service Seat Mii 2013 Workshop Manual

223
Vehicle care and maintenance
Running-in
Please observe the instructions for running-in new components.
Running-in the engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first 1500 km (1000 miles). During
its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is greater
than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it should be
driven at a moderate speed, especially when the engine is cold, as this will
reduce engine wear and increase its useful life. Never drive at extremely low
engine speeds. Change down to a lower gear when the engine no longer
runs “smoothly”. Up to 1000 kilometres the following instructions apply:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of its maximum speed.
Between 1000 and 1500 kilometres (600 to 1000 miles), gradually in-
crease power until reaching the maximum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims ⇒ page 210
● Notes on the brakes ⇒ page 134
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and the
engine oil consumption reduced. 
Accessories and spare parts
SEAT recommends you consult an Official Service before purchasing acces-
sories and spare parts or consumables. For example, when fitting accesso- ries at a later date, or when replacing a component. A SEAT Official Service
will advise you as to the legal requirements and manufacturer's recommen-
dations regarding accessories, spare parts and other components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved
SEAT accessories and genuine
SEAT spare parts ®
. These parts and accessories have been specially tested
by SEAT for suitability, reliability and safety. In addition the SEAT Technical
Service will guarantee that the assembly is carried out professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market, SEAT cannot guarantee that
products not approved by SEAT are reliable, safe and suitable for the vehi-
cle. Therefore, SEAT cannot accept liability, even in those cases authorised
by an officially recognised technical inspection office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct effect on vehicle control must
be approved by SEAT for use in your vehicle and bear the e mark (the Euro-
pean Union's authorisation symbol). This includes cruise control systems or
electronically controlled suspension.
If any additional electrical components are fitted which do not serve to con-
trol the vehicle itself, these must bear the  mark (European Union manu-
facturer conformity declaration). This includes refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans.
WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to the vehicle may affect the per-
formance of the airbags, resulting in operating faults or fatal accident.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as drink holders or telephone
cradles over or next to the covers of the airbag modules or within their
deployment zones.
● Objects placed over the airbag covers, or within their deployment
zones, could lead to serious injury or loss of life if the airbags are trig-
gered.

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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. 

225
Vehicle care and maintenance
The vehicle owner should keep the documentation for the additional equip-
ment safely and hand it over to the scrap yard at the end of the vehicle's
service life. This ensures that any additional equipment mounted in end-of-
life vehicles is correctly disposed of with respect for the environment.
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
damage or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the effectiveness of
the driver assist systems. This could result in serious accident.
● All repairs and modifications to the vehicle should only be performed
by a specialised workshop.

Repair and faults in the airbag system
When performing repairs and technical modifications, SEAT's directives
must be observed! ⇒ 
Modifications and repairs to the front bumper, doors, front seats, and re-
pairs to the roof or chassis should only be carried out in a specialised work-
shop. These components may contain parts or sensors belonging to the air-
bag system.
If work is carried out on the airbag system or parts have to be removed and
fitted on the system when performing other repair work, parts of the airbag
system may be damaged. The consequence may be that, in the event of an
accident, the airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
So that the effectiveness of the airbag is not reduced and that removed
parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution, regulations must
be observed. These requirements are known to specialised workshops.
Modifications to the vehicle suspension may affect the operation of the air-
bag system in the event of collision. For example, if wheel and tyre combi-
nations not approved by SEAT are used, or if the vehicle height is lowered, the suspension is stiffened or the suspension springs, telescopic arms,
dampers, etc., are modified, the results received by the airbag sensors and
sent to the control unit may not be accurate. For example, some modifica-
tions to the suspension could increase the force measured by the sensors
and result in the triggering of the airbag systems in collisions. Under normal
conditions, the measured values would be lower and the airbag would not
have been triggered. Other modifications may reduce the forces measured
by the sensors and therefore the airbags are not triggered in situations
when they should have triggered.
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
damage or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the effectiveness of
the airbag systems. This could result in serious or fatal accident.
● All repairs and modifications to the vehicle should only be performed
by a specialised workshop.
● Airbag modules must never be repaired: if damaged, they must be re-
placed.
● Never fit recycled or reused airbag components in your vehicle.
WARNING
Modifications to the vehicle suspension, including the use of unauthor-
ised wheel and tyre combinations, may affect the performance of the air-
bags and increase the risk of serious or fatal injury in the event of acci-
dent.
● Never fit suspension components which are not identical to the origi-
nal parts mounted in the vehicle.
● Never use wheel and tyre combinations not approved by SEAT.

