Seat Ateca. Service Manual - part 18

Intelligent technology

CAUTION

●

Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe

cream, stain removers, leather cleaning prod-
ucts or any similar products on Alcantara.

●

To avoid damage, stubborn stains should

be removed by a specialised workshop.

●

On no account use brushes, hard sponges

or similar utensils.

Seat belts

–

Keep the seat belts clean.

–

For cleaning, use a mild solution of soap
and water.

–

Check the condition of the seat belts at reg-
ular intervals.

The retract function may not operate properly
in very dirty belts. Make sure that the inertia
reel seat belts are completely dry before al-
lowing them to retract.

CAUTION

●

Do not remove the seat belts from the vehi-

cle to clean them.

●

Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the

seat belts, as this can damage the webbing.
Ensure that the seat belts do not come into
contact with corrosive fluids.

●

If you find any damage to the belt webbing,

belt fittings, the belt retractor or the buckle,

the belt in question must be replaced by a
specialised workshop.

Intelligent technology

Electromechanical steering

Electro-mechanical power steering assists
the driver when steering.

Electro-mechanical power steering adapts
electronically to the speed of the car, torque
and turning angle.

If the power steering should fail at any time
or the engine is switched off (for instance
when being towed), the car can still be
steered. However, more effort than normal
will be required to turn the steering wheel.

Driver warning lamps and messages



 (in red) Faulty steering! To

park the vehicle

If the warning lamp remains on and the driver
indication appears, the power steering could
be faulty.

Do 

not continue driving. Seek specialist as-

sistance.



 (in yellow) Steering: System

fault! You may continue driving.

If the warning lamp comes on, the steering
could react with more difficultly or more sen-
sitivity than normal. In addition, when driving
in a straight line the steering wheel may be
off-centre.

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Drive slowly to a specialised workshop and
have the fault repaired.



 (in yellow) Steering lock:

fault! Go to an Official Service

The electronic steering lock is malfunction-
ing.

Go to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the fault repaired.

WARNING

Take it immediately to a specialised work-
shop and have the fault repaired: risk of acci-
dent!

Note

If the lamp 



 (in red) or else  (in yellow)

lights up briefly, you may continue driving.

Four-wheel drive

3

 Valid for vehicles: with four-wheel drive

On four-wheel drive models, the engine pow-
er is distributed to all four wheels

General notes
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the engine
power is distributed to all four wheels. The
distribution of power is controlled automati-
cally according to your driving style and the
road conditions. Also see 

››› 

page 177

.

The four-wheel drive is specially designed to
complement the superior engine power. This
combination gives the vehicle exceptional
handling and performance capabilities, both
on normal roads and in more difficult condi-
tions, such as snow and ice. Even so (or per-
haps especially for this reason), it is impor-
tant to observe certain safety points 

››› 

.

Winter tyres
Thanks to four-wheel drive, your vehicle will
have plenty of traction in winter conditions,
even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless,
we still recommend that winter tyres or all-
season tyres be fitted on all four wheels to
give even better braking response.

Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory,
this also applies to cars with four-wheel drive

››› 



page 58

.

Changing tyres
On vehicles with four-wheel drive, all four
tyres must have the same rolling circumfer-
ence. Also avoid using tyres with varying
tread depths 

››› 

page 297

.

Off-roader?
Your SEAT is not an off-road vehicle: it does
not have enough ground clearance to be
used as such. It is therefore best to avoid

rough tracks and uneven terrain as much as
possible.

WARNING

●

Even with four-wheel drive, you should al-

ways adjust your speed to suit the condi-
tions. Do not let the extra safety features
tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
Risk of accident!

●

The braking capability of your vehicle is

limited by the tyres' grip. It is therefore no
different from a car without four-wheel drive.
So do not be tempted to drive too fast on firm
or slippery roads just because the vehicle
still has good acceleration in these condi-
tions. Risk of accident!

