Seat Leon 5D 2011 Owner's manual

219
Checking and refilling levels
Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Fig. 142 Detail of foot-
well area on driver side:
lever for unlocking the
bonnet.
Fig. 143 Arrester hook
for bonnet.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are
in rest position. –
To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dash panel
⇒ fig. 142 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.
● Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bon-
net, then carefully open the bonnet.
● When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 217.

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 press downwards. Open it once more
and let it fall as before. 
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220Checking and refilling levels
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 oil General notes
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 becomes necessary to replenish or
change the oil, always use an oil that complies to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should ap-
pear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the
oil can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change, indicated in the Maintenance Pro-
gramme, be performed by an Authorised Service Centre or a specialised
workshop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in ⇒ page 221, Oil
properties. Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife service) or fixed (dependent on
time/distance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the Maintenance Programme
booklet is QG1, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service pro-
grammed. If it has the codes QG0 or QG2 the interval service is dependent
on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the
characteristics and individual driving profiles, allow to extend the oil
change service (LongLife service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the service intervals, it
must only
be used observing the following indications:
● Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service intervals.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 221 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up
(once) with oil for fixed service intervals ⇒  page 221 (up to a maximum of
0.5 litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife service interval” or it has been
disabled (by request), you may use oils for fixed service intervals, which al-
so appear in ⇒ page 221, Oil properties. In this case, your vehicle must be
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15 000 km (whatever comes first)
⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme.
● In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 221 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you
can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification ACEA A2 or
ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel engines) (up to 0.5
l). 

221
Checking and refilling levels
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The “Maintenance Programme” states whether your vehicle is fitted with a
diesel particulate filter.
Only VW 507 00 engine oil, with reduced ash formation, may be used in die-
sel engines equipped with particulate filter. Using other types of oil will
cause a higher soot concentration and reduce the life of the DPF. Therefore:
● Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 221 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you
can use a small quantity of oil (once) conforming to the VW 506 00,
VW 506 01, VW 505 00, VW 505 01 or ACEA B3 / ACEA B4 specification. (up
to 0.5 l). 
Oil properties
Engine typeSpecificationPetrol without flexible service in-
tervalVW 502 00/ VW 504 00
Petrol with flexible service inter-
val (LongLife)VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines without Particu-
late filter (DPF)VW 505 01 / VW 506 01 / VW 507 00
Diesel. Engines with particulate
filter (DPF)
With or without flexible service in-
terval (with or without LongLife) a)VW 507 00
a)
Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
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.
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed. 
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.
Fig. 144 Engine oil dip-
stick
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the service tempera-
ture is reached and stop.
– Wait two minutes. 
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222Checking and refilling levels
–Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and
insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil level ⇒ fig. 144.
Top up with engine oil if necessary.
Oil level in area A
Do not add oil.
Oil level in area B
Oil
can be topped up. The indicated oil level should be after in zone A
Oil level in area COil
must be topped up. The indicated oil level should be after in zone
A
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is
used, oil consumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely
to be higher for the first 5000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before
a journey.
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 217.
CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A 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.
Fig. 145 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ 
in
Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment on
page 217.
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening ⇒ fig. 145.
– 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 B
, carefully close the cap.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment illustration ⇒ page 273. 

223
Checking and refilling levels
Engine oil specification ⇒ page 220.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot
engine components when topping up.
CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A. Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the ex-
haust system. 
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the
service schedule. We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge re-
quired!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
⇒ page 217, Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment.
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.
● When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm
horizontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.
● Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of
the reach of children.
CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil. This could result in engine
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
● Because of the disposal problems, the necessary special tools and spe-
cialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil and
filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.
● Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
● Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be large
enough to hold all the engine oil. 
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224Checking and refilling levels
Coolant
Coolant 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 provides the necessary freeze protec-
tion 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 freeze
protection is not required.
If greater freeze 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
freeze protection. It would also reduce the cooling effect. A mixture with
60% additive will give antifreeze protection to approx. -40°C.
WARNING
● The coolant additive is toxic. There is a toxic risk. 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 outside temperatures, the coolant
could freeze, causing the vehicle to breakdown. As the heater would not
work either, there is a risk of freezing to death.
CAUTION
● Other additives may give considerably inferior corrosion protection. The
resulting corrosion in the cooling system can lead to a loss of coolant, caus-
ing 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 function-
ing of the engine cooling system.
Fig. 146 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ 
in
Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment on
page 217. 

225
Checking and refilling levels
Opening the coolant expansion tank
– Switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
– To prevent scalding, cover the cap on the expansion tank with a
thick cloth and carefully unscrew the cap ⇒ 
.
Checking coolant level
– Look into the open coolant expansion tank and read off the
coolant level.
– If the level is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant.
Topping up coolant
– Only use new coolant liquid.
– Do not fill above the “MAX” mark.
Closing the coolant expansion tank
– Screw the cap on again tightly.
The position of the coolant expansion reservoir is shown in the correspond-
ing engine compartment illustration ⇒ page 273.
Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications ⇒ page 224.
Do not use a different type of additive if additive G 12+ is not available. In
this case use only water and bring the coolant concentration back up to the
correct level as soon as possible by putting in the specified additive
⇒  page 224.
Always top up with new coolant.
Do not fill above the “MAX” mark. Otherwise the excess coolant will be
forced out of the cooling system when the engine is hot.
The additive G 12+ (purple) may be mixed with G 12 (red) and also with G
11.
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 217.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised!
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
This is a burn injury risk.
CAUTION
● When mixed with other additives the colour of G 12 will change to
brown. If this occurs you should have the coolant changed immediately.
Failure to do so will result in engine damage!
● If a lot of coolant fluid has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down
before putting in cold coolant. This avoids damaging the engine. Large cool-
ant losses are an indication of leaks in the cooling system. See a special-
ised workshop immediately and have the cooling system checked. Other-
wise, there is a risk of engine damage. 
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226Checking and refilling levels
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades
Topping up washer fluid 
The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be
mixed with washer fluid.
Fig. 147 In the engine
compartment: Cap of
windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
The windscreen washer and the headlight washers are supplied with fluid
from the windscreen washer fluid 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 rec-
ommend that you always add a product to the windscreen washer fluid. Ap-
proved 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 compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 217.
CAUTION
● Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen
washer fluid.
● Always use approved windscreen cleansing products diluted as per in-
structions. If you use other washer fluids or soap solutions, the tiny holes in
the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked. 

227
Checking and refilling levels
Changing the front windscreen wiper blades
If the windscreen wiper blades are in perfect condition, you
will benefit from an improved visibility. Damaged wiper
blades should be replaced immediately.
Fig. 148 Changing the
front wiper blades
Changing wiper blades can be done in both the rest and horizontal
positions. Ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen.
Changing the windscreen wiper blades
– Lift the wiper arm away from the windscreen.
– Press on the side tabs A
and release the blade moving it in the
direction of the arrow 1 ⇒ fig. 148.
Fitting the wiper blade
– Insert the tab 2
into the slot 3 of the blade
⇒ fig. 148. –
Move the blade towards the arm in the opposite direction of the
arrow 1
,until it clicks into position
⇒ fig. 148.
– Push the wiper arms back against the windscreen.
If the windscreen wipers smear , they should be replaced if they are dam-
aged, or cleaned if they are soiled.
If this does not produce the desired results, the setting angle of the wind-
screen wiper arms might be incorrect. They should be checked by a special-
ised workshop and corrected if necessary.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!
● 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 bon-
net is properly closed. 
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228Checking and refilling levels
Changing the rear wiper blade
A good rear wiper blade is essential for clear rear vision.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately.
Fig. 149 Removing rear
window wiper blade
Fig. 150 Fitting the rear
window wiper blade Removing the wiper blade
–
Lift the wiper arm away from the glass ⇒ fig. 149.
– Slide the blade adapter in the direction of the arrow and remove
the blade ⇒ fig. 149.
Fitting the wiper blade
– With one hand, hold the top end of the wiper arm.
– Place the blade as shown in the ⇒ fig. 150 and slide the adapt-
er along until it engages.
Check the condition of the wiper blade regularly. Change as required.
If the windscreen wiper scrapes, it should be replaced if damaged, or
cleaned if soiled.
If this is not sufficient, refer to a specialised workshop.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!
● Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.
● The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.
CAUTION
● A damaged or dirty window wiper could scratch the rear window.
● Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the window.
● Never move the windscreen wiper by hand. This could cause damage. 