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Seat Altea Freetrack. Service Manual - part 14

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216

Checking and refilling levels

6. Raise the bonnet ⇒ page 217.

WARNING (continued)

You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know

• Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could

exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work

start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the

carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.

key removed from the ignition!

• Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.

All service fluids and consumables, e.g. coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and

If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!

batteries, are being constantly developed. SEAT provides a constant flow of

information to the Authorised Service Centres concerning modifications. For

• Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick

this reason we recommend that you have service fluids and consumables

cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.

replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant

• Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths

instructions ⇒ page 210. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a

and tools, in the engine compartment.

hazardous area ⇒

• If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable

stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A

hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of

WARNING

injury.

All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and

• If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the

refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk

engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the

of accident or fire.

rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and

• Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping

from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the

from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining

following points:

burns. Wait until no more steam or coolant is emitted, then allow the

− Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.

engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.

− Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and long hair do not get

• Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.

trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any

• Apply the handbrake and move the gear stick to neutral or selector

work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting

lever to position P.

clothes.

• Keep children away from the vehicle.

− Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is

• Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.

engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. The vehicle could

move, even if the handbrake is applied. Danger of death.

• Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This

is a fire hazard.

• If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-

nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above

• Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the

warnings:

points where the jump leads are attached ⇒ page 269. The battery could

explode.

− Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when

this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.

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Checking and refilling levels

217

Opening the bonnet

WARNING (continued)

− Do not smoke.

The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.

− Never work near naked flames.

− Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.

Caution

When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you

fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result

in serious malfunctions and engine damage!

For the sake of the environment

Fig. 162 Detail of foot-

Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you

well area on driver's side:

should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. If you

lever for unlocking the

find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a qualified

bonnet.

workshop.

Fig. 163 Arrester hook

for bonnet.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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218

Checking and refilling levels

Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in

If the bonnet does not close, do not press downwards. Open it once more and

rest position.

let it fall as before.

- To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dashboard

WARNING

⇒ fig. 162 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be

released by a spring action ⇒

If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could open while you are driving and

completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.

- Lift the bonnet using the release lever (arrow) and open the

• After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The

bonnet.

bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.

• If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is

- Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fixture designed for this

moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk

in the bonnet.

of accident.

WARNING

Hot coolant can scald!

Engine oil

• Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping

from the engine compartment.

Engine oil specifications

• Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bonnet,

then carefully open the bonnet.

The engine oil used must conform with exact specifications.

• When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety

warnings ⇒ page 215.

Specifications

The engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be

used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme

cold.

Closing the bonnet

As the use of high quality oil is essential for the correct operation of the

engine and its long useful life, when topping up or replacement is necessary

- Raise the bonnet slightly

use only those oils that conform to the requirements of the VW standards.

- Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its support.

If it is not possible to find oil conforming to the VW standards then oil

conforming to the ACEA or API standards with an appropriate viscosity at

- At a height of about 30 cm let it fall so it is locked.

atmospheric temperature should be used instead. The use of this type of oil

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Checking and refilling levels

219

may have some repercussions on the performance of the engine for example,

The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should

long starting time, increased consumption and a higher emission level.

appear on the container of the service oil; the container will display together

the different standards for petrol and diesel engines, the oil can be used for

If a top up is required then different oils may be mixed as long as they all

both types of engines.

conform to the VW standards.

Oil properties

Viscosity

The viscosity class of the oil is selected according to the diagram.

When the ambient temperature falls outside the limits of the scale for a short

period, an oil change is not required.

Fig. 164 Types of oil

according to temperature

Engine type

Specification

Petrol

VW 501 01/ VW 502 00/ VW 504 00

Diesel

VW 505 00/ VW 505 01/ VW 507 00/ VW 506 01

Diesel Injector Pump ^a)

VW 505 01/ VW 507 00/ VW 506 01

Diesel Injector Pump Motor 118 kW^a)

VW 506 01/ VW 507 00

Diesel Engines with Particulate filter (DPF)^a)

VW 507 00

^a) Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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220

Checking and refilling levels

Mono-grade oil

Checking the engine oil level

Single grade oils are generally not suitable for all year round use, due to

ranges of viscosity²¹⁾.

