Seat Mii. Service Manual - part 12

›››

Fig. 165

It lights

Possible cause / Solution

›››



Fuel tank is almost empty. The reserve
tank is being used (red mark

›››

)

›››

Refuel as soon as possible

›››



The natural gas tank is almost empty. The
reserve tank is being used (red mark

›››

Fig. 165

)

›››

Refuel as soon as possible

›››

This only applies to vehicles with the fuel gauge on the dash

panel

›››

Flashes for

about 10 sec-

onds

Possible cause / Solution

›››



and the seg-

ments remaining

Fuel tank is almost empty. The re-
serve tank is being used

›››

Refuel as soon as possible

›››

This only applies to vehicles with the fuel gauge on the dash

panel display.

Several warning and control lamps light up
for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.

In natural gas engines
While in gear, the fuel level indicator gauge
appears in the fuel area with which it is flow-

ing at that time. When the ignition is connec-
ted, the gauge first changes for a few sec-
onds to the petrol area to show the actual
level of this petrol. Then, the gauge moves to
the natural gas level. After turning on the en-
gine, the gauge changes to the area corre-
sponding to the operating mode at that time.

Problem: if the vehicle is left parked for a
long time just after refuelling, the gas level
indicator does not accurately indicate the
same level shown after refuelling when the
vehicle is started up again. This is not due to
a leak in the system, but to a drop in pres-
sure in the gas tank for technical reasons af-
ter a cooling phase immediately after refuel-
ling.

WARNING

Driving with insufficient fuel reserve could re-
sult in the vehicle breaking down in traffic
and a serious accident.

●

If the fuel level is too low then the fuel sup-

ply to the engine can become irregular espe-
cially on slopes.

●

If the engine “is choked” or stalls due to

lack of or irregularity of the fuel supply, the
power steering as well as all of the driver as-
sistance systems including braking assis-
tance will stop working.

●

Always refuel when there is only one quar-

ter of the fuel tank left to avoid running out of
fuel.

184

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Checking and refilling levels

CAUTION

●

Always pay attention to any lit control

lamps and to the corresponding descriptions
and instructions to avoid damage to the vehi-
cle.

●

Never run the fuel tank completely dry. An

irregular fuel supply may lead to ignition
faults and unburnt fuel could enter the ex-
haust system. This could damage the catalyt-
ic converter.

Note

The arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on
the instrument panel

›››

indicates the

side of the vehicle on which the fuel tank flap
is located.

Refuelling with petrol

Fig. 166

Open fuel tank flap with tank cap in

the holder

Read the additional information carefully

›››



Before refuelling, always turn off the engine,
the ignition, mobile telephones, auxiliary
heating and keep them off during refuelling.

Refuelling
The correct petrol type for the vehicle is loca-
ted on a sticker inside the fuel tank flap

›››

page 181

●

If the automatic filler nozzle is operated

correctly, it will switch itself off as soon as
the fuel tank is full

›››

●

Do not continue to refuel if it is turned off!

Otherwise, this will fill the expansion cham-
ber and fuel may leak out if the ambient con-
ditions are warm.

Vehicles with a natural gas engine
Every 6 months it is necessary to run on pet-
rol until the control lamp switches off  and
then the tank must be refilled. This is neces-
sary to ensure the efficient operation of the
system and the fuel quality required for run-
ning on gas.

WARNING

Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle
has switched itself off. The fuel tank may be
filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt
out and spill. This could lead to a fire, explo-
sion and severe injuries.

CAUTION

●

Always remove any fuel spilled anywhere

on the vehicle to avoid damage to the wheel
housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.

For the sake of the environment

Fuels can contaminate the environment. Col-
lect any spilt service fluids and allow a pro-
fessional to dispose of them.

Refuelling with natural gas

Fig. 167

Tank flap open: gas filler mouth

filler mouth retainer

Before refuelling, the engine and the igni-
tion, mobile telephone and heating must be
switched off separately

›››

It is also essential to carefully read the in-
structions for the natural gas pump.

185

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Advice

The vehicle is equipped for refuelling only
with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

›››

. Re-

fuelling with another type of natural gas is
not allowed, e.g. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
or hydromethane.

