check engine Seat Exeo 2009 Owner's Guide

Checking and refilling levels225
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
– Carefully put in the specified grade of oil ⇒page 223, adding
0.5 litres at a time.
– After two minutes, check the oil level once again ⇒page 224.
– Where necessary, add more engine oil.
– Replace the oil filler cap carefully and push the dipstick all the way in.
WARNING
•When refilling with oil, make sure no oil falls onto hot engine parts.
Failure to comply could result in fire.•Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.Caution
•The oil level must never be above area . This could damage the cata-
lytic converter or the engine. Contact a specialist garage to drain the engine
oil if necessary.•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.For the sake of the environment
•Oil must not be disposed of into the drains or onto the ground.•Always observe legal requirements when disposing of empty oil
canisters.
Cooling systemLiquid coolant
The purpose of the liquid coolant is to carry heat away from
the engine. The correct amount of antifreeze is decisive in
preventing the cooling system from freezing in winter.The your vehicle's engine cooling system is filled for life at the factory, so no
coolant needs to be changed. The liquid coolant consists of a mixture of water
and anti-freeze G12++. This is a glycol-based antifreeze with anti-corrosion
additives.
Liquid coolant additive
The amount of antifreeze required depends on the temperatures to be
expected in the winter season. If the antifreeze concentration is too low the
coolant can freeze, resulting in failure of the cooling system and heater.
The cooling system is filled at the factory with the correct amount of anti-
freeze for the country concerned.
In most cases, the mixture consists of 60% water and 40% anti-freeze . This
mixture gives the required anti-freeze protection at temperatures down to
-25°C and particularly protects the metal parts of the cooling system against
corrosion. It also prevents scaling and significantly raises the boiling point of
the liquid coolant.
Countries with warm climate
The liquid coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding plain water,
even in the summer or in warm climates. The concentration of the anti-freeze
must always be at least 40%.
Countries with cold climate
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
the anti-freeze G12++ can be increased. A concentration of 60% offers anti-
Aa
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Checking and refilling levels
226freeze protection of temperatures down to approx. -40°C. However, the
concentration of anti-freeze must not exceed 60%, as the anti-freeze protec-
tion would then drop and the performance of the coolant system would suffer.
Vehicles for countries with cold climates (e.g. Sweden, Norway and Finland)
have factory-filled anti-freeze protection for temperatures down to -35°C. In
these countries, the concentration of anti-freeze should always be at least
50%.
Caution
•It is advisable to have the cooling system checked before the winter
season to make sure that the antifreeze concentration is adequate for the
conditions to be expected. This applies particularly if you intend to take the
car into a colder climate zone. If necessary, have the antifreeze concentration
increased to 50 - 60% as required.•Use only anti-freeze G12++ , an additive meeting the “TL-VW 774G” spec-
ification. Other anti-freezes may give considerably inferior corrosion protec-
tion. 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 only 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. 172 . 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 corresponding 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 78. However, we recommend that it should be checked occa-
sionally.
Fig. 172 Engine compart-
ment: Liquid coolant
deposit
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Checking and refilling levels227
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
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 ⇒page 226, fig. 172 with a
cloth, and carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒.
– Add liquid coolant.
– Screw on the cap tightly.Make sure that the liquid coolant meets the required specifications
⇒page 225, “Liquid coolant”. Do not use a different type of anti-freeze if
anti-freeze G12++ is not available. In this case, use only water and bring the
anti-freeze concentration back up to the correct level as soon as possible.
Always top up with new liquid coolant. Do not fill above the “max” mark. Excess liquid coolant is forced out of the
system through the valve in the filler cap when the engine gets hot.
If a lot of liquid coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to
cool down before
putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in serious engine
damage.
WARNING
•The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap on the
expansion tank when the engine is hot. Failure to comply could result in
burns.•The anti-freeze and liquid coolant can be a health hazard. Therefore,
the anti-freeze should be stored in the original container in a safe place out
of reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used coolant into
a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper manner (observe environ-
mental regulations).Radiator fan
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously.The auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as 10 minutes after stopping
the engine – even after the ignition is switched off. It may also start running
suddenly ⇒ after some while if•stored heat raises the coolant temperature, or•the hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the sun.
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Checking and refilling levels
228
WARNING
when working in the engine compartment be aware that the radiator fan
may start running suddenly, leading to the risk of injury.Washer 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). The fi ller cap is marked with the symbol

