Driving
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key which is not authorised for this vehi-
cle is inserted in the ignition lock, it can be
removed as follows:
● Automatic gearbox : the key cannot be re-
moved from the ignition lock. Press and re-
lease the selector lever locking button. Key
can be removed from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox : Remove the key from the
ignition. WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key
could result in serious injury.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever
you leave the vehicle. If not, the engine could
accidentally be started and electrical equip-
ment such as the windows could accidentally
be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the car. Passengers could be trapped
in the car in an emergency and not be able to
get themselves to safety. For example, de-
pending on the time of the year, tempera-
tures inside a locked and closed vehicle can
be extremely high or extremely low resulting
in serious injuries and illness or even death,
particularly for young children.
● 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. Note
● If the key is left in the ignition lock with the
engine off for long periods, the vehicle bat-
tery will run flat.
● For automatic gearbox vehicles the key can
only be removed from the ignition lock if the
gear selector lever is in position P. In this
case, press and release the selector lever
locking button. Starting the engineComplete operations only in the sequence giv-
en.
1.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until
step 5 has been completed.
1 a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Press the
clutch pedal all the way and keep pressed un- til the engine starts.
2.Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the selector lever in position N.
3.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position
››› Fig. 79 2; do not press the accelerator.
4.When the engine has started, release the key
in the ignition lock.
5.If the engine does not start, stop the processand try again after one minute.
6.Release the handbrake when you want to be- gin driving ››› page 89. WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the en-
gine is running. The vehicle could move off
suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting
in an accident and serious injury. WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a
sudden increase in the engine speed.
● Never use start boosters. CAUTION
● An attempt to start the engine while driving
or starting the engine immediately after turn-
ing it off can cause damage to the engine or
starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs
and heavy acceleration and do not make the
engine work hard.
● Do not push or tow start the engine. Un-
burnt fuel could damage the catalytic con-
verter. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start
driving immediately if the visibility is OK.
This helps the engine reach operating tem-
perature faster and reduces emissions. » 87
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Driving
●
Never use the handbrake to brake the vehi-
cle except in an emergency. The braking dis-
tance is considerably longer, because braking
is only applied to the rear wheels. Always use
the foot brake.
● Never drive with the handbrake gently ap-
plied. This can overheat the brake, affecting
the brakes system. This also causes prema-
ture wear on the rear brake pads.
● Never accelerate from the engine compart-
ment with the engine running and a gear en-
gaged. The vehicle could move, even if the
handbrake is applied. Note
If the vehicle moves at a speed superior to
6 km/h (4 mph) with the handbrake applied,
an audible warning is sounded. Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal require-
ments should be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence
given.
● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ››› .
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the ve-
hicle comes to a standstill.
● Apply the handbrake firmly ››› page 90. ●
For an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever to position P
.
● Sw
itch off the engine and release the brake
pedal.
● Remove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slight-
ly to lock the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage 1st gear on
flat ground and slopes, or even reverse gear
on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehi-
cle, especially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with
you.
● Lock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and
hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the
steering wheel so that if the vehicle should
move, it will be held by the kerb.
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that
they are against the edge of the kerb.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre
of the road. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
very high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage. ●
Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhaust system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood,
leaves,dried grass, or spilled fuel). CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking
in areas with high kerbs or fixed barriers. Ob-
jects protruding from the ground may dam-
age the bumper or other parts of the vehicle
during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touch the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving
through entrances, over ramps, kerbs or oth-
er objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers,
mudguards and running gear, and the engine
and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km, the new brake
pads
have not yet reached their maximum
br ak
ing capacity, and need to be “run in”
first ››› . The slightly reduced braking effect
can be compensated for by increasing pres-
sure on the brake pedal. While running in,
the f u
ll braking distance or emergency brak-
ing distance is larger then when the brake
pads have been run in. While running in,
avoid full power braking or situations requir-
ing braking performance. For example, in
heavy traffic. »
91
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Advice
●
Never work under the vehicle if it has not
been immobilized. If you must work under-
neath the vehicle with the wheels in contact
with the ground then it should be parked on
flat ground, the wheels should be prevented
from moving and the key should be removed
from the ignition.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle,
you must use suitable stands additionally to
support the vehicle, there is a risk of acci-
dent!. The jack is not intended for this kind of
work and its failure could lead to severe inju-
ries.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system. WARNING
The engine compartment is a dangerous area
capable of causing serious injury.
● For all type of work, always take the utmost
precautions, work carefully and note the gen-
eral safety standards in force. Never take per-
sonal risks.
● Never work on the engine or in the engine
compartment if you are not familiar with the
necessary operations. If you are not sure
about procedures then visit a specialised
workshop to carry out the necessary work.
Working incorrectly can cause serious inju-
ries.
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam or
coolant escaping from the engine compart-
ment. This may cause serious burns. Always
wait until you cannot see or hear the sound of steam or coolant coming from the engine
compartment.
●
Always allow the engine to cool down be-
fore opening the bonnet.
● Contact with hot elements of the engine
and the exhaust system can cause burns.
● Once the engine has cooled, follow the in-
structions below before opening the bonnet:
– Engage the handbrake and place the gear
selector lever in N or the gear stick in
neutral.
– Remove the key from the ignition.
– Keep children away from the engine com-
partment and never leave them unsuper-
vised.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cool-
ing system is pressurised. Do not unscrew
the cap on the expansion tank when the en-
gine is hot. Otherwise, coolant may spray out
under pressure causing burns and serious in-
jury.
– After cooling, carefully and slowly un-
screw the cap anticlockwise, gently
pressing down on it.
– Always protect your face, hands and arms
from hot coolant and steam using a large,
thick cloth.
● When refilling liquids, avoid spilling them
on parts of the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. WARNING
The high voltages of the electrical system can
give electric shocks as well as causing burns
and serious injury and possibly even death!
● Never cause short circuits in the electrical
system. The battery could explode.
● To minimise the risk of electric shock and
serious consequences while the engine is
running or starting the engine, note the fol-
lowing:
– Never touch the electrical wiring of the
ignition system. WARNING
In the engine compartment, there are rotat-
ing parts that could cause serious injury.
● Never place your hands directly on or near
the radiator fan. Touching the rotor blades
could seriously harm you. The ventilator
works according to the engine temperature
and could start suddenly even when the igni-
tion is turned off and the key is removed.
● If any work has to be performed when the
engine is started or with the engine running,
there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety
risk from rotating parts, such as the drive
belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., as well as
from the high-voltage ignition system. Al-
ways work with the utmost caution.
– Always make sure that no parts of your
body, jewellery, ties, loose clothing and
long hair can be trapped by the rotating 144
Advice
Checking the engine oil level and
topping up Fig. 107
Marked engine oil dipstick Fig. 108
In the engine compartment: Engine
oil filler cap. Preparations
● Park the vehicle on flat ground so that the
engine oil reading is correct.
● The engine must be hot to be able to check
the engine oil level. Stop the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into
the sump.
●
Open the bonnet ››› page 143.
● The engine oil filler neck can be recognised
by the symbol on the cap
›
›› Fig. 108 and
the dipstick by its coloured handle.
Check the engine oil level
● Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean
cloth.
● Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as
it will go. If the dipstick to measure engine oil
has a mark, when you reintroduce it this
mark should slot into the corresponding
groove located on the upper end of the tube.
● Remove the dipstick again and check the
engine oil level ››› table on page 148.
● After reading the oil level, replace the dip-
stick in the tube completely.
Engine oil topping up ranges
Fig. 107Operations required depending on
the engine oil level:
Area ADo not top up oil
››› .
Area BYou can add oil, but keep the level in this
zone.
Area COil
must be added. After topping up the oil
level should be in area B. Adding oil after checking the level
Only add engine oil in small quantities and in
steps:
●
Unscrew the cap from engine oil filler neck
on the cylinder head ››› Fig. 108 . If you are
not s
ure where the cap is, request help from
a specialist.
● Only refill using approved SEAT engine oil
in small quantities (no more than 0.5 ltr)
››› page 147.
● To av
oid adding too much oil, each time
you add a quantity, wait until the oil has flow-
ed into the crankcase so that it can be meas-
ured with the dipstick.
● Check the oil level before adding any more
oil. Do not top up with too much engine oil
››› .
● When the oil level is in at least the
››› Fig. 107 B zone, insert the dipstick into
the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping
when the engine is running.
● After topping up the oil, ensure that the
cap is screwed on to the filler neck correctly. WARNING
Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact
with hot engine components. This could lead
to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
● Always ensure that after topping of oil, the
engine oil filler cap is correctly tightened. 148
Checking and refilling levels
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 p lu
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. Checking the engine coolant level and
refilling
Fig. 109
In the engine compartment: Marking
on coolant expansion tank Fig. 110
In the engine compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap If the coolant level is low, the coolant warn-
ing indicator will light.
Preparations
● Park the vehicle on even, flat and firm
ground.
● Allow the engine to cool ››› .
● Open the bonnet ››› page 143.
● The coolant expansion tank is easily recog-
nisable because of the symbol on the cap
››› Fig. 110 .
Chec k
ing the engine coolant level
● When the engine is cold, check the coolant
level using the side marking on the expan-
sion tank ››› Fig. 109.
● If the l
evel is below the “MIN” mark, top up
with coolant. When the engine is hot it may
be slightly above the marked area. »
151
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Checking and refilling levels
Never work on the electrical system without
fully understanding the operations required,
the applicable safety standards and without
the correct tools ››› ! If required, have any
work carried out by a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service. Negligent work can cause seri-
ous injury.
Location of the vehicle battery
The battery is located in the engine compart-
ment.
Explanation of the warning indications on
the vehicle's batterySymbolMeaning
Wear eye protection!
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic.
Always wear protective gloves and eye
protection!
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking
are prohibited.
A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-
leased when the battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batter-
ies!
WARNING
Working on the vehicle battery and the elec-
trical system can cause corrosion, fire and electric shocks. Always read and take into ac-
count the following warnings and safety
standards before carrying out any work:
●
Before working on the battery, switch off
the engine, the ignition and all electrical de-
vices then disconnect the negative connec-
tion on the battery.
