2013 Seat Toledo ignition

182Checking and refilling levels
● Water allowed to collect in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
● Your vehicle is not prepared for use of biofuel (RME) and, therefore, this
fuel must not be used for refuelling or driving. The use of biofuel (RME)
could cause serious damage to the engine or the fuel system. 
Engine compartment
Introduction
Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or fire when working in the engine compartment, e.g. when check-
ing and refilling fluids. Therefore, always observe the warnings and follow
all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of any motor vehi-
cle is a potentially hazardous area .
WARNING
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding! Wait until no steam or
coolant can be seen before opening the bonnet.
● Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
● Engage neutral in vehicles with manual gearbox and move the selec-
tor lever to position P in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
● Apply the handbrake firmly.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be closed when the vehi-
cle is moving. Therefore, after closing the bonnet always check that it is
properly secured.
WARNING (Continued)
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when the ve-
hicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet prop-
erly. Risk of accident!
● Keep children away from the engine compartment.
● Do not touch hot engine parts. Risk of burns!
● Never spill fluids on hot engine compartments. These fluids can
cause a fire (e.g. antifreeze in coolant).
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especial-
ly when working on the battery.
● Never touch the radiator fan when the engine is hot. The fan may start
running suddenly!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant expansion tank when the en-
gine is hot. The cooling system is under pressure!
● Protect face, hands and arms from any hot steam or hot coolant re-
leased by covering the cap with a large, thick rag when opening the ex-
pansion tank.
● Do not leave any objects, such as cloths and tools, in the engine com-
partment.
● When working underneath the vehicle, secure it so that it cannot roll
away and support it safely on suitable supports. The hydraulic jack is not
sufficient for this purpose. Risk of injuries!
● If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an
extra safety risk from rotating parts, such as the drive belt, alternator
and radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. You
should also note the following:
–Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Keep away from moving engine parts when wearing jewellery,
loose clothing or long hair. Risk of fatal injuries! All jewellery must be
removed, hair tied back and close-fitting clothing worn.
● Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system
or the electrical system is necessary.
–Always disconnect the battery from the on-board network.
– Do not smoke. 

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. 

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. 

