Operation
WARNING
● Never run the engine in confined spaces, as
the exhaust gases are poisonous. CAUTION
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and
extreme load conditions until the engine has
reached its normal operating temperature,
otherwise this can damage the engine. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by idling it. You
should drive off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This will help avoid unnecessary ex-
haust emissions. Note
● If it is difficult to turn the ignition key to
the position 1 , turn the steering wheel to
both sides to release the steering lock.
● When starting from cold, the engine may be
a little noisy for the first few seconds until oil
pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve
lifters. This is quite normal, and no cause for
concern.
● If the vehicle battery is disconnected and
reconnected, the key must remain in the posi-
tion 1 for around 5 seconds before starting
up.
● Vehicles with automatic gearbox: after
switching off the ignition, you can only re-
move the ignition key if the selector lever is in position “P” (parking lock). Next, the se-
lector lever is locked.
Switching off the engine with the key
Switching off the engine
– Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position 1 ›››
Fig. 141.
En g
aging the steering wheel lock
In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the igni-
tion key can only be removed when the selec-
tor lever is in position P.
– Remo
ve the key from the ignition in posi-
tion 1
››› Fig. 141
›
›› .
– Turn the steering wheel until you hear it en-
gage.
Possible vehicle theft is prevented with the
steering lock engaged. WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is stationary. The brake servo and power
steering functions will not be completely cov-
ered under warranty. More force may also be
needed to turn the steering wheel or to brake.
As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents
and serious injury. ●
Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise, the steer-
ing could suddenly lock, making it impossible
to steer the vehicle: risk of accident!
● Always take the key with you when you
leave the vehicle. This is particularly impor-
tant if there are children in the vehicle, as
they might otherwise be able to start the en-
gine or use power-operated equipment (e.g.
the electric windows), which could cause in-
juries. CAUTION
If the engine has been running under high
load for a long time, there is a risk of heat
building up in the engine compartment after
it has been switched off; this could cause en-
gine damage. For this reason, you should idle
the engine for approximately 2 minutes be-
fore you switch it off. Note
● After the engine is switched off the radiator
fan may run on for up to 10 minutes, even if
the ignition is switched off. It is also possible
that the fan turns itself on once more if the
coolant temperature increases due to the
heat accumulated in the engine compartment
or due to its prolonged exposure to solar ra-
diation.
● If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop
system* switches off the engine, the ignition 130
Operation
Gearbox: press the brake and engage a
gear again.
If the fault was caused by a gearbox with a
high temperature, this driver message will be
displayed when the gearbox has cooled
again.
Run-in and economical driving Running in the engine A new vehicle should be run in over a dis-
tance of 1500 km (1000 miles). For the first
1,000 km the engine speed should not ex-
ceed 2/3 of the maximum permissible engine
speed. In doing so, do not accelerate at full
throttle and do not drive with a trailer! From
1000 to 1500 km (600 to 1000 miles) you
can gradually increase the engine rpm and
road speed.
During its first few hours of running, the in-
ternal friction in the engine is greater than
later on when all the moving parts have bed-
ded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1,500
km influences the future engine perform-
ance. Subsequently, also drive at a moderate
rate, especially when the engine is still cold:
this will lead to less engine wear and tear
and will prolong its useful life. You should also avoid driving with the engine
speed too
low
. Change down to a lower gear
when the en
gine no longer runs “smoothly”.
If the engine revs too much, cut fuel injection
to protect the engine.
Environmental friendliness Environmental protection is a top priority in
the design, choice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage
recycling
● Joints and connections designed for easy
dismantling
● Modular construction to facilitate disman-
tling
● Increased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in
accordance with ISO 1043, ISO 11469 and
ISO 1629.
Choice of materials
● Use of recycled materials.
● Use of compatible plastics in the same part
if its components are not easily separated.
● Use of recycled materials and/or materials
originating from renewable sources. ●
Reduction of volatile components, includ-
ing odour, in plastic materials.
● Use of CFC-free coolants.
Ban on heavy metals, with the exceptions
dictated by law (Annex II of ELV Directive
2000/53/EC): cadmium, lead, mercury, hexa-
v al
ent chromium.
Manufacturing methods
● Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the
protective wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during ve-
hicle transport.
● Use of solvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-
tems.
● Recycling and energy recovery from resi-
dues (RDF).
● Improvement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual
heat (thermal recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints.
140
Operation
You should always reduce speed immediately
if the trailer shows the slightest sign of snak-
ing . Never try to stop the “snaking” by in-
c r
easing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has
an overrun brake, apply the brakes gen
tly at
first and then, firmly. This will prevent the
jerking that can be caused by locking of trail-
er wheels. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This en-
ables you to use the engine braking to slow
down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during pro-
longed slopes, driving in a low gear and high
engine speed, always monitor the coolant
temperature gauge ››› page 71.
Electronic stability control*
The ESC* system helps to stabilise the trailer
in case of skidding or rocking. Retrofitting a towing bracket*
Fig. 172
Attachment points for towing brack-
et. If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the ve-
hicle is purchased, this must be completed
according to the instructions of the towing
bracket manufacturer.The attachment points for the towing bracket
A are on the lower part of the vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball
coupling and the ground should never be
lower than the indicated value, even with a
fully loaded vehicle and including the maxi-
mum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing
bracket:
B65 mm (minimum)
C350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)
D1040 mm
E317 mm
FLEON/LEON SCLEON ST
319 mm596 mm Fitting a towing bracket
●
Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort
for the vehicle. Therefore, before fitting a
towing bracket, please contact a Technical
Service to check whether your cooling system
needs modification.
● The legal requirements in your country
must be observed (e.g. the fitting of a sepa-
rate control lamp).
● Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear
bumper, must be removed and reinstalled.
The towing bracket securing bolts must be
180
Advice
Bonnet Checking fluid levels Fig. 174
Diagram for the location of the various elements. From time to time, the levels of the different
fluids in the vehicle must be checked. Never
fill with incorrect fluids, otherwise serious
damage to the engine may be caused.
Coolant expansion tank
Engine oil dipstick
Engine oil filler cap
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery (underneath the cover)
Windscreen washer reservoir
The checking and refilling of service fluids
are carried out on the components men-
tioned above. These operations are descri-
bed in ››› page 198 .
1 2
3
4
5
6 Overview
You will find further explanations, instruc-
tions and restrictions on the technical speci-
fications as of
››› page 241 .
W ork
in the engine compartment 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 checking and refilling fluids). Al-
ways observe the warnings listed below and
follow all general safety precautions. The en-
gine compartment of the vehicle is a poten-
tially hazardous area
››› . WARNING
● Switch the ignition off.
● Remove the ignition key.
● Apply the handbrake.
● If the vehicle has a manual gearbox, place
the lever in neutral; if it has an automatic
gearbox, place the selector lever in position
P.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● Keep children away from the engine com-
partment.
● Never spill liquids used for vehicle opera-
tion on the engine compartment, as these
may catch fire (e.g. the antifreeze in coolant). 198
Checking and refilling levels
●
Take care not to cause short circuits in the
electrical system, especially when working
on the battery.
● If working inside the engine compartment,
remember that, even when the ignition is
switched off, the radiator fan may start up au-
tomatically, and therefore there is a risk of in-
jury.
● Never cover the engine with additional in-
sulating materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant ex-
pansion tank when the engine is hot. The
cooling system is under pressure.
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering
the cap with a large, thick rag to protect
against escaping coolant and steam.
● If it is necessary to work in the engine com-
partment while the engine is running, the ro-
tating components (for example, poly-V belt,
alternator, radiator fan) and the high voltage
ignition system are an additional hazard.
● 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.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguish-
er immediately available. CAUTION
When topping up fluids make sure the correct
fluid is put into the correct filler opening, oth-
erwise this can cause serious malfunctions or
engine damage. For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle
regularly so that any leaks are detected at an
early stage. If you find spots of oil or other
fluids in the area where it was parked, have
your vehicle inspected at the workshop. Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the
containers/reservoirs mentioned below are
located on the other side of the engine com-
partment. Opening the bonnet
Read the additional information carefully
››› page 10
The bonnet is released from inside the vehi-
cle.
Check that the windscreen wiper arms are
not unfolded. Otherwise the paint may be
damaged.
The bonnet can only be unlocked when the
driver door is open. WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or
drips of coolant being released from the en-
gine compartment. Failure to comply could
result in burns. Wait until no steam or coolant
can be seen before opening the bonnet. Closing the bonnet
–
Slightly lift the bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay before pressing it
back into its support.
