light Seat Mii 2012 Manual PDF

178At the filling station
Not all petrol additives have been shown to be effective. The use of unsuita-
ble petrol additives could seriously damage the engine and the catalytic
converter. Petrol additives with metal additives must never be used.
Available petrol additives for improvements in Anti-detonation ratings or oc-
tane ratings may contain metal additives ⇒ 
.
SEAT recommends “Genuine SEAT Additives for petrol engines”. These addi-
tives are available from Specialised workshops, who will inform you of their
application.
CAUTION
● Only use fuel with an octane rating that is in line with the norm EN 228,
otherwise significant damage could be caused to the engine and fuel sys-
tem. Furthermore, it could lead to a loss of performance with the conse-
quent engine fault.
● The use of unsuitable petrol additives could seriously damage the en-
gine and the catalytic converter.
● If, in exceptional circumstances, petrol with a lower octane rating to that
recommended is used, only use moderate engine speeds and a light throt-
tle. Avoid using full throttle and overloading the engine. Otherwise engine
damage may occur. Fill up with fuel of a suitable octane rating as soon as
possible.
● 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!
● Just filling one full tank of leaded fuel or with other metal additives
would seriously impair the efficiency of the catalytic converter and could
damage it. 
Natural gas
Natural gas, in addition to others, can be in liquid form. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the result of heavy cooling of natural gas.
Therefore its volume is considerably reduced compared with compressed
natural gas (CNG). In vehicles with a natural gas engine, liquefied natural
gas cannot be directly refilled, given that the gas would expand excessively
in the vehicle gas tank.
Therefore, vehicles with a natural gas engine must only be refuelled using
compressed natural gas
⇒ 
.
Natural gas quality and consumption
Natural gas is divided into the groups H and L depending on its quality.
Gas type H has a superior heating power and inferior nitrogen and carbon
dioxide content than type L. The higher the heating power of the natural
gas, the lower the consumption will be.
However, the heating power and the proportion of nitrogen and carbon di-
oxide can fluctuate within the quality groups. Therefore, vehicle consump-
tion can also vary when using one type of gas only.
The engine management automatically adapts to the natural gas used ac-
cording to its quality. Therefore, different quality gases can be mixed in the
tank, without the need for comprehensive draining before applying a differ-
ent quality gas.
Natural gas and safety
If you can smell gas or suspect that there is a leak ⇒ 
:
● Stop the vehicle immediately.
● Switch the ignition off.
● Open the doors to appropriately ventilate the vehicle.
● Immediately extinguish cigarettes.
● Move away from the vehicle or switch off objects that may cause sparks
or a fire.
● If you continue to smell gas, do not continue driving!
● You should obtain professional assistance. Have the fault repaired. 

184In the engine compartment
Opening the bonnet
● Before opening the bonnet, make sure that the windscreen wiper arms
are in place against the windscreen ⇒ 
.
● Pull the release lever 1 in the direction of the arrow
⇒ Fig. 109 A. The
bonnet is released from the lock carrier by a spring mechanism ⇒ .
● Lift the bonnet up slightly while pressing the release lever 2 B in the
direction of the arrow to completely open the bonnet.
● Take out the bonnet support rod from its clip in the direction of the ar-
row 3
C and place it in the corresponding open position 4 D (arrow).
Closing the bonnet
● Slightly lift the bonnet ⇒ 
.
● Take out the bonnet support rod from the opening catch 4 D and insert
it into its clip 3 C in the opening catch.
● Let the bonnet fall from a height of 30 cm into its clip; Do not apply pres-
sure!
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, open it once again and close it correct-
ly.
The bonnet is correctly closed when it is flush with the corresponding parts
on the bodywork.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could suddenly open while driving
leaving the driver without visibility. This could result in serious accident.
● After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured by
the locking mechanism in the lock carrier piece. The bonnet must be
flush with the surrounding body panels.
● While driving, if you notice that the bonnet is not correctly closed
then stop immediately and close it correctly.
● Only open and close the bonnet when there is nobody within its
range.
CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the bonnet and to the windscreen wiper arms, only
open the bonnet when the windscreen wipers are in place against the wind-
screen.
● Before driving, always lower the windscreen wiper arms. 

