warning lights Seat Mii 2013 Owner's Guide

173
At the filling station
lights upGauge position
⇒ Fig. 108Possible cause ⇒ Solution
 a)Red mark (ar-
row)The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The reserve tank is being
used ⇒ page 288.Refuel as soon as
possible ⇒ .
–The vehicle is running in
natural gas operating
mode.–
a)This only applies to vehicles with the fuel gauge on the instrument panel ⇒ Fig. 108.
flashes
for about 10 sec- ondsState of the barsPossible cause ⇒ Solution
 and
the seg-
ments re-
maining a)Reserve zone
(four small seg- ments)The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The reserve tank is being
used ⇒ page 288.Refuel as soon as
possible ⇒ .
–The vehicle is running in
natural gas operating
mode.–
a)This only applies to vehicles with the fuel gauge on the instrument panel display.
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
They will switch off after a few seconds.
In natural gas engines
The warning lamp  lights up when both fuel types (petrol and natural gas)
have reached reserve level.
The warning lamp  lights up when the vehicle is running in natural gas op-
erating mode. The warning lamp 
switches off when the natural gas is exhausted. The
engine changes to operate with petrol.
Problem: If the vehicle is left parked for a long time immediately after refuel-
ling, the gas level indicator does not accurately indicate the same level
shown after refuelling when the vehicle is started up again. This is not due
to a leak in the system, but to a drop in pressure in the gas tank for techni-
cal reasons after a cooling phase immediately after refuelling.
WARNING
Driving with insufficient fuel reserve could result in the vehicle breaking
down in traffic and a serious accident.
● If the fuel level is too low then the fuel supply to the engine can be-
come irregular especially on slopes.
● If the engine “is choked” or stalls due to lack of or irregularity of the
fuel supply, the power steering as well as all of the driver assistance sys-
tems including braking assistance will stop working.
● Always refuel when there is only one quarter of the fuel tank left to
avoid running out of fuel.
CAUTION
● Always pay attention to any lit control lamps and to the corresponding
descriptions and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply may lead
to ignition faults and unburnt fuel could enter the exhaust system. This
could damage the catalytic converter.
Note
The arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the instrument panel ⇒ Fig. 108
indicates the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications

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 should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
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.Seek specialist assistance. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications

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 should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
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. 118 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. 118 (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. 

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 car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary
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 wash tunnel. However, wear and dam-
age to the paintwork will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT recom-
mends the use of car washed 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 car by hand
When washing the car 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 car 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! 

237
Vehicle 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 278
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 should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
They will switch off after a few seconds.
CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit control lamps and to the corresponding de-
scriptions 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. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications

241
Practical information
In case of emergency
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 134
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 244
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 247
● Change wheel ⇒ page 252
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. 133 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 243.
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 with the button  ⇒ 
Fig. 133.
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.
7. When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications

242Practical information
Checklist (Continued) 8. Place an emergency warning triangle to indicate the position of your vehicle to other road users.
9. Allow the engine to cool and check if a specialist is required.
When being towed with the hazard warning lights on, a change in direction
or traffic lane can be indicated as usual using the turn signal lever. The haz-
ard lights will be interrupted temporarily.
Examples of when to use the hazard warning lights:
● If the vehicles ahead suddenly slow down or reach the end of a traffic
jam, to warn the vehicles behind.
● In case of an emergency.
● If the vehicle breaks down.
● When tow-starting or towing.
Always comply with the applicable laws regarding the use of hazard warn-
ing lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, you must use an alternative
method of drawing attention to your vehicle. This method must comply with
traffic legislation.
WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
accidents and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the general rules of safety.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass or fuel).
Note
The vehicle battery will discharge and run down if the hazard warning lights
remain on for too much time (even with the ignition turned off).
Note
For some vehicles, the brake lights will blink when braking suddenly at
speeds of approximately 80 km/h (50 mph) to warn vehicles behind. If brak-
ing continues, then the hazard warning lights system will automatically be
turned on at the speed of less than approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). The
brake lights remain lit. Upon accelerating, the hazard warning lights will be
automatically turned off. 

252Practical information
Changing a wheel
Introduction
Some vehicle versions and models do not have a factory-fitted jack or box
spanner. In this case, we recommend consulting a Specialised workshop to
change the wheel.
You should only change the wheels yourself if the vehicle is parked in a safe
place, you are familiar with the procedure and you have all the necessary
tools! Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 28
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 210
● In case of emergency ⇒ page 241
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 247
● Wheel trims ⇒ page 250
WARNING
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially on the hard shoulder.
Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of injury:
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park your vehicle as safe
distance from surrounding traffic to change a wheel.
● When changing a wheel, keep all passengers and particularly chil-
dren a safe distance away from the work area.
● Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Ensure the ground on which you park is flat and solid. If necessary,
support the jack on a wide solid base.
WARNING (Continued)
● If you are changing a wheel yourself, you should be familiar with the
required procedure. Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
● Only use suitable tools that are not damaged when changing a wheel.
● Always stop the engine, apply the handbrake lever firmly and place
the selector lever in position P, or engage a gear for a manual gearbox to
reduce the risk of the vehicle moving accidentally.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
possible with a reliable torque wrench.


258Practical information
Anti-puncture kit*
Introduction
The Tyre Mobility Set* will reliably seal punctures caused by the penetration
of a foreign body of up to about 4 mm in diameter. Do not remove foreign
objects, e.g. screws or nails, from the tyre.
After inserting the sealant residue in the tyre, you must again check the tyre
pressure about 10 minutes after starting the engine.
You should only use the tire mobility set if the vehicle is parked in a safe
place, you are familiar with the procedure and you have the necessary tire
mobility set! Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
The tyre sealant must not be used in the following cases:
● If the wheel rim has been damaged.
● In outside temperatures below -20 °C (-4 °F).
● In the event of cuts or perforations in the tyre greater than 4 mm.
● If you have been driving with very low pressure or a completely flat tyre.
● If the sealant bottle has passes its use by date.
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 28
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 134
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 210
● In case of emergency ⇒ page 241
● Wheel trims ⇒ page 250
WARNING
Using the tire mobility set can be dangerous, especially when filling the
tyre at the roadside. Please observe the following rules to minimise the
risk of injury:
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park your vehicle as safe
distance from surrounding traffic to fill the tyre.
● Ensure the ground on which you park is flat and solid.
● All passengers and particularly children must keep a safe distance
from the work area.
● Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Use the tire mobility set only if you are familiar with the necessary
procedure. Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
● The tire mobility set is intended for temporary, emergency use only.
Use only until you can reach the nearest specialised workshop.
● Replace the repaired tyre with the tire mobility set as soon as possi-
ble.
● The sealant is a health hazard and must be cleaned immediately if it
comes into contact with the skin.
● Always keep the tire mobility set out of the reach of small children.
● Never use the approved jack, even if it has been approved for your ve-
hicle.
● Always stop the engine, apply the handbrake lever firmly and engage
gear if using a manual gearbox, in order to reduce the risk of vehicle in-
voluntary movement.
WARNING
A tyre filled with sealant does not have the same performance properties
as a conventional tyre.
● Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). 