check engine light Seat Exeo 2008 User Guide
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Cockpit75
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Auto-check systemIntroductionThe auto-check system checks important components and vehicle systems. 
These background checks are run consta ntly, as long as the ignition is 
switched on.
A message is displayed in the instrument  panel if a fault should occur or if any 
maintenance or repairs are urgently required. This is accompanied by an 
audible warning signal. Depending on the pr iority of the fault, a red or yellow 
warning symbol lights up in the display.
The red symbols indicate a  danger, whereas the yellow ones represent a 
warning . Additional messages to assist the driver may be shown with the red 
or yellow symbols.
Driver messages
Additional messages to assist the driver are displayed 
together with the warning symbols in the instrument panel.Driver messages and red symbols
If a red warning symbol appears in the display, you can press the   
button  ⇒fig. 52  to call up an additional driver message.
For example: in the event of an oil pressure malfunction, the oil pressure 
symbol 
 will appear in the display. If you now press the   button, the 
following message will appear in the display:
Switch off engine, check oil level
The message will disappear from the display after about 5 seconds. If 
required, the message can be called up again by briefly pressing the   
button.
Fig. 52  Instrument panel: 
CHECK button
CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
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Cockpit77
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
The red symbols are used to indicate a Priority 1 fault (serious malfunction).
A red symbol is accompanied by 
three warning chimes. The symbols will keep 
flashing until the faults are corrected. If several  Priority 1 faults are detected 
at the same time, the symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 
seconds.
Fault in the brake system 
A fault in the brake system should be rectified as soon as 
possible.If the symbol 
 flashes in the display, there is a fault in the brake 
system. One of the following messages will appear in the display 
together with the symbol:
Stop vehicle, check brake fluid and hydraulic fluid levels
Warning! Fault in brake system (ABS) Please visit garage
– Stop the vehicle.
–Check the brake fluid level ⇒ page 222.
If the ABS fails, the ABS warning lamp 
 will light up together with the brake 
system fault symbol 
  ⇒ .
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, observe 
the warning information in  ⇒page 213, “Work in the engine compart-
ment”.
•
If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this could result in an 
accident. Do not drive on. Obtain technical assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning 
lamp, this can mean that the control fun ction of the ABS is out of action. As 
a result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. Under 
certain circumstances, the rear of the vehicle could suddenly sway from 
side to side, with the subsequent danger of skidding. Drive carefully to the 
nearest specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
Fault in the cooling system 
Faults in the cooling system must be rectified immediately.If the 
 symbol flashes in the display, this means that either the 
coolant  temperature is too high or the coolant  level is too low. The 
following message will appear in the display together with the 
symbol:
Switch off engine and check coolant level
–Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the coolant level  ⇒page 218.
– Add more coolant if necessary  ⇒page 218.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the over heating may be caused by a malfunction 
of the radiator fan.
WARNING (continued)
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Cockpit
78If the alternator warning  lamp lights up as well ⇒page 69, it is possible that 
the drive belt has broken.
Caution
Do not drive on if the symbol 
 has come on to indicate a fault in the cooling 
system, otherwise there is a risk of engine damage.
Engine oil pressure too low 
If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be rectified 
immediately.If the 
 symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure is too low. 
The following message will appear in the display together with the 
symbol:
Switch off engine, check oil level
–Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the engine oil level  ⇒page 215.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
Engine oil level too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil  ⇒page 216.
Engine oil level correct
If the 
 symbol flashes and the engine oil  level is correct, obtain profes-
sional assistance. Do not drive on. Do not continue to run the engine,  even at 
idle speed .
Note
The oil pressure warning lamp 
 is not an indicator for the oil level. The oil 
level should therefore be checked regularl y, preferably every time you fill the 
tank.
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol indicates a warning.
Fuel level low
⇒ page 79
Diesel particulate filter* obstructed
⇒page 79
Light sensor/ rain sensor faulty
⇒page 79
F i g .  5 4  D i s p l a y :  F u e l  l e v e l  
low
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Cockpit79
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Yellow symbols are used to indicate a Priority 2 fault (warning).
Yellow symbols are accompanied by 
one warning chime. The function indi-
cated should be checked as soon as possible. If several Priority 2 faults are 
detected at the same time, the symbols are displayed one after the other for 
about 2 seconds at a time.
Fuel level low 
When this symbol 
 comes on for the first time, there are about 8 to 10 litres 
of fuel left in the tank. You should fill up as soon as possible  ⇒page 208.
Diesel particulate filter obstructed 
If the symbol 
 lights up, you may be able to contribute towards automatic 
filter cleaning by driving in the right  manner. You should drive at a speed of 
at least 60 km/h for about 15 minutes in  4th or 5th gear, at an engine speed 
of around 2000 rpm. The increase in temperature will burn off any soot in the 
filter. When cleaning is successful, the symbol switches off.
If the light on symbol 
 does not go off, take the vehicle to a specialist 
garage to repair the fault.
For further information on the diesel particulate filter, see  ⇒page 183.
WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your sp eed to suit the weather, road, terrain 
and traffic conditions. The recommended  driving speed must never lead to 
the driver disregarding the traffic regulations.Light sensor/ rain sensor faulty 
 Automatic headlights / automatic wipers faulty
If the  symbol appears, this means that the light sensor / rain sensor is not 
working. For safety reasons, the dipp ed beam headlights will then be 
switched on permanently when the light switch is set to the  AUTO position. 
However, you can still switch the lights on and off in the normal way with the 
Brake pad worn
⇒ page 80
Speed warning 1
⇒page 80
Dynamic headlight range control* 
faulty
⇒page 80
Self-directing headlights* faulty
⇒page 80
Washer fluid level low*
⇒page 80
Speed warning 2*
⇒page 80
Battery voltage too high or too low*
⇒page 80
Bulb monitor*
⇒page 81
Tyre pressure monitoring system* 
Loss of pressure
⇒page 88
TPMS
Tyre pressure monitoring system* 
System not available
⇒page 66
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Unlocking and locking
104Anti-theft alarm system*Description
The system triggers an alarm if  anyone attempts to break into 
the vehicle.The anti-theft alarm helps to prevent the vehicle being broken into or stolen. 
If the system senses interference with  the vehicle, it triggers an audible and 
visible alarm.
How is the system enabled?
The anti-theft alarm system is enabled automatically when the vehicle is 
locked with the remote control or by turning the key in the driver's door (if the 
door is closed). The system is enabled about 30 seconds after the vehicle is 
locked.
How is the system disabled?
The anti-theft alarm is only disabled when the vehicle is unlocked using the 
remote control. The vehicle will lock again automatically if none of the doors 
is opened within 60 seconds after pressing the remote control button.
If the vehicle is unlocked by turning the key in the driver's door, all the other 
doors, the tailgate and the tank flap will remain locked.
If the vehicle has been unlocked with the key in the driver's door, the key must 
be inserted in the ignition lock and the ignition switched on within 15 
seconds of opening the door in order to disable the alarm.  The alarm will be 
triggered  if the ignition is  not switched on within 15 seconds.
When does the system trigger the alarm?
The following parts of the car are monitored when the vehicle is locked:•
Engine compartment (bonnet)
•
Boot
•
Doors
•
Tilt angle (tow-a way protection)
•
Ignition
•
Radio (only with a factory-fitted SEAT radio)
•
Interior ⇒page 105
If any of the named areas are entered, the alarm will be triggered.
How is the alarm disabled?
The alarm can be switched off by unlocking the vehicle using the remote 
control, or by switching on the igniti on with the key, thus “disabling” the 
alarm system. The alarm will also switch off when it comes to the end of its 
cycle.
Indicators
The indicators flash briefly when the vehicle is locked to confirm that the 
doors, the engine bonnet and the tailgate are properly closed and locked.
If the indicators do not flash, check the doors, the bonnet and the tailgate to 
make sure they are properly closed. The indicators will also flash briefly if one 
of the doors or the tailgate or engine bonnet are closed after the alarm system 
has been enabled.
LED
When the vehicle is locked, the LED on the top of the driver's door trim will 
flash rapidly for about 30 seconds and then continue flashing slowly. This is 
to indicate that the anti-theft alarm system (including the  interior monitor 
and  tow-away protection) is operative. If the LED lights up continuously for 
about 30 seconds when the vehicle is locked instead of flashing, this means 
the alarm system is not working properly.Note
•
To make sure that the alarm is fully operative when leaving the vehicle, 
briefly check that all the doors and windows and the sun roof* are closed.
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Trailer towing187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
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.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your car, and adjust for “full load” conditions 
(refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the door pillar). It may also be 
necessary to adjust the tyre pressures  on the trailer according to the recom-
mendations of the trailer manufacturer.
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. The two exterior mi rrors should be fitted on folding arms. Adjust the 
mirrors to give sufficient rear vision.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, check the headlight beam settings with the trailer 
hitched up. If necessary, alter the height of the headlight beams by means of 
the headlight range control. See  ⇒page 116.
Power supply
When you remove the ignition key, the power supply to the trailer is inter-
rupted.
Removable ball joint coupling
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a  removable 
ball joint coupling. This is stored in the spare wheel well in the luggage 
compartment together with the necessary fitting instructions.
Note
If you frequently tow, we recommend you also have vehicle serviced between 
services.
Notes on towing
Towing a trailer involves additi onal attention by the driver.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very 
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be  avoided, drive extra slowly to allow 
for the unbalanced we ight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. Therefore, 
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in an unfavour-
able road, weather or wind conditions. This especially applies when driving 
downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest 
sign of  swaying. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Anticipate hazards and brake in good time. If towing a trailer with an inertia 
brake , first brake  gently and then more severely. This will prevent brake 
tapping by the trailer wheels when they lock. Select a low gear in due course 
before going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine 
braking to slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching  can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recommend 
having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a high trailer load. 
They can be purchased and installed at a Dealer.
Reheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather wi th the engine running fast in low 
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge  ⇒page 60. 
Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to the right end of the scale. 
If the temperature warning light 
 in the instrument  cluster should start 
flashing, stop the car and let the engine cool down by running it  at idling 
speed  for a few minutes.
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Checking and refilling levels211
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
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 may be slightly higher.
•
RME fuel is resistant to the cold down to approx. -10°C.
•
At temperatures below -10°C, we re
commend using winter diesel fuel.
•
Your vehicle is designed to be refuelled with up to a maximum of 7% 
blended biodiesel.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 meet 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 you that, when having run 300 or 400 km after a 
fuel change, the fuel filter change must  also be done. Also note the instruc-
tions in the Inspection 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.
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 wax separation. 
Therefore, 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 generally sold 
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service 
Centre or filling stations in the countr y 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-g rade 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.
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Checking and refilling levels
218tion. The damage caused by the use of these anti-freezes may lead to a loss 
of liquid coolant, causing serious damage to the engine.•
The anti-freeze G12++ can be mixed on ly with anti-freeze additives G11, 
G12 and G12+.
Checking the liquid coolant level
The liquid coolant level can be checked at a glance.– Switch the ignition off.
– Check the coolant level on liquid coolant expansion tank  ⇒fig. 167. When the engine is cold, it should be between the 
“min” and “max” marks. When the engine is hot, it may be 
slightly above the “max” mark.Its location is shown in the correspon ding general overview of the engine 
compartment. The liquid coolant level should be checked with the engine switched off.
The liquid coolant level is monitored 
by a warning lamp in the instrument 
panel ⇒ page 77. However, we recommend that it should be checked occa-
sionally.
Liquid coolant losses
Any loss of liquid coolant normally indicates a  leak in the cooling system. In 
this case the cooling system should be  inspected by a specialist garage 
without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the liquid coolant.
If there are  no leaks in the system, a loss of liquid coolant can only occur if 
the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of overheating.
Caution
Radiator sealants must not be added to the liquid coolant. Such additives 
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system.Topping up the liquid coolant
Be careful when topping up with liquid coolant.– Switch the engine off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank  ⇒fig. 167  with a  cloth, an d 
carefully  unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒ .
– Add liquid coolant.
– Screw on the cap  tightly.
Fig. 167  Engine compart-
ment: Liquid coolant 
deposit
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Checking and refilling levels
220Washer fluid and windscreen wiper bladesWindscreen washer system
Plain water on its own is not sufficient for the windscreen 
washer system.The container for the windscreen washer contains the cleaning fluid for the 
windscreen and the headlight washer system*. The container is located in the 
engine compartment (front left). Th e filler cap is marked with the symbol 
 
⇒ fig. 168 .
The capacity  of the container is listed in  ⇒page 282.
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean the glass properly. It is therefore 
advisable to add a suitable washer fluid additive (with wax solvent) to the 
water. A washer fluid with freeze-resistant additive should be used in winter.
Caution
•
Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen 
washer fluid.
•
Never use washer fluid which contains paint thinners or solvents as it can 
damage the paintwork.
Fig. 168  In the engine 
compartment: Cap of 
windscreen washer fluid 
reservoir.
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Checking and refilling levels
222•
To prevent smearing on the windscreen, the wiper blades should be 
cleaned regularly using a window cleaner solution. If the wiper blades are 
very dirty (e.g. insects etc.), they should be cleaned using a sponge or 
cloth. Failure to do so co uld result in an accident.
•
For safety reasons, 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.
Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid level can be checked at a glance.The brake fluid level must be between the “Min” and “Max”  ⇒fig. 171  mark-
ings.
The fluid level may drop  slightly after a period of time due to the automatic 
compensation for brake pad wear. This is quite normal.
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. If the fluid level in the 
reservoir is too low, this will be  indicated by the brake warning lamp 
⇒ page 70 and ⇒ page 77. If this should happen,  take the car to a qualified 
workshop immediately and have the brake system inspected.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 171  Engine compart-
ment: markings on brake 
fluid reservoir
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