturer. 
Washing the vehicle
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 vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork.
High temperatures (for instance due to strong sunlight) further intensify the
corrosive effect. The vehicle undercarriage should also be thoroughly wash-
ed at regular intervals.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at the automatic car wash. The
standard precautionary measures prior to entering the car wash should be
taken to avoid damage to the vehicle (close all windows, fold in exterior mir-
rors). If the vehicle is fitted with additional components (spoiler, roof-rack,
aerial...), check with the car wash supervisor whether these can enter the
car wash ⇒ 
.
The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the vehicle can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car wash tunnel. However, wear and dam-
age to the paintwork will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT recom-
mends the use of car washed without brushes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to prevent wiper blades from
scratching, please observe the following ⇒ page 200, Cleaning windows
and exterior mirrors.
Washing the car 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 soft
sponge, glove or brush using only slight
pressure. Start at the roof and work downwards. Special car shampoo
should only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second sponge for
this.
WARNING
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause injury.
● Protect arms and hands from sharp edges when cleaning the vehicle
undercarriage or the interior of the wheel hubs.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced
(and the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter)
on the brakes.
● Dry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process.
CAUTION
● The temperature of the water must not exceed +60 °C (+140 °F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
● Do not use rough sponges or similar which could damage the surface to
clean away the traces of insects.
● Never wipe the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge, always moisten
first. It is best to use soapy water.
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle
with a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around
the doors, rear lid, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze! 