The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.

These oils are only useful in a climate that is constantly very cold or very

warm.

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.

Note

Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the

corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the

correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.

Fig. 165 Engine oil

dipstick.

Checking oil level

- Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.

- Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the service temperature

is reached then stop.

- Wait two minutes.

- Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and

insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.

- Then pull it out once more and check the oil level ⇒ fig. 165. Top

up with engine oil if necessary.

A

²¹⁾ Viscosity: oil density

- Do not add oil.

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Checking and refilling levels

221

Oil level in area

B

Topping up engine oil 

- Oil can be topped up. The indicated oil level should be after the zone

A

Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.

Oil level in area

C

- Oil must be topped up. The indicated oil level should be found, after, in zone

A

Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is used, oil

consumption can be up to 0.5 L/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely to be

higher for the first 5000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must be

checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a

journey.

WARNING

Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be

Fig. 166 In the engine

carried out cautiously.

compartment: Engine oil

filler cap

• When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety

warnings ⇒ page 215.

Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒

in

“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on

Caution

page 215.

If the oil level is above the area

A

do not start the engine. This could result

in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact an Authorised

- Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒ fig. 166.

Service Centre.

- Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.

- To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using

small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before

adding any more oil.

- As soon as the oil level is in area

B

, carefully close the cap.

The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine

compartment diagram ⇒ page 279.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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222

Checking and refilling levels

Engine oil specification ⇒ page 218.

WARNING (continued)

• Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings

WARNING

⇒ page 215, “Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment”.

Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot

• Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.

engine components when topping up.

• Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.

• When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm hori-

Caution

zontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.

If the oil level is above the area

A

do not start the engine. This could result

• Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.

in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a qualified work-

• Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of

shop.

the reach of children until it is disposed of.

For the sake of the environment

Caution

The oil level must never be above area . Otherwise oil can be drawn in

A

No additives should be used with engine oil. This could result in engine

through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the

damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be

exhaust system.

covered by the factory warranty.

For the sake of the environment

Changing engine oil

• Because of the disposal problems, the necessary special tools and

specialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil

The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the

and filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.

service schedule.

•

Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.

We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised

• Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It has to be large

Service Centre.

enough to hold all the engine oil

The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme.

WARNING

Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required!

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Checking and refilling levels

223

Coolant

Caution

• Other additives may give considerably inferior corrosion protection. The

Coolant specifications

resulting corrosion in the cooling system can lead to a loss of coolant,

causing serious damage to the engine.

Coolant is a mixture of water and at least 40% coolant addi-

• The coolant additive G 12+ (purple) can be mixed with the additive G 12

tive.

(red) or G 11. Never mix G12 (red colour) with G 11.

The cooling system must be filled with a mixture of water and at least 40 % of

our coolant additive G 12+ or an additive with the specification TT-VW 774 F

(it is dyed purple). This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to

Checking the coolant level and topping up 

-25°C and protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. It

also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.

The correct coolant level is important for fault-free func-

tioning of the engine cooling system.

The concentration of coolant must always be at least 40% - even if frost

protection is not required.

If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of

the antifreeze additive G 12+ can be increased. However, the percentage of

coolant additives should not exceed 60%, as this would reduce the frost

protection. It would also reduce the cooling effect. A mixture with 60%

coolant additive will give frost protection to approx. -40°C.

WARNING

• The coolant additive is toxic. There is a toxic risk. Always keep the

coolant additive in the original container which should be stored out of the

reach of children. The same applies to coolant which you have drained off.

Fig. 167 In the engine

compartment: Coolant

• The coolant additive G 12+ must be added in sufficient quantities to

expansion tank cap

provide anti-freeze protection at the coldest ambient temperatures that

can be expected. At extremely cold ambient temperatures, the coolant

could freeze, causing the vehicle to breakdown. As the heater would also

Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒

in

not work in this situation, there is a risk of suffering exposure!

“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on

page 215.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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225

Checking and refilling levels

Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades

WARNING

Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be

Topping up washer fluid 

carried out cautiously.

• When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety

The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be

warnings ⇒ page 215

mixed with washer fluid.

Caution

• Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives 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.

Fig. 168 In the engine

compartment: Cap of

windscreen washer fluid

reservoir.

The windscreen washer and the headlight washing system are supplied with

fluid from the windscreen washer fluid container in the engine compartment.

The reservoir is located on the right-hand side of the engine compartment.

Plain water is not enough to clean the windscreen and headlights. We recom-

mend 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 dilution instructions on the packaging.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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226

Checking and refilling levels

Changing windscreen wiper blades

To change the blades it is necessary to change the rest position of

the wipers to the service position.

If the windscreen wiper blades are in perfect condition, you

will benefit from an improved visibility. Damaged wiper

Service position (for changing wiper blades)

blades should be replaced immediately.

- Ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen.

- Turn ignition on and off and then (before approx. 8 seconds have

elapsed), move the windscreen wiper lever to the intermittent

wipe position. The windscreen wipers will move to the service

position.

Changing the windscreen wiper blades

- Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen.

- Push the side buttons, free the blade and pull in the direction of

the arrow ⇒ page 226, fig. 170.

Fig. 169 Windscreen

wipers in the service posi-

Fitting the wiper blade

tion

- Insert a blade of identical length and design into the wiper arm.

- Slide the blade until it clicks into position.

- Push the wiper arms back against the windscreen.

The windscreen wiper arms return to their original position when the ignition

is turned on and the windscreen wiper lever is operated, or when driving

faster than 6 km/h.

If the windscreen wipers smear, they should be replaced if they are damaged,

or cleaned if they are soiled.

If this does not produce the desired results, the setting angle of the wind-

screen wiper arms might be incorrect. They should be checked by a qualified

Fig. 170 Changing the

front wiper blades

workshop and corrected if necessary.

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Checking and refilling levels

227

Changing the rear wiper blade

WARNING

A good rear wiper blade is essential for clear rear vision.

Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!

Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately.

• Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.

• The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.

Caution

• Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers could scratch the windscreen.

• Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to

clean the windows. This could damage the windscreen wiper blades.

• Never move the windscreen wiper or windscreen wiper arm manually. This

could cause damage.

• Do not pull the windscreen wipers forward unless they are in the service

position. Otherwise the bonnet could be damaged.

Fig. 171 Changing the

rear window wiper blade

Note

• The wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the

bonnet is properly closed.

Removing the wiper blade

- Lift the wiper arm away from the glass ⇒ fig. 171.

- Unclip the wiper blade

1

and pull

2

⇒ fig. 171.

Fitting the wiper blade

- With one hand, hold the top end of the wiper arm.

- With the other hand, press the wiper blade into the retainer.

Check the condition of the wiper blade regularly. Change as required.

If the windscreen wiper scrapes, it should be replaced if damaged, or cleaned

if soiled.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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228

Checking and refilling levels

If this is not sufficient, refer to a qualified workshop.

Brake fluid

WARNING

Checking the brake fluid level

Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!

The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service

• Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.

schedule.

• The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.

Caution

• A damaged or dirty window wiper could scratch the rear window.

• Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to

clean the window.

• Never move the windscreen wiper by hand. This could cause damage.

Fig. 172 In the engine

compartment: Brake fluid

reservoir cover

- Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It

should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.

The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine

compartment diagram ⇒ page 279. The brake fluid reservoir has a black and

yellow cap.

The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the

brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear.

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Checking and refilling levels

229

However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the

WARNING (continued)

“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-

ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ page 72.

• Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and

observe the warnings ⇒ page 215.

• Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe

WARNING

place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.

Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe

• Complete the brake fluid change according to the Maintenance

the warnings ⇒ page 215.

Program. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid

is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect the efficiency

of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may cause an accident.

Changing the brake fluid

Caution

The Maintenance Program indicates the brake fluid change

Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the

intervals.

paintwork immediately.

We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised

Service Centre.

For the sake of the environment

Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒

in

Brake fluid must be drained and disposed of in the proper manner observing

“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 215 in

environmental regulations.

“Working in the engine compartment”.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb water from

the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake

system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of the

brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which

could impair the braking effect.

It is important that you use only brake fluid compliant with the US standard

FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake fluid.

WARNING

Brake fluid is toxic. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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