The essentials
Front brake pads worn.
›››
page
173 it lights up:
Fault in the ESC, or dis-
connection caused by the system.
flashes: ESC or ASR activated.
ASR manually deactivated.›››
page
173ESC in Sport mode.
ABS faulty or does not work.
Rear fog light switched on.›››
page
131
lights up or flashes:
fault in the
emission control system.››› page
186
it lights up:
pre-heating of diesel
engine.
››› page
187
flashes: fault in the diesel engine
management.
fault in the petrol engine manage-
ment.›››
page
187
lights up or flashes:
fault in the
steering system.››› page
273
Tyre pressure too low, or fault in
the tyre pressure monitoring sys-
tem.›››
page
295
Fuel tank almost empty.›››
page
102
Fault in airbag system and seat
belt tensioners.›››
page
73
Lane Assist is switched on, but not
active.›››
page
213 Other warning lamps
Left or right turn signal.›››
page
131
Hazard warning lights on.››› page
135
Trailer turn signals.›››
page
255
it lights up green:
Auto Hold activa-
ted.››› page
191
it lights up green:
Press the brake
pedal!
It blinks in green: the selector lever
locking button has not engaged.››› page
177
it lights up green:
cruise control ac-
tivated or speed limiter switched
on and active.
››› page
193
it blinks in green: the speed set by
the speed limiter has been excee-
ded.
it lights up green:
Lane Assist is
switched on and active.››› page
213
Main beam on or flasher on.›››
page
131 On the instrument panel display
Fig. 50
On the instrument panel display: door
open.
Do not continue driving!
With the corresponding indica-
tion: door(s), rear lid or bonnet
open or not properly closed.››› page
112
››› page
123
››› page
282
Ignition: Do not carry on driv-
ing! Engine coolant level too low,
coolant temperature too high
››› page
286
Flashing: Fault in the engine
coolant system.» 39
The essentials
● Zone B : You can add oil but keep the level
in th at
zone.
● Zone C : Add oil up to zone
B .
T op
ping up engine oil
● Unscrew cap from oil filler opening.
● Add oil slowly.
● At the same time, check the level to ensure
you do not
add too much.
● When the oil level reaches at least zone B ,
u n
screw the engine oil filler cap carefully.
Oil properties
Engine typeSpecification
Petrol without flexible service
intervalVW 502 00/VW 504
00
Petrol with flexible service in-
terval (LongLife)VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines without Particu-
late filter (DPF)VW 505 01/VW 506
01/VW 507 00
Diesel. Particulate Filter En-
gines (DPF).
With or without flexible service
interval (with and without Long-
Life) a)VW 507 00
a)
Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the
engine.
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the
engine oil. The deterioration caused by these
additives is not covered by the warranty.
››› in Changing engine oil on page 286
››› page 284 Coolant
Fig. 61
Engine compartment: coolant expan-
s ion t
ank cap. The coolant tank is located in the engine
c
omp
artment ›››
page 282.
When the engine is cold, replace the coolant
when the level is below . Coolant specifications
The engine c
ooling system is supplied from
the factory with a specially treated mixture of
water and at least 40 % of the additive G13
(TL-VW 774 J), purple. This mixture gives the
necessary frost protection down to -25°C
(-13°F) and protects the light alloy parts of
the engine cooling system against corrosion.
It also prevents scaling and considerably rai-
ses the boiling point of the coolant.
To protect the cooling system, the percentage
of additive must always be at least 40 %,
even in warm climates where anti-freeze pro-
tection is not required.
If for weather reasons further protection is
necessary, the proportion of additive may be
increased, but only up to 60 %; otherwise an-
tifreeze protection will diminish and this will
worsen cooling.
When the coolant is topped up, use a mixture
of distilled water and at least 40 % of the
G13 or G12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) additive
(both are purple) to obtain an optimum anti-
corrosion protection ››› in Topping up cool-
ant on p ag
e 287. 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
lant on page 287. » 49
The essentials
››› in Topping up coolant on page 287
››› page 286 Brake fluid
Fig. 62
Engine compartment: brake fluid res-
er v
oir cap The brake fluid reservoir is located in the en-
gine c
omp
artment ›››
page 282.
The level should be between the and
marks. If it is below , please visit a Techni-
cal Service.
››› in Topping up brake fluid on
page 288
››› page 287 Windscreen washer
Fig. 63
In the engine compartment: wind-
s c
reen washer reservoir top. The windscreen washer reservoir is located in
the en
gine c
ompartment ›››
page 282.
To top up, mix water with a product recom-
mended by SEAT.
In cold temperatures, add anti-freeze.
››› in Checking and topping up the
windscreen washer reservoir on
page 288
››› page 288 Battery
The battery is located in the engine compart-
ment
›
›› page 282. It does not require maintenance. It is checked as part of the In-
spection
Service.
››› in Important safety warnings for
handling a vehicle battery on page 290
››› page 289 50
Operation
Normal temperature
If in norm
al operations, the diodes light up
until the central zone, it means that the en-
gine has reached operating temperature. At
high outside temperatures and when making
the engine work hard, the diodes may contin-
ue lighting up and reach the upper zone. This
is no cause for concern, provided the control
lamp does not light up on the instrument
panel digital display.
Heat range
When the diodes light up in the upper area of
the display and the control lamp appears
on the instrument panel display, the coolant
temperature is excessive ››› page 286. CAUTION
● To en
sure a long useful life for the engine,
avoid high revs, driving at high speed and
making the engine work hard for approxi-
mately the first 15 minutes when the engine
is cold. The phase until the engine is warm al-
so depends on the outside temperature. If
necessary, use the engine oil temperature*
››› page 34 as a guide.
● Additional lights and other accessories in
front
of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect
of the coolant. At high outside temperatures
and high engine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating.
● The front spoiler also ensures proper distri-
bution of
the cooling air when the vehicle is moving. If the spoiler is damaged this can re-
duc
e the c
ooling effect, which could cause
the engine to overheat. Seek specialist assis-
tance. Fuel level
Fig. 117
Fuel gauge. The display
6
› ›
›
Fig. 115 only works when
the ignition is switched on. When the display
reaches the reserve mark, the lower diode
lights up in red and the control lamp ap-
pears ››› page 102. When the fuel level is very
low, the lower diode flashes in red.
The distance to empty fuel level is displayed
on the instrument panel 3
› ›
›
Fig. 115.
The capacity of the fuel tank of your vehicle is
given in the Technical data section
››› page 48. CAUTION
Never run the fuel tank completely dry. An ir-
r e
gular fuel supply could cause misfiring. In
this way the unburned fuel can reach the ex-
haust system, which could cause the catalytic
converter to overheat resulting in damage. Control lamps
W arnin
g and control lamps Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 38.
The control and warning lamps are indicators
of warnings, ››› , faults
››
› or certain func-
tion s.
Some control and warning lamps come
on when the ignition is switched on, and
switch off when the engine starts running, or
while driving.
Depending on the model, additional text
messages may be viewed on the instrument
panel display. These may be purely informa-
tive or they may be advising of the need for
action ›››
page 102, Instruments.
Depending upon the equipment fitted in the
vehicle, instead of a warning lamp, some-
times a symbol may be displayed on the in-
strument panel.
When certain control and warning lamps are
lit, an audible warning is also heard.
106
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
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