engine Seat Leon 5D 2006 Repair Manual
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Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the 
service schedule.We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
The two different oil change intervals are shown in the  ⇒Booklet “Service 
schedule”.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required!•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings 
⇒ page 198, “Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment”.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
•
Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.
•
When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm hori-
zontal to help prevent 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 children until it is disposed of.Caution
No additives should be used with engine  oil. This could result in engine 
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be 
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•
Because of the disposal problems, the necessary special tools and 
specialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil 
and filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.
•
Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
•
Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It has to be large 
enough to hold all the engine oil
CoolantCoolant specifications
Coolant is a mixture of water and at least 40% coolant addi-
tive.The cooling system must be filled with a mixture of water and at least 40 % of 
our coolant additive G 12+ or an addi tive with the specification TT-VW 774 F 
(it is dyed purple). This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to 
-25°C and protects the alloy parts of th e cooling system against corrosion. It 
also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
The concentration of coolant must  always be at least 40% - even if frost 
protection is not required.
If greater frost protection is required in  very cold climates, the proportion of 
the antifreeze additive G 12+ can be increased. However, the percentage of 
coolant additives should not exceed 60%, as this would reduce the frost 
protection. It would also reduce th e cooling effect. A mixture with 60% 
coolant additive will give frost protection to approx. -40°C.
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206
WARNING
•
The coolant additive is toxic. There is a toxic risk. Always keep the 
coolant additive in the original container which should be stored out of the 
reach of children. The same applies to coolant that you have drained off.
•
The coolant additive G 12+ must be added in sufficient quantities to 
provide anti-freeze protection at the coldest ambient temperatures that 
can be expected. At extremely cold ambient temperatures, the coolant 
could freeze, causing the vehicle to breakdown. As the heater would also 
not work in this situation, there is a risk of suffering exposure!Caution
•
Other additives may give considerably inferior corrosion protection. The 
resulting corrosion in the cooling system can lead to a loss of coolant, 
causing serious damage to the engine.
•
The coolant additive G 12+ (purple) ca n be mixed with the additive G 12 
(red) or  G 11. Never mix G12 (red colour) with G 11.
Checking the coolant level and topping up 
The correct coolant level is important for fault-free func-
tioning of the engine cooling system.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings  ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on 
page 198.
Opening the coolant expansion tank
– Switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
– To prevent scalding, cover the cap on the expansion tank with a  thick cloth and carefully unscrew the cap  ⇒.
Checking coolant level
– Look into the open coolant expansion tank and read the coolant  level.
Fig. 146  In the engine 
compartment: Coolant 
expansion tank cap
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Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– If the level is underneath the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant.
To p p i n g  u p  c o o l a n t
–Only use new coolant.
– Do not fill above the “MAX” mark.
Closing the coolant expansion tank
–Screw the cap on again tightly .The position of the coolant expansion reservoir is shown in the corresponding 
engine compartment diagram ⇒page 260.
Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications  ⇒page 205. 
Do not use a different type of additive if coolant additive G 12+ is not avail-
able. In this case use only water and bring the coolant concentration back up 
to the correct level as soon as possible by putting in the specified additive 
⇒ page 205.
Always top up with new  coolant.
Do not fill above the “MAX” mark. Otherwise the excess coolant will be forced 
out of the cooling system when the engine is hot.
The coolant additive G 12+ (dyed purple) may be mixed with G 12 (dyed red) 
and also with G 11.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be 
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings ⇒ page 198.
•
When the engine is warm or hot, th e cooling system is pressurised! Do 
not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank  when the engine is hot. This is 
a burn injury risk.Caution
•
When mixed with other additives the col our of G 12 will change to brown. 
If this occurs you should have the coolant changed immediately. Failure to do 
so will result in engine damage!
•
If a lot of coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to  cool down before 
putting in cold coolant. This avoid s damaging the engine. Large coolant 
losses are an indication of leaks in the cooling system. See a specialised 
workshop immediately and have the cooling system checked. Otherwise, 
there is a risk of engine damage.WARNING (continued)
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Page 210 of 292
Checking and refilling levels
208Washer fluid and windscreen wiper bladesTopping up washer fluid 
The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be 
mixed with washer fluid.The  windscreen washer  and the headlight washing system  are supplied with 
fluid from the windscreen washer fluid container in the engine compartment.
The reservoir is located on the right-hand side of the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean th e windscreen and headlights. We recom-
mend that you always add a product to the windscreen washer fluid. 
Approved windscreen cleaning products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, thes e may be added all-year-round. Please 
follow the dilution instructions on the packaging.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be 
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings  ⇒page 198.Caution
•
Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen 
washer fluid.
•
Always use approved windscreen cleansing products diluted as per 
instructions. If you use other washer fluids or soap solutions, the tiny holes 
in the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked.
Fig. 147  In the engine 
compartment: Cap of 
windscreen washer fluid 
reservoir.
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Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service 
schedule.– Read the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It 
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine 
compartment diagram  ⇒page 260. The brake fluid reservoir has a black and 
yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the 
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear. 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. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low 
⇒page 72.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe 
the warnings ⇒ page 198.Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be renewed every two years.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please  read and follow the warnings ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on  working in the engine compartment” on page 198 in 
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb water from 
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake 
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of the 
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which 
could impair the braking effect.
For this reason the brake fluid must be renewed every two years.
It is important that you use only use brake fluid compliant with the US 
standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake 
fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
Fig. 150  In the engine 
compartment: Brake fluid 
reservoir cover
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Operating instructions
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charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause 
injury.
•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is 
under charge. The batteries should be  charged in a well-ventilated room 
only.
•
Keep children away from acid and batteries.
•
Before working on the electrical  system, you must switch off the 
engine, the ignition and all consumers. The negative cable on the battery 
must be disconnected. When a light bulb is changed, you need only switch 
off the light.
•
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by  unlocking the vehicle before you 
disconnect the battery! The alar m will otherwise be triggered.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system, 
disconnect first the negative cable and then the positive cable.
•
Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery. 
Reconnect first the positive cable  and then the negative cable. Never 
reverse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.
•
Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could 
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery that has 
frozen. A flat battery can freeze at temperatures around 0°C.
•
Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
•
Never use a defective battery. This may be fatally explosive. Replace a 
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the battery  if the ignition is switched on or if the engine 
is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time, as 
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
•
If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect 
the battery from frost. If it “freezes” it will be damaged.
Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries.– Open the bonnet and open the battery cover at the front  ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on 
page 198  ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on 
page 212.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye" on the top of the  battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently until  they disperse.The position of the battery is show n in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram  ⇒page 260.
The round window (“magic eye”) on the top of the battery changes colour, 
depending on the charge level and electrolyte level of the battery.
If the colour in the window is  colourless or bright yellow, the electrolyte level 
of the battery is too low. Have the battery checked by a qualified workshop.
The colours green and black are used by the workshops for diagnostic 
purposes.
WARNING (continued)
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Page 224 of 292
If and when
222If and whenTools, tyre repair kit and spare wheelVehicle To ols
The vehicle onboard tools are located under the floor panel in 
the luggage compartment .– Lift the cover of the luggage compartment, by pulling it up with a 
finger in the fitting.
– Take the onboard tools out of the vehicle.The tool kit includes:•
Jack*
•
Hook for removing wheel covers* or hub caps*
•
Box spanner for wheel bolts*
•
Reversible screwdriver with handle  (including hexagonal interior) for the 
wheel bolts. The screwdriver is a combination tool.
•
To wi ng  e ye
•
Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
Some of the items listed are only prov ided on certain models / model years, 
or are optional extras.
WARNING
•
Do not use the hexagonal socket in  the screwdriver handle to tighten 
the wheel bolts. It is impossible  to tighten the bolts with the torque 
required, risk of accident.
•
The jack* supplied by the factory is  only designed for changing wheels 
on this model. On no account attempt to  use it for lifting heavier vehicles 
or other loads, risk of injury.
•
Use the jack* only on firm, level ground.
•
Never start the engine when the vehicle is on the jack, risk of accident.
•
I f  wo r k  is  t o  b e  ca r r i e d  o u t  un d e r n ea th the vehicle, this must be secured 
by suitable stands. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury.WARNING (continued)
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If and when
224The tyre repair kit consists of a container with sealing compound to repair the 
puncture and a  compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The kit will 
reliably seal punctures up to a size of about 4 mm caused by the penetration 
of a foreign body into the tyre.
Note
•
Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not 
possible with the sealing compound.
Wheel changePreparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away  from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as 
level as possible.
– All passengers should leave the ve hicle. They should wait in a 
safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
–Apply the  handbrake firmly.
– Engage the  first gear, or put the selector lever to position  P for 
those vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle. –Take the 
vehicle tools  and the spare wheel  out of the luggage 
compartment.
WARNING
Put the hazard warning lights on and place the warning triangle in position. 
This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the wheel on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the 
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent 
the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.Changing a wheelChange the wheel as described below
–Pull off the hub cap. See ⇒ page 225, fig. 154.
– Slacken the wheel bolts
– Raise  the car with the jack in the corresponding zone
– Ta k e  o f f  the wheel and then  put on the spare wheel
– Lower  the vehicle.
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If and when
232
– Put the tools back in the luggage compartment.NoteThe compressor should not operate more than 6 minutesFusesChanging a fuse
If a fuse has blown it must be replaced
Fuse cover underneath the steering wheel
– Switch off the ignition and the component concerned.
– Identify the fuse for the failed component  ⇒page 234.
– Take the plastic clip from inside the fuse cover, fit it onto the  blown fuse and pull the fuse out.
– Replace the blown fuse (which will have a melted metal strip)  with a new fuse of the same ampere rating.
Fuse cover in engine compartment
– Switch off the ignition and the component concerned.
– Prise off the fuse cover in the engine compartment by pressing  the tabs towards the centre of the cover  ⇒fig. 161 .
– Identify the fuse for the failed component  ⇒page 234.
Fig. 160  Left side of dash 
panel: Fuse box cover
Fig. 161  Fuse box cover 
in engine compartment
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If and when233
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Take the plastic clip from inside the fuse cover (at left-hand end 
of the dash panel), fit it onto the blown fuse and pull the fuse out.
– Replace the blown fuse (which will have a melted metal strip)  with a new fuse of the same ampere rating.
– Carefully fit the fuse cover back on to ensure no water can enter  the fuse box.The individual electrical circuits are pr otected by fuses. The fuses are located 
behind a cover at the left-hand end of the dash panel and on the left-hand 
side of the engine compartment.
The electric windows are protected by  circuit breakers. These reset automat-
ically after a few seconds when the overload (caused for example by frozen 
windows) has been corrected.
Colour coding of fuses
WARNING
Never “repair” damaged fuses and never replace them with fuses with a 
higher rating. Failure to comply could re sult in fire. This could also cause 
damage to other parts of the electrical system.
Note
•
If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical 
system must be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
•
If you replace a fuse with a stronger fuse, you could cause damage to 
another location in the electrical system.
•
Always keep some spare fuses in the vehicle. These are available from 
SEAT dealers.
Colour
Amperes
light brown 5
red 10
blue 15
yellow 20
natural (white) 25
green 30
orange 40
red 50
white 80
blue100
grey 150
violet 200
Colour
Amperes
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