⇒ fig. 173 . The
capacity of the container is listed in ⇒page 289.
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. 173 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
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Checking and refilling levels
230•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 could 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.
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. 176 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. 176 Engine compart-
ment: markings on brake
fluid reservoir
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Checking and refilling levels
232Winter operations
The battery is drained more in cold weather, which means that the starting
power is reduced. For this reason, have the battery checked and charged if
necessary before the start of winter.
Replacing the battery
A replacement battery must have the same capacity, voltage and current
rating. It must also have the same di mensions as the original, factory-fitted
battery and have sealed caps. The SEAT batteries which have been specially
developed fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety specifications for
your vehicle.
We recommend you use maintenance-free batteries.
WARNING
•All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. If work is required
on the battery, this should be performed by a Technical Service or
specialist garage. Danger of caustic burns and explosion!•The battery must not be opened. Never try to change the battery's
liquid level. Explosive gas is released from the battery that could lead to an
explosion.Caution
•The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured.•Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the warnings
listed under ⇒.For the sake of the environment
 Batteries contain toxic substances including sulphuric acid and lead.
Therefore, they must be disposed in line with environmental regulations and
must not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Make sure discon-
nected batteries cannot tip over. Sulphuric acid could be spilt!
Important safety warnings for handling a car batteryThe battery is located at the back of the engine compartment ⇒page 289.
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical
system:•Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes, skin and clothing from acid and
particles containing lead.•Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves and
eye protection. Do not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through the
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralize any acid
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.•Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited. When handling
cables and electrical equipment, av oid causing sparks and electrostatic
charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause
injury.
Wear eye protection

Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective
gloves and eye protection!

Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited!

A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the bat-
tery is under charge.