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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.
The optimal reach of the equipment is only achieved with an external aerial.
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. 

227
Vehicle care and maintenance
In vehicles equipped with an emergency call function via the mobile phone
or other appliances connected in the vehicle, it is possible to send the vehi-
cle position. If the control unit records an accident with airbag activation,
the system may automatically send a signal. This will depend on the net-
work operator. Normally, transmission is only possible in areas with good
coverage.
Event Data Recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data recorder.
An event data recorder temporarily stores the vehicle information. There-
fore, in the event of accident, it is possible to obtain detailed information
about how the accident occurred. For example, in vehicles with airbag sys-
tems, data relating to speed of impact, seat belt status, seat positions and
airbag activation times may be stored. The volume of data depends on the
manufacturer.
Event data recorders can only be mounted with authorisation from the vehi-
cle owner and, in some countries, they are governed by local legislation.
Reprogramming control units
On the whole, all the data required for the component management is stor-
ed in the control units. The programming of certain convenience functions,
such as the convenience turn signals, individual door opening and instruc-
tions on the display can be modified using special equipment at the work-
shop. If the comfort functions are reprogrammed, the information and In-
struction Manual descriptions will not coincide with the modified functions.
Therefore, SEAT recommends that any modifications are recorded in the sec-
tion “Other workshop notes” in the Maintenance Programme.
The SEAT Official Service must have a record of any modification to the pro-
gramming.
Reading the vehicle fault memory
There is a diagnostics connector in the vehicle interior for reading the vehi-
cle fault memory. The fault memory documents errors and deviations from
the theoretical values of the electronic control units. The diagnostics connector is in the driver side footwell area, next to the lev-
er for opening the bonnet, below a cover.
The fault memory should only be read and reset by a specialised workshop.

Using a mobile telephone in a vehicle without connection
to an exterior aerial
Mobile telephones transmit and receive radio waves also called high-fre-
quency energy, both when in use and when on stand-by. Scientific studies
state that radio waves exceeding certain values may be harmful to the hu-
man body. International committees and authorities have established limits
and directives in order to ensure electromagnetic radiation from mobile
phones remains within certain limits that do not endanger human health.
Nevertheless, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that wireless tele-
phones are totally safe.
That is why some experts recommend moderate use of the mobile tele-
phone, and the appliance of measures to reduce radiation on the human
body.
When a mobile phone not connected to an exterior aerial is used inside the
vehicle, the electromagnetic radiation may be greater than if the mobile
phone were connected to a built-in aerial or to another exterior aerial.
If the vehicle is fitted with a suitable hands-free device that allows the em-
ployment of numerous additional mobile telephone functions with compati-
ble Bluetooth technology ®
, it will comply with the legislation in many coun-
tries which only permits the use of mobile phones inside vehicles using a
hands-free device.
The hands-free system of the Portable Navigation System (supplied by
SEAT) has been designed for use with conventional mobile phones and
phones with Bluetooth technology ®
⇒ page 229. Mobile telephones must
be placed in a suitable telephone support or stored safely in the vehicle. If a
support is used for the telephone, it must be securely fastened to the base 
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230Vehicle care and maintenance
Removing and fitting the navigator holder
● Press the holder release button ⇒ Fig. 129 (arrow).
● Remove the holder from the dash panel in an upwards direction.
● If necessary, close the opening with the corresponding cover.
In order to fit the holder, place it on the opening from above and press in a
downwards direction until it engages with a click. ⇒ 
.
WARNING
Any distraction may lead to an accident, with the risk of injury. Operating
the navigator could distract you from the traffic.
● Always stay alert and drive responsibly.
● Select volume settings that allow you to easily hear signals from out-
side the vehicle at all times (e.g. emergency service sirens).
● Setting the volume too high may cause damage to your hearing. This
also applies if the device is set to high volumes for a short period.
WARNING
Journey instructions and traffic signals shown on the navigation system
may differ to the current traffic situation.
● Traffic signals and driving regulations take precedence over journey
instructions and indications from the navigation system.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
WARNING
If the navigator is not securely fastened in position, it could be sent fly-
ing around the vehicle in the event of sharp braking, sudden manoeuvres
or accident, causing injury.
● Fit the navigator housing safely on the corresponding opening on the
dash panel.
● Always place the navigator securely in its holder or store it safely in
the vehicle.
CAUTION
An unsuitable gradient and angle of vision setting can damage the naviga-
tor.
● When adjusting the navigation device, move it with care and not beyond
its limits.
CAUTION
Excessively high or low outside temperatures can affect the Portable Navi-
gation System operation or damage the device.
● Always take the Portable Navigation System with you when you leave the
vehicle to protect it from excessively high or low temperatures and intense
sunlight.
CAUTION
Humidity can damage the Portable Navigation System connections on the
dash panel.
● Do not clean the holder for the navigation device with moist products.
Use a dry cloth.
Note
SEAT recommends taking the Portable Navigation System with you when
you leave the vehicle to prevent it from being stolen. 

