The essentials
Fuel tank almost empty.›››
page
117
Fault in airbag system and seat
belt tensioners.›››
page
82 Other warning lamps
Left or right turn signal.›››
page
31
Hazard warning lights on.››› page
141
Trailer turn signals›››
page
245
it lights up green:
Press the brake
pedal!
It blinks in green: the selector lever
locking button has not engaged.››› page
183
it lights up green:
cruise control ac-
tivated or speed limiter switched
on and active.
››› page
42
››› page
200
it blinks in green: the speed set by
the speed limiter has been excee-
ded.
Main beam on or flasher on.›››
page
31 On the instrument panel display
Fig. 54
On the instrument panel display: door
open.
Do not continue driving!
With the corresponding indi-
cation: door(s), rear lid or
bonnet open or not properly
closed.››› page 126
››› page 16
››› page 267
Ignition: Do not carry on
driving! Engine coolant level
too low, coolant temperature
too high
››› page 273
Flashing: Fault in the engine
coolant system.
Do not continue driving!
Engine oil pressure too low.››› page 270
Fault in the battery.›››
page 276
Driving light totally or partial-
ly faulty.›››
page 102
Fault in the cornering light
system.››› page 137
particulate filter blocked.›››
page 194
Flashing: Fault in the oil level
detection. Control manually.
›››
page 270Ignition: Insufficient engine
oil.
Fault in the gearbox.›››
page 190
Immobiliser active.›››
page 169
Service interval display›››
page 41
Mobile telephone is connec-
ted via Bluetooth to the origi-
nal telephone device.
›››
Book-
let Radio or
››› Book-
let Naviga-
tion system
Mobile telephone battery
charge meter. Available only
for devices pre-installed in
factory.
Freezing warning. The out-
side temperature is lower
than +4°C (+39°F).›››
page 39
Start-Stop system activated.
›››
page 196 Start-Stop system unavaila-
ble.
46
The essentials
Engine oil specificationsEngine typeFlexible service (LongLife)Set Service (dependent on time/distance travel- led)
Petrol enginesVW 508 00
VW 504 00 a)VW 504 00
VW 502 00 b)
Engines with Particulate filter (DPF) c)VW 507 00VW 507 00
a)
Use of engine oil compliant with the VW 504 00 specification instead of VW 508 00 may have a slight negative effect on the vehicle’s exhaust gas values.
b) If the quality of the fuel available in the country does not fulfil the EN 228 (for petrol) and EN 590 (for diesel) standards.
c) Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
››› in Changing engine oil on page 273
››› page 270 Coolant
Fig. 66
Engine compartment: coolant expan-
s ion t
ank
cap. The coolant tank is located in the engine
c
omp
ar
tment ›››
page 270.
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
neces
sary, 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 275
. 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 275.
››› in Topping up coolant on page 274
››› page 273 56
Driving
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 lock could be engaged and vehicle steering would
not w
ork. Note
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must
be sw itc
hed on to prevent the steering wheel
from locking and also to allow the use of the
turn signals, horn, windscreen wipers and
washers. Control lamp
The control lamp should light up for a few
sec
ond
s
when the ignition is switched on. It
should go out once the engine is started.
It lights up red
The electromechani-
cal steering is dam-
aged.Have the steering checked im-
mediately by a specialised work-
shop.
It lights up yellow
Electromechanical
steering operation
is limited.See a specialised workshop im-
mediately and have the steering
checked.
If the yellow warning lamp does
not light up again after the en-
gine is restarted and the vehicle
has travelled a short distance,
you do not need to take it to a
specialised workshop.
It lights up yellow
The 12-volt battery
was disconnected
and has been recon-
nected.Take the vehicle for a short run
at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph).
It flashes yellow
The steering column
is tight.Turn the wheel a little to both
sides.
The steering column
does not unlock or
lock.Remove the key from the ignition
and switch the ignition back on.
If necessary, check the messag-
es displayed on the instrument
panel display.
Do not drive on if
the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
Seek specialist assistance. WARNING
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
mes s
ages are ignored when they light up, the
vehicle may stall in traffic and cause acci-
dents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messag-
es.
● Stop the
vehicle at the next opportunity
and in a safe p
lace. » 167
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Gearbox malfunctions Gearbox: Fault! Stop the ve-
hicle and place the lever in the
position P.
Ther e is
a fault in the gearbox. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place and do not continue driv-
ing. Seek specialist assistance.
Gearbox: System fault! You
may continue driving.
Have the fault corrected by a specialised
workshop without delay. Gearbox: System fault! You
can continue driving with re-
strictions. Reverse gear disa‐
bled
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop
and have the fault repaired without delay. Gearbox: System fault! You
can continue driving in D until
switching off the engine
Stop the vehicle in a safe place well away
from moving traffic. Seek specialist assis-
tance. Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your
driving accordingly
Continue driving 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 fau
lt was caused by a gearbox with a
high temperature, this driver message will be
displayed when the gearbox has cooled
again.
Gear-change indicator Selecting the optim
al gear While driving, and depending on vehicle
equipment, the in
s
trument
panel display may
show a recommendation with the gear num-
ber that would be advisable to save fuel.
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, the
selector lever must be in the Tiptronic posi-
tion ››› page 185.
No recommendation will appear if the opti-
mal gear is already engaged. The current
gear will be displayed.
DisplayMeaning
The optimal gear is selected.
Changing to a higher gear is recom-
mended.
Changing to a lower gear is recom-
mended. Information regarding the “cleanliness” of
the die
sel
p
articulate filter
The exhaust system manager detects that the
diesel particulate filter is nearly saturated
and contributes to self-cleaning by recom-
mending the optimal gear. For this reason, it
might be necessary to drive for a short time
at a high rpm. WARNING
The gear change indicator is only an auxiliary
fu nction and in no c
ase should be a substi-
tute for careful driving.
● The responsibility of choosing the correct
gear dependin
g on the situation (e.g. over-
taking, driving up or down a slope or towing a
trailer) lies with the driver. For the sake of the environment
Selecting the correct gear can help to save
fuel . Note
The recommended gear indication turns off
when the clut c
h pedal is pressed in vehicles
with manual gearbox or when the selector
lever is removed from the Tiptronic position
in vehicles with an automatic gearbox. 190
Operation
– For en
gine oi
l changes, do not replenish
with too much engine oil ››› page 272, Top-
ping up engine oil.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump
lea
ds if necessary ›››
page 67.
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 occur ››› page 117. 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. 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 fuel. Diesel particulate filter
3 Applies to vehicles with diesel engine
The die sel
engine particulate filter eliminates
most of the soot from the exhaust gas sys-
tem. Under normal driving conditions, the fil-
ter cleans itself. The diesel particulate filter is
cleaned automatically without need for indi-
cation by the warning lamp . This may be
noticed because the engine idle speed in-
creases and an odour may be detected.
If automatic filter purification cannot be car-
ried out (because only short trips are taken,
for example), soot will accumulate on the fil-
ter and the Diesel particulate filter warning
lamp will switch on.
Facilitate the automatic filter cleaning proc-
ess by driving in the following manner: drive
for approximately 15 minutes at a minimum
speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) in 4th or 5th gear
(automatic gearbox: gear S). Maintain the en-
gine speed at approximately 2,000 rpm. The
rise in temperature causes the soot on the fil-
ter to burn. On completion of the cleaning
the warning lamp will switch off. If the warn-
ing lamp does not switch off, go immediately
to a specialised workshop to rectify the prob-
lem. Engine management* This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
agement
sy
stem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp (Electronic Power Con-
trol) lights up when the ignition is switched
on while system operation is being verified. It
should go out once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine
management system while you are driving,
this warning lamp will light up. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the engine checked.
Emission control system* Control lamp
fla
she
s:
When there is misfiring that can damage the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed and drive
carefully to the nearest specialised workshop
to have the engine checked.
The control lamp lights up:
If a fault has developed during driving which
has reduced the quality of the exhaust gas
(e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and
drive carefully to the nearest specialised
workshop to have the engine checked.
194
Care and maintenance
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. 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. 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.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry the vehicle surface gently with a cha-
mois l
eather.
– In cold temperature, dry the rubber seals
and their sur
faces to prevent them from »
257
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Checking and refilling levels
We recommend the use of diesel
f uel which
complies to European standard EN 590. If
diesel fuel which meets European standard
EN 590 is not available, the Cetane number
(CZ) must, at minimum, be 51. If the engine
is equipped with a particulate filter, the sul-
phur content of the fuel must be below 50
parts per million.
Winter-grade diesel
Summer fuel becomes thicker in winter and it
is more difficult to start the engine. For this
reason, petrol stations in some countries al-
so offer winter diesel with improved fluidity
when cold (winter-grade diesel). CAUTION
● The v ehic
le is not designed for the use of
FAME fuel (biodiesel). The fuel system would
be damaged if you used biodiesel.
● Do not mix fuel additives, the so-called
“thinners”, petro
l or similar additives with
diesel fuel.
● If poor-quality diesel fuel is used, it may be
neces
sary to drain the fuel filter more fre-
quently than is specified in the Maintenance
Programme. We recommend having this done
by a specialised workshop. If water is allowed
to collect in the filter, this can cause engine
performance problems. Working in the engine compart-
ment
saf
ety
notes for work in the engine
compartment Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 17
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 268.
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 fluids and consumables replaced by a Techni-
cal
Service. Please observe the relevant in-
structions ››› page 255. The engine compart-
ment of the vehicle is a hazardous area ››› .
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine com-
par tment, e.
g. checking and refilling fluids,
involves the danger of injury and burns, acci-
dents and even fire.
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam,
smoke or coo
lant escaping from the engine
compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of
sustaining burns. Wait until no more steam or
coolant is emitted, then allow the engine to
cool before carefully opening the bonnet.
● Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition.
● App
ly the handbrake and move the gear
lever t
o neutral or selector lever to position P.
● Keep children away from the vehicle.
● Never touch 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 68.
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! » 267
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Index
steel wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
w a
shin
g the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
windows and exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
wooden trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 adjusting the temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
automatic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
fan regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
general notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
windscreen defrost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Clutch (warning lamp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Coming Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Coming Home Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Connectivity Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Contact key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Control and warning lamps alternator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
ASR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
blind spot detector (BSD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
braking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
diesel particulate filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
EDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
emission control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
parking assistant (RCTA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
speed limiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 steering column lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
tyre
s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Controls and displays general instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Controls on the steering wheel operating the audio system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
operating the telephone and audio system . . 121
Coolant checking level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Coolant level control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Coolant temperature control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Cooling system checking coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273, 274
coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
topping up coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273, 274
Correct position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Correct sitting position front passenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
rear seat passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
warning and indication lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
D Dangers in not using the seat belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Data sticker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Deactivation of front passenger front airbag . 21, 86
Detachable ball assembling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
checking attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 placing in standby position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
remov
ing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248, 249
standby position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Diesel diesel particulate filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Diesel particulate filter malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Direction of rotation tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113, 114
Display messages speed limiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Disposal seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Distance control see Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Door cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Door handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 de-icing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Door lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 de-icing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Door lock cylinder de-icing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Door release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Doors childproof locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
opening and closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Downhill speed control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Downhill speed control function . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Driver see Correct sitting position . . . . . . . . . 72, 73, 74
Driver-side general instrument panel left-hand drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
right-hand drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
295