●

On wet roads bear in mind that the front

wheels may start to “aquaplane” and lose
contact with the road if the car is driven too
fast. If this should happen, there will be no
sudden increase in engine speed to warn the
driver, as occurs with a front-wheel drive car.
For this reason you should always choose a
driving speed suitable for the road condi-
tions. Risk of accident!

278

Intelligent technology

Power Management

This system helps to ensure reliable
starting

The power management controls the distribu-
tion of electrical energy and thus helps to en-
sure that there is always enough power avail-
able to start the engine.

If a vehicle with a conventional electrical sys-
tem is left parked for a long time, the battery
will gradually lose its charge because certain
electrical devices, such as the electronic
gearbox lock continues to draw current even
when the ignition is off. In some cases there
may not be enough power available to start
the engine.

Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent
power management system to control the
distribution of electrical energy. This signifi-
cantly improves reliability when starting the
engine, and also prolongs the useful life of
the battery.

The main functions incorporated in the power
management system are 

battery diagnosis,

residual current management and dynamic
power management.

Battery diagnosis
The battery diagnosis function constantly
registers the condition of the battery. Sen-
sors detect the battery voltage, battery cur-

rent and battery temperature. This enables
the system to calculate the current power lev-
el and charge condition of the battery.

Residual current management
The residual current management reduces
power consumption while the vehicle is
parked. It controls the supply of power to the
various electrical devices while the ignition is
switched off. The system takes the battery di-
agnosis data into consideration.

Depending on the power level of the battery,
switch off the individual electrical devices
one after the other to prevent the battery
from losing too much charge and to ensure
that the engine can be started reliably.

Dynamic power management
While the vehicle is moving, this function dis-
tributes the available power to the various
electrical devices and systems according to
their requirements. The power management
ensures that on-board systems do not con-
sume more electrical power than the alterna-
tor can supply, and thus maintains the maxi-
mum possible battery power level.

Note

●

Neither is the power management system

able to overcome the given physical limits.
Please remember that the power and useful
life of the battery are limited.

●

When there is a risk that the vehicle will

not start, the alternator power failure or low
battery charge level warning lamp will be
shown  

››› 

page 110

.

Flat battery

Starting ability has first priority.

Short trips, city traffic and low temperatures
all place a heavy load on the battery. In these
conditions a large amount of power is con-
sumed, but only a small amount is supplied.
The situation is also critical if electrical devi-
ces are in use when the engine is not run-
ning. In this case power is consumed when
none is being generated.

In these situations you will be aware that the
power management system is intervening to
control the distribution of electrical power.

When the vehicle is parked for long periods
If you do not drive your vehicle for a period of
several days or weeks, the power manage-
ment will gradually shut off the electrical de-
vices one by one or reduce the amount of cur-
rent they are using. This limits the amount of
power consumed and helps to ensure relia-
ble starting even after a long period. Some
convenience functions, such as remote vehi-
cle opening, may not be available under cer-
tain circumstances. These functions will be

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restored when you switch on the ignition and
start the engine.

With the engine switched off
For example, if you listen to the sound sys-
tem with the engine switched off the battery
will run down.

If the energy consumption means there is a
risk that the engine will not start, a text will
appear in vehicles with a driver information
system*.

This driver indicator tells you that you must
start the engine so that the battery can re-
charge.

When the engine is running
Although the alternator generates electrical
power, the battery can still become dis-
charged while the vehicle is being driven.
This can occur when a lot of power is being
consumed but only a small amount supplied,
especially if the battery is not fully charged
initially.

To restore the necessary energy balance, the
system will then temporarily shut off the elec-
trical devices that are using a lot of power, or
reduce the current they are consuming. Heat-
ing systems in particular use a large amount
of electrical power. If you notice, for instance,
that the seat heating* or the rear window
heater is not working, they may have been
temporarily switched off or regulated to a

lower heat output. These systems will be
available again as soon as sufficient electri-
cal power is available.

You may also notice that the engine runs at a
slightly faster idling speed when necessary.
This is quite normal, and no cause for con-
cern. The increased idling speed allows the
alternator to meet the greater power require-
ment and charge the battery at the same
time.

Checking and refilling levels

Filling the tank

Filling up

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 49

If the automatic filler nozzle is operated cor-
rectly, it will switch itself off as soon as the
fuel tank is “full”. Do not try to put in more
fuel after the nozzle cuts out, as this will fill
the expansion chamber in the fuel tank.

The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is giv-
en on a sticker on the inside of the fuel tank
flap. Further notes on fuel can be found at

››› 

page 281

.

The capacity of your vehicle's fuel tank is giv-
en in 

››› 



page 49

.

WARNING

Fuel is highly flammable and can cause seri-
ous burns and other injuries.

●

When refuelling, turn off the engine, the

auxiliary heater 

››› 

page 165

 and turn off the

ignition for safety reasons.

●

Do not smoke when filling the fuel tank or a

canister. Naked flames are forbidden in the
vicinity due to the risk of explosion.

280

Checking and refilling levels

●

Observe legislation governing the use,

storage and carrying of a spare fuel canister
in the vehicle.

●

For safety reasons we do not recommend

carrying a spare fuel canister in the vehicle.
In an accident the canister could be damaged
and could leak.

●

If, in exceptional circumstances, you have

to carry a spare fuel canister, please observe
the following points:

–

Never fill fuel into the spare fuel canister
if it is inside or on top of the vehicle. An
electrostatic charge could build up during
filling, causing the fuel vapour to ignite.
Danger of explosion. Always place the
canister on the ground to fill it.

–

Insert the filling nozzle as far as possible
into the spare fuel canister.

–

If the spare fuel canister is made of met-
al, the filling nozzle must be in contact
with the canister during filling. This
helps prevent an electrostatic charge
building up.

–

Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the
luggage compartment. Fuel vapour is ex-
plosive. Risk of fatal accident!

CAUTION

●

If any fuel is spilt onto the vehicle, it

should be removed immediately. It could oth-
erwise damage the paintwork.

●

Never run the tank completely dry. An irreg-

ular fuel supply could cause misfiring. As a
result, unburnt fuel could enter the exhaust
system and damage the catalytic converter.

●

When filling the fuel tank after having run it

completely dry on a vehicle with a diesel en-
gine, the ignition must be switched on for at
least 30 seconds before starting the engine.
When you then start the engine it may take
longer than normal (up to one minute) to
start firing. This is because air needs to be
bled from the fuel system while starting.

For the sake of the environment

Do not overfill the fuel tank, it may cause the
fuel to overflow if it becomes warm.

Note

There is no emergency mechanism for the
manual release of the fuel tank flap. If neces-
sary, request assistance from specialised per-
sonnel.

Note

Diesel vehicles are fitted with a protective de-
vice that prevents the insertion of the wrong
fuel hose

1)

. It is only possible to refuel with

Diesel nozzles.

●

If the pump nozzle is worn, damaged, or if

it is very small, it is possible that it will not
be able to open the protective device. Before
trying to insert the pump nozzle by turning it,
try a different pump or request specialist
help.

●

If you fill the tank from a reserve fuel canis-

ter, the protective device will not open. One
way to resolve this is to pour the fuel in very
slowly.

Fuel

Types of petrol

The correct grade of petrol is listed inside the
fuel tank flap.

The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic con-
verter and must only be run on 

unleaded pet-

rol. The petrol must comply with European
Standard EN 228 or German standard DIN
51626-1 and must be 

unleaded. You can re-

fuel with a maximum ethanol proportion of

»

1)

Depending on country

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10 % (E10). The types of petrol are differenti-
ated by their 

octane rating (RON).

The following titles appear on the corre-
sponding adhesive on the fuel tank flap:

Super unleaded 95 octane or normal 91 oc-
tane unleaded petrol
We recommend you use super 95 octane pet-
rol. If this is not available: normal 91 octane
petrol, with a slight decrease in power.

Super unleaded petrol with a minimum of 95
octanes
You should use super petrol with a minimum
of 95 octanes.

If super is not available, in an emergency you
may refuel with normal 91 octane petrol. In
this case only use moderate engine speeds
and a light throttle. Refuel with super as soon
as possible.

Super unleaded 98 octane or super 95 oc-
tane unleaded petrol
We recommend you use super plus 98 octane
petrol. If this is not available: super 95 oc-
tane petrol, with a slight decrease in power.

If super is not available, in an emergency you
may refuel with normal 91 octane petrol. In
this case only use moderate engine speeds
and a light throttle. Refuel with super as soon
as possible.

Petrol additives
The quality of the fuel influences the behav-
iour, power and service life of the engine.
This is why the petrol you use should carry
suitable additives already included by the
petrol industry, free of metals. These addi-
tives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the
fuel system clean and prevent deposits from
building up in the engine.

If good-quality petrol with metal-free addi-
tives is not available or engine problems
arise, the necessary additives must be added
when refuelling 

››› 

.

Not all petrol additives have been shown to
be effective. The use of unsuitable petrol ad-
ditives may cause significant damage to the
engine and the catalytic converter. Metal ad-
ditives should never be used. Metal additives
may also be contained in petrol additives for
improving anti-detonation ratings or octane
ratings 

››› 

.

SEAT recommends “genuine Volkswagen
Group Fuel Additives for petrol engines”.
These additives can be bought at SEAT deal-
ers, where information on how to use them
can also be obtained.

CAUTION

●

Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the

fuel contains metal. LRP (lead replacement
petrol) fuels contain high concentrations of

metal additives. Using them may damage the
engine!

●

Never refuel with fuels containing a large

proportion of ethanol (for example, E50, E85).
This could damage the fuel system.

●

Just filling one full tank of leaded fuel or

fuel containing other metal additives would
seriously impair the efficiency of the catalytic
converter.

●

Only use fuel additives that have been ap-

proved by SEAT. Octane boosting or anti-
knock additives may contain metal additives
that could seriously damage the engine or
the catalytic converter. These additives must
not be used.

●

High engine speed and full throttle can

damage the engine when using petrol with an
octane rating lower than the correct grade for
the engine.

Note

●

You may use petrol with a high octane num-

ber than the one recommended for your en-
gine.

●

In those countries where unleaded petrol is

not available, you may refuel with a fuel with
a low lead content.

Diesel fuel

Please note the information on the inside of
the fuel tank flap.

282

Checking and refilling levels

We recommend the use of 

diesel fuel 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).

Water in the fuel filter

1)

If your vehicle has a diesel engine and is
equipped with a 

fuel filter with a water sepa-

rator, the instrument panel may display the
following warning: 



 

Water in the

fuel filter.

 If this is the case, take the

vehicle to a specialised workshop so that
they can drain the fuel filter.

CAUTION

●

The vehicle 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”, petrol or similar additives with
diesel fuel.

●

If poor-quality diesel fuel is used, it may be

necessary 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.

AdBlue

®

Information on AdBlue

®

The consumption of AdBlue

®

 depends on

your personal driving style, the temperature
of the system and on the outdoor tempera-
ture when the vehicle is used.

AdBlue

®

 freezes at temperatures of -11°C

(+13°F). The system has heating elements
that guarantee its operation even at low tem-
peratures.

The AdBlue

®

 tank level capacity is approxi-

mately 11 litres.

The AdBlue

®

 tank should never be empty.

When the distance to empty drops below
2400 km, a warning to refill the AdBlue

®

 tank

will appear on the dash panel display

››› 

page 283

. If this information is ignored, it

will later no longer be possible to re-start the
engine. If this warning does not appear, it is
not necessary to refill the AdBlue

®

 tank.

AdBlue

®

 is a registered brand of the German

Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)
and is also known as AUS32 or DEF (Diesel
Exhaust Fluid).

