check engine Seat Leon 5D 2012 User Guide

206Checking and refilling levels
Checking and refilling levels
Fuel
Types of petrol
The correct grade of petrol is listed inside the fuel tank flap.
The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter and must only be run on
unleaded petrol. The petrol must comply with European Standard EN 228 or
German standard DIN 51626-1 and must be unleaded. You can refuel with a
maximum ethanol proportion of 10 % (E10). The types of petrol are differen-
tiated by their octane rating (RON).
The following titles appear on the corresponding adhesive on the fuel tank
flap:
Super unleaded 95 octane or normal 91 octane unleaded petrol
We recommend you use super 95 octane petrol. If this is not available: nor-
mal 91 octane petrol, with a slight decrease in power.
Super unleaded petrol with a minimum of 95 octanes
You should use super petrol with a minimum of 95 octanes.
If super is not available, in an emergency you may refuel with normal 91 oc-
tane petrol. In this case only use moderate engine speeds and a light throt-
tle. Refuel with super as soon as possible.
Super unleaded 98 octane or super 95 octane unleaded petrol
We recommend you use super plus 98 octane petrol. If this is not available:
super 95 octane petrol, with a slight decrease in power.
If super is not available, in an emergency you may refuel with normal 91 oc-
tane petrol. In this case only use moderate engine speeds and a light throt-
tle. Refuel with super as soon as possible.
CAUTION
● Never refuel with fuels containing a large proportion of ethanol (for ex-
ample, E50, E85). This could damage the fuel system.
● Just filling one full tank of leaded fuel or fuel containing other metal ad-
ditives would seriously impair the efficiency of the catalytic converter.
● Only use fuel additives that have been approved by SEAT. Octane boost-
ing or anti-knock additives may contain metal additives that could seriously
damage the engine or the catalytic converter. These additives must not be
used.
● Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
replacement petrol) fuels also contain high concentrations of metal addi-
tives. This could damage the engine!
● 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.
Note
● You may use petrol with a high octane number than the one recommen-
ded for your engine.
● In those countries where unleaded petrol is not available, you may refuel
with a fuel with a low lead content. 

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Checking and refilling levels
Diesel Fuel
Please note the information on the inside of the fuel tank
flap.
We recommend the use of Diesel fuel which complies to European standard
EN 590. If diesel fuel which meets European standard EN 590 is not availa-
ble, the Cetane number (CZ) must, at minimum, be 51. If the engine is
equipped with a particulate filter, the sulphur content of the fuel must be
below 50 parts per million.
Winter-grade diesel
Summer fuel becomes thicker in winter and it is more difficult to start the
engine. For this reason petrol stations in some countries also offer winter
diesel with improved fluidity when cold.
CAUTION
● The vehicle is not designed for the use of biodiesel (FAME fuel). The fuel
system would be damaged if you used biodiesel.
● Do not mix fuel additives, the so-called “thinners”, petrol or similar ad-
ditives with diesel fuel.
● If poor-quality diesel fuel is used, it may be necessary to drain the fuel
filter more frequently than is specified in the Service Plan. We recommend
having this done by a specialised workshop. If water is allowed to collect in
the filter, this can cause engine performance problems. Filling the tank
Filling the tankFig. 106 Fuel tank flap
with tank cap attached
The flap that covers the tank cap is unlocked and locked automati-
cally by the central locking.
Opening the fuel tank cap
– Open the fuel tank flap, by pressing on the left side.
– Unscrew the fuel tank cap anti-clockwise.
– Place the cap in the housing on the hinge of the open flap
⇒ Fig. 106.
Closing the fuel tank cap
– Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it you hear it click into po-
sition. 
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208Checking and refilling levels
–Close the tank flap. Make sure you hear it click into place.
If the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off as
soon as the fuel tank is “full”. Do not try to put in more fuel after the nozzle
cuts out, as this will fill the expansion chamber in the fuel tank.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is given on a sticker on the inside of
the fuel tank flap. Further notes on fuel can be found at ⇒ page 206.
The capacity of the fuel tank is listed in the vehicle technical specifications
⇒ page 276.
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable and can cause serious burns and other injuries.
● Do not smoke when filling the fuel tank or a canister. Naked flames
are forbidden in the vicinity due to the risk of explosion.
● Observe legislation governing the use, storage and carrying of a
spare fuel canister in the vehicle.
● For safety reasons we do not recommend carrying a spare fuel canis-
ter in the vehicle. In an accident the canister could be damaged and could
leak.
● If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to carry a spare fuel canis-
ter, please observe the following points:
–Never fill fuel into the spare fuel canister if it is inside or on top of
the vehicle. An electrostatic charge could build up during filling, caus-
ing the fuel vapour to ignite. Danger of explosion. Always place the
canister on the ground to fill it.
– Insert the filling nozzle as far as possible into the spare fuel canis-
ter.
WARNING (Continued)
– 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
electrostatic charge building up.
– Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment. Fuel
vapour is explosive. Risk of fatal accident!
CAUTION
● If any fuel is spilt onto the vehicle, it should be removed immediately. It
could otherwise damage the paintwork.
● Never run the tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply could cause
misfiring. As a result, unburnt fuel could enter the exhaust system and dam-
age the catalytic converter.
● When filling the fuel tank after having run it completely dry on a vehicle
with a diesel engine , the ignition must be switched on for at least 30 sec-
onds before starting the engine. When you then start the engine it may take
longer than normal (up to one minute) for the engine to start firing. This is
because air needs to be bled from the fuel system while starting.
For the sake of the environment
Do not overfill the fuel tank – it may cause the fuel to overflow if it becomes
warm. 

209
Checking and refilling levels
Note
Diesel vehicles are fitted with a protective device that prevents the insertion
of the wrong fuel hose 1)
. It is only possible to refuel with Diesel nozzles.
● If the pump nozzle is worn, damaged, or if it is very small, it is possible
that it will not be able to open the protective device. Before trying to insert
the pump nozzle by turning it, try a different pump or request specialist
help.
● If you fill the tank from a reserve fuel canister, the protective device will
not open. One way to resolve this is to pour the fuel in very slowly. 
Bonnet
Working on components in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components in
the engine compartment. Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or even fire when working in the engine compartment (e.g. when
checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warnings listed below
and follow all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of the
vehicle is a potentially hazardous area ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Switch the ignition off.
● Remove the ignition key.
WARNING (Continued)
● Apply the handbrake.
● If the vehicle has a manual gearbox, place the lever in neutral; if it
has an automatic gearbox, place the selector lever in position P.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● Keep children away from the engine compartment.
● Never spill liquids used for vehicle operation on the engine compart-
ment, as these may catch fire (e.g. the antifreeze in coolant).
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especial-
ly when working on the battery.
● If working inside the engine compartment, remember that, even when
the ignition is switched off, the radiator fan may start up automatically,
and therefore there is a risk of injury.
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant expansion tank when the en-
gine is hot. The cooling system is under pressure.
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick
rag to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
● If it is necessary to work in the engine compartment while the engine
is running, the rotating components (for example, poly-V belt, alternator,
radiator fan) and the high voltage ignition system are an additional haz-
ard.
● Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system
or the electrical system is necessary:
–Always disconnect the battery from the on-board network.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available. 
1)
according to the country
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210Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that
you fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids could
cause serious malfunctions and engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any leaks are
detected at an early stage. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your
vehicle inspected at the workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers/reservoirs mentioned
below are located on the other side of the engine compartment. 
Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Fig. 107 Release lever in driver footwell and cam below the bonnet Check that the windscreen wiper arms are not unfolded. Otherwise
the paint may be damaged.
The bonnet can only be unlocked when the driver door is open.
–
Pull the lever under the dash panel in the direction of the arrow
1
⇒ Fig. 107.
– Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒ 
.
– Press the release catch under the bonnet upwards ⇒ Fig. 107
2
. This will release the arrester hook under the bonnet.
– Open the bonnet.
WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or drips of coolant being re-
leased from the engine compartment. Failure to comply could result in
burns. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the
bonnet.

Closing the bonnet
– Press the bonnet down until it locks into place.
– Make sure that the bonnet catches onto its clasp. Do not press
down too hard ⇒ 
. 