189
In the engine compartment
Engine coolant Introduction
Never work on the engine cooling system or if you are not familiar with the
operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially
if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒ 
! In
such a case, have any work carried out by a Specialised workshop. SEAT rec-
ommends visiting a Technical Service.
Negligent work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 180
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
● Only keep engine coolant in its original container, tightly shut and in
a safe place.
● Never store engine coolant in empty food containers or bottles as
other people may accidentally drink it.
● Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
● Ensure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowest outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
● If the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze causing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating
to stop working, vehicle occupants without sufficient clothing could
freeze.
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment. 
Coolant warning lamp
Several warning and control lamps light up for a few seconds when the igni-
tion is switched on while a test of the function is being carried out. They will
switch off after a few seconds.
lights upPossible causeSolution

Excessive engine coolant
temperature. Stop the vehicle!
Stop the vehicle safely as soon as pos-
sible. Switch off the engine and let it
cool.
Insufficient engine cool-
ant level. ¡Stop the vehicle!
Check the engine coolant when the en-
gine has cooled and, if it is low, refill
with engine coolant ⇒ page 191.
Engine coolant system
faulty. Do not drive any further.
Obtain professional assistance.
flash- esPossible causeSolution
Engine coolant system
faulty.You should obtain professional assis-
tance. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

190In the engine compartment
WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Always observe any lit warning lamps.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they appear may result in faults in
the vehicle.
Note
On the display of the Portable Navigation System (supplied by SEAT)
⇒ page 222 an engine coolant temperature gauge can be seen. 
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 boil-
ing 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. 

191
In the engine compartment
Checking the engine coolant level and refilling
Fig. 113 In the engine
compartment: Marking
on coolant expansion
tank
Fig. 114 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap
If the coolant level is low, the coolant warning indicator will light. Preparations
●
Park the vehicle on even, flat and firm ground.
● Allow the engine to cool ⇒ 
.
● Open the bonnet  ⇒ page 180.
● The coolant expansion tank is easily recognisable because of the sym-
bol  on the cap ⇒  Fig. 114.
Checking the engine coolant level
● When the engine is cold, check the coolant level using the side marking
on the expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 113.
● If the level is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant. When the en-
gine is hot it may be slightly above the marked area.
Topping up the engine coolant level
● Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and steam
using a large, thick cloth over the coolant expansion tank cap.
● Remove the cap very carefully ⇒ 
.
● Only refill using new engine coolant according to SEAT specifications
(⇒ page 190) ⇒ 
.
● The engine coolant level should be between the marks on the coolant
expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 113. Do not exceed the top level of the marked area
⇒ 
.
● Screw on the cap tightly.
● If, the event of an emergency, you have no coolant that is compliant to
the required specifications ( ⇒ page 190), never use another type of addi-
tive. Instead, first top up with distilled water ⇒ 
only. Then re-establish
the correct proportion of the mixture with the correct additive as soon as
possible ⇒ page 190. 
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193
In the engine compartment
Vehicle battery
Introduction
The battery is a component of the vehicle's electrical system.
Never work on the electrical system without fully understanding the opera-
tions required, the applicable safety standards and without the correct tools
⇒ 
! In such a case, have any work carried out by a Specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. Negligent work can cause
serious injury.
Location of the vehicle battery
The battery is located in the engine compartment.
Explanation of the warning indications on the vehicle's battery
SymbolMeaning
Wear eye protection!
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear
protective gloves and eye protection!
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited.
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when
the battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 180
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
Working on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause corro-
sion, fire and electric shocks. Always read and take into account the fol-
lowing warnings and safety standards before carrying out any work:
● Before working on the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
all electrical devices then disconnect the negative connection on the bat-
tery.
● Keep children away from acid and the battery itself!
● Wear eye protection.
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindness. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
● Do not smoke and never work close to places exposed to flames or
sparks.
● Avoid sparks and electrostatic discharges when working with cables
and electrical devices.
● Never short the battery terminals.
● Never use a damaged battery. It can explode. Replace a damaged bat-
tery immediately.
● Replaced damaged or frozen batteries as soon as possible. A flat bat-
tery can also freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C (+32 °F).
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● 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 for long periods, protect the battery from
extreme cold temperature so that it does not “freeze up” and become dam-
aged. 
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194In the engine compartment
Warning lamp
lights
upPossible causeSolution
Faulty generator.
Contact a Specialised workshop.
Have the electrical system
checked.
Disconnect any unnecessary
electrical consumers. The gener-
ator does not charge the battery
while the vehicle is in motion.
Several warning and control lamps light up for a few seconds when the igni-
tion is switched on while a test of the function is being carried out. They will
switch off after a few seconds.
WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they appear may result in faults in
the vehicle. Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
Fig. 115 In the engine
compartment: Remove
the cover from the vehi-
cle's battery
The battery's electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-mileage
vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries. Other batteries do not re-
quire maintenance.
Vehicles fitted with the Start-Stop system are equipped with special batter-
ies. For technical reasons, the electrolyte level cannot be checked in these
batteries.
Preparations
● Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine compartment
⇒ page 180
● Open the bonnet 
⇒  page 180.
● Press on the tabs
⇒ Fig. 115 (arrows) in the direction of the arrows and
lift the battery cover up.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
● Make sure there is sufficient lighting to clearly recognise the colours.
Never use open flames or sparklers as a light source.
● Depending on the level of acid, the Magic eye on the top of the battery
will change colour. 

