engine Seat Mii 2012 Manual Online

224Vehicle care and maintenance
Fluids and consumables
All vehicle fluids and consumables , such as notched belts, tyres, coolant
fluids, engine oils, spark plugs and batteries are continually being devel-
oped. Therefore all fluids and consumables should be changed at a Special-
ised workshop. Technical Services are permanently informed of any modifi-
cations.
WARNING
The incorrect use or handling of fluids or consumables may result in acci-
dent, serious injury, burns or intoxication.
● Therefore, fluids must always be stored closed in their original con-
tainer.
● Never store fluids in empty food containers or bottles as other people
may accidentally drink the fluid.
● Keep all fluids and consumables out of reach of children.
● Read and observe the information and warnings given on the fluid
containers.
● Only work in the open air or in well-ventilated zones, when using
products which give off harmful vapours.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, acetone or any other volatile
liquid in the maintenance of the vehicle. These are toxic and highly flam-
mable. They could lead to fire or explosions!
CAUTION
● Only use appropriate fluids. Never mix the fluids. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine damage!
● Accessories and other components mounted in front of the air inlet re-
duce the cooling effect of the coolant. If the engine is running under great
strain in high outside temperatures, it could overheat.
For the sake of the environment
Leaking fluids could pollute the environment. Collect any spilt fluids in suit-
able containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation and with re-
spect for the environment. 
Repairs and technical changes
When performing repairs and technical modifications, SEAT's directives
must be observed! ⇒ 
Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or software in the
vehicle may cause malfunctions. Due to the way the electronic components
are linked together in networks, other indirect systems may be affected by
the faults. This may significantly affect the vehicle's performance, increase
component wear and could mean that the vehicle registration documents
are no longer valid.
Your SEAT Official Service cannot be held liable for any damage caused by
technical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly.
The SEAT Official Service does not accept liability for damage resulting from
technical modifications or repairs performed incorrectly; neither is the SEAT
warranty valid in these cases.
SEAT recommends you have any technical modifications or repairs per-
formed at a SEAT Official Service and that you use genuine SEAT spare
parts ®
.
Vehicles with special accessories and equipment
The manufacturers of additional equipment guarantee that the equipment
complies with applicable laws and regulations with respect to the environ-
ment, in particular Directives 2000/53/CE and 2003/11/CE. The first direc-
tive governs the disposal of end-of-life vehicles while the second refers to
the restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances
and preparations. 

226Vehicle care and maintenance
Retro-fitting of two-way radios
An exterior aerial is required for the use of two-way radios in the vehicle.
The retro-fitting of electrical or electronic appliances in the vehicle is sub-
ject to their approval for use in your vehicle. Under certain circumstances,
this could mean that your vehicle registration documents are no longer val-
id.
SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with two-way radios providing the
following conditions are observed:
●The exterior aerial must be mounted professionally.
● The maximum transmitting power is 10 watts.
An only external aerial is needed to give the equipment its optimal reach.
Check first with a Specialised workshop if you wish to use a two-way radio
with a transmitting power of over 10 watts. The Specialised workshops are
familiar with the technical options for installation. SEAT recommends visit-
ing a Technical Service.
All legal requirements, together with the instructions for the use of two-way
radios must be observed.
WARNING
If the two-way radio is not securely fastened in position, it could be sent
flying around the vehicle in the event of sharp braking, sudden manoeu-
vres or accident, causing injury.
● While driving, two-way radios must be securely fastened in position,
outside the airbags deployment zones, or safely stowed away.
WARNING
When using a two-way radio without a connection to an exterior aerial,
the maximum permitted levels of electromagnetic radiation may be ex-
ceeded. This is also the case if the aerial has not been correctly installed.
● You should only use a two-way radio inside the vehicle if it has first
been correctly connected to an exterior aerial.

Information stored by the control units
Your vehicle is fitted at the factory with a series of electronic control units
responsible for the engine and gearbox management. In addition, the con-
trol units supervise the performance of the exhaust gas system and the air-
bag systems.
Therefore, while the vehicle is being driven, these electronic control units
are continuously analysing the vehicle data. In the event of faults or devia-
tions from the theoretical values, only this data is stored. Normally, the
warning lamps on the instrument panel light up in the event of faults.
This data can only be read and analysed using special equipment.
The storing of the data allows specialised workshops to detect and repair
faults. Stored data may include:
● Data relating to the engine or the gearbox
● Speed
● Direction of travel
● Braking force
● Detection of seat belt
The vehicle control units never record conversations held by passengers in
the vehicle. 

