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Checking and refilling levels
Checking levels Fig. 205
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 . . . . . . . . . . .210
Window washer water tank . . . . . . . .212
Engine oil filler cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .209
Engine oil level dipstick . . . . . . . . . . .209
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
The checking and replenishment of the serv-
ice fluids
are carried out on the components
mentioned above. These operations are de-
scribed in the ››› page 204.
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 223. Note
The layout of the engine compartment is very
simi l
ar to all petrol and diesel engines. Radiator fan
The radiator is driven by an electric motor
and c
ontr
o
lled according to the temperature
of the coolant.
After the engine has been stopped and the
ignition switched off, the radiator fan may
continue running for around 10 minutes. Engine oil
General
notes The engine comes with a special, multi-grade
oil
th
at 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 Maintenance Programme, be »
207
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 210 of 248

Advice
performed by a technical service or special-
i sed w
ork
shop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine
are listed in the ›››
page 41.
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-
terv
als.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the
engine oi l
level is too low ››› page 209 and
LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up (once) with oil for
fixed ser
vice inter-
vals ›››
page 41 (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 41. In this case, your vehicle
must be serviced after a fixed interval of 1
year/15,000 km (10,000 miles)(whatever
comes first) ››› Booklet Maintenance Pro-
gramme.
● In exceptional circumstances, if the engine
oil l
evel is too low ››› page 209 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
types of oil will cause a higher soot concen-
tration and reduce the life of the DPF. There-
fore: ●
Avoid mi
xing this oil with other engine oils.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the
engine oil
level is too low ››› page 209,
Checking engine oil level and you cannot ob-
tain 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). 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. Control lamp
The control lamp
fla
she
s red (oil pressure
low)
The informative display indicates:
Oil pressure. Switch off the en-
gine! Instruction Manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
check the engine oil level ›››
page 209
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is
correct, do not drive on . Do not even run
the engine at idle speed!
208
Page 211 of 248

Checking and refilling levels
Go to a technical service.
The c ontr
o
l lamp lights up yellow (insuf-
ficient oil level)
The informative display indicates:
Check the oil level!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
check the engine oil level ››› page 209
If the bonnet remains open for more than 30
seconds, the warning lamp switches off. If
the engine oil is not refilled, the warning
lamp illuminates again after 100 km (62
miles).
The control lamp flashes yellow (oil level
sensor faulty)
The informative display indicates:
Oil sensor. Workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, The
warning lamp flashes various times after
the ignition is switched on and an audible
warning is given.
Go to a technical service. Checking engine oil level
Fig. 206
Engine oil dipsticks. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 41
The dipstick shows the engine oil level.
››› Fig. 206.
Checking oil level – Park the vehicle on a level surface and en-
sure the en
gine is at operating tempera-
ture.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the bonnet.
– Wait a few minutes for the engine oil to
flow bac
k to the sump and remove the dip-
stick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and in-
sert it
again as far as it will go. –
Then pul
l the dipstick out again and check
the oil level.
It is normal for the engine to consume a cer-
tain amount of oil. Depending on how you
drive and the conditions in which the vehicle
is used, oil consumption can be up to 0.5 li-
tres per 1,000 km. Oil consumption can also
be higher for the first 5,000 km (3000 miles).
You should therefore check the oil level at
regular intervals, ideally every time you fill
the tank or before setting off on a long trip. CAUTION
● The oil l
evel must never exceed area A .
Risk of
damage to the exhaust system!
● If the engine oil cannot be topped up under
the given condition
s, do not drive on! Stop
the engine and seek the professional assis-
tance of an Official Service, as this could
cause serious damage to the engine. Topping up engine oil
–
Check the engine oil level ››
›
page 209,
Checking engine oil level .
– Unscrew the cap from the filler opening.
– Put in the specified grade of oil 0.5 litres at
a time ›››
page 207.
– Check the oil level ›››
page 209. »
209
Technical data
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Emergencies
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Advice
– Rep
l
ace the oil filler cap carefully and push
the dipstick all the way in.
Changing engine oil Engine oil must be changed with the frequen-
cy indic
at
ed in the Maintenance Programme
or according to the service interval indicator
››› page 31. CAUTION
Do not mix engine oil with additives. Risk of
dam ag
e to the engine! Damage caused by
these products is not covered by the warran-
ty. Note
Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into
cont act
with engine oil. Coolant
C ontr
o
l lamp If the warning lamp
(b lue) i
s
lit up, the en-
gine has not yet reached its operating tem-
perature 1)
. Avoid high engine speeds, hard acceleration and subjecting the engine to
high load
s.
If the warning lamp (red) is lit up or flash-
ing, the coolant temperature is too high or its
level is too low.
The informative display indicates:
Check coolant! Instruction Man-
ual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check
the coolant level ››› page 210 and refill if
necessary ››› page 211.
If the coolant is situated in the prescribed
area, the high temperature may be due to a
fault in the cooling system fan. Check the ra-
diator fan fuse and replace it if necessary
››› page 44.
If the warning lamp (red) remains lit up,
despite both the coolant level and the radia-
tor fan fuse being in correct condition,
stop the vehicle!