Keep children away from acid and batteries!
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Checking and refilling levels233
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is
under charge. The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room
only.•Keep children away from acid and batteries.•Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the
engine, the ignition and all consumers. The negative cable on the battery
must be disconnected. When a light bulb is changed, you need only switch
off the light.•Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you
disconnect the battery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.•When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system,
disconnect first the negative cable and then the positive cable.•Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery.
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable. Never
reverse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.•Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery which
has frozen. A flat battery can freeze at temperatures around 0°.•Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.•Never use a defective battery. This may be fatally explosive. Replace a
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine
is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents.•Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time, as
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.•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.
Charging the battery
A fully-charged battery is important for reliable starting.–Note the warnings ⇒ in “Important safety warnings for
handling a car battery” on page 232 and ⇒.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
– Only if “fast-charging”: both battery cables must be discon- nected (first the “negative” cable, then the “positive” cable).
– Connect the charger cables to the battery terminals, noting the colour code (red is used for “positive”, black or brown for “nega-
tive”).
– Now connect the battery charger to the power point and switch on.
– After charging the battery: switch off the battery charger and disconnect the power point cable.
– Finally disconnect the charger cables from the battery.
– If necessary, reconnect both battery cables to the battery (first the “positive” cable, then the “negative” cable).When charging with a low current (for instance with a small battery charger)
the battery does not normally have to be disconnected. However, both
battery cables must be disconnected before “ fast-charging” the battery with
a high current. However, always follow the instructions given by the manufac-
turer of the battery charger.
The fast-charging procedure for a battery is dangerous ⇒ in “Important
safety warnings for handling a car battery” on page 232, as it requires a
WARNING (continued)
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Wheels and tyres237
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Significant tyre pressure lossThe tyre symbol
 is displayed and indicates that the tyre pressure for a least
one tyre is insufficient.
- Stop the vehicle.
- Switch the engine off.
- Check the tyre(s).
- Change the wheel if necessary.
Tyre pressure monitoring (RKA+)*
The type pressure monitor display on the instrument panel
indicates that the pressure is too low.The tyre pressure monitoring system makes use of the ABS sensors to
compare the rolling circumference and the frequency characteristics of the wheels. If the rolling circumference or frequency characteristic changes on
one or more wheels, the tyre pressure warning lamp
 will light up. The fault
will also be indicated by a warning buzzer. The position of the affected tyre
will also be shown (if only one tyre is affected) on the centre display of the
instrument panel.
The rolling circumference and frequency characteristics can change if:
•the tyre pressure is too low.•the tyre has suffered structural damage.•the wheels or the inflation pressures have been changed without initial-
ising the system (see Adjusting the tyre pressure settings).•there is a greater load on the wheels of one axle (e.g. if you are carrying
more passengers or luggage).•the road surface under the left wheels is different to the road surface
under the right wheels for a long period.•when driving with snow chains.
Adjusting the tyre pressure settings (initialising the tyre pressure
monitoring system)
After any incident regarding the wheels of your vehicle, e.g. after modify the
tyre pressure ⇒page 238 or after changing of swapping around wheels ⇒
page 180 - with the vehicle at a standstill and the engine running - press
⇒ fig. 177 . The yellow warning lamp
 will light up. Hold the button down
for 2 seconds until the warning lamp goes out and an acoustic warning is
given. You can now release the button.
If the wheels are subjected to extremely stress (e.g. heavy load), the tyre pres-
sure must be increased to the recommended value for the maximum load
(see the adhesive label on the inside of the fuel tank flap) and then initialise
the system.
Tyre pressure warning lamp on
When you switch on the ignition, the tyre pressure warning lamp
 will light
up for about 2 seconds. There is a fault in the system if the indicator stays on
permanently after switching on the ignition. The instrument panel also
Fig. 177 Detailed view of
the centre console: Button
for the tyre pressure
monitoring system
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If and when265
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
WARNING
•Take particular care when working on components in the engine
compartment if the engine is warm - risk of burns!•Bulbs are highly sensitive to pressure. The glass can break when you
touch the bulb, causing injury.•The high voltage element of gas discharge lamps* (xenon light) must
be handled correctly. Otherwise, there is a risk of death.•When changing bulbs, please take care not to injure yourself on sharp
parts in the headlight housing.Caution
•Remove the ignition key before working on the electric system. If not, a
short circuit could occur.•Switch off the lights or parking lights before you change a bulb.For the sake of the environment
Please ask your specialist retailer how to dispose of used bulbs in the proper
manner.
Note
•Depending on weather conditions (cold or wet), the front lights, the fog
lights, the rear lights and the indicators may be temporarily misted. This does not affect the useful life of the lighting system. By switching on the lights, the
area through which the beam of light is projected will quickly be demisted.
However, the edges may continue to be misted.
•Please check at regular intervals that all lighting (especially the exterior
lighting) on your vehicle is functioning pr operly. This is not only in the interest
of your own safety, but also in that of all other road users.•Before changing a bulb, make sure you have the correct new bulb.•Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare hands, use a cloth
or paper towel instead. Otherwise, the fingerprints left on the glass will
vaporise as a result of the heat generated by the bulb, be deposited on the
reflector and impair its surface.Removing the air duct
The air duct has to be removed to gain access to the bulbs for
the right-side headlight.
Bulb
Type
Xenon bulbs
12 V/35 W (D1S)
DRL (day light)
12 V/21 W (P21W SLL)
Indicator light
12 V/21 W (PY21W)
Side lights
12 V/5 W (W5W blue LL)
Fig. 204 Air duct on right
side of vehicle
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Technical Data289
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Te c h n i c a l D a t aChecking fluid levelsFrom time to time, the levels of the different fluids in the
vehicle must be checked. Never fill with incorrect fluids,
otherwise serious damage to the engine may be caused.Fig. 233 Diagram for the location of the various elements
Vehicle battery
Engine oil filler cap
Brake fluid reservoir
Engine oil dipstick.
Coolant expansion tank
Windscreen washer fluid container
Hydraulic fluid reservoir for power steering
The checking and refilling of service fluids are carried out on the components
mentioned above. These operations are described in the ⇒page 221.
Overview
Further explanations, instructions and restrictions on the technical data are
contained as of ⇒page 285.Note
The layout of parts may vary depending on the engine.A1A2A3A4A5A6A7
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