– Carefully close the bonnet.
– Press the bonnet down until it locks into
place.
– Make sure that the bonnet catches onto its
clasp. Do not press down too hard › › › .
WARNING
● For safety reasons the bonnet must always
be completely closed when the vehicle is
moving. Therefore, after closing the bonnet,
always check that the locking element is
properly engaged. This is the case if the bon-
net is flush with the adjacent body panels.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not
safely secured when the vehicle is moving,
stop the vehicle immediately and close the
bonnet. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in an accident. 199
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Checking and refilling levels
Cooling system Engine coolant specifications The engine cooling system is supplied from
the factory with a specially treated 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 necessa-
ry 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 boiling
point of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the
percentage of additive must always
be at
l e
ast 40 %, even in warm climates where an-
ti-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 ad-
ditive 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 plu
s-plus (TL-VW 774 G) additive
(both are purple) to obtain an optimum anti-
corrosion 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 signifi- cantly reduce the anticorrosion protection
and should, therefore be avoided
››› .
WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the cool-
ant system, the engine may fail leading to se-
rious damage.
● Please make sure that the percentage of
additive is correct with respect 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 heat-
ing 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 pur-
ple but is, for example, brown, this indicates
that the G 13 additive has been mixed with
an inadequate 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
Read the additional information carefully
››› page 32
Top up coolant when the level is below the
MIN (minimum) mark.
Checking coolant level – Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Read off the coolant level on coolant ex-
pansion 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
››› .
– Top up the coolant only if there is still cool-
ant in the expansion tank, otherwise you »
203
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Advice
could damage the engine
. If there is no
c
oolant in the expansion tank, do not con-
tinue driving. You should obtain professio-
nal assistance ››› .
– If there is still some coolant in the expan-
sion tank, top up to the upper mark.
– Top up with coolant 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 system 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 expan-
sion 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 au- tomatically, and therefore there is a risk of in-
jury.
CAUTION
Do not top up the expansion tank with cool-
ant fluid if it is empty! Air could enter the
cooling system. In this case, stop driving.
Seek specialist assistance. Otherwise, there
is a risk of engine damage. Brake fluid
Topping up the brake fluid Read the additional information carefully
››› page 32
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 warn-
ing light on the instrument panel display
monitors the brake fluid level ››› page 71.
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 Mainte-
nance Programme. We recommend you have
it replaced at a SEAT Official Service, during
an Inspection Service.
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. Windscreen washer reservoir
Checking and topping up the
windscreen washer reservoir with
water Read the additional information carefully
››› page 32
204
Index
Cooling system Checking the coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Topping up coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Cornering lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Correct adjustment of front head restraints . . . . . 41
Correct adjustment of rear head restraints In-use and non-use positions of rear head re-straints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Correct sitting position front passenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Incorrect sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
passenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 150 Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
D Dangers in not using the seat belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Daytime driving light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Deactivating the front passenger front airbag . . . 11
DEF (instrument panel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Diesel Diesel particulate filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Pre-heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Dipped beam headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Direction of rotation (tyres) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Disabling the front airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66, 67
Display/Easy Connect control panel: cleaning . . 187
Disposal Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Distance control
see Adaptive cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Door/r e
ar lid warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Door cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Door handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Door lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Doors Childproof locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Opening and closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Downhill speed control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Drawer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Drink holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Driver see
Correct sitting position . . . . . . . . . 38, 39, 40
Driver information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 CD/radio display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Door/rear lid warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Engine oil temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Operation via the windscreen wiper lever . . . . . 72
Outside temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Driving With a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177, 179
Driving abroad Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Driving mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170, 171
Driving profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170, 171
Driving safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Driving through water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Dynamic headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
E
E10 see Ethanol (fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
E a
sy Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 81
Economic driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 EDL
see Electronic differential lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Effic iency
programme
Additional electrical appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Saving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Electric Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Electrical accessories see
Power socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Electrical sockets trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Electric seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 90 Convenience opening/closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Electro-mechanical steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Electronic differential lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Electronic self-locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Automatic gearbox Backup programme . . . . . 139
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Emergency braking warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Emergency locking and unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Emergency towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Engine Assisted starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Pre-heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Start-Stop system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Starting up (driver messages with the me-chanical contact) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Switching off (engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 198 Closing the bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Opening the bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 271