189
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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191
Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● Never mix the windscreen washing water with anti-freeze used for the
cooling system or other additives.
● If the vehicle is equipped with a headlight washer system, only mix a de-
tergent that does not damage polycarbonates with the water.
Note
On topping up the fluid, do not move the filter on the container opening, as
this could contaminate the fluid pipes and, therefore, lead to a windscreen
washer malfunction. 
Battery Introduction
Warning symbols on the battery
SymbolMeaning
Always wear safety glasses!
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Always wear gloves and
hearing protection!
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and lit cigarettes
away when working on the battery!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the bat-
tery is under charge!
Keep children away from the battery!
Incorrect handling of the vehicle battery could lead to damage. We therefore
recommend all work on the vehicle battery be performed by an authorised
SEAT dealer.
Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical system.
Therefore, always observe the warnings and follow all general safety pre-
cautions.
WARNING
● Battery acid is very corrosive, therefore, the battery must be handled
with the utmost care. Wear protective gloves and protect your eyes and
skin when handling batteries. The corrosive fumes in the air irritate and
inflame the respiratory tract and cause conjunctivitis. It corrodes tooth
enamel and causes deep, difficult-to-heal wounds when in contact with
the skin. Repeated contact with diluted acids causes skin disease (in-
flammation, ulcers and fissures). When in contact with water, acids dilute
and develop a great deal of heat.
● Do not tilt the battery, as acid could leak out of the vapour vents. Pro-
tect your eyes with glasses or a protective helmet! Risk of blindness! If
acid should splash into the eyes, rinse the affected eye immediately for
several minutes using clean water. Then seek medical care immediately.
● Neutralize any acid splashes on the skin or clothing with soap solu-
tion as quickly as possible and rinse off with plenty of water. If acid is
swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.
● Keep children away from the battery.
● Hydrogen is released and a highly explosive mixture of gases is gen-
erated when the battery is under charge. Sparks when disconnecting or
releasing cable terminals with the ignition switched on could also cause
an explosion.
● A short circuit is produced if the battery terminals are bridged, e.g.
using metal objects, cables, etc. Possible consequences of a short cir-
cuit: melting of lead plates, battery explosion and fire, splashing acid. 
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192Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● The following is forbidden while working on the battery: fire and open
flames, smoking and activities that could produce sparks. Avoid causing
sparks when handling cables or electrical apparatus. Risk of injury in the
event of large sparks.
● Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all electrical components and disconnect the cable
from the negative terminal (-) of the battery. To change a bulb, simply
switch off the corresponding light.
● Never charge a frozen or thawed out battery. Risk of explosion and
acid burns! Replace a frozen battery.
● Never use the jump leads on batteries in which the electrolyte level is
too low. Risk of explosion and acid burns.
● Never use a damaged battery. Risk of explosion! Replace a damaged
battery immediately.
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery when the ignition is switched on, as the
electrical system (electronic components) of the vehicle could be damaged.
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system, discon-
nect its negative terminal (-) first. Only then may the positive terminal (+) be
disconnected.
● When connecting the battery, connect the positive terminal (+) first. On-
ly then may the negative terminal (-) be connected. The battery cables must
never be connected to the wrong battery terminals. Risk of burning the elec-
trical installation.
● Make sure the battery acid does not come into contact with the body-
work. Risk of paintwork damage.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight to protect it from ultraviolet
radiation. ●
If the vehicle is not used for 3 or 4 weeks, the battery could run flat. This
is because some components use electricity even in standby mode (e.g.
control units). Prevent the battery from running flat by disconnecting its
negative terminal or leave it charging at a low current.
● If you frequently use the vehicle for short trips, the battery may not fully
charge and could run flat.
For the sake of the environment
A flat battery is particularly harmful waste for the environment. It must
therefore be disposed of according to current local law.
Note
Replace a battery once it is older than 5 years. 
Battery cover
Fig. 129 Battery: Open-
ing the cover
The battery is located beneath a plastic cover in the engine com-
partment.
– Open the battery cover in the direction indicated by the arrow
⇒ Fig. 129. 

193
Checking and refilling levels
– The positive terminal (+) of the battery is connected in reverse
order. 
Checking battery acid level
Fig. 130 Battery: Acid
level indicator
We recommend you have the acid level regularly checked at an official tech-
nical service, particularly in the following cases.
● At high outside temperatures.
● On long daily trips.
● Whenever the vehicle is loaded ⇒ page 193, Charging the battery.
In vehicles equipped with a battery with colour indicator, the so-called mag-
ic eye ⇒ Fig. 130 changes colour to indicate the acid level.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. Therefore, carefully
knock the indicator before checking the acid level.
● Black – the acid level is correct.
● Colourless or light yellow – acid level too low, battery must be changed.
Note
● The battery acid level is also regularly checked during servicing at au-
thorised SEAT dealers.
● The acid level on “AGM” vehicle batteries cannot be checked for techni-
cal reasons.
● Vehicles equipped with the “START-STOP” system include a battery con-
trol unit to control the battery level for repeat engine starting. 
Winter service
At low temperatures the battery provides only a fraction of the starting pow-
er it has at normal temperatures.
A flat battery can also freeze at temperatures slightly below 0 °C (32 °F).
We therefore recommend you have the battery checked and, if necessary,
charged at an official SEAT technical service before the start of winter. 
Charging the battery
A fully-charged battery is essential for reliable starting.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
– For “fast-charging” only: disconnect both battery connection ca-
bles (first the “negative” terminal and then the “positive”).
– Connect the charger cables to the battery terminals (red = “pos-
itive”, black = “negative”).
– Plug in the battery charger and switch on. 
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Checking and refilling levels
Note
Despite any measures taken by the control unit, the battery could drain. e.g.
with the engine is switched off, the key is turned in the ignition for a long
period or the side lights or parking lights are switched on. The switching off
of certain electrical components does not impair driving comfort and the
driver will often not even realise. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications