Checking and refilling levels
petrol with the correct RON as soon as possi-
ble.
Petrol with a RON below 91 cannot be used,
ev en a
s an emergency measure. Risk of seri-
ously damaging the engine!
Petrol additives
The quality of the fuel influences the behav-
iour, power and service life of the engine.
This is why the petrol you use should carry
suitable additives already included by the
petrol industry, free of metals. These addi-
tives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the
fuel system clean and prevent deposits from
building up in the engine.
If good-quality petrol with metal-free addi-
tives is not available or engine problems
arise, the necessary additives must be added
when refuelling ››› .
Not all petrol additives have been shown to
be effective. The use of unsuitable petrol ad-
ditives may cause significant damage to the
engine and the catalytic converter. Metal ad-
ditives should never be used. Metal additives
may also be contained in petrol additives for
improving anti-detonation ratings or octane
ratings ››› .
SEAT recommends “genuine Volkswagen
Group Fuel Additives for petrol engines”.
These additives can be bought at SEAT deal-
ers, where information on how to use them
can also be obtained. CAUTION
● Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the
fuel contains metal. LRP (lead replacement
petrol) fuels contain high concentrations of
metal additives. Using them may damage the
engine!
● All SEAT vehicles with petrol engines can
only run on unleaded petrol. Refuelling just
once with leaded petrol disables the exhaust
system!
● Use of petrol with a lower RON to that pre-
scribed could damage the engine compo-
nents.
● Fuels marked as containing metal on the
garage fuel pump cannot be used. Risk of
damage to most engine parts or the exhaust
system!
● The use of unsuitable additives in petrol
can cause damage to most engine parts or
the exhaust system. Diesel fuel
Your vehicle can only run on
diesel fuel that
complies with the Standard EN 590 (in Ger-
m an
y, also DIN 51628, in Austria also
ÖNORM C 1590 , in Russia also GOST R
52368-2005/EN 590:2004).
Wint
er driving – winter-grade diesel
In winter use diesel fuel that complies with
the Standard EN 590
(in Germany, also DIN 51628, in Austria also ÖNORM C 1590
, in
Russia also
GOST R 52368-2005/EN
590:2004). “Winter-grade diesel” still per-
forms well at -20 °C (-4 °F).
In countries with other weather conditions,
diesel is often available that behaves differ-
ently with regards to the temperature. The
authorised SEAT dealers and petrol stations
in each country will inform you on the normal
diesel fuel of the country in question.
Preheating the fuel filter
The vehicle is fitted with a glow plug system
for the fuel filter. Therefore, the reliability of
the diesel is ensured at ambient tempera-
tures of down to approximately -25 °C
(-13 °F).
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, known as “thinners” (petrol or
similar substances) should not be mixed with
the diesel fuel. CAUTION
● Even one tankful of diesel fuel that does
not comply with the standard could damage
engine parts, the fuel system and the ex-
haust system!
● If fuel different to the prescribed diesel fuel
(e.g. petrol) is used by mistake, never start
the engine or switch on the ignition! Risk of » 131
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Advice
serious damage to the engine! Contact an au-
thorised SEAT dealer to clean the engine fuel
system.
● Water allowed to collect in the fuel filter
can cause engine faults.
● Your vehicle is not prepared for use of bio-
fuel (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 checking and refilling fluids.
Therefore, always observe the warnings and
follow all general safety precautions. The en-
gine compartment is a dangerous 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 selector lever to posi-
tion 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 vehicle is moving. There-
fore, after closing the bonnet always check
that it is properly secured.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not
safely secured when the vehicle is moving,
stop the vehicle immediately and close the
bonnet properly. Risk of accident!
● Keep children away from the engine com-
partment.
● Do not touch hot engine parts. Risk of
burns!
● Never spill fluids on hot engine compart-
ments. These fluids can cause a fire (e.g. anti-
freeze in coolant)!
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the
electrical system, especially when working
on the battery.
● Never touch the radiator fan when the en-
gine is hot. The fan may start running sud-
denly!
● 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 from any hot
steam or hot coolant released by covering the
cap with a large, thick rag when opening the
expansion tank.