195
In the engine compartment
Colour indicatorNecessary operations
light yellow or col-
ourlessThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is too low.
Have the battery checked and, where applicable, re-
placed by a Specialised workshop.
blackThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's battery is correct.
WARNING
Working with the vehicle battery involves a risk of corrosion, explosions
and electric shock.
● Always wear protective gloves and eye protection.
● Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. It can burn skin and cause
blindness. When handling the battery, protect yourself from splashes of
acids, above all your hands, arms and face.
● Never tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid could spill out of the open-
ings to release gases and cause corrosion damage.
● Never open the vehicle battery.
● If battery acid splashes on you, immediately rinse your eyes and skin
abundantly with water for several minutes. Then seek medical care imme-
diately.
● If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.

Charging, replacing and connecting or disconnecting the
battery
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialised workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment ⇒ 
. SEAT recommends visiting a
Technical Service. Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and
has special safety features. If the battery must be replaced, consult a Tech-
nical Service for information on electromagnetic compatibility, the size and
maintenance, performance and safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT recommends you have the bat-
tery replaced by a Technical Service.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries conforming to TL 825 06 and
VW 7 50 73 Standards. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later.
Vehicles fitted with the Start-Stop system are equipped with a special bat-
tery. Therefore, this battery must only be replaced by another of the same
specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the electrical system, please note
the following:
●
Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
● The vehicle must be unlocked before disconnecting the battery, other-
wise the alarm will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive ⇒ 
.
Connecting the vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
electric devices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative ⇒ 
.
Different control lamps may light up after connecting the battery and switch-
ing the ignition on. They will be turned off after a short trip at a speed of
between 15 - 20 km/h (10 - 12 mph). If the warning indicators remain lit,
please visit a specialised workshop to have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a long time, it is possible that the
next service date is not displayed or calculated correctly ⇒ page 17. Respect
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196In the engine compartment
the maximum service intervals permitted ⇒ Booklet Maintenance
Programme.
Automatic consumer disconnection
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range
of measures to prevent the battery from discharging when high demands
are made on it:
● the idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more elec-
tricity.
● where necessary, the power of the most powerful consumers is reduced
or even completely disconnected.
● On starting the engine, the power supply from the 12-volt socket and
the cigarette lighter may be interrupted for a short time.
The on-board management program cannot always prevent the battery from
running flat. For example, if the ignition is left on for a long period with the
engine off or if the side lights or parking lights are left on while the vehicle
is stationary.
Why the battery runs flat:
● When stationary for a long time without starting the engine, particularly
if the ignition is switched on.
● Use of electrical consumers with the engine switched off.
WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the wrong battery can cause
short-circuits, fire and serious injuries.
● Always use only maintenance free batteries, protected to prevent a
leak, and whose properties, specifications and size correspond to the
standard battery.
WARNING
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.
● Never charge a frozen or recently thawed battery. A flat battery can al-
so freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C (+32 °F).
● Always replace a battery which has frozen.
● Battery cables not correctly connected may cause a short circuit. Re-
connect first the positive cable and then the negative cable.
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● Never plug accessories supply current, such as solar panels or a battery
charger, to the 12-volt socket or the cigarette lighter. This could damage the
vehicle's electrical system.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the battery in an environment-friendly manner. Batteries contain
toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
For the sake of the environment
Battery acid can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt service flu-
ids and allow a dispose of them correctly. 

198Vehicle care and maintenance
For the sake of the environment
The remains of vehicle care products should not be disposed of with ordina-
ry household waste. Observe information provided by the manufacturer. 
Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap,
road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive ma-
terials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork.
High temperatures (for instance due to strong sunlight) further intensify the
corrosive effect. The vehicle undercarriage should also be thoroughly wash-
ed at regular intervals.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at the automatic car wash. The
standard precautionary measures prior to entering the car wash should be
taken to avoid damage to the vehicle (close all windows, fold in exterior mir-
rors). If the vehicle is fitted with additional components (spoiler, roof-rack,
aerial...), check with the car wash supervisor whether these can enter the
car wash ⇒ 
.
The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the vehicle can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car washing tunnel. However, wear and
damage to the paintwork will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT
recommends the use of car washes without brushes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to prevent wiper blades from
scratching, please observe the following ⇒ page 200, Cleaning windows
and exterior mirrors.
Washing the vehicle by hand
When washing the vehicle by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt
first, and rinse off as well as possible. Then clean the vehicle with a soft
sponge, glove or brush using only slight
pressure. Start at the roof and work downwards. Special vehicle shampoo
should only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second sponge for
this.
WARNING
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause injury.
● Protect arms and hands from sharp edges when cleaning the vehicle
undercarriage or the interior of the wheel hubs.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced
(and the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter)
on the brakes.
● “Dry the brakes and remove ice” by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process.
CAUTION
● The temperature of the water must not exceed +60 °C (+140 °F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
● Do not use rough sponges or similar which could damage the surface to
clean away the traces of insects.
● Never wipe the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge, always moisten
first. It is best to use soapy water.
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle
with a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around
the doors, rear lid, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze! 