234Vehicle care and maintenance
Warning of high voltage label
There is a label close to the bonnet lock which warns of high voltage in the
vehicle electrical installation.
Warning relating to the City Safety Assist system laser sensor
There are some warning and information signs on the City Safety Assist sys-
tem laser sensor ⇒ Fig. 132. 
Using your vehicle in other countries and continents
The vehicle is manufactured at the factory for use in a particular country in
accordance with the national legislation in force at the time of manufacture.
If the vehicle is sold in another country or used in another country for an ex-
tended period of time, the applicable legislation of that country should be
observed.
It may be necessary to fit or remove certain pieces of equipment or to deac-
tivate certain functions. Service work may also be affected. This is particu-
larly true if the vehicle is used in a different climate for an extended period
of time.
As there are different types of frequency bands around the world, you may
find that the radio system or the Portable Navigation System (supplied by
SEAT) supplied at the factory does not work in another country.
CAUTION
● SEAT does not accept liability for any damage to the vehicle due to the
use of a lower quality fuel, an inadequate service or the non-availability of
genuine spare parts.
● SEAT does not accept liability if the vehicle does not comply in part or in
full with the legal requirements of other countries or continents. Radio reception and the aerial
For factory-fitted radio equipment, the aerial for radio reception is fitted to
the roof of the vehicle.
Note
If electrical equipment such as mobile telephones, is used near a roof aer-
ial, you may observe interference in the reception of AM stations. 
Notes on SEAT repairs
Information about authorised SEAT services and authorised SEAT repairs
can be requested by payment at the following addresses:
Clients in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Central America and South
America
Contact a Technical Service or specialised workshop, or request the corre-
sponding documentation at www.erwin.volkswagen.de.
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not performed correctly may result in
damage or errors in the vehicle operation, affecting the effectiveness of
the driver assist and airbag systems. This could result in serious acci-
dent.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried out at a specialised work-
shop.


235
Vehicle care and maintenance
Conformity certification
The respective manufacturer hereby declares that the products indicated as
follows fulfil the basic requirements and the following dispositions and im-
portant legislations on the date of manufacture of the vehicle, among oth-
ers FCC Part 15.19, FCC Part 15.21 and RSS-Gen Issue 1:
Radio frequency equipment
● Electronic gearbox lock.
● Vehicle key
Electrical equipment
● 12 volt power socket 
Environmental friendliness
Environmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials
and manufacture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage recycling
● Joints and connections designed for easy dismantling
● Modular construction to facilitate dismantling
● Increased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in accordance with ISO 1043,
ISO 11469 and ISO 1629.
Choice of materials
● Use of recycled materials.
● Use of compatible plastics in the same part if its components are not
easily separated.
● Use of recycled materials and/or materials originating from renewable
sources. ●
Reduction of volatile components, including odour, in plastic materials.
● Use of CFC-free coolants.
Ban on heavy metals, with the exceptions dictated by law (Annex II of ELV
Directive 2000/53/EC): cadmium, lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium.
Manufacturing methods
● Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the protective wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during vehicle transport.
● Use of solvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling systems.
● Recycling and energy recovery from residues (RDF).
● Improvement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual heat (thermal recovery, en-
thalpy wheels, etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints 
Collection and scrapping of end-of-life vehicles
Collection of end-of-life vehicles
SEAT is already prepared for the moment when you wish to scrap your vehi-
cle and offers you an environmentally-friendly solution. An extensive net-
work of used car reception centres already exists in much of Europe. After
the vehicle has been delivered, you will receive a certificate of destruction
describing the environmentally friendly scrapping of the vehicle in accord-
ance with applicable legislation.
We will collect the used vehicle free of charge, provided it complies with all
national legislation.
Please see your Technical Service for further information about the collec-
tion and scrapping of end-of-life vehicles. 
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263
Practical information
Fuses
Introduction
Due to the constant update of vehicles, fuse assignments depending on
equipment and the use of the same fuse for various electrical components,
at the time of printing this manual it is not possible to provide an up-to-date
summary of the electrical components fuse positions. For detailed informa-
tion about the fuse positions, please consult a Technical Service.
In general, a fuse can be assigned to various electrical components. Like-
wise, an electrical component can be protected by several fuses.
Only replace fuses when the cause of the problem has been solved. If a
newly inserted fuse blows after a short time, you must have the electrical
system checked by a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
Additional information and warnings:
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 180
WARNING
The high voltages in the electrical system can give serious electrical
shocks, causing burns and even death!
● Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system.
WARNING
Using unsuitable fuses, repairing fuses or bridging a current circuit with-
out fuses can cause a fire and serious injury.
● Never use a fuse with a higher value. Only replace fuses with a fuse of
the same amperage (same colour and markings) and size.
● Never repair a fuse.
● Never replace a fuse by a metal strip, staple or similar.
CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the vehicles electric system, before replacing a fuse
turn off the ignition, the lights and all electrical elements and remove the
keys from the ignition.
● If you replace a fuse with higher-rating fuse, you could cause damage to
another part of the electrical system.
● Protect the fuse boxes when open to avoid the entry of dust or humidity.
Dirt and humidity inside fuse boxes can cause damage to the electrical sys-
tem.
Note
One single consumer could have more than one fuse.
Note
Several consumers could run over one single fuse. 
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266Practical information
Changing bulbs
Introduction
Changing bulbs requires a certain amount of manual skill. If you are unsure,
SEAT recommends that you consult a Technical Service or request assis-
tance from a specialist. In general a specialist is needed if, in addition to
the bulbs, other vehicle components require removal.
You should store spare light bulbs in the vehicle for safety-relevant lights.
Spare bulbs may be obtained from the Technical Services. In some coun-
tries, it is a legal requirement to carry spare bulbs in the vehicle.
Driving with faults and blown bulbs on the vehicle exterior lighting is
against the law.
Additional bulb specifications
The specifications of some headlamp bulbs and bulbs for the tail lamps fit-
ted at the factory may be different to those of conventional bulbs. Bulb in-
formation is displayed on the bulb socket or on the bulb itself.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● Lights and visibility ⇒ page 82
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 180
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 247
● Fuses ⇒ page 263
WARNING
If the road is not well-lit and the vehicle is not clearly visible to other
drivers, there is a risk of accident.
WARNING
Failure to replace bulbs correctly may cause serious accidents.
● Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment please read
and observe the warnings ⇒ page 180. In any vehicle, the engine com-
partment is a hazardous area and could cause severe injury.
● The bulbs H4, HB4 and H7 are pressurised and might explode on
changing them.
● Only replace the bulbs concerned when they have cooled.
● Never replace bulbs alone if you are not familiar with the operations
necessary. If you are not sure about procedures then visit a specialised
workshop to carry out the necessary work.
● Never touch the bulb glass directly. Fingerprints will be evaporated by
the heat of the operating bulb thus “fogging” up the reflector.
● The headlamp frameworks in the engine compartment and the tail
lamps contain sharp elements. Always protect your hands when chang-
ing bulbs.
CAUTION
After changing a bulb, if the rubber covers are not replaced correctly on the
headlamp framework, the electrical installation may be damaged, especial-
ly if water is allowed to enter. 