The essentials
Fault in the battery.›››
page
209
Driving light totally or partially
faulty.›››
page
83
Fault in the cornering light sys-
tem.››› page
123
Diesel particulate filter blocked›››
page
101
Level of windscreen washer fluid
too low.›››
page
209
Flashing: Fault in the oil level de-
tection. Control manually.›››
page
204
Ignition: Insufficient engine oil.
Fault in the gearbox.›››
page
164
Immobiliser active.›››
page
107
Service interval display›››
page
33
Mobile telephone is connected
via Bluetooth to the original tele-
phone device.›››
Book-
let Radio
or
››› Book-
let Navi-
gation
system
Mobile telephone battery charge
meter. Available only for devices
pre-installed in factory.
Freezing warning. The outside
temperature is lower than +4°C
(+39°F).›››
page
27
Start-Stop system activated.›››
page
173
Start-Stop system unavailable.
Low consumption driving status›››
page
27 On the instrument panel
Fig. 44
See position on page 7-8
Front passenger front airbag is
disabled (
).
››› page
66
››› in Warning symbols on page 101
›››
page 100 Gearbox lever
M anua
l
gearbox Fig. 45
Gear shift pattern of a 5 or 6-speed
m anual
g
earbox The position of the gears is indicated on the
g
e
arbo
x lever ››› Fig. 45.
● Press the clutch pedal and keep your foot
right down.
● Mo
ve the gearbox lever to the required po-
sition.
● Rel
ease the clutch.
Selecting r
everse gear
● Press the clutch pedal and keep your foot
right down.
● W
ith the gearbox lever in neutral, push it
upwar
ds, move it to the left as far as it will go
and then forwards to select reverse ››› Fig. 45
R .
» 37
The essentials
Fuel Fig. 51
Fuel tank flap with tank cap attached. The flap that covers the tank cap is unlocked
and loc
k
ed aut
omatically using the central
locking.
Opening the fuel tank cap
● Open the flap.
● Unscrew the cap by turning it to the left.
● Rest it on the upper part of the fuel tank
flap ››
› Fig. 51.
Closing the fuel tank cap
● Unscrew the cap by turning it to the right as
far as
it will go.
● Close the lid.
››› in Refuelling on page 199
›››
page 199 Oil
Fig. 52
Engine oil dipstick. Fig. 53
In the engine compartment: Engine
oi l
fi
ller cap The level is measured using the dipstick loca-
t
ed in the en
gine c
ompartment
››› page 204.
The oil should leave a mark between zones A and
C . It should never exceed zone
A .
● Zone A : Do not add oil.
● Zone B : You can add oil but keep the level
in th at
zone.
● Zone C : Add oil up to zone
B .
T op
pin
g up engine oil
● Unscrew cap from oil filler opening.
● Add oil slowly.
● At the same time, check the level to ensure
you do not a
dd too much.
● When the oil level reaches at least zone B ,
u n
s
crew the engine oil filler cap carefully.
Oil properties
Engine typeSpecification
Petrol without flexible serv-
ice intervalVW 502 00/VW 504 00
Petrol with flexible service
interval (LongLife)VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines without Par-
ticulate filter (DPF)VW 505 01/VW 506
01/VW 507 00» 41
The essentialsEngine typeSpecification
Diesel. Particulate Filter En-
gines (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.
››› in Changing engine oil on page 207
››› page 204 Coolant
Fig. 54
Engine compartment: coolant expan-
s ion t
ank
cap. The coolant tank is located in the engine
c
omp
ar
tment ›››
page 204.
When the engine is cold, replace the coolant
when the level is below .
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 G13
(TL-VW 774 J), purple. This mixture gives the
necessary frost protection down to -25°C
(-13°F) and protects the light alloy parts of
the engine cooling system against corrosion.
It also prevents scaling and considerably rai-
ses the boiling point of the coolant.
To protect the cooling system, the percentage
of additive must always be at least 40 %, even in warm climates where anti-freeze pro-
tection is
not required.
If for weather reasons further protection is
necessary, the proportion of additive may be
increased, but only up to 60 %; otherwise an-
tifreeze protection will diminish and this will
worsen cooling.
When the coolant is topped up, use a mixture
of distilled water and at least 40 % of the
G13 or G12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) additive
(both are purple) to obtain an optimum anti-
corrosion protection ››› in Topping up cool-
ant on p ag
e 208
. The mixture of G13 with
G12 plus (TL-VW 774 F), G12 (red) or G11
(green-blue) engine coolants will significant-
ly reduce anti-corrosion protection and
should therefore be avoided ››› in Topping
up c oo
l
ant on page 208.
››› in Topping up coolant on page 207
››› page 207 42
Operation
WARNING
● Alw a
ys drive according to the road weather
conditions, the terrain and traffic. Driving rec-
ommendations should never lead to illegal
manoeuvres in surrounding traffic.
● The diesel engine particulate filter may
reac
h extremely high temperatures; in this
case the vehicle should be parked so that it
does not enter into contact with highly flam-
mable materials underneath the vehicle. Oth-
erwise there is a risk of fire. Engine oil pressure
If this warning lamp
is
r
ed it indicates
that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is
accompanied by three audible warnings,
switch off the engine and check the oil level.
If necessary, add more oil ›››
page 206.
If the warning lamp flashes although the oil
level is correct, stop driving. Do not even run
the engine at idle speed! Obtain technical as-
sistance.
Checking the oil level
If the warning lamp is yellow the engine
oil level should be checked as soon as possi-
ble. Top up the oil ›››
page 206 at the next
opportunity. Oil level sensor faulty*
If the
y
ellow warning lamp flashes, take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop to have
the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is
advisable to check the oil level every time
you refuel.
Lamp fault* The warning lamp lights up when there is
a f
au
lt on the turn signals, headlights, side
lights and fog lights.
Windscreen washer fluid* This warning lamp lights up to indicate that
the w
ind
s
creen washer level is very low.
This serves as a reminder to fill up the reser-
voir at the earliest opportunity ›››
page 209.
Rear fog light* The warning lamp lights
up when the r
e
ar
fog light is switched on. For further informa-
tion see ›››
page 123. Anti-lock brake system (ABS)* The control lamp
lights up for a f
ew sec-
onds when the ignition is switched on. It
goes out again after the system has run
through an automatic test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
● The control lamp does not
light up when
the ignition is switched on.
● The control lamp does not go out again af-
ter a few sec
onds.
● The control lamp lights up when the vehicle
is mo
ving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal
way, without the ABS function. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible. For further information on the ABS
see the ›››
page 171.
If there is a fault in the ABS, the ESC* and the
tyre pressure control lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp lights up together
with the brake warning lamp , there is a
fault in the ABS function and in the brake
system ››› .
102
Operation
Air recirculation Air recirculation prevents unpleasant smells,
e.g. when p
a
ssing through a tunnel or in
queuing traffic, from entering the interior.
Switching on air recirculation mode
● Press button
17
››› Fig. 167 and the
symbol is displayed on the screen.
Switching off air recirculation mode
● Press button
17
› ›
› Fig. 167
and the
symbol disappears from the screen. WARNING
Read and observe the safety warnings ›››
in
Genera l
notes on page 144. Note
If air recirculation mode remains on for 15 mi-
nute s, the
symbol will start to flash on
the screen to indicate prolonged air recircula-
tion. If air recirculation is not switched off,
the symbol will continue to flash for about 5
minutes. Blower selection
Climatronic automatically regulates blower
s
peed ac
c
ording to the interior temperature. It is possible, however, to set the blower
speed to s
uit requirements.
● Turn control 10
› ››
Fig. 167
c
ounter-clock-
wise (to lower the speed) or clockwise (to in-
crease the speed).
Climatronic will switch off when the blower
switches off. WARNING
Read and observe the safety warnings ›››
in
Genera l
notes on page 144. Windscreen defrost
Switching on windscreen defrosting
●
Press the button
12
› ›
›
Fig. 167.
Switching off windscreen defrosting
● Press button
12
› ›
›
Fig. 167 several
times or press the AUTO button.
The t emper
at
ure is regulated automatically.
The air output is increased from vents 1 and
2 ›››
page 146. Driving
Ad dr
e
ss
Introduction The power steering is not hydraulic but elec-
tromec
h
anical. The advantage of this steer-
ing is that it foes not need flexible hydraulic
pipes, hydraulic oil, pump, filter or other
parts. The electromechanical system saves
fuel. Whereas a hydraulic system needs con-
tinuous oil pressure, electromechanical
steering only needs power when it is used.
In vehicles with electromechanical steering,
the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to vehicle speed, steering
wheel torque and wheel orientation. The
power steering only works when the engine
is running. WARNING
If the power steering does not work, you will
need much mor e s
trength to turn the wheel.
This has a considerable effect on vehicle
safety.
● The power steering only works when the
engine is
running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the
engine is
switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition
while the
vehicle is moving. The steering lock152
Operation
● Use of
so
lvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-
tems.
● Recy
cling and energy recovery from resi-
dues (RDF).
● Impr
ovement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual
heat (therm
al recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints.
Catalytic converter To maintain the useful life of the catalytic
c
on
v
erter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol en-
gines, as
lead damages the catalytic con-
verter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish
with too muc
h engine oil ›››
page 206, Top-
ping up engine oil.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump
lea
ds if necessary ›››
page 52.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or
loss of power when the vehicle is moving, re-
duce speed immediately and have the vehi-
cle inspected at the nearest specialised
workshop. In general, the exhaust warning lamp will light up when any of the described
symptoms oc
cur ››› page 100. If this hap-
pens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust sys-
tem and escape into the environment. The
catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating. WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high
temper at
ures! Risk of fire!
● Never park where the catalytic converter
coul
d come into contact with dry grass or
flammable materials under the vehicle.
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-
corro
sion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter or the heat shields on the ex-
haust system. These materials could catch
fire when the vehicle is being driven. CAUTION
Never run the fuel tank completely dry be-
cau se the irr
egularity of the fuel supply may
cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt
fuel to enter the exhaust system, which could
cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter. For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is
work in
g perfectly, there may be a smell of
sulphur from the exhaust gas under some
conditions. This depends on the sulphur con-
tent of the fuel used. Quite often the problem can be solved by changing to another brand
of f
uel
. Diesel engine particulate filter*
Fig. 173
Vehicle data sticker on back cover of
the M aint
en
ance Programme. Your vehicle is fitted with a DPF (Diesel Partic-
u
l
at
e Filter) if the vehicle data sticker (back
cover of the “Maintenance Programme”) lists
the code PR 7GG ››› Fig. 173.
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates
most of the soot from the exhaust gas sys-
tem. Under normal driving conditions, the fil-
ter cleans itself. If this is not possible (for ex-
ample, multiple short trips) the filter will be
obstructed by soot and the diesel engine
particulate filter warning lamp will light up.
This does not represent a fault, it is a warning
that indicates that the filter has not been
able to regenerate automatically and that you
166
Advice
Products for vehicle maintenance
C ar
-c
are products are available in your Tech-
nical Services. Keep the product instructions
until you have used them up. WARNING
● Car -c
are products can be toxic. Because of
this, they must always be kept closed in their
original container. Keep them out of the reach
of children. Failure to comply could result in
poisoning.
● Always read and observe the instructions
and warning
s on the package before using
car-care products. Improper use could cause
health problems or damage the vehicle. The
use of certain products may produce noxious
vapours; they should be used in well ventila-
ted areas.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail
varnish r
emover or other volatile fluids.
These are toxic and highly flammable. Risk of
fire and explosion.
● Before washing your vehicle, or carrying
out any
maintenance, switch the engine off,
apply the handbrake firmly and remove the
key from the ignition. CAUTION
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if
the sur f
ace of the vehicle is dry. Never use a
dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes.
This could damage the paintwork or the win-
dows of your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust
with plenty of water. For the sake of the environment
● When pur c
hasing car care products, try to
select ones that are not harmful to the envi-
ronment.
