Driving
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
T o av
oid u
nnecessary discharging of the bat-
tery, do not use any other major electrical
equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heat-
ing.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug
warning lamp goes out.
Starting a diesel engine after the fuel tank
has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry,
it may take longer than normal (up to one mi-
nute) to start a diesel engine after refuelling.
This is because the fuel system must elimi-
nate air first. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Starting
petro l
engines on page 148. CAUTION
● When the engine i s
cold, you should avoid
high engine speeds, driving at full throttle
and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine
damage.
● The vehicle should not be pushed or towed
more than 50 metr
es to start the engine. Un-
burnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter
and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a ve-
hicle in or
der to start it, you should first try to
start it using the battery of another vehicle. Please observe and follow the notes on the
›› ›
page 52, How to jump start. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
en gine w ith the
vehicle stationary. You
should drive off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This helps the engine reach operating
temperature faster and reduces emissions. Switching off the engine
–
Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position ››
›
Fig. 156
1 .
Af t
er sw
itching the engine off, the radiator
fan may run on for up to 10 minutes. 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 expo-
sure to solar radiation. WARNING
● Never sw it
ch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is completely stationary.
● The brake servo works only when the en-
gine is ru
nning. With the engine switched off,
more strength is needed to brake. As normal brake operation cannot be performed, risk of
acc
ident
s and serious injury may exist.
● The steering lock can be immediately
block
ed once the key is removed from the ig-
nition. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of
accident.
● Power-assisted steering does not work
when the engine is
off, and more strength is
needed to turn the wheel.
● If the key is removed from the ignition lock
the steerin
g lock could be engaged and vehi-
cle steering would not work. CAUTION
When the engine has been running under a
heavy lo
ad for a long period, heat can accu-
mulate in the engine compartment and cause
engine damage. For this reason, idle the en-
gine for approximately 2 minutes before
switching it off. Braking and parking
Br ak
in
g capacity and braking distance The efficiency of the brakes depends directly
on the br
ak
e p
ad wear. This wear depends to
a great extent on the conditions under which
the vehicle is operated and the way the vehi-
cle is driven. If you often drive in town, drive
short distances or have a sporty driving style,
we recommend that you have the thickness »
149
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driver assistance systems
Parking aid Gener a
l
informationVarious systems are available to help you
when park
in
g or manoeuvring in tight
spaces, depending on the equipment fitted
on your vehicle.
The rear parking aid is an audible assistant
that warns about obstacles located behind
the vehicle ››› page 174.
During parking, Parking System Plus assists
the driver by visually and audibly warning
them about obstacles detected in front and
behind the vehicle ››› page 174. WARNING
● Alw a
ys pay attention, also when looking
straight ahead, to traffic and the vehicle sur-
roundings. The assistance systems are not a
replacement for driver awareness. When in-
serting or removing the vehicle from a park-
ing space, or when performing similar ma-
noeuvres the driver always assumes the re-
sponsibility.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times t
o suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions.
● The ultrasound sensors have blind spots in
which ob
stacles and people are not regis-
tered. Pay special attention to children and
animals. ●
Alw a
ys keep visual control of the vehicle
surroundings: use the mirrors for additional
help. CAUTION
Parking Aid functions may be negatively af-
f ect ed b
y different factors that may lead to
damage to the vehicle or its immediate sur-
rounds:
● Under certain circumstances, the system
does not
detect or display certain objects:
– Objects such as chains, trailer draw bars,
fences, posts and thin trees.
– Objects that are located above the sen-
sors, such as protrusions in a wall.
– Objects with certain surfaces or struc-
tures, such as wire mesh fences or pow-
der snow.
● Certain surfaces of objects and garments
do not refl
ect the ultrasound sensors' sig-
nals. The system cannot detect, at least cor-
rectly, these objects or people wearing such
clothes.
● Ultrasound sensor signals may be affected
by e
xternal sound sources. In certain circum-
stances this may prevent them from detect-
ing people or objects.
● Please note that low obstacles detected by
the syst
em may no longer be registered by
the sensors as the car moves closer, so the
system will not give any further warning. In
certain circumstances, objects such as high kerbs that could damage the bottom of the
vehic
l
e are not detected either.
● If the first warning from the ParkPilot is ig-
nored, the v
ehicle could suffer considerable
damage.
● The knocks or damage on the radiator
grill
e, bumper, wheel arch and vehicle under-
body can adjust the orientation of the sen-
sors. This can affect the parking aid function.
Have the function checked by a specialised
workshop. Note
● In cer t
ain situations, the system can give a
warning even though there is no obstacle in
the detected area, e.g:
–with rough or cobbled floors or ground
with long grass;
– with external ultrasound sources, such as
cleaning vehicles or other vehicles;
– In downpours, intense snow or dense ex-
haust gases;
– if the registration plate (front or rear) is
not properly affixed to the bumper sur-
face;
– or in locations such as the brow of a hill.
● In order to guarantee good system opera-
tion, keep the ultr
asound sensors clean, free
of snow or ice, and do not cover them with
adhesives or other objects.
● If you use high-pressure or vapour equip-
ment to c
lean the ultrasound sensors, apply » 173
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
Technical Services hav
e the pr oper products
for cleaning and preservation as well as the
necessary workshop equipment. For this rea-
son, we recommend having this work per-
formed by them.
The anti-corrosion protection is usually re-
moved if the engine compartment is cleaned
with grease removing solutions, or if you
have the engine cleaned. On commissioning
this work, ensure that all surfaces, seams,
joints and components in the engine com-
partment are given anti-corrosion treatment. WARNING
● When work in
g in the engine compartment,
always observe the safety warnings
››› page 198.
● Before opening the bonnet, switch the en-
gine off, app
ly the handbrake firmly and al-
ways remove the key from the ignition.
● Allow the engine to cool before you clean
the engine comp
artment.
● Do not clean, for example, the vehicle un-
derbody, wheel ar
ches or wheel trims without
protecting your hands and arms. You may cut
yourself on sharp-edged metal parts. Failure
to comply could result in injury.
● Moisture, ice and salt on the brake system
may
affect braking effectiveness. Risk of acci-
dent. Directly after washing, avoid sudden
and sharp braking.
● Never touch the radiator fan. It is tempera-
ture-c
ontrolled and could start automatically, even when the key is removed from the igni-
tion!
For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits can be removed
when the en gine is
washed. The polluted wa-
ter must be cleaned in an oil separator. For
this reason, engine washing should be car-
ried out only by a specialised workshop or a
petrol station. Caring for the vehicle interior
C l
e
aning plastic parts and the dash
panel –
Use a clean, damp cloth to clean plastic
par
ts
and the dash panel.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results,
use a spec
ial solvent-free plastic cleaning
product. WARNING
Never clean the dash panel and the airbag
modul e s
urface with cleaners containing sol-
vents. Solvents cause the surface to become
porous. If the airbag triggered, plastic parts
could become detached and cause injuries. CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will
dam ag
e the material. Cleaning wooden trim*
–
Clean the wooden trim with a water-mois-
tened c l
ean cloth.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results,
use a gen
tle soap solution. CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will
dam ag
e the material. Cleaning upholstery and fabric trim
Cloth seat covers and fabric trim on the
door
s, he
a
dlining etc. can be cleaned with a
special interior cleaner or with dry foam and
a soft brush.
Cleaning the radio and climate con-
trol
s To clean the radio and/or climate controls,
u
se a sof
t
damp cloth. For more resistant dirt,
a neutral soap solution may be used.
194
Checking and refilling levels
●
Never t ouc
h hot engine parts. There is a
risk of burns.
● Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a
hot exh
aust gas system. This is a fire hazard.
● Avoid causing short-circuits in the electri-
cal
system, particularly at the points where
the jump leads are attached ›››
page 52.
The battery could explode.
● Never touch the radiator fan. It is tempera-
ture c
ontrolled and could start automatically,
even when the engine has been switched off
and the key removed from the ignition!
● 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. If the
coolant is hot, the cooling system will be
pressurised!
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering
the cap with a l
arge, thick cloth to protect
against escaping coolant and steam.
● Always make sure you have not left any ob-
jects, s
uch as cleaning cloths or tools, in the
engine compartment.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle,
you mus
t use suitable stands additionally to
support the vehicle, there is a risk of acci-
dent!. A hydraulic jack is insufficient for se-
curing the vehicle and there is a risk of injury.
● 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 the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from
the high-v
o
ltage ignition system. You should
also observe the following:
– Never touch the electrical wiring of the
ignition system.
– Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and
long hair do not get trapped in rotating
engine parts. Danger of death. Before
starting any work remove jewellery, tie
back and cover hair, and wear tight-fit-
ting clothes.