● Do not leave any objects, such as cloths or
tools, in the engine compartment.
● When working underneath the vehicle, se-
cure 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, al-
ternator 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 jewel- lery 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.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguish-
er immediately available. 132
Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● When topping up fluids, make sure the cor-
rect fluid is put into the correct filler opening.
Otherwise this can cause serious malfunc-
tions or engine damage!
● Never open the bonnet using the release
catch. Risk of damage! For the sake of the environment
Due to the environmentally-friendly disposal
of fluids, the equipment necessary and the
knowledge required, let an authorised SEAT
dealer change fluids during service inspec-
tions of the vehicle. Note
● Please contact an authorised SEAT dealer
with any doubts regarding fluids.
● Fluids of the correct specifications can be
acquired from the selection of SEAT Original
Accessories. Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 108
Unlocking the bonnet. Fig. 109
Locking the bonnet. Opening the bonnet
–
Open the front left door.
– Pull the lever 1
››› Fig. 108 under the dash
p anel
in the direction indicated by the ar-
row.
Before opening
the bonnet, make sure that
the windscreen wiper arms are not lifted »
133
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Advice
away from the glass. Otherwise the paint-
work may be damaged.
– Pull the release catch in the direction of the
arrow 2
››› Fig. 108 and the bonnet will be
r el
eased.
– Hold and lift the bonnet.
– Remove the support strut 3
››› Fig. 109
from its fastening in the direction of the ar- row 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.
Checking fluid levels Fig. 110
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 . . . . . . . . . . .138
Window washer water tank . . . . . . . .139
Engine oil filler cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
1 2
3 Engine oil level dipstick
. . . . . . . . . . .136
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
The checking and replenishment of the serv-
ice fluids are carried out on the components
mentioned above. These operations are de-
scribed in the ››› page 132 .
4 5
6 Overview
You will find further explanations, instruc-
tions and restrictions on the technical speci-
fications as of
››› page 174 . Note
The layout of the engine compartment is very
similar to all petrol and diesel engines. 134
Checking and refilling levels
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 radiator fan may
continue running for around 10 minutes.
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 essen-
tial for the correct operation of the engine
and its long useful life, when topping up or
changing oil, use only those oils that comply
with VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in
the following page should appear on the con-
tainer 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 Programme, be per-
formed by a technical service or specialised
workshop. The correct oil specifications for your engine
are listed in the
››› page 136, Oil properties .
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife
service) or fixed (dependent on time/dis-
tance 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 programmed. If it has the codes QG0
or QG2, the service interval is dependent on
time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife service
intervals*)
Special oils and processes have been devel-
oped which, depending on the characteris-
tics and individual driving profiles, enable
the extension of the oil change service (Long-
Life service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the
service intervals, it must only be used ob-
serving the following indications:
● Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service in-
tervals.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the
engine oil level is too low ›››
page 136 and
LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to
top up (once) with oil for fixed service inter-vals
››› page 136 (up to a maximum of 0.5 li-
tr e
s).
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 also appear in ››› page 136,
Oil properties . In this case, your vehicle must
be serviced after a fixed interval of 1
year/15,000 km (10,000 miles)(whatever
comes first) ››› Booklet Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
● In ex
ceptional circumstances, if the engine
oil level is too low ››› page 136 and you can-
not o
btain the oil specified for your vehicle,
you can add a small quantity of oil conform-
ing to the specification ACEA A2 or ACEA A3
(petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (die-
sel 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 diesel engines
equipped with particulate filter. Using other
types of oil will cause a higher soot concen-
tration and reduce the life of the DPF. There-
fore: »
135
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Advice
● Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the
engine oil level is too low ››› page 136 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 propertiesEngine typeSpecification
Petrol without flexible
service intervalVW 502 00/VW 504 00
Petrol with flexible serv-
ice interval (LongLife)VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines without
Particulate filter (DPF)VW 505 01/VW 506 01/VW
507 00
Diesel. Particulate Filter
Engines (DPF).
With or without flexible
service interval (with
and without LongLife) 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 correspond-
ing VW specifications and recommend keep-
ing it in the vehicle. This way, the correct en-
gine oil will always be available for a top-up if
needed. Checking the engine oil level
Fig. 111
Engine oil dipsticks. The dipstick shows the engine oil level.
››› Fig. 111 .
Chec k
ing oil level
– Park the vehicle on a level surface and en-
sure the engine is at operating tempera-
ture.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the bonnet. –
Wait a few minutes for the engine oil to
flow back to the sump and remove the dip-
stick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and in-
sert 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
t
op up oil.
Oi
l level in area B –
Oil can be topped up. After topping up the
oi l
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 cer-
tain amount of oil. Depending on how you
drive and the conditions in which the vehicle
is used, oil consumption can be up to 0.5 li-
tres per 1,000 km. Oil consumption can also
be higher for the first 5,000 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 in-
stance during sustained motorway cruising in
summer, when towing a trailer or caravan or
136
Checking and refilling levels
climbing on mountain passes, the oil level
should preferably be kept within area A ,
but
no higher .
A w
arning lamp will appear on the instrument
panel ››› page 34, Engine oil if the oil lev-
el is too low. In this case, check the oil level
as soon as possible. Top up with the required
amount of oil. CAUTION
● The oil level must never exceed area A›››
Fig. 111. Risk of damage to the exhaust
sy s
tem!
● If the engine oil cannot be topped up under
the given conditions, do not drive on! Stop the engine and seek
the professional assis-
tance of an Official Service, as this could
cause serious damage to the engine. Topping up engine oil
–
Check the engine oil level ›››
page 136,
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 135 .
– Chec k
the oil level ›››
page 136.
– Replace the oil filler cap carefully and push
the dipstick all the way in. Changing engine oil Engine oil must be changed with the frequen-
cy indicated in the Maintenance Programme
or according to the service interval indicator
››› page 45. CAUTION
Do not mix engine oil with additives. Risk of
damage to the engine! Damage caused by
these products is not covered by the warran-
ty. 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 temper-
atures down to -25 °C (-13 °F) and protects
the cooling and heating system against cor-
rosion. It also prevents scaling and raises the
boiling point of the coolant considerably.The coolant concentration must not be re-
duced by adding water, even in warmer sea-
sons 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 proportion of the anti-
freeze additive can be increased, but only up
to 60% (anti-freeze protection down to ap-
proximately -40 °C (-40 °F)). Exceeding this
proportion reduces anti-freeze protection and
the cooling effect.
Coolant fluid with protection down to -35 °C
(-31 °F) is added at the factory in vehicles
destined for countries with a cold climate. In
these countries, the concentration of coolant
should always be kept above 50%.
The type of anti-freeze to be used for topping
up is indicated on the coolant tank cover
››› Fig. 112 . 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 engine faults! 137
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Advice
Checking coolant level Fig. 112
Engine compartment: coolant fluid
tank. The coolant expansion tank is located in the
engine compartment of the vehicle.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the bonnet ››› page 132.
– Read off the coolant level on coolant ex-
pansion tank ››› Fig. 112 . When the engine
i s
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 coolant fluid level in the reservoir is too
low, this will be indicated by the red warn-
ing lamp illuminating on the general dash
panel ›››
page 35, Coolant level and tempera-
ture . 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 cool-
ant. 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 authorised SEAT deal-
er immediately, as this could damage the en-
gine. Topping up coolant
–
Switch the ignition off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the coolant expansion
tank ›››
Fig. 112 with a cloth and
carefully
u
nscrew 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 availa-
ble, 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.
Always top up with unused coolant. Never fill the coolant tank above mark
A (max.)
››› Fig. 112 Excess coolant is forced
out of
the cooling system through the over-
pressure valve in the filler cap of the expan-
sion 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. For this reason, always 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
attention.
● Seek immediate medical attention if the
coolant is accidentally ingested. CAUTION
If the coolant cannot be topped up under the
given conditions, do not drive on. We rec-
ommend c
ontacting an authorised SEAT deal-
er, as this can damage the engine. 138