● The waste from car-care products should
not be dis
posed of with ordinary household
waste. Observe the disposal information on
the package. Care of the vehicle exterior
Autom atic
car wash tunnel The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the
v
ehic
l
e can normally be washed without
problems in an automatic car wash tunnel.
However, the paintwork wear depends to a
large extent on the kind of the car wash tun-
nel, the brushes used, its water filtering and
the type of cleaning and preservative prod-
ucts.
Before going through a car wash, be sure to
take the usual precautions such as closing
the windows and sunroof. There is nothing to
note apart from that.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as
spoilers or a roof rack or two-way radio aerial,
etc., it is advisable to consult the car wash
tunnel operator first. After washing, the brake
s could take some
time to respond as the brake discs and pads
could be wet, or even frozen in winter. “Dry”
the brakes by braking several times. WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brake system can
reduc e br
aking effectiveness. Risk of acci-
dent. CAUTION
Before putting the vehicle through the car
wa sh, do not
tighten the aerial if it is folded
because it can be damaged. Hand-washing
Vehicle washing
– First soften the dirt and rinse it off with wa-
ter
.
– C
lean your vehicle from top to bottom with
a soft s
ponge, a glove or a brush. Use very
light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean
water
.
– Special car shampoo should only be used
for v
ery stubborn dirt.
– Leave the wheels, sill panels etc. until last,
usin
g a different sponge or glove.
192
Checking and refilling levels
Water in the fuel filter.
If thi s
is the case, take the vehicle to a speci-
alised workshop so that they can drain the
fuel filter.
Biodiesel* CAUTION
● Your v
ehicle is not designed to use biodie-
sel fuel. Never, under any circumstances re-
fuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel
could damage the engine and the fuel sys-
tem. The addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel
by the diesel manufacturer in accordance
with standard EN 590 or DIN 51628 is author-
ised and will not cause damage to the engine
or the fuel system.
● The diesel engine has been designed to be
used ex
clusively with diesel fuel conforming
to standard EN 590. Never refuel or use pet-
rol, kerosene, fuel oil or any other type of
fuel. If you accidentally fill up the vehicle
with the wrong type of fuel, do not start the
engine. Seek assistance from specialised per-
sonnel. The composition of these fuels may
severely damage the fuel system and the en-
gine. Winter operation
Winter-grade diesel
When us
in
g “summer-grade diesel fuel”, dif-
ficulties may be experienced at temperatures
below 0°C (+32°F) because the fuel thickens
due to wax separation. For this reason, “win-
ter-grade diesel fuel” is available in some
countries during the cold months. It can be
used at temperatures as low as -22°C (-8°F).
In countries with different climatic conditions
the diesel fuel generally sold has different
temperature characteristics. Check with the
Technical Services or filling stations in the
country concerned regarding the type of die-
sel fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter glow
plug system, making it well equipped for op-
eration in winter. This ensures that the fuel
system remains operational to approx. -24°C
(-11°F), provided you use winter-grade diesel
which is safe to -15°C (+5°F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an ex-
tent that the engine will not start at tempera-
tures of under -24°C (-11°F), simply place the
vehicle in a warm place for a while. CAUTION
Do not mix fuel additives, the so-called “thin-
ners”, or s imi
lar additives with diesel fuel. Working in the engine compart-
ment
saf
ety
notes for work in the engine
compartment Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 10
Before starting any work on the engine or in
the engine compartment:
1. Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Ap
ply the handbrake.
3. Move the gear lever to neutral or the selec- tor lev
er to position P.
4. Wait for the engine to cool down.
5. Keep children away from the vehicle.
6. Raise the bonnet ›››
page 203.
You should not do any work in the engine
compartment unless you know exactly how to
carry out the jobs and have the correct tools!
Have the work carried out by a specialised
workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. cool-
ant, engine oil, spark plugs and batteries,
are under constant development. SEAT pro-
vides a constant flow of information to Tech-
nical Services concerning modifications. For
this reason, we recommend you have service »
201
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety