Advice
Engine compartment Chec k
ing levels Fig. 221
Diagram for the location of the various
el ements. 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
1 2
3
4
5
6 The checking and refilling of service fluids
ar
e c
arried out on the components men-
tioned above. These operations are descri-
bed in ››› page 282.
Overview
You will find further explanations, instruc-
tions and restrictions on the technical speci-
fications as of ››› page 301. Work in the engine compartment Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 11
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 ››› .
282
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
● Sw it
ch 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-
par
tment.
● Never spill liquids used for vehicle opera-
tion on the engine c
ompartment, as these
may catch fire (e.g. the antifreeze in coolant).
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the
electric
al system, especially when working
on the battery.
● If working inside the engine compartment,
remember th
at, 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-
su
lating materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant ex-
pan
sion tank when the engine is hot. The
cooling system is under pressure.
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering
the cap w
ith a large, thick rag to protect
against escaping coolant and steam.
● If it is necessary to work in the engine com-
par
tment while the engine is running, the ro-
tating components (for example, poly-V belt, alternator, radiator fan) and the high voltage
ignition sy
s
tem are an additional hazard.
● Observe the following additional warnings
if w
ork 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 i s
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
r e
gularly 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 r e
servoirs are on the other side of the en-
gine compartment ››› Fig. 221. Opening the bonnet
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 11
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
drip s
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
pl
ace.
– Make sure that the bonnet catches onto its
cl
asp. Do not press down too hard ››› .
»
283
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
WARNING
● For s
afety 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
saf
ely secured when the vehicle is moving,
stop the vehicle immediately and close the
bonnet. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in an accident. Engine oil
Gener a
l notes The engine comes with a special, multi-grade
oi
l
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 Maint
enance Programme, be per-
formed by a technical service or specialised
workshop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine
are listed in the ›››
page 49, Oil proper-
ties.
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 PR QI6,
this means that your vehicle has the LongLife
service programmed. If it lists the codes QI1,
QI2, QI3, QI4 or QI7, the interval service 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-
ter
vals. ●
Only
in exceptional circumstances, if the
engine oil level is too low ››› page 285 and
LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to
top up (once) with oil for fixed service inter-
vals ›››
page 49 (up to a maximum of 0.5
litres).
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 49, Oil properties
. In this case,
your vehicle must be serviced after a fixed in-
terval of 1 year/15,000 km (10,000 miles)
(whatever comes first) ››› Booklet Mainte-
nance Programme.
● In exceptional circumstances, if the engine
oil
level is too low ››› page 285 and you can-
not obtain 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
284
Checking and refilling levels
types of oil will cause a higher soot concen-
tr ation and r
educe the life of the DPF. There-
fore:
● Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the
engine oi
l level is too low ››› page 285 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).
Checking engine oil level Fig. 222
Engine oil dipstick. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 48
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of
the oil. Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until
the operatin
g temperature is reached and
then stop.
– Wait for about two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with
a cl
ean cloth and insert it again, pushing it
in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil
lev
el ››› Fig. 222. Top up with engine oil if
necessary.
Depending on how you drive and the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used, oil con-
sumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil
consumption is likely to be higher for the first
5,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level
must be checked at regular intervals, prefera-
bly when filling the tank and before a jour-
ney. WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compart-
ment or on the en
gine must be carried out
cautiously.
● When working in the engine compartment,
alw
ays observe the safety warnings
››› page 282. CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not
s t
art the engine. This could result in damage
to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact
a Technical Service. Topping up engine oil
Fig. 223
In the engine compartment: Engine
oi l
filler cap Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 48
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe
the warnings ››› in Work in the engine
c omp
artment on page 283.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown
in the corresponding engine compartment il-
lustration ››› page 282.
Engine oil specification ›››
page 49. »
285
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil
c ome
s into contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up. CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not
s t
art 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 .
Other w
ise 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
en gine 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 48.
The engine oil must be changed at the inter-
vals given in the service schedule. We recommend that you have the engine oil
ch
anged by a Technical Service.
The oil change intervals are shown in the
Maintenance Programme. WARNING
Only change the engine oil yourself if you
h av
e the specialist knowledge required!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and ob-
serv
e the warnings ››› page 282.
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil
ma
y cause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries, such
as
acid burns, caused by splashes of oil.
● When removing the oil drain plug with your
fing
ers, keep your arm horizontal to help pre-
vent oil from running down your arm.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into
cont
act with engine oil.
● Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be
st
ored in a safe place out of the reach of chil-
dren. CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil.
Thi s
could 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
ause 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
grou
nd.
● Use a suitable container when draining the
used oi
l. It must be large enough to hold all
the engine oil. Cooling system
Top
ping up coolant Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 49
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
sion 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.
286
Checking and refilling levels
Topping up coolant
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the coolant expansion tank cap with
a c loth and c
arefully unscrew it to the left
››› .
– Top up the coolant only if there is still cool-
ant in the e
xpansion tank, otherwise you
could damage the engine. If there is no
coolant 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, top up to the upper mark.