Go to a technical service. WARNING
● Tak e c
are when opening the coolant reser-
voir. When the engine is warm or hot, the
system is pressurised – Danger of burns! Wait for the engine to cool before opening
the co
v
er.
● Do not touch the fan. The fan can switch on
automatic
ally regardless of whether the igni-
tion is switched on. Checking coolant level
Fig. 207
Engine compartment: coolant fluid
t ank. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 42
The coolant expansion tank is located in the
engine compartment of the vehicle. – Switch the ignition off.
– Open the bonnet ›››
page 204. 1)
This does not apply to vehicles equipped with an
inform ativ
e display.
210
Page 213 of 248

Checking and refilling levels
– Re
a
d off the coolant level on coolant ex-
pansion tank ››› Fig. 207. When the engine
is cold, the coolant should be between marks B (min.) and
A (max.). When the
en gine i
s
hot, it may be slightly above mark
A (max.).
If the c
oo
lant fluid level in the reservoir is too
low, this will be indicated by the red warn-
ing lamp illuminating on the general dash
panel ››› page 210, Control lamp . However,
we recommend checking the coolant level di-
rectly in the tank.
Coolant fluid loss
Any loss of coolant normally indicates a leak.
It is not sufficient merely to top up the cool-
ant. The cooling system should be inspected
by an Official Service without delay. CAUTION
● In the event of
a fault that causes the en-
gine to overheat, contact an authorised SEAT
dealer immediately, as this could damage the
engine.
● Anti-freeze that does not correspond to the
correct
specification may particularly affect
corrosion protection considerably.
● Faults caused by corrosion may lead to
cool
ant leaks. Risk of serious engine faults! Topping up the coolant level
–
Switch the ignition off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the coolant expansion
tank ›
›› Fig. 207 with a cloth and carefully
unscrew the cap.
– Refill the level of coolant.
– Screw the cap on again until it clicks into
plac
e.
Do not use a different type of additive if the
prescribed anti-freeze additive is not availa-
ble, in the event of an emergency. In this
case, use only water and bring the coolant
concentration back up to the correct level as
soon as possible at an Official Service.
Always top up with unused coolant.
Never fill the coolant tank above mark A (max.)
››
›
Fig. 207 Excess coolant is forced
out of the cooling system through the over-
pressure valve in the filler cap of the expan-
sion tank when the engine heats up. WARNING
● The anti-freez e a
dditive and, therefore, the
entire coolant, are a health hazard. Avoid
touching the coolant. Coolant fumes are also
a health hazard. For this reason, always store
the coolant additive in a safe place out of the
reach of children. Risk of poisoning! ●
If s p
lashed into eyes, rinse immediately
with clean water and seek immediate medical
attention.
● Seek immediate medical attention if the
cool
ant is accidentally ingested. CAUTION
If the coolant cannot be topped up under the
giv en c ondition
s, do not drive on. We rec-
ommend contacting an authorised SEAT deal-
er, as this can damage the engine. Brake fluid
Chec kin
g brake fluid level Fig. 208
Engine compartment: brake fluid
r e
ser
voir. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 43 »
211
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Emergencies
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Advice
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the en-
gine c omp
ar
tment of the vehicle.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the bonnet ›››
page 204.
– Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir
›››
Fig. 208. It should be between the “MIN”
and “MAX” marks.
The fluid level drops slightly after a period of
time due to automatic compensation for
brake pad wear. This is quite normal.
However, if the level goes down noticeably in
a short time, or drops below the “MIN” mark,
there may be a leak in the brake system. If
the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too
low, this will be indicated by the warning
lamp illuminating on the instrument panel
››› page 157, Control lamp .WARNING
● If the fluid l ev
el has dropped below the MIN
mark, do not continue driving. Risk of acci-
dent! Go to a technical service.
● Heavy use of the brakes may cause a va-
pour lock if
the brake fluid is left in the brake
system for too long. This would seriously af-
fect the efficiency of the brakes and the safe-
ty of the vehicle. Changing the brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Therefore, it
gra
dual
ly absorbs moisture from the atmos-
phere. If the water content in the brake fluid
is too high, the brake system could corrode.
The water content also reduces the boiling
point of the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with one of the
following standards or specifications:
● VW 50114
● FMVSS 116 DOT4 CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the vehicle paintwork. Window washer system
Top
pin
g up windscreen washer fluid Fig. 209
Engine compartment: windscreen
w a
sher r
eservoir. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 43
The container for the windscreen washer con-
tains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or
rear window and the headlight washer sys-
tem. The container is located in the engine
compartment.
The capacity of the reservoir is approximately
3.5 litres; in vehicles with a headlight washer
system, it is approximately 5.4 litres 1)
.
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean
the glass and the headlights properly. We 1)
Valid only for certain countries. 5.4 litres for both
ver s
ions.
212
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Checking and refilling levels
therefore recommend using clean water with
a gl a
s
s cleaning product to eliminate any
stubborn dirt (with an anti-freeze additive in
winter).
Although your vehicle has heated windscreen
washer jets, anti-freeze should always be
added to the water in winter.
Ethanol can be used where glass cleaner with
anti-freeze is unavailable. The concentration
of ethanol must be no greater than 15 %.
However, remember that anti-freeze in this
proportion only protects down to -5°C
(+23°F). CAUTION
● Never mi x
the windscreen washing water
with anti-freeze used for the cooling system
or other additives.
● If the vehicle is equipped with a headlight
washer sy
stem, only mix in with the water a
detergent that does not damage polycarbon-
ates. Note
When topping up the fluid, do not move the
filt er fr
om the container opening, as this
could contaminate the fluid hoses and lead to
a windscreen washer malfunction. Battery
Intr oduction Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 43.
Warning symbols on the battery
Always wear safety glasses!
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Always wear
gloves and hearing protection!
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights
and lit cigarettes away when working on the
battery!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released
when the battery is under charge!
Keep children away from the battery!
Incorrect handling of the vehicle battery
c
ou
l
d lead to damage. We therefore recom-
mend all work on the vehicle battery be per-
formed by an authorised SEAT dealer.
Always be aware of the danger of injury and
scalding as well as the risk of accident or fire
when working on the battery and the electri-
cal system. Therefore, always observe the
warnings and follow all general safety pre-
cautions. WARNING
● Batt er
y acid is very corrosive, therefore, the
battery must be handled with the utmost
care. Wear protective gloves and protect your
eyes and skin when handling batteries. The
corrosive fumes in the air irritate and inflame
the respiratory tract and cause conjunctivitis.
It corrodes tooth enamel. Causes deep and
difficult-to-heal wounds when it comes in
contact with the skin. Repeated contact with
diluted acids causes skin disease (inflamma-
tion, ulcers and fissures). When in contact
with water, acids dilute and develop a great
deal of heat.
● Do not tilt the battery, as acid could leak
out of the
vapour vents. Protect your eyes
with glasses or a protective helmet! Risk of
blindness! If acid should splash into the
eyes, rinse the affected eye immediately for
several minutes using clean water. Then seek
medical care immediately.
● Neutralize any acid splashes on the skin or
clothing w
ith soap solution as quickly as pos-
sible and rinse off with plenty of water. If acid
is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor im-
mediately.
● Keep children away from the battery.
● Hydrogen is released and a highly explo-
sive mi
xture of gases is generated when the
battery is under charge. Sparks when discon-
necting or releasing cable terminals with the
ignition switched on could also cause an ex-
plosion. » 213
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Emergencies
Safety
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Advice
●
A short c
ircuit is produced if the battery ter-
minals are bridged, e.g. using metal objects,
cables, etc. Possible consequences of a short
circuit: melting of lead plates, battery explo-
sion and fire, splashing acid.
● The following is forbidden while working on
the batter
y: fire and open flames, smoking
and activities that could produce sparks.
Avoid causing sparks when handling cables
or electrical apparatus. Risk of injury in the
event of large sparks.
● Before working on the electrical system,
you mus
t switch off the engine, the ignition
and all electrical components and disconnect
the cable from the negative terminal (-) of the
battery. To change a bulb, simply switch off
the corresponding light.
● Never charge a frozen or thawed out bat-
tery
. Risk of explosion and acid burns! Re-
place a frozen battery.
● Never use the jump leads on batteries in
which the electr
olyte level is too low. Risk of
explosion and acid burns!
● Never use a damaged battery. Risk of ex-
plos
ion! Replace a damaged battery immedi-
ately. CAUTION
● Never di s
connect the battery when the igni-
tion is switched on, as the electrical system
(electronic components) of the vehicle could
be damaged. When disconnecting the battery
from the vehicle electrical system, disconnect its negative terminal (-) first. Only then may
the pos
itiv
e terminal (+) be disconnected.
● When connecting the battery, first connect
the positiv
e terminal (+) and then the nega-
tive terminal (-). The battery cables must nev-
er be connected to the wrong battery termi-
nals. Risk of burning the electrical installa-
tion!
● Make sure the battery acid does not come
into cont
act with the bodywork. Risk of paint-
work damage.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight
to prot
ect it from ultraviolet radiation.
● If the vehicle is not used for 3 or 4 weeks,
the batter
y could run flat. This is because
some components use electricity even in
standby mode (e.g. control units). Prevent the
battery from running flat by disconnecting its
negative terminal or leave it charging at a low
current.
● If you frequently use the vehicle for short
trips, the batt
ery may not fully charge and
could run flat. For the sake of the environment
A flat battery is particularly harmful waste for
the env ir
onment. It must therefore be dis-
posed of according to current local law. Note
Replace a battery once it is older than 5
ye ar
s. Control lamp
If the
control lamp is illuminated while the
en gine i
s running, the battery is not charg-
ing.
Go to a technical service. Have the car's elec-
trical equipment inspected. CAUTION
Additionally, if the warning lamp lights up
whi
le driving, the warning lamp also lights
up (cooling system fault). Stop the vehicle
and switch off the engine – Risk of engine
damage! Lifting the battery cover
Fig. 210
Battery: Opening the cover. The battery is located beneath a plastic cover
in the en
gine c
omp
artment.
214