231
Vehicle care and maintenance
Jacking points for raising vehicle
Fig. 127 Front jacking
points for raising vehicle
with lifting platform or
jack
Fig. 128 Rear jacking
points for raising vehicle
with lifting platform or
jack
Always use the jacking points indicated in the figures ⇒ Fig. 127 and
⇒ Fig. 128 when raising the vehicle. If the vehicle is not lifted at these
points, it could be seriously damaged ⇒ 
or lead to serious injury ⇒ .The vehicle should not be lifted using lifting platforms with lift pads con-
taining fluid.
When raising a vehicle using a platform or jack, a series of precautionary
measures are required. Never raise the vehicle with a lifting platform or jack
unless you have received training in how to do so and know how to lift the
vehicle safely.
Notes on raising the vehicle with a jack
⇒ page 250.
WARNING
The improper use of the lifting platform or the jack when raising the vehi-
cle may result in accidents or serious injury.
● Before raising the vehicle, please observe the manufacturer's instruc-
tions for the platform or jack, and the legal requirements, where applica-
ble.
● There should not be anyone inside the vehicle when it is being raised
or once it is in the air.
● Only use the jacking points indicated in the figures ⇒ Fig. 127 and
⇒ Fig. 128 when raising the vehicle. If the vehicle is not lifted at the indi-
cated points, it may fall from the platform while the engine or gearbox is
being dismounted, for example.
● The jacking points should be centrally aligned and firmly positioned
on the platform support plates.
● Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised! The vehicle may fall
from the platform due to the engine vibrations.
● If it is necessary to work underneath the vehicle while it is raised, you
should check that the supporting stands have an adequate load capacity.
● Never climb onto the lifting platform.
● Always make sure that the weight of the vehicle does not exceed the
lifting platform load capacity. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

232Vehicle care and maintenance
CAUTION
● Never raise the vehicle at the engine oil sump, the gearbox or the rear or
front axles.
● Always use an intermediate rubber support to prevent damage to the
vehicle underbody. Check that the arms of the lifting platform are able to
move with obstruction.
● The arms should not come into contact with the side running boards or
other parts of the vehicle. 

233
Vehicle care and maintenance
Notes for the user Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
● ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
WARNING
Failure to treat the vehicle with the correct care increases the risk of acci-
dent and injury.
● Observe legal requirements.
● Observe the Instruction Manual.
CAUTION
If you do not treat the vehicle suitably, you may cause it to be damaged.
● Observe legal requirements.
● Carry out regular maintenance of the vehicle, according to specifications
in the Maintenance Programme.
● Observe the Instruction Manual. Labels and plates
Fig. 129 Warnings relat-
ing to handling of the
City Safety Assist system
laser sensor function
Some parts in the engine compartment come from the factory with certifi-
cates of safety, labels or plates containing important information regarding
the operation of the vehicle, for example, on the petrol cap, on the passeng-
er's sun visor, on the driver door strut, or on the floor of the luggage com-
partment.
● Never remove these certificates of safety, labels or plates, and ensure
they are kept in good condition and are legible.
● If a vehicle part, bearing a certificate of safety, label or plate, is re-
placed, the Specialised workshop should attach the information back in the
same place.
Certificate of safety
A certificate of safety on the door strut states that all the safety standards
and regulations established by the national traffic authorities responsible
for road safety were met at the time of manufacture. It may also give the
month and year of manufacture, together with the chassis number. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

236Vehicle care and maintenance
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Changing gear ⇒  page 124
● Refuelling ⇒  page 171
● Fuel ⇒ page 177
● Engine oil ⇒ page 185
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Information stored in the control units ⇒ page 222
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 276
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust sys-
tem.
 Control lamps
lights
upPossible causeSolution
Fault in engine management
(Electronic Power Control).Take the vehicle to a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
Fault in catalytic converter.
You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next Specialised work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.
flashesPossible causeSolution

Combustion fault which could
damage the catalytic convert-
er.You should reduce speed accord-
ingly. Drive carefully until you
reach the next Specialised work-
shop. Have the engine checked
there.
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.
CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descriptions
and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Note
While the control lamps  or  maintain lit up, the engine will present
faults, a higher consumption of fuel and a loss of engine power. 

