Driving
WARNING
● Never ru n the en
gine in confined spaces, as
the exhaust gases are poisonous. CAUTION
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and
extr eme lo
ad 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
shoul d driv
e off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This will help avoid unnecessary ex-
haust emissions. Note
● If it i
s difficult to turn the ignition key to
the position 1 , turn the steering wheel to
both side s
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
reconnect
ed, the key must remain in the posi-
tion 1 for around 5 seconds before starting
up.
● Vehic
les with automatic gearbox: after
switc
hing off the ignition, you can only re-
move the ignition key if the selector lever is in position “P” (parking lock). Next, the se-
lect
or l
ever is locked. Switching off the engine with the key
Switching off the engine
– Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position 1 ›››
Fig. 185.
Eng agin
g 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.
– Remove the key from the ignition in posi-
tion 1
› ›
› Fig. 185
››› .
– Turn the steering wheel until you hear it en-
gag
e.
P
ossible vehicle theft is prevented with the
steering lock engaged. WARNING
● Never sw it
ch 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 r emo
ve 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
leav
e 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
loa d f
or 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
● Aft er the en
gine 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
syst
em* switches off the engine, the ignition » 165
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your
driving accordingly
C ontinue driv
in
g at moderate speeds. When
the warning lamp switches off, you can con- tinue driving in a normal manner.
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 Runnin
g-in the engine A new vehicle should be run in over a dis-
t
anc
e 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 engine no longer runs “smoothly”.
If the engine revs too much, cut fuel injection
to protect the engine.
Environmental compatibility Environmental protection is a top priority in
the de
s
ign, c
hoice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage recy-
cling
● Joints and connections designed for easy
dismantlin
g
● Modular construction to facilitate disman-
tling
● Incr
eased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in
accor
dance with ISO 1043, ISO 11469 and
ISO 1629.
Choice of materials
● Use of recycled materials. ●
Use of c
ompatible plastics in the same part
if its components are not easily separated.
● Use of recycled materials and/or materials
originating fr
om renewable sources.
● Reduction of volatile components, includ-
ing odour, in p
lastic 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-
valent chromium.
Manufacturing methods
● Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the
protectiv
e wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during ve-
hicle tr
ansport.
● Use of solvent-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.
175
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Anti-theft alarm system When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is trig-
ger
ed when the el
ectrical connection be-
tween vehicle and trailer is interrupted.
Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system
before connecting or disconnecting a trailer
››› page 121.
Conditions for the integration of a trailer in
the anti-theft alarm system.
● The vehicle is factory-equipped with an an-
ti-theft al
arm system and a towing bracket
device.
● The trailer is connected electrically to the
tow
ing vehicle by the trailer connector.
● The electrical system of the vehicle and the
trail
er are prepared for operation.
● The vehicle is locked with the ignition key
and the anti-theft al
arm system is activated.CAUTION
For technical reasons, trailers fitted with rear
LED lights ar
e not integrated in the anti-theft
alarm system. Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra
c
ar e. W
eight distribution
The weight di
stribution of a loaded trailer
with an unladen vehicle is very unfavourable.
However, if this cannot be avoided, drive ex-
tra slowly to allow for the unbalanced weight
distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is re-
duced with increasing speed. For this reason,
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum
permissible speed in an unfavourable road,
weather or wind conditions. This applies es-
pecially when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately
if the trailer shows the slightest sign of snak-
ing. Never try to stop the “snaking” by in-
creasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has
an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently 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 108. Electronic stability control*
The ESC* sys
tem helps to stabilise the trailer
in case of skidding or rocking.
Retrofitting a towing bracket* Fig. 232
Attachment points for towing brack-
et . 228
Advice
Engine compartment Chec k
in
g levels Fig. 234
Diagram for the location of the various elements. From time to time, the levels of the different
fluid
s
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 246.
1 2
3
4
5
6 Overview
Y
ou w
i
ll find further explanations, instruc-
tions and restrictions on the technical speci-
fications as of ››› page 265.
Work in the engine compartment Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 13
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-
tia
l
ly hazardous area ››› .
WARNING
● Swit c
h the engine off, remove the key from
the ignition and apply the hand brake. 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 comp
artment, as these
may catch fire (e.g. the antifreeze in coolant). 246
Checking and refilling levels
●
Tak e c
are not to cause short circuits in the
electrical system, especially when working
on the battery.
● If working inside the engine compartment,
remember that, ev
en 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-
sul
ating materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant ex-
pans
ion tank when the engine is hot. The
cooling system is under pressure.
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering
the cap with a l
arge, 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 p
ut 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
re gu
larly 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
In right-hand drive vehicles* some brake flu-
id re ser
voirs are on the other side of the en-
gine compartment ››› Fig. 234. Opening the bonnet
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 13
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
bac k
into its support.
– Carefully close the bonnet.
– Press the bonnet down until it locks into
plac
e.
– Make sure that the bonnet catches onto its
cla
sp. Do not press down too hard ››› .
WARNING
● For s af
ety 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. 247
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not
st ar
t the engine. This could result in damage
to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact
a specialised workshop. For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A .
Otherw i
se oil can be drawn in through the
crankcase breather and escape into the at-
mosphere via the exhaust system. Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an
engine oi l
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. Changing engine oil
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 51.
The engine oil must be changed at the inter-
vals given in the service schedule.
We recommend that you have the engine oil
changed by a Technical Service.
The oil change intervals are shown in the
Maintenance Programme. WARNING
Only change the engine oil yourself if you
hav e the s
pecialist knowledge required!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the w
arnings ››› page 246.
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil
may
cause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries, such
as ac
id burns, caused by splashes of oil.
● When removing the oil drain plug with your
finger
s, keep your arm horizontal to help pre-
vent oil from running down your arm.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into
contact
with engine oil.
● Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be
stor
ed in a safe place out of the reach of chil-
dren. CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil.
This c
ould result in engine damage. Any dam-
age caused by the use of such additives
would not be covered by the factory warranty. For the sake of the environment
● Bec au
se of disposal problems and the spe-
cial tools and specialist knowledge required,
we recommend that you have the engine oil
and filter changed by a Technical Service.
● Never pour oil down drains or into the
ground. ●
Use a s uit
able container when draining the
used oil. It must be large enough to hold all
the engine oil. Cooling system
Top pin
g up coolant Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 52
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-
pan s
ion 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 car
efully unscrew it to the left
››› .
– Top up the coolant only if there is still cool-
ant in the e xp
ansion tank, otherwise you
250
Checking and refilling levels
could d amage the engine. If there is no
c oo
lant 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 t
ank, t
op up to the upper mark.
– Top up with coolant until the level becomes
stab
le.
– Screw the cap back on correctly.
Any lo
ss 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 coo lin
g 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 h
azard. 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, ev
en when the ignition is
switched off, the radiator fan may start up au- tomatically, and therefore there is a risk of in-
jury
. WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the cool-
ant sys
tem, the engine may fail leading to se-
rious damage.
● Please make sure that the percentage of
additiv
e 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 cool
ant 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
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. CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed
with c oo
lants 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 b
ut is, for example, brown, this indicates that the G13 additive has been mixed with an
ina
dequat
e 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
en vir
onment. If any fluids are spilled, they
should be collected and correctly disposed
of, with respect to the environment. Brake fluid
Top
pin
g up brake fluid Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 53
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 108. »
251
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Index
Blown bulbs ch
an
ging a bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 246 opening the bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
new brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Braking Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Moving off on hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
C Camera cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
cleanliness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Lane Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 fuel tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
natural gas tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
windscreen washer water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Car-care products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
CCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
CD-ROM player (navigation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 anti-theft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
manual locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
remote control key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
selective unlocking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
sliding/tilting sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Cetane number (diesel fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244 Changing
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Changing a bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 front fog light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
rear light bulb on the rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
rear light bulbs on the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Rear light on the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 subsequent work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Changing gear engaging gears (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . 167
Changing main headlight bulbs turn signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Changing settings CAR menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Changing the blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Changing the main beam headlight bulb main beam headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Changing the main headlight bulb day light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
dipped headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Changing the wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Charging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Checking levels engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Child-proof locking electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 85 categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 84
Securing with seat belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Top Tether system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 24
City Emergency braking function . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
alcantar a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
carbon parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Easy Connect control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Exhaust pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Fabrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
natural leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233, 235
Radio display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
trims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Panoramic sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Clutch (warning lamp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Coming Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Controls and displays general instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Controls on the steering wheel Operating the audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
operating the audio system and telephone . . 113
Convenience closing panoramic sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Convenience opening panoramic sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Coolant checking level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Cooling system checking coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
topping up coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
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