Seat Alhambra 2014 Owner's Manual

279
Checking and refilling levels
Working in the engine compartment Introduction
Before working in the engine compartment, make sure that the vehicle is
parked on horizontal 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 familiar with the op-
erations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially if
you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒ 
! Have
the work carried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain. Negli-
gent work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Windscreen wash system ⇒ page 106
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 172
● Brake fluid ⇒ page 185
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 292
● Checks when filling up ⇒ page 268
● Engine oil ⇒ page 283
● Engine coolant ⇒ page 287
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
If the vehicle moves unexpectedly, this could cause serious injury.
● Never work underneath the vehicle if it is not secured against moving.
If you must work underneath 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 must 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 accident!.
The jack is not intended for this kind of work and its failure could lead to
severe injuries.
WARNING
The engine compartment is a dangerous area capable of causing serious
injury.
● For all type of work, always take the utmost precautions, work care-
fully and note the general safety standards in force. Never take personal
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 proce-
dures then visit a specialised workshop to carry out the necessary work.
Incorrect work can cause serious injuries.
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment. Hot vapours and coolant can 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 before opening the bonnet.
● Contact with hot elements of the engine and the exhaust system can
cause burns. 
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280Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Once the engine has cooled, follow the instructions 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 compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised.
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
Otherwise, coolant may spray out under pressure causing burns and seri-
ous injury.
–Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap anticlockwise, gently press-
ing 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 system. 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 following:
–Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Never touch electric cables or the gas discharge lamps.
WARNING
In the engine compartment, there are rotating parts that could cause se-
rious injury.
● Never place your hands 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 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 the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan
etc as well as from the high-voltage ignition system. Always 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 en-
gine. Before any work, remove ties and jewellery ( necklaces, etc), tie
longhair 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 vehicle could move, even with the electronic parking
brake activated.
● Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cloths or
tools, in the engine compartment. If any object is left in the engine com-
partment, this could cause malfunctions, engine faults and even a fire.
WARNING
Refill liquids and certain materials can catch fire easily in the engine
compartment, causing a fire and serious injury!
● Never smoke.
● Never work close to places exposed to flames or sparks. 

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Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● 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 instructions 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 perfectly working fire extin-
guisher close by.
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 environment. 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 pro-
fessional to dispose of them. 
Preparing the vehicle for work in the engine compartment
Checklist
Carry out the operations below in the order indicated before starting work in
the engine compartment ⇒ 
: ●
Park the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
● Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 185.
● Move the selector lever to its intermediate position or to P ⇒ page 176.
● Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 172.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● Always keep children and other people far from the engine compart-
ment.
● Ensure that the vehicle can not move off unexpectedly.
WARNING
Ignoring this checklist, drawn up for your own safety, could result in seri-
ous injury.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the general rules of safety.

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282Checking and refilling levels
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 169 In the footwell
on the driver side: Lever
for unlocking the bonnet
Fig. 170 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. 169 in the direction of the arrow. The bonnet
is released from the lock carrier by a spring mechanism ⇒ 
.
● Lift the bonnet using the release lever ⇒ Fig. 170 (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 overcome 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 correct-
ly.
The bonnet is correctly closed when it is flush with the corresponding parts
on the bodywork.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could suddenly open while driving
leaving the driver without visibility. This could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured by
the locking mechanism 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. 

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Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the bonnet and to the windscreen wiper arms, only
open the bonnet when the windscreen wipers are in place against the wind-
screen.
● Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. 
Engine oil Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
Incorrectly handling engine oil can cause injury 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 must only be kept closed in its original container. The same
applies to use oil until it has been disposed of.
● Never store engine oil in empty food containers or bottles as other
people may accidentally drink it.
● Regular contact with engine oil can be bad for the skin. If you come
into contact with engine 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 en-
vironment. Collect any spilt fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in
accordance with legislation and with the utmost respect for the environ-
ment. 
Warning and control lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
Insufficient engine oil.Switch the ignition off. Check
the engine oil level
⇒ page 285.
flashesPossible causeSolution
Engine oil pressure too low.
 Stop the vehicle!
Switch off the engine. Check the
engine 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.
Engine oil sensor faulty.Contact a specialised workshop.
Have the engine oil sensor
checked. 
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284Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle. 
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 serv-
ice 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 duration, only engine oils
approved for this service according to the corresponding VW standard
( ⇒  table on page 284) may be used. All oils indicated are
synthetic multi-
grade oils.
Engine oils are being continuously further developed. Technical Services
are permanently informed of any modifications. SEAT therefore recommends
that you have the engine oil changed by a Technical Service.
EnginesEngine oil specificationswith LongLife servicewithout LongLife servicePetrol enginesVW 504 00, VW 503 00VW 504 00, VW 502 00Diesel enginesVW 507 00VW 507 00
CAUTION
● Only use engine oils whose specifications are expressly approved by
SEAT. The use of any other type of engine oil could cause engine damage!
● 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. 

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Checking and refilling levels
Checking the engine oil level and topping up
Fig. 171 Marked engine
oil dipstick
Fig. 172 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap 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 279.
● The engine oil filler neck can be recognised by the symbol  on the
cap ⇒ Fig. 172 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 dipstick again and check the engine oil level ⇒ table on
page 285.
● After reading the oil level, replace the dipstick in the tube completely.
Engine oil topping up ranges
Fig. 171Operations required depending on the engine oil topping
up level:
Area ADo not top up oil
⇒ .
Area BAdd approximately 0.5 L of oil (1/2 quarter of a gallon).
The oil level can be in the zone A, but never above A.
Area CIt is
essential to add oil (approximately 1 litre or quarter of
a gallon). Ensure that the level is around the centre of the
zone B
after adding oil.
Adding oil after checking the level
Only add engine oil in small quantities and in steps.

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286Checking and refilling levels
● Unscrew the cap from engine oil filler neck on the cylinder head
⇒  Fig. 172. If you are not sure where the cap is, request help from a special-
ist.
● Only refill using engine oil expressly approved by SEAT and in small
quantities (not more than 0.5 l or 1/2 a quarter of a gallon at a time)
⇒  page 284.
● To avoid adding too much oil, each time you add a quantity, wait until
the oil has flowed into the crankcase so that it can be measured 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 in at least the ⇒ Fig. 171 B zone, insert the dip-
stick into the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping when the engine is run-
ning.
● 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 cor-
rectly tightened. This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot engine parts
when the engine is running.
CAUTION
● If the engine oil level is above the area ⇒ Fig. 171 A do not start the
engine. Seek specialist assistance. Otherwise catalytic converter and en-
gine damage may occur.
● When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liq-
uids into the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause seri-
ous malfunctions and damage the engine!
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area ⇒ Fig. 171 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 different from one engine to another
and can vary during the useful life of the engine.
Depending on driving style and the conditions of use, the consumption of
engine oil can reach 1 litre every 2000 km (one quarter of a gallon every
1200 miles); for new vehicles, this could be higher for the first 5000 km
(3000 miles). For this reason the engine oil level must be checked at regular
intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area ⇒ Fig. 171 A
.
Changing the engine oil
The engine oil must be changed regularly according to the specifications of
the Maintenance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of used oil and the need for suit-
able tools and special knowledge, always visit a specialised workshop to
have the engine oil and filter changed. SEAT recommends visiting a Techni-
cal Service.
Detailed information on the service intervals are shown in the Maintenance
Programme. 

287
Checking and refilling levels
Engine oil additives make new oil darker after the engine has been running
for a short period. This is normal and does not mean more frequent oil
changes are required.
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 completely cooled to avoid being
burned.
● Always keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drainage
bolt so that the oil does not run down your arms when it begins to drain.
● Use a suitable and large enough container to collect all of the used oil
in the engine.
● Never collect engine oil in empty food containers, cans, bottles and
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.
For the sake of the environment
Before changing the engine oil, find a suitable 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 drainage systems. Engine coolant
Introduction
Never work on the engine cooling system or if you are not familiar with the
operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially
if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒ 
! Have
the work carried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Negligent work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
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 accidentally drink it.
● Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
● Ensure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowest outside 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 sufficient clothing could freeze. 
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288Checking and refilling levels
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment. 
Coolant temperature warning lamp and gauge
Fig. 173 Engine coolant
temperature gauge on
the instrument panel: A
cold area; B normal
area; C warning area
When driving normally, the needle will remain in the middle area. The tem-
perature 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 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.
lights upGauge po- sition
⇒ Fig. 173Possible causeSolution

Warning area CExcessive engine
coolant tempera-
ture.

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 lev-
el ⇒ page 290.
Normal
area BInsufficient engine
coolant level.
Check the engine coolant
when the engine has cooled
and, if it is low, refill with en-
gine coolant
⇒ page 290.
Although the coolant level is
correct, there is a fault.
--Engine coolant
system faulty. Do not drive any further.
Obtain professional assis-
tance.
--Cold area A--
Avoid revving the engine too
much or making it work hard
while it has not reached nor-
mal service temperature.
flashesPossible causeSolution
Engine coolant system faulty.Seek specialist assistance. 