211
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
● For safety reasons the bonnet must always be completely closed
when the vehicle is moving. Therefore, after closing the bonnet, always
check that the locking element is properly engaged. This is the case if
the bonnet is flush with the adjacent body panels.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when the ve-
hicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet. Fail-
ure to do so could result in an accident.

Engine oil General notes
The engine comes with a special, multi-grade oil that can be used all year
round.
Because the use of high-quality oil is essential for the correct operation of
the engine and its long useful life, when topping up or changing oil, use on-
ly those oils that comply with 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 a Technical Service or a specialised workshop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in ⇒ page 212, 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 PR QI6, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service pro-
grammed. If it lists the codes QI1, QI2, QI3, QI4 or QI7, the interval service
is dependent on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife service intervals*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the
characteristics and individual driving profiles, enable the extension of 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 212 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up
(once) with oil for fixed service intervals ⇒  page 212 (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 212, Oil properties. In this case, your vehicle must be
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year/15 000 km (10 000 miles)(whatever
comes first) ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme.
● In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 212 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). 
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212Checking 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 212 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. Particulate Filter Engines
(DPF).
With or without flexible service in-
terval (with and without Long-
life) 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 recommend keeping it in the vehicle.
This way, the correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if nee-
ded. 
Checking engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.
Fig. 108 Engine oil dip-
stick
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position. 

213
Checking and refilling levels
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the operating tempera-
ture is reached and then stop.
– Wait two minutes.
– 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. 108.
Top up with engine oil if necessary.
Oil level in area A
Do not add oil
⇒ .
Oil level in area B
You can add oil, but keep the level in this zone.
Oil level in area C
Oil
must be added. Afterwards, the oil level should be in the lined area
B.
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 209.
–
–
–
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 Technical Serv-
ice. 
Topping up engine oil 
Top up gradually with small quantities of engine oil.
Fig. 109 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ 
in
Working on components in the engine compartment on page 209.
– Unscrew cap from engine oil filler opening ⇒ 
Fig. 109.
– 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. 
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214Checking and refilling levels
–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 267.
Engine oil specification ⇒ page 211.
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 a Technical Serv-
ice.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme.
WARNING
Only change the engine oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge
required!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
⇒ page 209.
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries, such as acid burns, 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 a Technical Service.
● 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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Checking and refilling levels
Cooling system Engine coolant specifications
The engine cooling system is supplied from the factory with a specially trea-
ted mixture of water and, at least, 40 % of the additive G 13 (TLVW 774 J).
The engine coolant additive is recognisable by its purple colour. This mix-
ture of water and additive gives the necessary frost protection down to
-25°C (-13 F) and protects the light alloy parts of the cooling system against
corrosion. It also prevents scaling and considerably raises the boiling point
of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the percentage of additive must al-
ways be at least 40 %, even in warm climates where anti-freeze protection is
not required.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
additive can be increased. However, the percentage of additive should not
exceed 60 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and, in turn, de-
crease the cooling capacity.
When the coolant is topped up, use a mixture of distilled water and, at
least, 40 % of the G 13 or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) additive (both are
purple) to obtain an optimum anticorrosion protection ⇒ 
. The mixture of
G 13 with G 12 plus (TL-VW 774 F), G 12 (red) or G 11 (green-blue) engine
coolants will significantly reduce the anticorrosion protection and should,
therefore be avoided ⇒ 
.
WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the coolant system, the engine may
fail leading to serious damage.
● Please make sure that the percentage of additive is correct with re-
spect to the lowest expected ambient temperature in the zone in which
the vehicle is to be used.
● When the outside temperature is very low, the coolant could freeze
and the vehicle would be immobilised. In this case, the heating would
not work either and inadequately dressed passengers could die of cold.
CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed with coolants which are not
approved by SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to
the engine and the engine cooling system.
● If the fluid in the expansion tank is not purple but is, for example,
brown, this indicates that the G 13 additive has been mixed with an inade-
quate coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case! This could result in serious faults and engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. If any fluids are
spilled, they should be collected and correctly disposed of, with respect to
the environment. 
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