● Keep children away from acid and the bat-
tery itself!
● Wear eye protection.
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It
can burn skin and cause blindness. When
handling the battery, protect yourself from
splashes of acids, above all your hands, arms
and face.
● Do not smoke and never work close to pla-
ces exposed to flames or sparks.
● Avoid sparks and electrostatic discharges
when working with cables and electrical devi-
ces.
● Never short the battery terminals.
● Never use a damaged battery. It can ex-
plode. Replace a damaged battery immedi-
ately.
● Replaced damaged or frozen batteries as
soon as possible. A flat battery can also
freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C (+32 °F). CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition
is switched on or if the engine is running. This could damage the electrical system or
electronic components.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight
over a long period of time, as the intense ul-
traviolet radiation can damage the battery
housing.
● If the car is left standing for long periods,
protect the battery from extreme cold temper-
ature so that it does not “freeze up” and be-
come damaged. Warning lamp
It
lights upPossible
causeSolution
Faulty generator.
Contact a specialised
workshop. Have the elec-
trical system checked.
Disconnect any unneces-
sary electrical devices.
The generator does not
charge the battery while
the vehicle is in motion.
Several warning and control lamps light up
for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.
»
155
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Checking and refilling levels
recommends you have the battery replaced
by a technical service.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries
conforming to TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73
Standards. These standards must be dated
April 2008 or later.
Vehicles fitted with the Start-Stop system are
equipped with a special battery. Therefore,
this battery must only be replaced by another
with the same specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the
electrical system, please note the following:
● Switch off the ignition and all electrical
equipment.
● The vehicle must be unlocked before dis-
connecting the battery, otherwise the alarm
will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and
then the positive ››› .
Connecting the vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off
the engine and all electrical devices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then
the negative ››› .
Different control lamps may light up after
connecting the battery and switching the ig-
nition on. They will be turned off after a short trip at a speed of between 15-20 km/h
(10-12 mph). If the warning indicators remain
lit, please visit a specialised workshop to
have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a
long time, it is possible that the next service
date is not displayed or calculated correctly
››› page 36 . Respect the maximum service in-
t er
vals permitted ››› Booklet Maintenance
Programme.
Autom
atic device disconnection
The intelligent vehicle electrical system auto-
matically implements a range of measures to
prevent the battery from discharging when
high demands are made on it:
● The idling speed is increased so that the al-
ternator provides more electricity.
● Where necessary, the power to the most
powerful devices is reduced or even com-
pletely disconnected.
● On starting the engine, the power supply
from the 12-volt power sockets and the ciga-
rette lighter may be interrupted for a short
time.
The on-board management program cannot
always prevent the battery from running flat.
For example, if the ignition is left on for a
long period with the engine off or if the side
lights or parking lights are left on while the
vehicle is stationary. Why the battery runs flat:
●
When stationary for a long time without
starting the engine, particularly if the ignition
is switched on.
● Use of electrical devices with the engine
switched off. WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the
wrong battery can cause short-circuits, fire
and serious injuries.
● Always use only maintenance-free batter-
ies, protected to prevent a leak, and whose
properties, specifications and size corre-
spond to the standard battery. WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-
leased when the battery is under charge.
● The batteries should be charged in a well-
ventilated room only.
● Never charge a frozen or recently thawed
battery. A flat battery can also freeze at tem-
peratures close to 0 °C (+32 °F).
● Always replace a battery which has frozen.
● Battery cables not correctly connected may
cause a short circuit. Reconnect first the posi-
tive cable and then the negative cable. » 157
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Emergencies
Raising the vehicle with the jack Fig. 129
Jack position points Fig. 130
Jack mounted on the left rear part of
the vehicle The jack may be applied only at the jacking
points shown (marks on chassis)
››› Fig. 129 .
A lw
ays the relevant jacking point for the
wheel to be changed ››› .
Raise the vehicle using only the designated
jacking points. WARNING
If the vehicle is not correctly raised, it could
fall off the jack causing serious injury. Please
observe the following rules to minimise the
risk of injury:
● You should only use a jack approved by
SEAT for your vehicle. Other jacks, even those
approved for other SEAT models, might slip
out of place.
● The ground should be firm and flat. If the
ground is sloped or soft then the vehicle
could slip and fall off the jack. If necessary,
support the jack on a wide solid base.
● If the ground is slippery, such as tiles,
place a non-slip surface (a floor mat, for in-
stance) beneath the jack to avoid slipping.
● Only fit the jack at the prescribed jacking
points. The claw of the jack should grip the
reinforcement nerve on the underbody
››› Fig. 130.
● You shou
ld never place a body limb such as
an arm or leg under a raised vehicle that is
solely supported by the jack.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle,
you must use suitable stands additionally to
support the vehicle, there is a risk of acci-
dent!.
● Never raise the vehicle if it is tilting to one
side or the engine is running.
● Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised. The vehicle may come loose from the
jack due to the engine vibrations. 177
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety