Seat Cordoba 2008 Repair Manual
Manufacturer: SEAT, Model Year: 2008, Model line: Cordoba, Model: Seat Cordoba 2008Pages: 258, PDF Size: 7.87 MB
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Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Caution
We recommend that the resetting of the service interval indicator be carried 
out in an Authorised Service Centre to avoid possible faults in the vehicle.
Note
•
The indication can only be reset when  a pre-warning or warning is indi-
cated.
•
Do not reset the display between two service intervals, otherwise the 
display will be incorrect.
•
The values are stored even when the battery is disconnected.
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60Warning lampsOverview of the warning lamps
The warning lamps indicate a number of different functions and possible faults.
Fig. 40  Instrument panel with warning lamps. Some of 
the items of equipment listed here are fitted only on 
certain models/model years or are optional extras.
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Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Item
Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
   
Alternator fault ⇒page 62
   
Electro-hydraulic steering ⇒page 62
   
Engine fault (petrol engine) ⇒page 63
   
Glow plug system for diesel engine 
 If lit:  preheating active 
  If flashing:  engine fault ⇒
page 63
   
 
Turn signals in operation ⇒page 63
   
Coolant level / coolant temperature  ⇒page 63
   
Main beam switched on ⇒page 64
   
Fuel level / reserve  ⇒page 64 
   
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) * ⇒page 64
   
Parking brake applied
or low brake fluid level or
fault in brake system ⇒
page 65
   
Airbag or belt tension device system fault or airbag disabled ⇒page 25  ⇒page 28
   
Seat belt warning lamp* ⇒page 16
   
Fault in the emission control system ⇒page 65
   
Traction control system (TCS)*/Electronic stabilisation pro-
gramme (ESP)* ⇒
page 66
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62
WARNING
•
Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in 
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
•
The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a 
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your 
stationary vehicle so that it does not represent a danger.
•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area! 
Before you open the bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment, you must switch off the engine and  allow it to cool to reduce the risk 
of scalding or other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings 
⇒ page 175.Note
•
The appropriate warning lamp for a fa ult will light up in vehicles without 
warning or information texts in the display.
•
In vehicles with warning or information texts in the display, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will ligh t up and a warning or information text 
will also appear in the display.
Alternator 
 
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp 
 lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go 
out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp  lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer 
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest qualified 
workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessary 
because this will drain the battery.
If the indicator flashes the voltage is insufficient for normal vehicle 
operation.
Electro-hydraulic steering* 
The level of steering assistance depends on the vehicle speed and on the 
steering angle.
The warning lamp should li ght up for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on. It should go out when the engine has started running.
 
 
Pollen accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter ⇒page 66
   
Electronic immobiliser ⇒page 67
   
Engine oil pressure ⇒page 67
   
Trailer turn signals in operation ⇒page 67
Item
Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
A14A15A16A17
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Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
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There is a fault in the electro-hydraulic steering system if the lamp does not 
go out or lights up whilst the vehicle is in motion. Take the vehicle to the 
Authorised Service Centre as soon as possible.
Note
When towing the vehicle with the engine stopped or due to a fault in the 
power steering, this will not operate. The vehicle can still be steered, but it 
will require greater force to turn the steering wheel.Engine management 
 
This warning lamp monitors th e engine management system 
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp 
 (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition 
is switched on to show that the lamp  is working properly. It should go out 
when the engine has started running.
If a fault develops in the electronic engine management system while you are 
driving, this warning lamp will light  up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
assistance.
Glow plug system / Engine fault* 
 
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are 
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp 
 is lit
The warning lamp  lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When the 
warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away. Warning lamp 
 flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving, 
the glow plug lamp will flash 
. Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service 
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
Tu r n  si g nals  
 
The warning lamp flashes when the turn signals are in oper-
ation.Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left 
 or right 
 indi-
cator lamp flashes. Both warning lamps  will flash at the same time when the 
hazard warning lights are switched on.
If one turn signal fails, the warning  lamp will start flashing twice as fast.
Further information on the turn signals  ⇒page 92.
Coolant Level* / temperature 
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too 
high or if the coolant level is too low.There is a fault if:•
The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, while 
three acoustic warning signals  ⇒  are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant temperature 
is too high.
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64Coolant temperature too high
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. The coolant temperature is too 
high if the needle is over the warning area on the dial.  Stop the vehicle, 
switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction 
of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if neces-
sary  ⇒page 205.
If the warning lamp lights up again  after driving on for a short distance,  stop 
the vehicle and switch off the engine. Contact an Authorised Service Centre 
or a qualified workshop.
Coolant level too low
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle is in the normal 
range, top up with coolant at the earliest opportunity  ⇒.
WARNING
•
If your vehicle is immobilised for any technical reasons, move it to a 
safe distance from traffic. Turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights and 
place the warning triangle.
•
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no 
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.
•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area! 
Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment, switch off the 
engine and allow it to cool down. Alwa ys note the corresponding warnings. 
⇒ page 175
Main beam headlights 
This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.The warning lamp 
 lights up when the main beams are on or when the 
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information  ⇒page 92.
Fuel level / reserve 
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is down to 
the reserve level.This lights when only 7 litres of  fuel remain in the tank. Also, an  audible 
warning  is given. This serves as a reminder to fill up with fuel at the earliest 
opportunity  ⇒page 172.Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 
 
A warning lamp system monitors the ABS.
The warning lamp 
 should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automatic 
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
The warning lamp 
 does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•
The warning lamp does not go  out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
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The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control 
function will not function). Please take 
the vehicle to a qualified workshop as 
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS see the  ⇒page 144.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp 
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp 
, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault 
in the brake system  ⇒.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on 
⇒ page 175, “Working in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake warning lamp 
 should light up together with the ABS 
warning lamp 
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid 
level in the reservoir  ⇒page 187, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has 
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident. 
Obtain technical assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have 
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the rear 
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break 
away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assistance.
Brake system* / handbrake 
 
The warning lamp lights up if the handbrake is applied, if the 
brake fluid level falls too low or if there is a fault in the brake 
system.
This warning lamp 
 lights up if
•
If the handbrake is on
•
If the brake fluid level is too low  ⇒page 187
•
If there is a fault in the brake system
This warning lamp can light up together with the anti-lock brake system 
warning lamp.
WARNING
•
If the brake warning lamp does not  go out, or if it lights up when 
driving, the brake fluid level  ⇒page 187, “Brake fluid” in the reservoir is 
too low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain tech-
nical assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp 
 lights up together with the ABS warning 
lamp 
, the control function of the ABS could be out of action. This could 
cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the 
rear to break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
assistance.
Emission control system* 
 
This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Warning lamp 
 flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce 
speed and drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop to have the 
engine checked.
Warning lamp  is lit:
If a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the 
exhaust gas (e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to 
the nearest qualified workshop to have the engine checked.
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66Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from 
spinning when the vehicle is acceleratingThe warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on and should turn 
out after about 2 seconds.
When the TCS is operating while drivi ng, the warning lamp flashes. If the 
system is deactivated or if there is any fault in the same, the warning lamp will 
remain lit.
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the TCS oper-
ates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information see  ⇒page 143, 
“Brakes”Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
 
This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation 
programme.
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and TCS.
The warning lamp 
 has the following functions:
•
It will light for about 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on while a 
test of the function is carried out.
•
It flashes when the ESP is activated when driving.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
•
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP 
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp 
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started, 
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP.  In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then 
on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully 
functional.
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter * 
If the indicator lights 
 you may help the filter clear itself by driving in the 
appropriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in  4th or 5th gear (automatic gearbox: S 
gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h, with the engine running at approximately 
2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen build up in the filter is burned. When 
cleaning is successful, the indicator turns off.
If the indicator 
 is not deactivated, bring the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to repair the fault.
WARNING
•
Always drive according to the road weather conditions, the terrain and 
traffic. Driving recommendations should never lead to illegal maneouvers 
in surrounding traffic.
•
The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Failure to comply could result in fire.Caution
Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine particulate filter must not be refueled 
using biodiesel (RME), given that the fuel system may be damaged.
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Tips and Maintenance
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Electronic immobiliser 
Inside the key there is a chip that deac tivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into  the ignition. The immobiliser will be 
activated again automatically as soon as you pull the key out of the ignition 
lock.
The engine can, however, be started if the appropriate coded SEAT genuine 
key is used.
Note
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine SEAT 
key.Engine oil pressure 
This warning lamp indicates that the engine oil pressure is 
too low.If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three  audible 
warnings , switch off the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is too 
low, add more engine oil  ⇒page 178.
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct,  do not drive on. The 
engine must not even run at idle speed. Obtain technical assistance.
Trailer turn signals 
This warning lamp also flashe s when the turn signals are 
operated while towing a caravan or trailer.The warning lamp 
 flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a 
trailer is correctly attached and connected to the vehicle.
The warning lamp will not flash if one of the turn signals on the trailer fails.
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an 
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp 
. Please 
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL  ⇒page 146, “Electronic diff erential lock (EDL)*”.
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Steering wheel controls*
68Steering wheel controls*Audio control from controls on the steering wheel
Fig. 41  Controls on the 
steering wheel
Fig. 42  Controls on the 
steering wheel
Button Short press
Long press
Radio CD Audio CD mp3 CDCRadio CD Audio CD mp3 CDC
Volume up Continue volume up
Volume down Continue volume down
Search upwards  for station Following track Search upwards 
for station Fast forwardABAC
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