Opening the fuel tank cap
The natural gas filler mouth is behind the fuel
tank cap, next to the petrol filler mouth.

●

Unlock the vehicle with the key or with the

central locking button  situated on the driv-
er door

›››

page 97

●

Press on the rear area of the flap and open

it.

Refuelling
Problem: If the ambient temperature is very
high, the natural gas pump protection
against overheating disconnects this auto-
matically.

●

Remove the plug from the gas filler mouth

›››

Fig. 167

●

Connect the pump filling nozzle to the gas

filler mouth.

●

The fuel tank will be full when the pump

compressor automatically cuts the supply.

●

If you wish to finish refuelling in advance,

press the button on the pump to stop the
flow.

Closing the fuel tank cap

●

Check that the gas filler mouth retainer

is not trapped with the filler nozzle. If neces-
sary, place it in the filler mouth again.

●

Insert the plug in the filler mouth.

●

Close the tank flap. Make sure you hear it

click into place.

WARNING

Natural gas is a highly explosive, easily flam-
mable substance. Incorrect handling of the
natural gas can cause accidents serious
burns and other injuries.

●

Before refuelling with natural gas, the fill-

ing mouth must be correctly engaged. If you
can smell gas, stop refuelling immediately.

WARNING

Note

●

The filling nozzles of natural gas pumps

can differ in the way they are operated. If you
are unacquainted with the pump, it is advisa-
ble that a member of staff of the service sta-
tion performs the refuelling operation.

●

Noises heard when refuelling are normal

and do not indicate the presence of a fault in
the system.

●

The vehicle natural gas system is prepared

both for refuelling with a small compressor
(slow refuel) and a large compressor (fast re-
fuel) in natural gas service stations.

Bonnet

Working in the engine compartment

Read the additional information carefully

›››



page 10

Before working in the engine compartment,
make sure that the vehicle is parked on hori-
zontal and firm ground.

The engine compartment of the vehicle is a
hazardous area. Never work on the engine or
in the engine compartment if you are not fa-
miliar with the operations to be carried out,
the applicable safety standards and especial-
ly if you do not have the necessary instru-
ments, liquids and tools

›››

! If required,

have any work carried out by a specialised
workshop. Negligent work can cause serious
injury.

WARNING

If the vehicle moves unexpectedly, this could
cause serious injury.

186

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Checking and refilling levels

●

Never work under the vehicle if it has not

been immobilized. If you must work under-
neath the vehicle with the wheels in contact
with the ground then it should be parked on
flat ground, the wheels should be prevented
from moving and the key should be removed
from the ignition.

●

If you have to work underneath the vehicle,

you must use suitable stands additionally to
support the vehicle, there is a risk of acci-
dent!. The jack is not intended for this kind of
work and its failure could lead to severe inju-
ries.

●

Disconnect the Start-Stop system.

WARNING

The engine compartment is a dangerous area
capable of causing serious injury.

●

For all type of work, always take the utmost

precautions, work carefully and note the gen-
eral safety standards in force. Never take per-
sonal risks.

●

Never work on the engine or in the engine

compartment if you are not familiar with the
necessary operations. If you are not sure
about procedures then visit a specialised
workshop to carry out the necessary work.
Working incorrectly can cause serious inju-
ries.

●

Never open the bonnet if you see steam or

coolant escaping from the engine compart-
ment. This may cause serious burns. Always
wait until you cannot see or hear the sound of

steam or coolant coming from the engine
compartment.

●

Always allow the engine to cool down be-

fore opening the bonnet.

●

Contact with hot elements of the engine

and the exhaust system can cause burns.

●

Once the engine has cooled, follow the in-

structions below before opening the bonnet:

–

Engage the handbrake and place the gear
selector lever in N or the gear stick in
neutral.

–

Remove the key from the ignition.

–

Keep children away from the engine com-
partment and never leave them unsuper-
vised.

●

When the engine is warm or hot, the cool-

ing system is pressurised. Do not unscrew
the cap on the expansion tank when the en-
gine is hot. Otherwise, coolant may spray out
under pressure causing burns and serious in-
jury.

–

After cooling, carefully and slowly un-
screw the cap anticlockwise, gently
pressing down on it.

–

Always protect your face, hands and arms
from hot coolant and steam using a large,
thick cloth.

●

When refilling liquids, avoid spilling them

on parts of the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem. Spilled liquids could cause a fire.

WARNING

The high voltages of the electrical system can
give electric shocks as well as causing burns
and serious injury and possibly even death!

●

Never cause short circuits in the electrical

system. The battery could explode.

●

To minimise the risk of electric shock and

serious consequences while the engine is
running or starting the engine, note the fol-
lowing:

–

Never touch the electrical wiring of the
ignition system.

WARNING

In the engine compartment, there are rotat-
ing parts that could cause serious injury.

●

Never place your hands directly on or near

the radiator fan. Touching the rotor blades
could seriously harm you. The ventilator
works according to the engine temperature
and could start suddenly even when the igni-
tion is turned off and the key is removed.

●

If any work has to be performed when the

engine is started or with the engine running,
there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety
risk from rotating parts, such as the drive
belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., as well as
from the high-voltage ignition system. Al-
ways work with the utmost caution.

–

Always make sure that no parts of your
body, jewellery, ties, loose clothing and
long hair can be trapped by the rotating

187

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Advice

parts of the engine. Before any work, re-
move ties and jewellery (necklaces, etc),
tie long hair back and tie all items of
loose clothing to your body to make sure
that they cannot be trapped by engine
components.

–

Take extreme caution when operating the
accelerator and remain attentive. The ve-
hicle could move, even if the handbrake
is applied.

●

Always make sure you have not left any ob-

jects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in
the engine compartment. If any object is left
in the engine compartment, this could cause
malfunctions, engine faults and even a fire.

WARNING

Refill liquids and certain materials can catch
fire easily in the engine compartment, caus-
ing a fire and serious injury!

●

Never smoke.

●

Never work close to places exposed to

flames or sparks.

●

Never pour service fluids over the engine.

These fluid may ignite hot engine parts and
cause injuries.

●

If it is necessary to work on the fuel system

or the electrical system, please follow the in-
structions below:

–

Always disconnect the vehicle battery.

–

Never work close to heaters, heat sources
or places exposed to flames or sparks.

●

Always keep a recently serviced and per-

fectly working fire extinguisher close by.

●

Never cover the engine with additional in-

sulating materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire!

WARNING

If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could
suddenly open while driving leaving the driv-
er without visibility. This could result in a se-
rious accident.

●

After closing the bonnet, always check that

it is properly secured by the locking mecha-
nism in the lock carrier piece. The bonnet
must be flush with the surrounding body pan-
els.

●

While driving, if you notice that the bonnet

is not correctly closed then stop immediately
and close it correctly.

●

Make sure the bonnet is opened and closed

safely (when the engine is off, no smoke is
coming from the engine compartment, there
is enough space around the car, no people
are near, etc.).

CAUTION

●

When refilling or changing service liquids,

ensure that you put the liquids into the right
tank. Making a mistake when refilling could
cause serious malfunctions and damage the
engine!

●

To avoid damage to the bonnet and to the

windscreen wiper arms, only open it when
the windscreen wipers are in place against
the windscreen.

●

Before driving, always lower the wiper

arms.

For the sake of the environment

Service fluids leaks are harmful to the envi-
ronment. For this reason you should make
regular checks on the ground underneath
your vehicle. Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop to be checked if you see stains, oil
or other fluids on the ground. Collect any
spilt service fluids and allow a professional to
dispose of them.

Engine oil

Introduction

WARNING

Incorrectly handling engine oil can cause in-
jury and serious burns.

●

Always protect your eyes when handling

engine oil.

●

Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the

reach of children.

188

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Checking and refilling levels

●

Engine oil should only be kept in its origi-

nal packaging; the same goes for used oil un-
til it is disposed of.

●

Never store engine oil in empty food con-

tainers or bottles as other people may acci-
dentally drink it.

●

Regular contact with engine oil can be bad

for the skin. If you come into contact with en-
gine oil, wash your skin with soap and water.

●

With the engine running, the engine oil

gets extremely hot and can cause severe skin
burns. Always wait until the engine has fully
cooled.

For the sake of the environment

Similar to the other service liquids, spilled
engine oil can be bad for the environment.
Collect these liquids in suitable containers
and dispose of them while respecting the en-
vironment.

Warning and control lamps



Flashes

Engine oil pres-
sure too low.



Stop the vehicle!

Switch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level, and if necessary,
refill with

›››

page 190

engine oil - If the warning indicator
flashes although the oil level is cor-
rect, do not continue driving or
leave the engine running. Other-
wise, the engine could be dam-
aged. Seek specialist assistance.

WARNING

Observe the safety warnings

›››

in On the

instrument panel on page 26

Engine oil specifications

Replacement engine oil must strictly comply
with the specifications.

The correct oil must be used to ensure the
correct operation and long service life of the
engine. The engine comes with a high-quality
multigrade oil that can generally be used all
year round.

Only use an engine oil that complies to SEAT
standards whenever possible

›››

. Only refill

engine oil using approved engine oil in ac-
cordance with the corresponding VW stand-

ard (

›››

table on page 189

). All oils indicated

are

synthetic multigrade oils.

Engine oils are being continuously further
developed. Technical services are constantly
updated with any modifications. SEAT there-
fore recommends that you have the engine
oil changed by a technical service.

Specifications of engine oil with a service de-
pendent on time/distance travelled

44 kW - 55 kW Petrol en-
gines

VW 504 00, VW 502 00

Natural gas engine

VW 502 00

CAUTION

●

Only use engine oils whose specifications

are expressly approved by SEAT. The use of
any other type of oil could cause engine dam-
age!

●

No additives should be used with engine

oil. Any damage caused by the use of such
additives would not be covered by the factory
warranty.

189

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Advice

Checking engine oil level and topping
up

Fig. 168

Marked engine oil dipstick

Fig. 169

In the engine compartment: Engine

oil filler cap.

Read the additional information carefully

›››



Preparations

●

Park the vehicle on flat ground so that the

engine oil reading is correct.

●

The engine must be hot to be able to check

the engine oil level. Stop the engine and wait
a few minutes for the oil to drain back into
the sump.

●

Open the bonnet



›››

●

The engine oil filler neck can be recognised

by the symbol  on the cap

›››

Fig. 169

and

the dipstick by its coloured handle.

Check the engine oil level

●

Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean

cloth.

●

Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as

it will go. If the dipstick to measure engine oil
has a mark, when you reintroduce it this
mark should slot into the corresponding
groove located on the upper end of the tube.

●

Remove the oil dipstick again and check

the engine oil level.

●

After reading the oil level, replace the dip-

stick in the tube completely.

WARNING

Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact
with hot engine components. This could lead
to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.

●

Always ensure that after topping of oil, the

engine oil filler cap is correctly tightened.

This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot en-
gine parts when the engine is running.

CAUTION

●

If the engine oil level is above the area

›››

Fig. 168

do not start the engine. Seek

specialist assistance. Otherwise catalytic
converter and engine damage may occur.

●

When refilling or changing service liquids,

ensure that you put the liquids into the right
tank. Making a mistake when refilling could
cause serious malfunctions and damage the
engine!

For the sake of the environment

The oil level must never be above area

Otherwise oil can be drawn in through the
crankcase breather and escape into the at-
mosphere via the exhaust system.

Engine oil consumption

The consumption of engine oil can be differ-
ent from one engine to another and can vary
during the useful life of the engine.

Depending on how you drive and the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used, oil con-
sumption can be up to 1 ltr./2000 km. In the
case of new vehicles, the consumption can
exceed this figure over 5,000 kilometres. For
this reason the engine oil level must be

190

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Checking and refilling levels

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

When the engine is working hard, for in-
stance during sustained high-speed motor-
way cruising in summer or when climbing
mountain passes, the oil level should pref-
erably be kept within area

›››

Fig. 168

Topping up engine oil

Read the additional information carefully

›››



The engine oil must be changed regularly ac-
cording to the specifications of the Mainte-
nance Programme.

Due to the problems linked with disposing of
used oil and the need for suitable tools and
special knowledge, always visit a specialised
workshop to have the engine oil and filter
changed. SEAT recommends taking your car
in for technical service.

Detailed information on the service intervals
is shown in the Maintenance Programme.

Engine oil additives make new oil darker after
the engine has been running for a short peri-
od. This is normal and does not mean more
frequent oil changes are required.

WARNING

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

●

Before opening the bonnet, read and ob-

serve the warnings

›››

●

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

Before changing the engine oil, find a suita-
ble location or service for proper disposal.

For the sake of the environment

Always dispose of engine oil with the utmost
respect for the environment. Never dispose of

used engine oil in places such as a garden,
woods, drains, roads, paths, rivers and drain-
age systems.

Engine coolant

Introduction

WARNING

Engine coolant is toxic!

●

Only keep engine coolant in its original

container, tightly shut and in a safe place.

●

Never store engine coolant in empty food

containers or bottles as other people may ac-
cidentally drink it.

●

Always keep engine coolant out of reach of

children.

●

Ensure that the proportion of engine cool-

ant additive corresponds to the lowest out-
side temperature to which the vehicle will be
exposed.

●

If the outside temperature is extremely low,

the engine coolant could freeze causing the
vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the
heating to stop working, vehicle occupants
without warm clothing could freeze.

For the sake of the environment

Coolants and additives can contaminate the
environment. If any fluids are spilled, they

191

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Advice

should be collected and correctly disposed
of, with respect to the environment.

Coolant warning lamp

Several warning and control lamps light up
for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.



It lights up red

Excessive engine
coolant temperature.



Stop the vehicle!

Stop the vehicle safely as soon
as possible. Switch off the en-
gine and let it cool.

Insufficient engine
coolant level.



¡Stop the vehicle!

Check the engine coolant
when the engine has cooled
and, if it is low, refill with en-
gine coolant

›››

page 192

Engine coolant sys-
tem faulty.



Do not drive any further.

Obtain professional assis-
tance.



Flashes red

Engine coolant sys-
tem faulty.

Seek specialist assistance.



It lights up blue

The temperature of
the natural gas en-
gine coolant is too
low. The engine has
not reached the oper-
ating temperature.

Avoid high engine speeds and
pushing the engine too hard
while the warning lamp re-
mains lit.

WARNING

Observe the safety warnings

›››

in On the

instrument panel on page 26

Checking the coolant level and top-
ping up

Fig. 170

In the engine compartment: Marking

on coolant expansion tank

Fig. 171

In the engine compartment: Coolant

expansion tank cap

Read the additional information carefully

›››



If the coolant level is low, the coolant warn-
ing indicator will light.

Preparations

●

Park the vehicle on even, flat and firm

ground.

●

Allow the engine to cool

›››

●

Open the bonnet



›››

●

The coolant expansion tank is easily recog-

nisable because of the symbol  on the cap

›››

Fig. 171

Checking the engine coolant level

●

When the engine is cold, check the coolant

level using the side marking on the expan-
sion tank

›››

Fig. 170

192

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Checking and refilling levels

●

If the level is below the “MIN” mark, top up

with coolant. When the engine is hot it may
be slightly above the marked area.

Topping up the engine coolant level

●

Always protect your face, hands and arms

from hot coolant and steam using a large,
thick cloth over the coolant expansion tank
cap.

●

Remove the cap very carefully

›››

●

Only refill using

new engine coolant ac-

cording to SEAT specifications
(

›››



)

›››

●

The engine coolant level should be be-

tween the marks on the coolant expansion
tank

›››

Fig. 170

Do not exceed the top level

of the marked area

›››

●

Screw on the cap tightly.

●

If, in the event of an emergency, you have

no coolant that is compliant to the required
specifications (

›››



), do not use

another type of additive. Instead, top up with
distilled water only

›››

. Then re-establish

the correct proportion of the mixture with the
correct additive as soon as possible

›››



WARNING

Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious
burns.

●

Never open the coolant expansion tank if

steam or coolant is coming from the engine
compartment. Wait until you cannot see or
hear any steam or coolant escaping.

●

Always wait until the engine has complete-

ly cooled before very carefully opening the
expansion tank cap. Contact with hot ele-
ments of the engine can cause skin burns.

●

When the engine is warm or hot, the cool-

ing system is pressurised. Do not unscrew
the cap on the expansion tank when the en-
gine is hot. Otherwise, coolant may spray out
under pressure causing burns and serious in-
jury.

–

Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap an-
ti-clockwise, gently pressing down on it.

–

Always protect your face, hands and arms
from hot coolant and steam using a large,
thick cloth.

●

When refilling liquids, avoid spilling them

on parts of the engine and the exhaust sys-
tem. Spilled liquids could cause a fire. Under
specific circumstances, the ethylene glycol
can catch fire.

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

●

If there is no appropriate coolant liquid

available, fill it using distilled water, and
nothing else. Any other type of water may
lead to considerable rusting in the engine
due to its chemical components. This could
consequently damage the engine. If you have
not used distilled water but another type of
water to top up the coolant, a specialised
workshop must immediately replace all of the
fluid in the engine cooling system.

●

Only top up coolant to the top level of the

marked area

›››

Fig. 170

. Otherwise the ex-

cess coolant will be forced out of the cooling
system when the engine is hot, causing dam-
age.

●

If a lot of liquid coolant has been lost, wait

for the engine to cool down completely before
adding coolant. Extensive coolant loss is an
indication of leaks in the engine cooling sys-
tem. Have the engine cooling system inspec-
ted immediately by a specialised workshop.
Otherwise engine damage may occur.

●

When refilling service liquids, ensure that

you put the liquids into the right tank. Mak-
ing a mistake when refilling could cause seri-
ous malfunctions and damage the engine!

193

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Advice

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.

Brake fluid

Checking the brake fluid level

Read the additional information carefully

›››



page 33

In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs
water from the ambient air. If there is too
much water in the brake fluid, the brake sys-
tem could be damaged. In addition, the boil-
ing point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too
much water and the brakes are subject to
considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour
can form in the system. These bubbles can
significantly reduce braking power, notably
increasing braking distance, and could even
result in the total failure of the brake system.

Ensuring that the brake system is always
functioning correctly is essential for your own
safety and the safety of other road users

›››

Brake fluid specifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid
optimised for the brake systems of their vehi-
cles. To ensure the optimum working of the
brake system, SEAT recommends the use of
brake fluid in accordance with the

VW 501 14

standard. If this brake fluid is not available or
another brake fluid is used for different rea-
sons, use a brake fluid that complies with the
United States standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or
the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4

›››

Brake fluids conforming to the standard
VW 501 14, fulfil the American requirements
of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the
German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard.
However, fluids that comply with the Ameri-
can FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the Ger-
man DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard do not
necessarily comply with the VW 501 14
standard. Always check the information on
the brake fluid container and ensure that you
are using suitable brake fluid.

A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from
SEAT dealerships.

Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be
between the MIN and MAX marks, or above
the MIN mark

›››

It is not always possible to check the level of
the brake fluid, as in some models the en-
gine components make it difficult to see the
brake fluid reservoir. If you cannot read the
exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.

The brake fluid level drops slightly when the
vehicle is being used due to wear of the
brake pads and the automatic readjustment
of the brake.

Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accord-
ance with the instructions given in the Main-
tenance Programme. Have the brake fluid
changed by a specialised workshop. SEAT
recommends taking your car in for technical
service. This means that only brake fluid
complying with the required specifications
will be used.

WARNING

If the brake fluid level is low or unsuita-
ble/old brake fluid is used, the brake system
may fail or braking power may be reduced.

●

Check the brake system and the brake fluid

level regularly!

194

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Checking and refilling levels

●

The brake fluid should be changed regular-

ly in accordance with the instructions given
in the Maintenance Programme.

●

Always ensure that you use suitable brake

fluid. Only used brake fluid that conforms to
the VW 501 14 standard, FMVSS 116 DOT 4
standard or even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standard. Other types of brake fluid could af-
fect brake operation and reduce braking pow-
er. Do not use a brake fluid if the container
does not specify compliance with the
VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards.

●

The replacement brake fluid must be new.

●

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 damages the vehicle paintwork.
Wipe off any brake fluid from the paintwork
immediately.

For the sake of the environment

Brake fluid is an environmental pollutant.
Collect any spilt service fluids and allow a
professional to dispose of them.

Windscreen washer reservoir

Checking and topping up the wind-
screen washer reservoir with water

Read the additional information carefully

›››



page 33

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

●

Open the bonnet



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