CAUTION

Filling the AdBlue

®

 tank excessively can

cause damage to the tank.

Refilling AdBlue

®

Fig. 222 

AdBlue tank cap.

»

1)

Valid for the market: Algeria.

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Operations prior to refilling
Park the vehicle on a flat surface. If the vehi-
cle is not parked on a flat surface, but, for ex-
ample, on a slope or on the side of a curb,
the level indicator may not detect the load
properly.

If a warning message about AdBlue

®

 levels

appears on the dash panel display, 

fill at

least the minimum amount required (approx.
5 litres). Only after adding this amount will
the system detect that AdBlue

®

 has been

added and you will be able to start the en-
gine again. The maximum amount that can
be refilled is 11 litres.

Switch the ignition off. If the ignition is not
switched off during refilling, the warning to
refill may continue to appear on the instru-
ment panel display.

Fill with a refill bottle
Only use AdBlue

®

 that complies with ISO

22241-1. Only use original containers.

●

Open the fuel tank cover 

››› 

Fig. 222

.

●

Unscrew the tank cap by turning it in an an-

ti-clockwise direction.

●

Please observe the manufacturer's instruc-

tions, indicated on the refill bottle.

●

Check the expiry date.

●

Remove the cap of the refill bottle.

●

Insert the neck of the bottle in the tank fill-

er neck vertically and screw the bottle on by
hand, by turning it in a clockwise direction.

●

Press the refill bottle in the direction of the

filler neck and hold it in this position.

●

Wait until the contents of the refill bottle

have been poured into the AdBlue

®

 tank. Do

not compress or break the bottle!

●

Turn the bottle in a counter-clockwise direc-

tion and gently pull it upwards 

››› 

.

●

The AdBlue

®

 tank is full when no more liq-

uid comes out of the bottle.

●

Screw on the tank cap in a clockwise direc-

tion until it is tightly closed.

●

Close the fuel tank flap.

Operations before driving

●

After refilling the tank, 

only switch on the

ignition.

●

Leave the ignition on for at least 30 sec-

onds for the system to detect the fluid load.

●

Make sure you wait for at least 30 seconds

before starting the engine!

Refilling AdBlue
Valid for vehicles with selective catalytic re-
duction.

●

Opening the cover to the tank filling neck.

●

Unscrew the SCR filling neck lock cap anti-

clockwise 

››› 

Fig. 222

.

●

Fill with AdBlue until the filling nozzle stops

the first time.

●

Close the SCR tube yourself, turning it

clockwise until you hear a click.

WARNING

AdBlue

®

 should only be stored in the original

container, which should be tightly closed and
kept in a safe place.

●

Never keep AdBlue

®

 in empty food contain-

ers, bottles or other similar containers. Other
people may confuse it for other products.

●

Keep AdBlue

®

 out of the reach of children.

CAUTION

●

When filling, the handle of the filling noz-

zle must be pointing downwards. Otherwise,
the nozzle will not connect automatically.

●

Do not attempt to put more additive in after

the nozzle clicks the first time. The tank
could over overspill, with the AdBlue escap-
ing.

●

Only use AdBlue

®

 that complies with ISO

22241-1. Only use original containers.

●

Never mix AdBlue

®

 with water, fuel or addi-

tives. Any type of damage caused by such a
mixture will not be covered by the warranty.

●

Never pour AdBlue

®

 into the fuel tank. This

could result in engine damage.

●

Do not carry the refill bottle inside the vehi-

cle. If there is a leak (due to temperature

284

Checking and refilling levels

changes or damage to the bottle), the
AdBlue

®

 may damage the vehicle.

For the sake of the environment

Dispose of the refill bottle in an environment-
friendly manner.

Note

You can buy refill bottles that are adequate
for AdBlue

®

 use at SEAT dealerships .

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Engine compartment

Checking levels

Fig. 223 

Diagram for the location of the various

elements.

From time to time, the levels of the different
fluids 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
are carried out on the components men-
tioned above. These operations are descri-
bed in 

››› 

page 286

.

Overview
You will find further explanations, instruc-
tions and restrictions on the technical speci-
fications as of 

››› 

page 305

.

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 

››› 

.

286

Checking and refilling levels

WARNING

●

Switch 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-

partment.

●

Never spill liquids used for vehicle opera-

tion on the engine compartment, as these
may catch fire (e.g. the antifreeze in coolant).

●

Take care not to cause short circuits in the

electrical system, especially when working
on the battery.

●

If working inside the engine compartment,

remember that, 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-

sulating materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire!

●

Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant ex-

pansion tank when the engine is hot. The
cooling system is under pressure.

●

Protect face, hands and arms by covering

the cap with a large, thick rag to protect
against escaping coolant and steam.

●

If it is necessary to work in the engine com-

partment while the engine is running, the ro-
tating components (for example, poly-V belt,

alternator, radiator fan) and the high voltage
ignition system are an additional hazard.

●

Observe the following additional warnings

if work 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 is 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
regularly 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 reservoirs are on the other side of the en-
gine compartment 

››› 

Fig. 223

.

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
drips 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
back into its support.

–

Carefully close the bonnet.

–

Press the bonnet down until it locks into
place.

–

Make sure that the bonnet catches onto its
clasp. Do not press down too hard 

››› 

.

»

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WARNING

●

For safety reasons the bonnet must always

be completely closed when the vehicle is
moving. Therefore, after closing the bonnet,
always check that the locking element is
properly engaged. This is the case if the bon-
net is flush with the adjacent body panels.

●

Should you notice that the bonnet is not

safely secured when the vehicle is moving,
stop the vehicle immediately and close the
bonnet. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in an accident.

Engine oil

General notes

The engine comes with a special, multi-grade
oil that 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 per-
formed by a technical service or specialised
workshop.

The correct oil specifications for your engine
are listed in the 

››› 



page 50, Oil proper-

ties

.

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-

tervals.

●

Only in exceptional circumstances, if the

engine oil level is too low 

››› 

page 289

 and

LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to
top up (once) with oil for 

fixed service inter-

vals 

››› 



page 50

 (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 50, Oil properties

. In this case,

your vehicle must be serviced after a fixed in-
terval of 1 year/15,000 km (10,000 miles)
(whatever comes first) 

››› 

Booklet  Mainte-

nance Programme

.

●

In exceptional circumstances, if the engine

oil level is too low 

››› 

page 289

 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

288

Checking and refilling levels

types of oil will cause a higher soot concen-
tration and reduce the life of the DPF. There-
fore:

●

Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.

●

Only in exceptional circumstances, if the

engine oil level is too low 

››› 

page 289

 and

you cannot obtain 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).

Checking engine oil level

Fig. 224 

Engine oil dipstick.

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 49

The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of
the oil.

Checking oil level

–

Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.

–

Briefly run the engine at idle speed until
the operating temperature is reached and
then stop.

–

Wait for about 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. 224

. Top up with engine oil if

necessary.

Depending on how you drive and the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used, oil con-
sumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil
consumption is likely to be higher for the first
5,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level
must be checked at regular intervals, prefera-
bly when filling the tank and before a jour-
ney.

WARNING

Any work carried out in the engine compart-
ment or on the engine must be carried out
cautiously.

●

When working in the engine compartment,

always observe the safety warnings

››› 

page 286

.

CAUTION

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
a Technical Service.

Topping up engine oil 

Fig. 225 

In the engine compartment: Engine

oil filler cap

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 49

Before opening the bonnet, read and observe
the warnings 

››› 

 in Work in the engine

compartment on page 287

.

The position of the oil filler opening is shown
in the corresponding engine compartment il-
lustration 

››› 

page 286

.

Engine oil specification 

››› 



page 50

.

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WARNING

Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil
comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up.

CAUTION

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
a specialised workshop.

