check engine Seat Altea 2007 User Guide
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Driving and the environment183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Driving and the environmentRunning-inRunning-in a new engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.Up to 1,000 kilometres
– Do not drive faster than three quarters of top speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 km
–Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed 
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).During its first few hours of running, the internal fric tion in the engine is 
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run-in gently, the life of  the engine will be increased and its oil 
consumption reduced.
Running-in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New 
brake pads should be run-in carefully for the first 200 km.During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect 
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. If you need to make an emer-
gency stop, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with 
brake pads that have been run-in.
WARNING
•
New tyres do not give maximum grip  to start with, and require running-
in. This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first 500 
km.
•
New brake pads must be “run-in” and do not have the correct friction 
properties during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity 
may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder.
Braking effect and braking distance
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by 
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the  brake pad wear. The rate 
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under 
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often 
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we 
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an 
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Driving and the environment189
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin co
nnector for the electrical connection 
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a  7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is 
available from any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to 
the maximum permitted trailer weight , you can then climb correspondingly 
steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for  altitudes up to 
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and 
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced 
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The 
weight of the vehicle and trailer co mbination must be reduced by 10% for 
every further 1,000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination  weight is the 
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer. 
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.
The figures for  trailer weights and draw bar weights  that are given on the 
data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The 
correct figures for your sp ecific model, which may be  lower than these figures 
for the towing bracket, are given in the registration documents ⇒Section 
“Technical data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as 
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them 
moving. Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker 
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in 
accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
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. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension 
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the 
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your 
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket*Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook may 
be stored in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with in structions on fitting and removing the 
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
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Driving and the environment191
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Think ahead when drivingA vehicle uses most fuel when accelera ting. If you think ahead when driving, 
you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let 
the vehicle roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next 
traffic lights are red.Regular servicingBy taking your car to an Authorised Service Centre for regular servicing you 
can establish a basis for good fuel economy  before you start driving. A well-
serviced engine gives you the benefit of  improved fuel efficiency as well as 
maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Check the  oil level every time you fill the tank  ⇒page 213. Oil consumption 
depends to a great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending 
on your personal driving style, oil consumption can be up to 1 litre per 1,000 
km.
Avoid short journeysThe engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper  working 
temperature  in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.
Directly after a cold start, the engine uses about 50-70 litres of fuel per 
100 km. This figure then drops to 20 -30 litres per 100 km after about one 
kilometre. The engine only reaches its working temperature after about  four 
kilometres, when fuel consumption will return to a normal level. You should 
therefore avoid short journeys.
The  ambient temperature  has a decisive influence.
The illustration shows the different rates of fuel consumption for the same 
distance at both +20°C and -10°C. Your vehicle will use more fuel in winter 
than in summer.
Fig. 155  Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km at 
two different ambient 
temperatures
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle197
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
WARNING
•
Never wash tyres with a cylindrical jet. Even at large spraying distances 
and short cleaning times, visible and invisible damage can occur to the 
tyres. This may cause an accident.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk 
of accident. If possible, avoid sudden braking immediately after washing 
the vehicle. You must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes carefully 
several times ⇒ page 183, “Braking effect and braking distance”.
Cleaning alloy wheelsEvery two weeks
– Wash salt and brake dust from alloy wheels.
– Use an acid free detergent to clean the wheels.
Every three months
– Apply a hard wax compound to the wheels.Alloy wheels require regular attention to preserve their appearance. It is 
important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at 
regular intervals, otherwise the finish will be impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheels.
Car polish or other abrasive agents should not be used. If the protective 
coating is damaged, e.g. by stone impact, the damaged area should be 
repaired immediately.
WARNING
•
Never wash tyres with a cylindrical jet. Even at large spraying distances 
and short cleaning times, visible and invisible damage can occur to the 
tyres. This may cause an accident.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes  may affect braking efficiency. Risk 
of accident. If possible, avoid sudden braking immediately after washing 
the vehicle. You must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes carefully 
several times ⇒ page 183, “Braking effect and braking distance”.
Underbody sealant
The underside of the vehicle is coated to protect it from corro-
sion and damage.The protective coating could be damage d when driving. We recommend that 
the protective coating under the body and on the running gear should be 
checked, and reinstated if necessary, before and after the winter season.
We recommend that repair work and addi tional anti-corrosion work is carried 
out by your Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corros ion coatings to the exhaust pipes, 
catalytic converter or the heat shield s on the exhaust system. The heat of 
the exhaust system or the engine could cause them to ignite! This is a fire 
hazard.
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Checking and refilling levels
206
− Insert the fuel nozzle into the mouth of the canister as far as 
possible.
− If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filling nozzle must be 
in contact with the canister during filling. This helps prevent an electro-
static charge building up.
− Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment. Fuel 
vapours are explosive. Danger of death.Caution
•
Fuel spills should be removed  from the paintwork immediately.
•
Never run the tank completely dry. An  irregular fuel supply could cause 
misfiring. As a result, unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and 
cause damage.For the sake of the environment
Do not try to put in more fuel after the automatic filler nozzle has switched off; 
this may cause the fuel to overflow if it becomes warm.PetrolPetrol types
The correct petrol types are listed on a sticker inside the fuel 
tank flap.Only  unleaded petrol, corresponding to the standard DIN EN 228 , may be 
used for vehicles with catalytic converters (EN = “European Norm”). Petrol types are categorised according to their 
octane number, e. g. 91, 95, 
98 RON (RON = “research octane number”). You may use petrol with a higher 
octane number than the one recommended for your engine. However, this 
has no advantage in terms of fuel consumption and engine power.
Caution
•
Even one tankfull of leaded fuel would permanently impair the efficiency 
of the catalytic converter.
•
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.For the sake of the environment
Just one full tank of leaded fuel would  seriously impair the efficiency of the 
catalytic converter.Petrol additives
Petrol additives improve the quality of the petrol.The quality of the petrol influences  running behaviour, performance and 
service life of the engine. For this reason you should use good quality petrol 
containing additives. These additives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the 
fuel system clean and prevent deposits from building up in the engine.
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems occur, 
the required additives must  be added during refuelling.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
208Winter 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. 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 conditions 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 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-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 place 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 210.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 201. The engine compartmen t of any motor vehicle is a 
hazardous area  ⇒.
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Checking and refilling levels209
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and 
refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk 
of accident or fire.•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment. Otherwis e, there is a risk of sustaining 
burns. Wait until no more steam or  coolant is emitted, then allow the 
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.
•
Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
•
Apply the handbrake and move the gear stick to neutral or selector 
lever to position P.
•
Keep children away from the vehicle.
•
Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.
•
Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This 
is a fire hazard.
•
Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the 
points where the jump leads are attached  ⇒page 259. The battery could 
explode.
•
Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could 
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the 
key removed from the ignition!
•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. 
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick 
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths 
and tools, in the engine compartment.
•
If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable 
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A 
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of 
injury.
•
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., and 
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the 
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
− Ensure that jewellery, loose cl othing and long hair do not get 
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any 
work remove jewellery, tie back and  cover hair, and wear tight-fitting 
clothes.
− Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is 
engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. The vehicle could 
move, even if the handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
•
If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following sa fety notes in addition to the above 
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when 
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames.
− Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.Caution
When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you 
fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs.  Failure to observe this point will result 
in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
210
For the sake of the environmentService fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you 
should make regular checks on the gr ound 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. 158 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be 
released by a spring action  ⇒.
– Lift the bonnet using the release 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. 158  Detail of the foot 
well: The release lever for 
the bonnet is located in 
the driver side foot well
Fig. 159  Arrester hook 
for bonnet.
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Checking and refilling levels211
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bonnet, 
then carefully open the bonnet.
•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings ⇒ page 208.
Closing the bonnet– Raise the bonnet slightly
– Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its support.
– At a height of about 30 cm let it fall so it is locked.If the bonnet does not close, do not pr ess downwards. Open it once more and 
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could open while you are driving and 
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•
After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The 
bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.
•
If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is 
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk 
of accident.
Engine oilEngine oil specifications
The engine oil used must conform with exact specifications.Specifications
The engine comes with a special, high quality, multi-grade oil that can be 
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme 
cold.
As the use of good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long 
service life of the engine, when it be comes necessary to replenish or change 
the oil, always use an oil that complies to the VW standards.
If it is not possible to find oil co nforming to the VW standards then oil 
conforming to the ACEA or API standa rds with an appropriate viscosity at 
atmospheric temperature should be used instead. The use of this type of oil 
may have some repercussions on the performance of the engine for example, 
long starting time, increased consumption and a higher emission level.
If a top up is required then different oils may be mixed as long as they all 
conform to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should 
appear on the container of the service oil; the container will display together 
the different standards for petrol and diesel engines, the oil can be used for 
both types of engines.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
212Oil 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.
Mono-grade oil
Single grade oils are generally not suitable for all year round use, due to 
ranges of viscosity
18). These oils are only useful in a climate 
that is constantly very cold or very 
warm.
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed  with the engine oil. The deterioration 
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Fig. 160  Types of oil 
according to temperature
Engine type Specification
Petrol VW 501 01/ VW 502 00/ VW 504 00
Diesel VW 505 00/ VW 505 01/ VW 507 00/ VW 506 01
Diesel Injector Pump
a)
a)Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
VW 505 01/ VW 507 00/ VW 506 01
Diesel Injector Pump Motor 118 kW
a)
VW 506 01/ VW 507 00
Diesel Engines with Particulate filter (DPF)
a)
VW 507 00
18)Viscosity: Ability to flow
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