Seat Alhambra. Instruction - part 17

Checking and refilling levels

labels over the heating elements and never
clean the inside of the rear window with cor-
rosive or acid products or other similar chem-
ical products.

Note

If electrical equipment is used near an aerial
built-into the window, you may observe inter-
ference in the reception of AM stations.

Notes on SEAT repairs

WARNING

Repairs or modifications which are not per-
formed correctly may result in damage or er-
rors in the vehicle operation, affecting the ef-
fectiveness of the driver assist and airbag
systems. This could result in serious acci-
dent.

●

Have any repairs or modifications carried

out at a specialised workshop.

Collection and scrapping of end-of-life
vehicles

Collection of end-of-life vehicles
An extensive network of used car reception
centres already exists in much of Europe. Af-
ter the vehicle has been delivered, you will
receive a certificate of destruction describing

the environmentally friendly scrapping of the
vehicle in accordance with applicable legisla-
tion.

We will collect the used vehicle free of
charge, provided it complies with all national
legislation.

Please see your technical service for further
information about the collection and scrap-
ping of end-of-life vehicles.

Scrapping
The relevant safety requirements must be ob-
served when the vehicle or components of
the airbag or belt tensioner systems are
scrapped. These requirements are known to
specialised workshops.

Checking and refilling levels

Filling the tank

Introduction

The fuel tank flap is on the rear right of the
vehicle.

WARNING

Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can
cause an explosion or fire resulting in serious
burns and injuries.

●

Always make sure that you correctly close

the fuel cap to avoid evaporation and fuel
spillage.

●

Fuels are highly explosive and inflammable

substances that can cause serious burns and
injuries.

●

Fuel could leak out or be spilt if the engine

is not switched off or if the filler fuel nozzle is
not fully inserted into the tank filler neck
when refuelling. This could lead to a fire, ex-
plosion and severe injuries.

●

When refuelling, turn off the engine, the

auxiliary heating (

››› 

page 177

) and turn off

the ignition for safety reasons.

●

Always turn off mobile telephones, radio

apparatus and other radio wave emitting
equipment before refuelling. Electromagnetic
waves could cause sparks and lead to a fire.

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●

Never enter the vehicle while refuelling. If it

is absolutely necessary to enter, close the
door and touch a metal surface before touch-
ing the filler nozzle again. This will prevent
the generation of static electricity. Sparks
could cause a fire when refuelling.

●

Never handle fuel close to flames, sparks or

objects with slow combustion (e.g. ciga-
rettes).

●

Avoid static electricity and electro-magnet-

ic radiation when refuelling.

●

Observe the safety regulations of the serv-

ice station.

●

Never spill fuel on the vehicle or in the lug-

gage compartment.

WARNING

For safety reasons, SEAT does not recommend
carrying a spare fuel canister in the vehicle.
Fuel could be spilled and catch fire, above all
in case of an accident and this applies to a
full container as well as empty containers.
This could lead to explosions, fires and inju-
ries.

●

Observe the following if you exceptionally

have to carry fuel in a canister:

–

Never place a fuel container to fill it in-
side the vehicle or on the vehicle, for ex-
ample, in the boot or on the hatch. Filling
in these circumstances could create an
electrostatic charge and spark that could
ignite fuel fumes.

–

Always place the canister on the ground
to fill it.

–

Insert the fuel nozzle into the neck of the
canister as far as possible.

–

If you are using a metal fuel canister, the
nozzle must always touch the canister
while it is being filled to avoid static elec-
tricity.

–

Follow the legal requirements for the use,
storage and transport of spare fuel canis-
ters.

–

Insure that the fuel container complies
with manufacturing standards, for exam-
ple, ANSI or ASTM F852-86.

CAUTION

●

Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehi-

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

●

Refuelling a petrol engine with diesel or a

diesel engine with petrol can cause serious
engine and fuel system damage; the resulting
malfunctions are not covered by the SEAT
warranty. If you refuel with the wrong type of
fuel, never start the engine. This applies to
even the smallest amount of the wrong fuel.
Seek specialist assistance. With the engine
running, the composition of the wrong fuel
could significantly damage the fuel system
and the engine itself.

●

In vehicles with a diesel engine, under no

circumstances should you refuel or drive with

petrol, kerosene, heating oil or any other
type of different fuel. Other types of fuels
could cause serious damage to the engine
and to the fuel supply system and the result-
ing problems are not covered by the SEAT
warranty.

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.

Note

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

262

Checking and refilling levels

Control lamps and fuel gauge

Fig. 234 

On the instrument panel: Fuel gauge

for petrol and diesel



It lights up

Gauge posi-

tion

››› 

Fig. 234

Possible cause

››› 

Solution

Red mark (ar-

row)

The fuel tank is al-
most empty.
The reserve tank is
being used

››› 

page 39

.

Refuel as soon as
possible 

››› 

.



It lights up

Fuel tank not
closed cor-
rectly.

Stop the vehicle and close the tank
flap properly.

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.

When the control lamp lights up  or  the
auxiliary heating and heater running off pet-
rol automatically switch off.

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.

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 filter or the diesel particulate fil-
ter!

Note

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

››› 

Fig. 234

 indicates the

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

Refuelling

Fig. 235 

Open fuel tank flap with tank cap in

the holder

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 39

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

››› 

page 264

.

●

If the automatic filler nozzle is operated

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

››› 

.

»

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●

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.

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 on the vehi-

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

For the sake of the environment

Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment.

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
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.

264

Checking and refilling levels

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.

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).

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.

Selective catalytic reduction*
(AdBlue)

Introduction

In vehicles with “Selective Catalytic Reduc-
tion”, a special urea solution (AdBlue) is in-
jected into the exhaust gas system in front of
the catalytic converter to reduce nitrogen ox-
ide emissions.

The consumption of AdBlue depends on indi-
vidual driving style, the temperature at which
the system operates and the outside temper-
ature where the vehicle is driven.

AdBlue is kept in an independent tank in the
vehicle and should be refilled at an official
supplier. The AdBlue tank holds approxi-
mately 17 litres.

The AdBlue fill level must be checked when
the vehicle is being serviced.

WARNING

If the AdBlue fill level is too low, the vehicle
may not restart after switching the ignition
off. The emergency start or jump start will not
be possible either!

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●

Top up with AdBlue at the latest 1,000 km

or 600 miles before it runs out.

●

Do not allow the AdBlue to run too low.

WARNING

AdBlue is an irritant, corrosive liquid that can
cause injuries if it touches the skin, eyes or
respiratory organs.

●

If AdBlue get in contact with eyes and skin,

rinse for at least 15 minutes with plenty of
water and seek medical help.

●

If the AdBlue is swallowed, wash your

mouth with plenty of water for at least 15 mi-
nutes. Do not try to provoke vomiting unless
recommended by a Doctor. Seek medical ad-
vice immediately.

CAUTION

AdBlue damages surfaces such as painted ve-
hicle parts, plastic, items of clothing and car-
pets. Spilt AdBlue should be removed as
quickly as possible using a damp cloth and
plenty of cold water.

●

If the AdBlue has crystallised, remove with

warm water and a sponge.

Control and warning lamps



It lights up red

The engine cannot
be restarted! The
level of AdBlue is
too low.

Stop the vehicle in a suitable,
safe and flat area then top up
with the minimum quantity of
AdBlue required 

››› 

page 267

.



It lights up red

together with



The engine cannot
be restarted! AdBlue
system malfunction.

Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the system checked there.



It lights up yellow

The AdBlue reserve
is low.

Refill AdBlue over the next kilo-
metres or miles as indicated

››› 

page 267

. SEAT recommends

contacting a specialised work-
shop.



It lights up yellow

together with



There is a fault in
the AdBlue system
or unsuitable
AdBlue fluid has
been used.

Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the system checked there.

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

WARNING

Observe the safety warnings 

››› 

 in Control

and warning lamps on page 105

.

Information on AdBlue

A message will be displayed on the dash
panel around 2,400 km before the next serv-
ice to indicate that AdBlue must be refilled

››› 

page 267

. If you ignore this message and

do not refill, you will be unable to start the
engine afterwards 

››› 

page 266

.

SEAT recommends contacting a specialised
workshop. If not possible, it should be parti-
ally filled with a minimum 5.0 litres of
AdBlue. Only refill using AdBlue expressly
approved by SEAT.

When the indicators  and  light simulta-
neously, there is a fault. SEAT recommends
visiting the closest specialised workshop.

AdBlue

®

 is a registered trademark in the US,

Germany, the European Union and other
countries belonging to the German automo-
bile industry association (“"Verband der Au-
tomobilindustrie e. V."”, VDA).

266

Checking and refilling levels

Refilling AdBlue

Fig. 236 

At the rear left of the luggage com-

partment: AdBlue tank, behind a cover panel

Fig. 237 

AdBlue tank with filler neck cap and

refilling bottle

To refill AdBlue, the vehicle must be on flat
ground and not, for example, parked on a
kerb or slope. If the vehicle is not on flat
ground then the filling indicator cannot
measure the filling quantity.

Opening the tank filling neck

●

Open the rear lid.

●

Rotate the shut off on the cover clockwise

››› 

Fig. 236

 and open the cover forwards.

●

Unscrew the tank filler neck cap 

››› 

Fig. 237

1

 anticlockwise.

Refilling AdBlue
Only use AdBlue that is approved by SEAT
and that complies with ISO 22241-1 Stand-
ard. Only use genuine bottles.

●

Observe the instructions and information

provided by the refill bottle manufacturer.

●

Observe the expiry date.

●

Unscrew the cap on the refill bottle.

●

Place the refill bottle 

2

 upside down in-

side the tank filler neck.

●

Press the refill bottle against the filler neck

and keep in this position.

●

Add at least 5.0 litres of AdBlue (6 bottles).

A lower quantity would be insufficient.

●

Wait until the contents of the refill bottle

have been poured into the AdBlue tank. Do
not crush or damage the bottle!

●

Unscrew the liquid bottle anticlockwise and

remove it carefully 

››› 

.

●

You can tell when the AdBlue tank is full

because the bottle will be empty.

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Closing the tank filling neck

●

Screw on the tank filler neck cap 

››› 

Fig. 237

1

 clockwise until it is fully inserted.

●

Place the cover and turn the shut off anti-

clockwise to close it.

Operations before driving

●

Only switch the ignition on after refilling.

●

Keep the ignition switch on for at least 30

seconds so that the system detects tank re-
filling.

●

Wait 30 seconds before starting the en-

gine!

WARNING

Only keep AdBlue in its original container,
tightly shut and in a safe place.

●

Never keep AdBlue in empty food cans, bot-

tles or other containers to avoid other people
mistaking it for something else.

●

Keep the AdBlue out of the reach of small

children.

CAUTION

●

Only refill using AdBlue expressly approved

by SEAT. The use of any other type of AdBlue
could cause engine damage!

●

AdBlue should never be mixed with water

or any other additives. Any type of damage
caused by a mixture will not be covered by
the warranty.

●

Do not add AdBlue to the diesel fuel tank!

Otherwise you may damage the engine.

●

Never leave the refill bottle in the vehicle. It

could become permeable due to temperature
changes and bottle damage and the AdBlue
could damage the vehicle interior.

For the sake of the environment

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

Note

Suitable AdBlue refill bottles can be pur-
chased from a technical service centre.

Working in the engine compart-
ment

Introduction

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 

››› 

 ! Have the work

carried out by a specialised workshop if you
are uncertain. Negligent work can cause seri-
ous injury.

WARNING

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

●

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.

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.

268

Checking and refilling levels

Working incorrectly can cause serious
injuries.

●

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:

–

Turn on the electronic parking brake and
place the gear selector lever in P or the
gearbox lever 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.

–

Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap an-
ticlockwise, 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.

–

Never touch electric cables or the gas dis-
charge lamps.

WARNING

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

●

Never place your hands on or near the radi-

ator fan. Touching the rotor blades could seri-
ously harm you. The ventilator works accord-
ing to the engine temperature and could start
suddenly even when the ignition 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
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 with the electron-
ic parking brake activated.

●

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.

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●

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.
When disconnecting the battery, ensure
that the vehicle is unlocked otherwise
the anti-theft alarm will be triggered.

–

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!

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!

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.

Opening and closing the bonnet

Fig. 238 

In the footwell on the driver side:

Lever for unlocking the bonnet

Fig. 239 

Release lever to open the bonnet in

the radiator grille

Opening the bonnet
The lever to open the bonnet can only be
used if the driver door is open.

●

Before opening the bonnet, make sure that

the windscreen wiper arms are in place
against the windscreen 

››› 

.

●

Open the driver door.

●

Pull the release lever 

››› 

Fig. 238

 in the di-

rection of the arrow. The bonnet is released
from the lock carrier by a spring mechanism

››› 

.

●

Lift the bonnet using the release lever

››› 

Fig. 239

 (arrow) and open the bonnet fully.

The bonnet is held open thanks to the gas
strut.

Closing the bonnet

●

To close the bonnet, pull it down to over-

come the gas strut pressure 

››› 

.

●

Allow the bonnet to fall into the lock carrier.

Do not press down.

If the bonnet is not correctly closed, open it
once again and close it correctly.

The bonnet is correctly closed when it is flush
with the corresponding parts on the body-
work.

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.

270

Checking and refilling levels

●

After closing the bonnet, always check that

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

●

While driving, if you notice that the bonnet

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

●

Only open and close the bonnet when there

is nobody within its range.

CAUTION

●

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.

Checking fluid levels

Fig. 240 

Diagram for the location of the vari-

ous 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 fluid deposit
Engine oil dipstick
Oil filler neck
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery (underneath a cover)
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir

The checking and refilling of service fluids
are carried out on the components men-

1

2

3

4

5

6

tioned above. These operations are descri-
bed in 

››› 

page 268

.

Overview
Further explanations, instructions and restric-
tions on the technical data are contained as
of 

››› 

page 294

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.

●

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

»

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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



It lights up

Insufficient en-
gine oil.

Switch the ignition off. Check the en-
gine oil level 

››› 

page 273

.



Flashes

Engine oil sen-
sor faulty.

Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the engine oil sensor checked.
Meanwhile, check the oil level man-
ually.



Flashes

Engine oil pres-
sure too low.



 

Stop the vehicle!

Switch off the engine. Check the en-
gine oil level.
- If the warning lamp flashes al-
though the oil level is correct, do not
continue driving or leave the engine
running. Otherwise, the engine
could be damaged. Seek specialist
assistance.

WARNING

Observe the safety warnings 

››› 

 in Control

and warning lamps on page 105

.

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 

››› 

. If you

wish to maintain the long-life service dura-
tion, only engine oils approved for this serv-
ice according to the corresponding VW stand-
ard (

››› 



table on page 40

) may be used.

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.

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!

272

Checking and refilling levels

Checking engine oil level

Fig. 241 

Marked engine oil dipstick

Fig. 242 

In the engine compartment: Engine

oil filler cap.

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 39

Preparations

●

Park the vehicle on flat ground so that the

engine oil reading is correct.

●

Stop the engine and wait a few minutes for

the oil to drain back into the sump. When the
engine has cooled down, immediately check
the oil level and top up if necessary.

●

Open the bonnet 



 

››› 

page 268

.

●

The engine oil filler neck can be recognised

by the symbol  on the cap 

››› 

Fig. 242

 and

the dipstick by its coloured handle.

Checking 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 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.

Adding oil after checking the level
Only add engine oil in small quantities and in
steps:

●

Unscrew the cap from engine oil filler neck

on the cylinder head 

››› 

Fig. 242

. If you are

not sure where the cap is, request help from
a specialist.

●

Only refill using approved SEAT engine oil

in small quantities (no more than 0.5 l)

››› 

page 272

.

●

To avoid adding too much oil, each time

you add a quantity, wait until the oil has flow-
ed into the crankcase so that it can be meas-
ured with the dipstick.

●

Check the oil level before adding any more

oil. Do not top up with too much engine oil

››› 

.

●

When the oil level is at least in the

››› 

Fig. 241

 

B

 zone, insert the dipstick into

the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping
when the engine is running.

●

After topping up the oil, ensure that the

cap is screwed on to the filler neck correctly.

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. 241

 

A

 do not start the engine. Seek

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

»

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●

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

››› 

Fig. 241

 

A

. Otherwise oil can be drawn in

through the crankcase breather and escape
into the atmosphere 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 driving style and the condi-
tions of use, the consumption of engine oil
can reach 1 litre every 2,000 km (one quarter
of a gallon every 1,200 miles); for new vehi-
cles, this could be higher for the first
5,000 km (3,000 miles). For this reason the
engine oil level must be checked at regular
intervals, preferably when filling the tank and
before a journey.

Topping up engine oil

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 39

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.

WARNING

If, in exceptional circumstances, you must
change the engine oil yourself, please note
the following:

●

Wear eye protection.

●

Always wait until the engine has complete-

ly cooled to avoid being burned.

●

Always keep your arms horizontal when un-

screwing the oil drainage bolt so that it does
not run down your arms.

●

Use a suitable container large enough to

collect all of the used oil in the engine.

●

Never collect engine oil in empty food con-

tainers, cans, bottles or other containers as
not all people are able to identify engine oil.

●

Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the

reach of children.

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.

●

Always dispose of engine oil with the ut-

most respect for the environment. Never dis-
pose of used engine oil in places such as a
garden, woods, drains, roads, paths, rivers
and drainage 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.

274

Checking and refilling levels

●

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, passengers without
warm clothing could freeze.

For the sake of the environment

Coolants and additives can contaminate the
environment. Collect any spilt fluids in suita-
ble containers and dispose of them in accord-

ance with legislation and with the utmost re-
spect for the environment.

Warning lamp and coolant temperature indicator

Fig. 243 

Engine coolant temperature gauge

on the instrument panel: 

A

 cold area; 

B

normal area; 

C

 warning area

When driving normally, the needle will re-
main in the middle area. The temperature
may also rise when the engine is working
hard, especially at high outside temperatures
and so the indicator will move quite far to the
right-hand side.

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.

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It lights up

Gauge position

››› 

Fig. 243

Possible cause

Solution



Warning area 

C

Excessive engine coolant temperature.



 

Stop the vehicle!

Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Switch off the engine and wait
for it to cool down and for the needle to return to the normal area. Check
the engine coolant level 

››› 

page 277

.

Normal area 

B

Insufficient engine coolant level.

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

››› 

page 277

.

Although the coolant level is correct, there is a fault.

--

Engine coolant system faulty.



 

Do not drive any further.

Obtain professional assistance.

--

Cold area 

A

--

Avoid revving the engine too much or making it work hard while it has not
reached normal service temperature.



Flashes

Engine coolant
system faulty.

Seek specialist assistance.

WARNING

Observe the safety warnings 

››› 

 in Control

and warning lamps on page 105

.

Coolant specifications

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 40

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

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.

276