For the sake of the environment

The oil level must never be above area 

A

.

Otherwise 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
engine oil 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 49

.

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
have the specialist knowledge required!

●

Before opening the bonnet, read and ob-

serve the warnings 

››› 

page 286

.

●

Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil

may 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

fingers, 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

stored in a safe place out of the reach of chil-
dren.

CAUTION

No additives should be used with engine oil.
This 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

●

Because 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

ground.

●

Use a suitable container when draining the

used oil. It must be large enough to hold all
the engine oil.

Cooling system

Topping up coolant

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 50

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-
pansion 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.

290

Checking and refilling levels

Topping up coolant

–

Wait for the engine to cool down.

–

Cover the coolant expansion tank cap with
a cloth and carefully unscrew it to the left

››› 

.

–

Top up the coolant only if there is still cool-
ant in the expansion 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 tank, top up to the upper mark.

–

Top up with coolant until the level becomes
stable.

–

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 cooling 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 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 that, 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 system, the engine may fail leading to se-
rious damage.

●

Please make sure that the percentage of

additive 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 coolant 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
with coolants 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-

ple 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
environment. If any fluids are spilled, they
should be collected and correctly disposed
of, with respect to the environment.

Brake fluid

Topping up brake fluid

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 51

Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must be between the
MIN and MAX markings.

»

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However, if the brake fluid level goes down
noticeably in a short time, or drops below the
MIN mark, there may be a leak in the brake
system. Seek specialist assistance. A warn-
ing light on the instrument panel display
monitors the brake fluid level 

››› 

page 110

.

In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid
reservoir is on the other side of the engine
compartment.

Changing brake fluid
The regular intervals at which the brake fluid
should be replaced are listed in the Mainte-
nance Programme. We recommend you have
it replaced at a SEAT Official Service, during
an Inspection Service.

WARNING

●

Brake fluid should be stored in the closed

original container in a safe place out of reach
of children. Risk of poisoning!

●

If the brake fluid is left in the system for

too long and the brakes are subjected to
heavy use, vapour bubbles may form in the
brake system. This would seriously affect the
efficiency of the brakes and the safety of the
vehicle. This may cause an accident.

CAUTION

Brake fluid should not come into contact with
the vehicle paintwork, as it is abrasive.

Windscreen washer reservoir

Checking and topping up the wind-
screen washer reservoir

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 51

Check the water level in the windscreen
washer reservoir regularly and top up as re-
quired.

The container for the windscreen washer con-
tains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen,
the rear window and the headlight washer
system*.

●

Open the bonnet 



 

››› 

page 286

.

●

The windscreen washer reservoir is marked

with the symbol  on the cap.

●

Check there is enough windscreen water in

the reservoir.

Recommended windscreen wipers

●

For the hottest seasons we recommend

summer G 052 184 A1 for clear glass. Propor-
tions of the mixture in the washer fluid tank:
1:100 (1 part concentrate per 100 parts wa-
ter).

●

All year round, G 052 164 A2 for clear

glass. Approximate proportion of the winter
mixture, up to -18°C (0°F): 1:2 (1 part con-
centrate per 2 parts water); otherwise, a 1:4

proportion of mixture in the washer fluid
tank.

Capacity
The reservoir holds approximately 3 litres in
versions without headlight washer and 5 li-
tres in versions with headlight washer.

WARNING

If the water from the windscreen washer does
not contain enough anti-freeze, it may freeze
on the windscreen and rear window, reducing
forward and rear visibility.

●

In winter, ensure the windscreen washer

contains enough anti-freeze.

●

In cold conditions, you should not use the

windscreen wiper system unless you have
warmed the windscreen with the ventilation
system. The antifreeze could freeze on the
windscreen and reduce visibility.

WARNING

Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other
similar additives with the windscreen washer
water. A greasy layer may be formed on the
windscreen which will impair visibility.

●

Use clean water with a window cleaner rec-

ommended by SEAT.

●

If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to

the water in the reservoir.

292