check engine light Seat Exeo 2008 User Guide

Cockpit75
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Auto-check systemIntroductionThe auto-check system checks important components and vehicle systems.
These background checks are run consta ntly, as long as the ignition is
switched on.
A message is displayed in the instrument panel if a fault should occur or if any
maintenance or repairs are urgently required. This is accompanied by an
audible warning signal. Depending on the pr iority of the fault, a red or yellow
warning symbol lights up in the display.
The red symbols indicate a danger, whereas the yellow ones represent a
warning . Additional messages to assist the driver may be shown with the red
or yellow symbols.
Driver messages
Additional messages to assist the driver are displayed
together with the warning symbols in the instrument panel.Driver messages and red symbols
If a red warning symbol appears in the display, you can press the
button ⇒fig. 52 to call up an additional driver message.
For example: in the event of an oil pressure malfunction, the oil pressure
symbol

will appear in the display. If you now press the button, the
following message will appear in the display:
Switch off engine, check oil level
The message will disappear from the display after about 5 seconds. If
required, the message can be called up again by briefly pressing the
button.
Fig. 52 Instrument panel:
CHECK button
CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
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Cockpit77
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
The red symbols are used to indicate a Priority 1 fault (serious malfunction).
A red symbol is accompanied by
three warning chimes. The symbols will keep
flashing until the faults are corrected. If several Priority 1 faults are detected
at the same time, the symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2
seconds.
Fault in the brake system

A fault in the brake system should be rectified as soon as
possible.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a fault in the brake
system. One of the following messages will appear in the display
together with the symbol:
Stop vehicle, check brake fluid and hydraulic fluid levels
Warning! Fault in brake system (ABS) Please visit garage
– Stop the vehicle.
–Check the brake fluid level ⇒ page 222.
If the ABS fails, the ABS warning lamp
 will light up together with the brake
system fault symbol
 ⇒ .
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, observe
the warning information in ⇒page 213, “Work in the engine compart-
ment”.
•
If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this could result in an
accident. Do not drive on. Obtain technical assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp, this can mean that the control fun ction of the ABS is out of action. As
a result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. Under
certain circumstances, the rear of the vehicle could suddenly sway from
side to side, with the subsequent danger of skidding. Drive carefully to the
nearest specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
Fault in the cooling system

Faults in the cooling system must be rectified immediately.If the
 symbol flashes in the display, this means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. The
following message will appear in the display together with the
symbol:
Switch off engine and check coolant level
–Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the coolant level ⇒page 218.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒page 218.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the over heating may be caused by a malfunction
of the radiator fan.
WARNING (continued)
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Cockpit
78If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well ⇒page 69, it is possible that
the drive belt has broken.
Caution
Do not drive on if the symbol
 has come on to indicate a fault in the cooling
system, otherwise there is a risk of engine damage.
Engine oil pressure too low

If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be rectified
immediately.If the

symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure is too low.
The following message will appear in the display together with the
symbol:
Switch off engine, check oil level
–Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒page 215.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
Engine oil level too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒page 216.
Engine oil level correct
If the

symbol flashes and the engine oil level is correct, obtain profes-
sional assistance. Do not drive on. Do not continue to run the engine, even at
idle speed .
Note
The oil pressure warning lamp

is not an indicator for the oil level. The oil
level should therefore be checked regularl y, preferably every time you fill the
tank.
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol indicates a warning.

Fuel level low
⇒ page 79

Diesel particulate filter* obstructed
⇒page 79

Light sensor/ rain sensor faulty
⇒page 79
F i g . 5 4 D i s p l a y : F u e l l e v e l
low
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Cockpit79
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Yellow symbols are used to indicate a Priority 2 fault (warning).
Yellow symbols are accompanied by
one warning chime. The function indi-
cated should be checked as soon as possible. If several Priority 2 faults are
detected at the same time, the symbols are displayed one after the other for
about 2 seconds at a time.
Fuel level low

When this symbol
 comes on for the first time, there are about 8 to 10 litres
of fuel left in the tank. You should fill up as soon as possible ⇒page 208.
Diesel particulate filter obstructed

If the symbol
 lights up, you may be able to contribute towards automatic
filter cleaning by driving in the right manner. You should drive at a speed of
at least 60 km/h for about 15 minutes in 4th or 5th gear, at an engine speed
of around 2000 rpm. The increase in temperature will burn off any soot in the
filter. When cleaning is successful, the symbol switches off.
If the light on symbol
 does not go off, take the vehicle to a specialist
garage to repair the fault.
For further information on the diesel particulate filter, see ⇒page 183.
WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your sp eed to suit the weather, road, terrain
and traffic conditions. The recommended driving speed must never lead to
the driver disregarding the traffic regulations.Light sensor/ rain sensor faulty

 Automatic headlights / automatic wipers faulty
If the  symbol appears, this means that the light sensor / rain sensor is not
working. For safety reasons, the dipp ed beam headlights will then be
switched on permanently when the light switch is set to the AUTO position.
However, you can still switch the lights on and off in the normal way with the

Brake pad worn
⇒ page 80

Speed warning 1
⇒page 80

Dynamic headlight range control*
faulty
⇒page 80

Self-directing headlights* faulty
⇒page 80

Washer fluid level low*
⇒page 80

Speed warning 2*
⇒page 80

Battery voltage too high or too low*
⇒page 80

Bulb monitor*
⇒page 81

Tyre pressure monitoring system*
Loss of pressure
⇒page 88
TPMS
Tyre pressure monitoring system*
System not available
⇒page 66
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Unlocking and locking
104Anti-theft alarm system*Description
The system triggers an alarm if anyone attempts to break into
the vehicle.The anti-theft alarm helps to prevent the vehicle being broken into or stolen.
If the system senses interference with the vehicle, it triggers an audible and
visible alarm.
How is the system enabled?
The anti-theft alarm system is enabled automatically when the vehicle is
locked with the remote control or by turning the key in the driver's door (if the
door is closed). The system is enabled about 30 seconds after the vehicle is
locked.
How is the system disabled?
The anti-theft alarm is only disabled when the vehicle is unlocked using the
remote control. The vehicle will lock again automatically if none of the doors
is opened within 60 seconds after pressing the remote control button.
If the vehicle is unlocked by turning the key in the driver's door, all the other
doors, the tailgate and the tank flap will remain locked.
If the vehicle has been unlocked with the key in the driver's door, the key must
be inserted in the ignition lock and the ignition switched on within 15
seconds of opening the door in order to disable the alarm. The alarm will be
triggered if the ignition is not switched on within 15 seconds.
When does the system trigger the alarm?
The following parts of the car are monitored when the vehicle is locked:•
Engine compartment (bonnet)
•
Boot
•
Doors
•
Tilt angle (tow-a way protection)
•
Ignition
•
Radio (only with a factory-fitted SEAT radio)
•
Interior ⇒page 105
If any of the named areas are entered, the alarm will be triggered.
How is the alarm disabled?
The alarm can be switched off by unlocking the vehicle using the remote
control, or by switching on the igniti on with the key, thus “disabling” the
alarm system. The alarm will also switch off when it comes to the end of its
cycle.
Indicators
The indicators flash briefly when the vehicle is locked to confirm that the
doors, the engine bonnet and the tailgate are properly closed and locked.
If the indicators do not flash, check the doors, the bonnet and the tailgate to
make sure they are properly closed. The indicators will also flash briefly if one
of the doors or the tailgate or engine bonnet are closed after the alarm system
has been enabled.
LED
When the vehicle is locked, the LED on the top of the driver's door trim will
flash rapidly for about 30 seconds and then continue flashing slowly. This is
to indicate that the anti-theft alarm system (including the interior monitor
and tow-away protection) is operative. If the LED lights up continuously for
about 30 seconds when the vehicle is locked instead of flashing, this means
the alarm system is not working properly.Note
•
To make sure that the alarm is fully operative when leaving the vehicle,
briefly check that all the doors and windows and the sun roof* are closed.
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Trailer towing187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted
draw bar
weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your car, and adjust for “full load” conditions
(refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the door pillar). It may also be
necessary to adjust the tyre pressures on the trailer according to the recom-
mendations of the trailer manufacturer.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. The two exterior mi rrors should be fitted on folding arms. Adjust the
mirrors to give sufficient rear vision.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, check the headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. If necessary, alter the height of the headlight beams by means of
the headlight range control. See ⇒page 116.
Power supply
When you remove the ignition key, the power supply to the trailer is inter-
rupted.
Removable ball joint coupling
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a removable
ball joint coupling. This is stored in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment together with the necessary fitting instructions.
Note
If you frequently tow, we recommend you also have vehicle serviced between
services.
Notes on towing
Towing a trailer involves additi onal attention by the driver.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced we ight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. Therefore,
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in an unfavour-
able road, weather or wind conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of swaying. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Anticipate hazards and brake in good time. If towing a trailer with an inertia
brake , first brake gently and then more severely. This will prevent brake
tapping by the trailer wheels when they lock. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine
braking to slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recommend
having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a high trailer load.
They can be purchased and installed at a Dealer.
Reheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather wi th the engine running fast in low
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 60.
Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to the right end of the scale.
If the temperature warning light
 in the instrument cluster should start
flashing, stop the car and let the engine cool down by running it at idling
speed for a few minutes.
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Checking and refilling levels211
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Your Authorised Service Centre can also be consulted to know if the vehicle
has been prepared for biodiesel use.
Things to note about RME fuel (biodiesel)
•
The performance of a vehicle using biodiesel maybe somewhat reduced.
•
Fuel consumption of a vehicle using biodiesel may be slightly higher.
•
RME fuel is resistant to the cold down to approx. -10°C.
•
At temperatures below -10°C, we re
commend using winter diesel fuel.
•
Your vehicle is designed to be refuelled with up to a maximum of 7%
blended biodiesel.Caution
•
RME fuel can damage the fuel system in vehicles which are not suitably
adjusted.
•
If you decide to use biodiesel in your vehicle, please use only RME fuel
which is DIN E 14,214 compliant.
•
If you use biodiesel that does not meet the required standard, the fuel
filter could become clogged.Note
•
In case of low exterior temperatures and a fuel biodiesel percentage of
higher than 50%, an increase in gas emission may occur during operation of
the independent heating.
•
The fuel filter may become clogged when fuel is changed to biodiesel. For
this reason, we recommend you that, when having run 300 or 400 km after a
fuel change, the fuel filter change must also be done. Also note the instruc-
tions in the Inspection and Maintenance plan.
•
If the vehicle is to remain parked for more than about two weeks, we
recommend filling the fuel tank with biodiesel and driving about 50 km in
order to avoid damage to the injection system.
Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using summer-grade diesel fuel, difficulties may be experienced at
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel thickens due to wax separation.
Therefore, winter-grade diesel fuel is available in some countries during the
cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22°C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel generally sold
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service
Centre or filling stations in the countr y concerned regarding the type of diesel
fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater, making it well equipped for
operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains operational to
approx. -24°C, provided you use winter-g rade diesel which is safe to -15°C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start
at temperatures of under -24°C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
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Checking and refilling levels
218tion. The damage caused by the use of these anti-freezes may lead to a loss
of liquid coolant, causing serious damage to the engine.•
The anti-freeze G12++ can be mixed on ly with anti-freeze additives G11,
G12 and G12+.
Checking the liquid coolant level
The liquid coolant level can be checked at a glance.– Switch the ignition off.
– Check the coolant level on liquid coolant expansion tank ⇒fig. 167. When the engine is cold, it should be between the
“min” and “max” marks. When the engine is hot, it may be
slightly above the “max” mark.Its location is shown in the correspon ding general overview of the engine
compartment. The liquid coolant level should be checked with the engine switched off.
The liquid coolant level is monitored
by a warning lamp in the instrument
panel ⇒ page 77. However, we recommend that it should be checked occa-
sionally.
Liquid coolant losses
Any loss of liquid coolant normally indicates a leak in the cooling system. In
this case the cooling system should be inspected by a specialist garage
without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the liquid coolant.
If there are no leaks in the system, a loss of liquid coolant can only occur if
the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of overheating.
Caution
Radiator sealants must not be added to the liquid coolant. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system.Topping up the liquid coolant
Be careful when topping up with liquid coolant.– Switch the engine off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank ⇒fig. 167 with a cloth, an d
carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒ .
– Add liquid coolant.
– Screw on the cap tightly.
Fig. 167 Engine compart-
ment: Liquid coolant
deposit
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Checking and refilling levels
220Washer fluid and windscreen wiper bladesWindscreen washer system
Plain water on its own is not sufficient for the windscreen
washer system.The container for the windscreen washer contains the cleaning fluid for the
windscreen and the headlight washer system*. The container is located in the
engine compartment (front left). Th e filler cap is marked with the symbol

⇒ fig. 168 .
The capacity of the container is listed in ⇒page 282.
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean the glass properly. It is therefore
advisable to add a suitable washer fluid additive (with wax solvent) to the
water. A washer fluid with freeze-resistant additive should be used in winter.
Caution
•
Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen
washer fluid.
•
Never use washer fluid which contains paint thinners or solvents as it can
damage the paintwork.
Fig. 168 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
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Checking and refilling levels
222•
To prevent smearing on the windscreen, the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly using a window cleaner solution. If the wiper blades are
very dirty (e.g. insects etc.), they should be cleaned using a sponge or
cloth. Failure to do so co uld result in an accident.
•
For safety reasons, the wiper blades should be changed once or twice a
year.Caution
•
Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers could scratch the windscreen.
•
Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the windows. This could damage the windscreen wiper blades.
•
Never move the windscreen wiper or windscreen wiper arm manually. This
could cause damage.
•
Do not pull the windscreen wipers forward unless they are in the service
position. Otherwise the bonnet could be damaged.Note
•
The wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the
bonnet is properly closed.
Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid level can be checked at a glance.The brake fluid level must be between the “Min” and “Max” ⇒fig. 171 mark-
ings.
The fluid level may drop slightly after a period of time due to the automatic
compensation for brake pad wear. This is quite normal.
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the
“Min” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. If the fluid level in the
reservoir is too low, this will be indicated by the brake warning lamp
⇒ page 70 and ⇒ page 77. If this should happen, take the car to a qualified
workshop immediately and have the brake system inspected.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 171 Engine compart-
ment: markings on brake
fluid reservoir
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