– Never accelerate with a gear engaged
without taking the necessary precau-
tions. The vehicle could move, even if the
handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
● If work has to be carried out on the fuel
syst
em or on electrical components, you
must observe the following safety notes in
addition to the above warnings:
– Always disconnect the battery from the
on-board network. The vehicle must be
unlocked when this is done, otherwise
the alarm will be triggered.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always have a fire extinguisher on hand. WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could
sud den
ly open while driving leaving the driv-
er without visibility. This could result in a se-
rious accident. ●
Aft er c
losing the bonnet, always check that
it is properly secured by the locking mecha-
nism in the lock carrier piece. The bonnet
must be flush with the surrounding body pan-
els.
● While driving, if you notice that the bonnet
is not
correctly closed then stop immediately
and close it correctly.
● Only open and close the bonnet when there
is no
body within its range. CAUTION
When topping up service fluids, make sure
not to mi
stake them. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage! For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the envi-
ronment . F
or this reason you should make
regular checks on the ground underneath
your vehicle. If you find spots of oil or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a speci-
alised workshop. Opening the bonnet
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 10
The bonnet is released from inside the vehi-
cle. »
199
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil
come s
into contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up. 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. Changing engine oil
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 41
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 198, safety notes
for work in the engine compartment .
● 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 oi l
down drains or into the
ground.
● Use a suitable container when draining the
used oil
. It must be large enough to hold all
the engine oil. Cooling system
Contr o
l lamp There is a fault if:
● The l amp does not go out again after a
f ew sec
onds.
● The lamp lights up or flashes while the
vehic
le is running, and three acoustic warn-
ing signals are emitted ››› .
Thi s
me
ans that either the coolant level is too
low or the coolant temperature is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
If the lamp lights up, stop the vehicle,
turn off the engine and wait for it to cool
down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating
may be caused by a malfunction of the radia-
tor fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have
it replaced if necessary ››› page 80.
If the control lamp lights up again after driv-
ing on for a short distance, stop the vehicle
204
Checking and refilling levels
and switch the engine off. C ont
act a Techni-
cal Service or a specialised workshop.
Coolant level too low
If the lamp lights up, stop the vehicle,
turn off the engine and wait for it to cool
down. First check the coolant level. If the lev-
el of the coolant is below the “MIN” mark,
top up with coolant liquid ››› .
WARNING
● If y
our vehicle is immobilised for technical
reasons, move it to a safe distance from traf-
fic. Turn the engine off, turn the hazard lights
on and place the warning triangle.
● Never open the bonnet if you can see or
hear st
eam or coolant escaping from the en-
gine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait un-
til you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous
area. B
efore carrying out any work in the en-
gine compartment, switch off the engine and
allow it to cool down. Always note the corre-
sponding warnings ››› page 198. Topping up coolant
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 42
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-
pans
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
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, 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
cool
ant 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 sy s
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. » 205
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid im-
pair s
the braking effect.
● Before opening the bonnet to check the
brake fluid l
evel, read and observe the warn-
ings ››› page 198.
● Brake fluid should be stored in the closed
original
container in a safe place out of reach
of children. There is a toxic risk.
● Perform the brake fluid change according to
the Mainten
ance Programme. Heavy use of
the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the
brake fluid is left in the brake system for too
long. This would seriously affect the effec-
tiveness of the brakes and the safety of the
vehicle. This may cause an accident. CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the vehicle paintwork.
Wipe off an
y brake fluid from the paintwork
immediately. For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and brake fluid must be col-
lect ed and di
sposed of according the applica-
ble regulations. The SEAT Technical Service
network has the necessary equipment and
qualified personnel for collecting and dispos-
ing of this waste material. Windscreen washer reservoir
Top
pin
g up the windscreen washer
reservoir water Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 43
The windscreen washer and the headlight
washers are supplied with fluid from the
windscreen washer fluid container in the en-
gine compartment. The container holds ap-
prox. 3 litres; in vehicles with headlight
washers* it holds approx. 4.5 litres.
The tank is in the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean the wind-
screen and headlights. We recommend that
you always add a product to the windscreen
washer fluid. Approved windscreen cleaning
products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, these may be
added all-year-round. Please follow the dilu-
tion instructions on the packaging. WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compart-
ment or on the en gine mu
st be carried out
cautiously.
● When working in the engine compartment,
alwa
ys observe the safety warnings
››› page 198. CAUTION
● Never p ut
radiator anti-freeze or other addi-
tives into the windscreen washer fluid.
● Always use approved windscreen cleansing
products
diluted as per instructions. If you
use other washer fluids or soap solutions,
the tiny holes in the fan-shaped nozzles
could become blocked. Vehicle battery
Symbo l
s and warnings on handling
the battery Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 43
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protec-
tive gloves and eye protection!
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are pro-
hibited!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released
when the battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!»
207
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety