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Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
– 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.
Note
● Please contact an authorised SEAT dealer with any doubts regarding flu-
ids.
● Fluids of the correct specifications can be acquired from the selection of
SEAT Original Accessories. Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 123 Releasing bonnet
Fig. 124 Securing the bonnet
Opening the bonnet
– Open the front left door.
– Pull the lever 1
⇒ Fig. 123 under the dash panel in the direc-
tion indicated by the arrow.
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184Checking and refilling levels
Before opening the bonnet, make sure that the windscreen wiper
arms are not lifted away from the glass. Otherwise the paintwork
may be damaged.
–Pull the release catch in the direction of the arrow 2
⇒ Fig. 123
and the bonnet will be released.
– Hold and lift the bonnet.
– Remove the support strut 3
⇒ Fig. 124 from its fastening in the
direction of the arrow and secure the raised bonnet so that the
end of the strut hooks onto the opening in the bonnet 4
.
Closing the bonnet
– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the support strut keeping
the bonnet open and insert it into its fastening 3
.
– Let the bonnet drop from a height of around 20 cm into the
catch Do not press down afterwards!
– Check that the bonnet is correctly closed.
Engine oil General notes
The engine comes with a special, multi-grade oil that can be used all year
round.
Because the use of high-quality oil is essential for the correct operation of
the engine and its long useful life, when topping up or changing oil, use on-
ly those oils that comply with VW standards. The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should ap-
pear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the
oil can be used for both types of engines.
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 185,
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 QG1, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service pro-
grammed. If it has the codes QG0 or QG2 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 186 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up
(once) with oil for fixed service intervals ⇒ page 185 (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 185, Oil properties. In this case, your vehicle must be
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185
Checking and refilling levels
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 186 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*
The “Maintenance Programme” states whether your vehicle is fitted with a
diesel particulate filter.
Only VW 507 00 engine oil, with reduced ash formation, may be used in die-
sel engines equipped with particulate filter. 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 186 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 typeSpecificationPetrol without flexible service in-
tervalVW 502 00/VW 504 00
Petrol with flexible service inter-
val (LongLife)VW 504 00
Engine typeSpecificationDiesel. Engines without Particu-
late filter (DPF)VW 505 01/VW 506 01/VW 507 00
Diesel. Particulate Filter Engines
(DPF).
With or without flexible service in-
terval (with and without Long-
life) a)VW 507 00
a)
Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the engine oil. The deterioration
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and recommend keeping it in the vehicle.
This way, the correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if nee-
ded.
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186Checking and refilling levels
Checking the engine oil level
Fig. 125 Engine oil dip-
sticks
The dipstick shows the engine oil level. ⇒ Fig. 125.
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle on a level surface and ensure the engine is at
operating temperature.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the bonnet.
– Wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back to the sump
and remove the dipstick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again as far as
it will go.
– Then pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level. Oil level in area
A
–
Do not top up oil.
Oil level in area B
–
Oil can be topped up. After topping up the oil level could be in
area A.
Oil level in area C
–
Oil must be topped up. After topping up the oil level should be
in area B.
It is normal for the engine to consume a certain amount of oil. Depending
on how you drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is used, oil con-
sumption can be up to 0.5 litres per 1000 km (621 miles). Oil consumption
can also be higher for the first 5000 km (3000 miles).
You should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, ideally every
time you fill the tank or before setting off on a long trip.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained motorway
cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or caravan or climbing on moun-
tain passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area A
, but no
higher.
A warning lamp will appear on the instrument panel ⇒ page 71, Engine oil
if the oil level is too low. In this case, check the oil level as soon as pos-
sible. Top up with the required amount of oil.
CAUTION
● The oil level must never exceed area A ⇒ Fig. 125. Risk of damage to
the exhaust system!
● If the engine oil cannot be topped up under the given conditions, do
not drive on! Stop the engine and seek the professional assistance of an Of-
ficial Service, as this could cause serious damage to the engine.
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187
Checking and refilling levels
Topping up engine oil
– Check the engine oil level ⇒ page 186, Checking the engine oil
level.
– Unscrew the cap from the filler opening.
– Put in the specified grade of oil 0.5 litres at a time ⇒ page 184.
– Check the oil level ⇒ page 186.
– Replace the oil filler cap carefully and push the dipstick all the
way in.
Changing engine oil
Engine oil must be changed with the frequency indicated in the Mainte-
nance Programme or according to the service interval indicator ⇒ page 59.
CAUTION
Do not mix engine oil with additives. Risk of damage to the engine! Damage
caused by these products is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil. Coolant
General notes
The cooling system is factory-filled with an anti-freeze product.
Coolant consists of a mixture of water and 40% anti-freeze additive. This
mixture gives the required anti-freeze protection at temperatures down to
+25 °C (+77 °F) and protects the cooling and heating system against corro-
sion. It also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant con-
siderably.
The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding water, even in
warmer seasons or in warm countries. The concentration of the anti-freeze
additive in the coolant must be at least 40 %.
If greater anti-freeze protection is required in very cold climates, the propor-
tion of the anti-freeze additive can be increased, but only up to 60 % (anti-
freeze protection down to approx. -40 °C (-40 °F). Any excess in this propor-
tion would reduce the anti-freeze protection and affect the cooling effect.
Vehicles for countries with cold climate are are supplied with coolant protec-
tion down to around -35 °C (-31 °F). The proportion of the antifreeze addi-
tive in these countries should always be at least 50 %.
The type of anti-freeze to be used for topping up is indicated on the coolant
tank cover ⇒ Fig. 126.
Amount of coolant
Petrol enginesTop-up quantity (in litres)1.2 l/55 kW MPI4.21.2 l/63 kW TSI7.01.2 l/77 kW TSI7.01.4 l/90 kW TSI7.0
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188Checking and refilling levels
Diesel enginesTop-up quantity (in litres)1.6 l/77 kW TDI CR6.5
CAUTION
● Anti-freeze that does not correspond to the correct specification may
particularly affect corrosion protection considerably.
● Faults caused by corrosion may lead to coolant leaks. Risk of serious en-
gine faults!
Checking coolant level
Fig. 126 Engine com-
partment: Coolant tank
The coolant expansion tank is located in the engine compartment
of the vehicle.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ page 182.
– Read off the coolant level on coolant expansion tank ⇒
Fig. 126.
When the engine is cold, the coolant should be between marks B
(min.) and
A (max.). When the engine is hot, it may be
slightly above mark A (max.).
If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this will be indicated by the
warning lamp (red) in the general instrument panel ⇒ page 72, Coolant
level and temperature . However, we recommend checking the coolant
level directly in the tank.
Coolant fluid loss
Any loss of coolant normally indicates a leak. It is not sufficient merely to
top up the coolant. The cooling system should be inspected by an Official
Service without delay.
CAUTION
In the event of a fault that causes the engine to overheat, contact an author-
ised SEAT dealer immediately, as this could damage the engine.
Topping up coolant
– Switch the ignition off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the coolant expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 126 with a
cloth and carefully unscrew the cap.
– Refill the level of coolant.
– Screw the cap on again until it clicks into place.
Do not use a different type of additive if the prescribed anti-freeze additive
is not available, in the event of an emergency. In this case, use only water
and bring the coolant concentration back up to the correct level as soon as
possible at an Official Service.
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Checking and refilling levels
Always top up with unused coolant.
Never fill the coolant tank above mark A
(max.) ⇒ Fig. 126 Excess coolant
is forced out of the cooling system through the overpressure valve in the fill-
er cap of the expansion tank when the engine heats up.
WARNING
● The anti-freeze additive and, therefore, the entire coolant, are a
health hazard. Avoid touching the coolant. Coolant fumes are also a
health hazard. Store the coolant additive in a safe place out of the reach
of children. Risk of poisoning!
● If splashed into eyes, rinse immediately with clean water and seek
immediate medical advice.
● Seek immediate medical advice if the coolant is accidentally inges-
ted.
CAUTION
If the engine oil cannot be topped up under the given conditions, do not
drive on. We recommend contacting an authorised SEAT dealer, as this can
damage the engine.
Radiator fan
The radiator is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the
temperature of the coolant.
After the engine has been stopped and the ignition switched off, the radia-
tor fan may continue running for around 10 minutes. Brake fluid
Checking brake fluid level
Fig. 127 Engine com-
partment: Brake fluid res-
ervoir
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment of
the vehicle.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ page 182.
– Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒ Fig. 127. It should
be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
The fluid level drops slightly after a period of time due to automatic com-
pensation for brake pad wear. This is quite normal.
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. If the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low, this will be indicated by the warning lamp in
the instrument panel
⇒ page 70, Brake system .
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190Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN mark, do not drive on.
Risk of accident! Seek professional help.
Changing the brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Therefore, it gradually absorbs moisture from
the atmosphere. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. The water content also reduces the boiling point of
the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with one of the following standards or specifi-
cations:
● VW 50114
● FMVSS 116 DOT4
WARNING
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 efficien-
cy of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle.
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the vehicle paintwork. Windscreen washer
Fig. 128 Engine com-
partment: Windscreen
washer container
The container for the windscreen washer contains the cleaning fluid for the
windscreen or rear window and the headlight washer system. The container
is located in the engine compartment.
The container capacity is approx. 3.5 litres and, in vehicles with windscreen
washer system, approx. 5.4 litres 1)
.
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean the glass and the headlights
properly. We therefore recommend using clean water with a glass cleaning
product to eliminate any stubborn dirt (with an anti-freeze additive in win-
ter).
Although your vehicle has heated windscreen washer jets, anti-freeze
should always be added to the water in winter.
Ethanol can be used where glass cleaner with anti-freeze is unavailable. The
concentration of ethanol must be no greater than 15 %. However, remember
that anti-freeze in this proportion only protects down to -5 °C (23 °F).
1)
Valid only for certain countries. 5.4 litres for both versions.