237
Vehicle care and maintenance
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter permits the subsequent treatment of the exhaust
gases thus reducing contaminating gas emissions. To ensure a longer work-
ing life for the exhaust system and catalytic converter in a petrol engine:
● Always use unleaded petrol.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil ⇒ page 185.
● Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables ⇒ page 273.
If you should notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the ve-
hicle is moving, reduce speed immediately. Have the vehicle inspected by a
Specialised workshop. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust
gas system and escape into the atmosphere. The catalytic converter can al-
so be damaged by overheating.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel used. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

238Practical information
If and when
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
If you suspect that the vehicle has a fault or is damaged when using it, be-
fore consulting a SEAT dealership or a specialised workshop, carefully read
the following instructions. Similarly, the terms in the alphabetical index
“Things to note” or “Checklist” may be of help.
ProblemPossible causes,
among othersPossible solution
The engine does
not start.
The vehicle battery is
flat.– Carry out the jump start
⇒ page 273.
– Charge the battery
⇒ page 193.
You are using an incor-
rect vehicle key.Use the correct key
⇒ page 28.
The fuel tank level is
insufficient.Refuel ⇒ page 171.
The vehicle cannot
be locked or un-
locked with the
key.
– Vehicle key battery is
flat.
– Too far away from
the vehicle.
– Buttons pressed out-
side the radius of
reach.– Change the battery
⇒ page 28.
– Move closer to the vehicle.
– Synchronize the vehicle
key ⇒ page 28.
– Manually lock or unlock
the vehicle ⇒ page 243.
Unusual noises.
Engine cold, City Safe-
ty Assist system, steer-
ing column electronic
lock.See entry “Noises” in the de-
tailed alphabetical index.
ProblemPossible causes,
among othersPossible solution
Handling is
strange.
Assistance systems ac-
tive.See entry “Assistance sys-
tems” in the detailed alpha-
betical index.
You are using an incor-
rect tyre pressure.Check the tyre pressure
⇒ page 210.
Damage to the wheel
trims or tyres.
Inspect wheel trims and
tyres regularly for damage
⇒ page 210 and replace
them if necessary
⇒ page 250.
Vehicle has no
jack, spare wheel
or tire mobility set
present.Equipment subject to
the vehicle.
No direct solution, depends
on the equipment. In this
case, you should contact a
SEAT Dealership
⇒ page 246.
Surface not correct-
ly illuminated.
– Headlights covered
for driving on the left-
hand side or right-
hand side.
– Headlight adjust-
ment too high.
– Faulty bulbs.
– Dipped headlights
switched off.– Cover the headlights for
driving on the left-hand side
or right-hand side
⇒ page 84.
– Adjust the headlight range
⇒ page 84.
– Change the bulbs
⇒ page 264.
– Switch on the dipped
headlights ⇒ page 84. 

239
Practical information
ProblemPossible causes,
among othersPossible solution
The electrical
equipment is not
working.Vehicle battery flat.Charge the battery
⇒ page 193.
Fuel tank level insuffi-
cient.Refuel ⇒ page 171.
A fuse is blown.Check fuse and change if
necessary ⇒ page 261.
Fuel consumption
higher than nor-
mal.
– Short trips.
– “Irregularities in the
accelerator pedal”.– Avoid short trips.
– Foresight when driving.
– Press the accelerator even-
ly.
Electrical equipment
connected.Switch off any unnecessary
electrical equipment.
Fault in engine man-
agement.Have the fault rectified
⇒ page 236.
Tyre pressure too low.Adjust tyre pressure
⇒ page 210.
Driving on hills.No direct solution.Driving with a heavy
load.No direct solution.
Driving at an excessive
engine speed.Shift up a gear.
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

240Practical information
In case of emergency
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 134
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 243
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 246
● Change wheel ⇒ page 250
WARNING
A faulty vehicle in traffic represents a risk of accident for the driver and
for other road users.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park the vehicle a safe
distance from surrounding traffic to lock all the doors in case of an emer-
gency. Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle if the
doors are to be locked. In case of an emergency, passengers will be trap-
ped inside the vehicle. Individuals locked in the vehicle can be exposed
to very high or very low temperatures.
 Protecting yourself and securing the vehicle
Fig. 130 Dash panel:
Button to switch on and
off the hazard warning
lights system
Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a broken down vehicle. In a
number of countries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn on the hazard
warning lights and use a reflective safety vest ⇒ page 242.
Checklist
For your own safety and that of other passengers, the following points
should be observed in the order given ⇒ 
:
1. Park the vehicle a safe distance from traffic and on suitable ground ⇒ 
.
2. Turn on the hazard warning lights system with the button 
⇒ Fig. 130.
3. Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ page 134.
4. Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the selector lever in position P ⇒ page 124.
5. Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
6. Have all occupants leave the vehicle and move to safety, for example behind a guard rail. 