maintenance Seat Altea 2005 Owner's Manual

Checking and refilling levels
200DieselDiesel*Diesel fuel must correspond to DIN EN 590 (EN = “European standard”). It
must have a cetane number (CN) of at least 51. The cetane number indicates
the ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Notes on filling with fuel ⇒page 198.RME fuel*
Only those vehicles fitted with special equipment (number PR
2G0 for biodiesel use) may use biodiesel corresponding to
the standard DIN EN 14214.The biodiesel fuel must comply with the DIN EN 14.214 (FAME) Standard.•
Biodiesel is a methylester obtained from rapeseed oil.
• DIN is a German abbrev i
ation for “ Deuts c
hes Insti tut für Normug e.V.”,
the German standards institute.
•
EN means E uropean Norm.
• FAME is the English abbrev i
ation “ Fatty Acid M ethyl Ester”
If the date sticker of the vehicle in cludes the number PR 2G0 optional equip-
ment) this means that that vehicle has been prepared for biodiesel use.
Your Authorised Service Centre or automobile association will be able to
advise on where you can obtain RME biodiesel fuel.
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 maybe slightly higher.
•
RME fuel can be used in winter at
temperatures down to approx. -10°C.
•
At outside temperatures below -10° C, we recommend using winter diesel
fuel.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 me et 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 that, about every 300 or 400 km, fo llowing a fuel
change, also change the fuel filter. Also. note the instructions in the inspec-
tion 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.
altea_ingles Seite 200 Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005 3:02 15

Checking and refilling levels201
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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 paraffin separation.
For this reason, “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 cond itions the diesel fuel sold generally
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel
fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a filter fuel 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-grade 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 room for
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Working in the engine compartmentSafety instructions on working in the engine compartment
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the
engine must be carried out cautiously.Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment:
1. Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3. Move the gear stick to neutral or the selector lever to position P.
4. Wait for the engine to cool down.
5. Keep children away from the vehicle.
6. Raise the bonnet ⇒page 203.You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know
exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work
carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and
batteries, are being constantly developed. SEAT provides a constant flow of
information to the Authorised Service Centres concerning modifications. For
this reason we recommend that you have service fluids and consumables
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant
instructions ⇒page 194. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a
hazardous area. ⇒ .
altea_ingles Seite 201 Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005 3:02 15

Checking and refilling levels203
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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. If you
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a qualified
workshop.Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in
rest position.
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dashboard ⇒fig. 151 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be
released by a spring action ⇒.
– Lift the bonnet using the rele ase lever (arrow) and open the
bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fixture designed for this in the bonnet.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment.
Fig. 151 Detail of the
footwell: The release lever
for the bonnet is located
in the driver side footwell
Fig. 152 Arrester hook
for bonnet.
altea_ingles Seite 203 Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005 3:02 15

Checking and refilling levels205
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Oil properties
Viscosity
The viscosity class of the oil is selected according to the diagram.
When the ambient temperature falls outside the limits of the scale for a short
period, an oil change is not required.
Petrol engines
Diesel engines
Fig. 153 Types of oil
according to temperature
Denomination SpecificationRemarks
A - synthetic oils VW 502 00/ VW 500 00Dated before 1-97
B - mineral oils VW 501 01 Dated before 1-97
A/B - multigrade oils ACEA B2 or B3 or even API SH/SJDated before 1-97
Denomination SpecificationRemarks
A - synthetic oils VW 505 01
a)
a)Diesel engines with a system of pump-injector type injection should use onlyoil with the specification VW 505 01. Avoid using any other type of oil for this type of engine other than
the VW 505 01 specification; This could lead to engine damage!
Dated before 1-97
B - mineral oils VW 505 00 Dated before 1-97
A/B - multigrade oils ACEA B2 or B3 or even API CD/CFDated before 1-97
altea_ingles Seite 205 Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005 3:02 15

Checking and refilling levels207
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
– Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level ⇒ page 206,
fig. 154.
– Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go.The position of the dipstick is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒page 260.
If the oil level is in area ⇒page 206, fig. 154 , do not top up with oil.
If the oil level is in area , you may top up with oil (approx. 0,5 l).
If the oil level is in area , you must top up with oil (approx. 1,0 l).
It is normal for the engine to consume a certain amount of oil. Consumption
can be up to 1.0 litres per 1,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, prefer ably 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 towi ng a trailer or climbing on mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area and not above
this.
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 201Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact an Authorised
Service Centre.
Topping up engine oil

Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 201 .
– Uns
crew c
ap from oil f
iller opening ⇒ fig. 155.
–

Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area , carefully close the cap.
The position of the oil filler openi ng is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram ⇒page 260.
AA
ABAC
AA
AA
Fig. 155 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
AB
altea_ingles Seite 207 Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005 3:02 15

Checking and refilling levels209
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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 additive 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 the 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 the cooling effect. A mixture with 60%
coolant additive will give frost protection to approx. -40
°C.
WARNING
•
The coolant additive is toxic. This represents a toxic danger. Always
keep the coolant additive in the original container which should be stored
out of the reach of children. The same applies to coolant which 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 br eakdown. 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) can 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 201 .
Fig. 156 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap
altea_ingles Seite 209 Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005 3:02 15

Checking and refilling levels211
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Washer 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 flui d 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 the 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, these 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 compartm ent, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 201Caution
•
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 fl uids or soap solutions, the tiny aper-
tures in the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked.
Fig. 157 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
altea_ingles Seite 211 Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005 3:02 15

Checking and refilling levels213
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.
•
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.
Changing the rear wiper blade
A good rear wiper blade is es sential for clear rear vision.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately.Removing the wiper blade
– Lift the wiper arm away from the glass ⇒fig. 160
–Unclip the wiper blade and pull . ⇒fig. 160
Fitting the wiper blade
– With one hand, hold the top end of the wiper arm.
– With the other hand, press the wiper blade into the retainer.Check the condition of the wiper blade regularly. Change as required.
If the windscreen wiper rubs , it should be replaced if it is damaged, or
cleaned if it is soiled.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 160 Changing the
rear window wiper blade
A1
A2
altea_ingles Seite 213 Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005 3:02 15

Checking and refilling levels215
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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 71.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒page 201.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 201 in
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the cour se 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 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.
•
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒page 201.
•
Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. This represents a toxic danger.
•
Have the brake fluid changed every two years at the latest. Heavy use
of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system
for too long. This would seriously affect the efficiency of the brakes and the
safety of the vehicle. This may be an accident risk.Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid must be drained and disposed of in the proper manner observing
environmental regulations.
WARNING (continued)
altea_ingles Seite 215 Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005 3:02 15

Checking and refilling levels217
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
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 201 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 216.
– 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 shown 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.
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires
specialist knowledge.If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long
periods, the battery should be checked by a qualified workshop between the
scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle, the
battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have the
vehicle battery checked by an Authorised Service Centre where it will be re-
charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of their location and
has special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety spec-
ifications of your vehicle.
WARNING
•
We recommend you use only maintenance-free or cycle free leak-proof
batteries which comply with the standards T 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. This
standard applies as of 2001.
•
Before starting any work on the batteries, you must read and observe
the warnings ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on page 216.
altea_ingles Seite 217 Donnerstag, 19. Mai 2005 3:02 15