– Top up with coolant until the level becomes
st
able.
– 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 c oo
ling system is under pressure. Do
not unscrew the cap on the coolant expan-
sion tank when the engine is hot: risk of
burns! ●
The antifr eez
e 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 th
at, even 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 sy
stem, the engine may fail leading to se-
rious damage.
● Please make sure that the percentage of
ad
ditive 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 coo
lant 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
w ith c
oolants 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-
pl
e but is, for example, brown, this indicates
that the G13 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
en v
ironment. If any fluids are spilled, they
should be collected and correctly disposed
of, with respect to the environment. Brake fluid
Top
ping up brake fluid Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 50
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must be between the
MIN and MAX markings. »
287
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
However, if the brake fluid level goes down
notic e
ably 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 106.
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
● Br ak
e 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 lon
g 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 v
ehicle paintwork, as it is abrasive. Windscreen washer reservoir
Chec k
ing and topping up the wind-
screen washer reservoir Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 50
Check the water level in the windscreen
washer reservoir regularly and top up as re-
quired.
The container for the windscreen washer con-
tains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen,
the rear window and the headlight washer
system*.
● Open the bonnet ›
›
›
page 282.
● The windscreen washer reservoir is marked
with the symbo
l on the cap.
● Check there is enough windscreen water in
the re
servoir.
Recommended windscreen wipers
● For the hottest seasons we recommend
summer G 052 184 A1 f
or clear glass. Propor-
tions of the mixture in the washer fluid tank:
1:100 (1 part concentrate per 100 parts wa-
ter).
● All year round, G 052 164 A2 for clear
gla
ss. Approximate proportion of the winter
mixture, up to -18°C (0°F): 1:2 (1 part con-
centrate per 2 parts water); otherwise, a 1:4 proportion of mixture in the washer fluid
tank.
C
apacity
The reservoir holds approximately 3 litres in
versions without headlight washer and 5 li-
tres in versions with headlight washer. WARNING
If the water from the windscreen washer does
not c
ontain enough anti-freeze, it may freeze
on the windscreen and rear window, reducing
forward and rear visibility.
● In winter, ensure the windscreen washer
cont
ains enough anti-freeze.
● In cold conditions, you should not use the
wind
screen wiper system unless you have
warmed the windscreen with the ventilation
system. The antifreeze could freeze on the
windscreen and reduce visibility. WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other
s imi
lar additives with the windscreen washer
water. A greasy layer may be formed on the
windscreen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner rec-
ommended by
SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to
the wat
er in the reservoir.288
Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● Do not mi
x cleaning products recommen-
ded by SEAT with other products. This could
lead to flocculation and may block the wind-
screen washer jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make abso-
lutely
certain that you fill the fluids into the
correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage!
● Not having windscreen wiper fluid reduces
vi
sibility through the windscreen, and leads
to loss of visibility in headlights in models
with headlight washer. Battery
Gener a
l information Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 50.
The battery is located in the engine compart-
ment and is almost maintenance-free. It is
checked as part of the Inspection Service.
Nevertheless, check the terminals are clean
and have the correct tightening torque, espe-
cially in summer and winter.
Disconnecting the battery
The battery should only be disconnected in
exceptional cases. When the battery is dis- connected, some of the vehicle's functions
are “lo
st” (››› table on page 289). These
functions will require resetting after the bat-
tery is reconnected.
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm* before you
disconnect the battery Otherwise the alarm
will be triggered.
FunctionReprogramming
One-touch function of
the electric windows››› page 128, One-touch
opening and closing.
Remote control key
If the vehicle does not re-
spond to the key, they
should be synchronised
››› page 120.
Digital clock››› page 104.
ESC warning lampAfter driving for a few me-
tres, the warning lamp goes
out again. If the vehicle is not used for long periods
The
v
ehicle has a system for monitoring the
current consumption when the engine is left
unused for long periods of time ››› page 274.
Some functions, such as the interior lights, or
the remote door opening, may be temporarily
disabled to prevent the battery from running
flat. These functions will come back on as
soon as the ignition is switched on and the
engine started. Winter conditions
Durin
g the winter, the starting power may be
reduced, and if necessary, the battery should
be charged ››› in Important safety warn-
in g
s for handling a vehicle battery on
page 290
Important safety warnings for han-
dling a
vehicle battery All work on batteries requires specialist
kno
wl
edge. Please refer to a SEAT Official
Service or a workshop specialising in batter-
ies: risk of burns or exploding battery!
The battery must not be opened. Never try to
change the fluid level of the battery. Other-
wise explosive gas is released from the bat-
tery that could cause an explosion.
Wear eye protection.
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear
protective gloves and eye protection. In the event
of electrolyte splashes, rinse off with plenty of
water.
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are pro-
hibited.
The battery should only be charged in a well-ven-
tilated zone. Risk of explosion!
Keep children away from acid and batteries!»
289
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety