battery Seat Toledo 2012 Owner's Guide

182Checking and refilling levels
Windscreen washer
Fig. 121 Engine com-
partment: Windscreen
washer container
The container for the windscreen washer contains the cleaning fluid for the
windscreen or rear window and the headlight washer system. The container
is located in the engine compartment.
The container capacity is approx. 3.5 litres and, in vehicles with windscreen
washer system, approx. 5.4 litres 1)
.
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean the glass and the headlights
properly. We therefore recommend using clean water with a glass cleaning
product to eliminate any stubborn dirt (with an anti-freeze additive in win-
ter).
Although your vehicle has heated windscreen washer jets, anti-freeze
should always be added to the water in winter.
Ethanol can be used where glass cleaner with anti-freeze is unavailable. The
concentration of ethanol must be no greater than 15 %. However, remember
that anti-freeze in this proportion only protects down to -5 °C (23 °F).
CAUTION
● Never mix the windscreen washing water with anti-freeze used for the
cooling system or other additives.
● If the vehicle is equipped with a headlight washer system, only mix a de-
tergent that does not damage polycarbonates with the water.
Note
On topping up the fluid, do not move the filter on the container opening, as
this could contaminate the fluid pipes and, therefore, lead to a windscreen
washer malfunction. 
Battery Introduction
Warning symbols on the battery
SymbolMeaning
Always wear safety glasses!
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Always wear gloves and
hearing protection!
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and lit cigarettes
away when working on the battery!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the bat-
tery is under charge!
Keep children away from the battery! 
1)
Valid only for certain countries. 5.4 litres for both versions.

183
Checking and refilling levels
Incorrect handling of the vehicle battery could lead to damage. We therefore
recommend all work on the vehicle battery be performed by an authorised
SEAT dealer.
Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical system.
Therefore, always observe the warnings and follow all general safety pre-
cautions.
WARNING
● Battery acid is very corrosive, therefore, the battery must be handled
with the utmost care. Wear protective gloves and protect your eyes and
skin when handling batteries. The corrosive fumes in the air irritate and
inflame the respiratory tract and cause conjunctivitis. It corrodes tooth
enamel and causes deep, difficult-to-heal wounds when in contact with
the skin. Repeated contact with diluted acids causes skin disease (in-
flammation, ulcers and fissures). When in contact with water, acids dilute
and develop a great deal of heat.
● Do not tilt the battery, as acid could leak out of the vapour vents. Pro-
tect your eyes with glasses or a protective helmet! Risk of blindness! If
acid should splash into the eyes, rinse the affected eye immediately for
several minutes using clean water. Then seek medical care immediately.
● Neutralize any acid splashes on the skin or clothing with soap solu-
tion as quickly as possible and rinse off with plenty of water. If acid is
swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.
● Keep children away from the battery.
● Hydrogen is released and a highly explosive mixture of gases is gen-
erated when the battery is under charge. Sparks when disconnecting or
releasing cable terminals with the ignition switched on could also cause
an explosion.
● A short circuit is produced if the battery terminals are bridged, e.g.
using metal objects, cables, etc. Possible consequences of a short cir-
cuit: melting of lead plates, battery explosion and fire, splashing acid.
WARNING (Continued)
● The following is forbidden while working on the battery: fire and open
flames, smoking and activities that could produce sparks. Avoid causing
sparks when handling cables or electrical apparatus. Risk of injury in the
event of large sparks.
● Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all electrical components and disconnect the cable
from the negative terminal (-) of the battery. To change a bulb, simply
switch off the corresponding light.
● Never charge a frozen or thawed out battery. Risk of explosion and
acid burns! Replace a frozen battery.
● Never use the jump leads on batteries in which the electrolyte level is
too low. Risk of explosion and acid burns.
● Never use a damaged battery. Risk of explosion! Replace a damaged
battery immediately.
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery when the ignition is switched on, as the
electrical system (electronic components) of the vehicle could be damaged.
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system, discon-
nect its negative terminal (-) first. Only then may the positive terminal (+) be
disconnected.
● When connecting the battery, connect the positive terminal (+) first. On-
ly then may the negative terminal (-) be connected. The battery cables must
never be connected to the wrong battery terminals. Risk of burning the elec-
trical installation.
● Make sure the battery acid does not come into contact with the body-
work. Risk of paintwork damage.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight to protect it from ultraviolet
radiation. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

184Checking and refilling levels
● If the vehicle is not used for 3 or 4 weeks, the battery could run flat. This
is because some components use electricity even in standby mode (e.g.
control units). Prevent the battery from running flat by disconnecting its
negative terminal or leave it charging at a low current.
● If you frequently use the vehicle for short trips, the battery may not fully
charge and could run flat.
For the sake of the environment
A flat battery is particularly harmful waste for the environment. It must
therefore be disposed of according to current local law.
Note
Replace a battery once it is older than 5 years. 
Battery cover
Fig. 122 Battery: Open-
ing the cover
The battery is located beneath a plastic cover in the engine com-
partment.
– Open the battery cover in the direction indicated by the arrow
⇒ Fig. 122. –
The positive terminal (+) of the battery is connected in reverse
order. 
Checking battery acid level
Fig. 123 Battery: Acid
level indicator
We recommend you have the acid level regularly checked at an official tech-
nical service, particularly in the following cases.
● At high outside temperatures.
● On long daily trips.
● Whenever the vehicle is loaded ⇒ page 185, Charging the battery.
In vehicles equipped with a battery with colour indicator, the so-called mag-
ic eye ⇒ Fig. 123 changes colour to indicate the acid level.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. Therefore, carefully
knock the indicator before checking the acid level.
● Black – the acid level is correct.
● Colourless or light yellow – acid level too low, battery must be changed. 

185
Checking and refilling levels
Note
● The battery acid level is also regularly checked during servicing at au-
thorised SEAT dealers.
● The acid level on “AGM” vehicle batteries cannot be checked for techni-
cal reasons.
● Vehicles equipped with the “START-STOP” system include a battery con-
trol unit to control the battery level for repeat engine starting. 
Winter service
At low temperatures the battery provides only a fraction of the starting pow-
er it has at normal temperatures.
A flat battery can also freeze at temperatures slightly below to 0 °C (32 °F).
We therefore recommend you have the battery checked and, if necessary,
charged at an official SEAT technical service before the start of winter. 
Charging the battery
A fully-charged battery is essential for reliable starting.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
– For “fast-charging” only: disconnect both battery connection ca-
bles (first the “negative” terminal and then the “positive”).
– Connect the charger cables to the battery terminals (red = “pos-
itive”, black = “negative”).
– Plug in the battery charger and switch on. –
After charging the battery: Switch off the battery charger and
disconnect the cable.
– Remove the charger cables.
– If necessary, reconnect both battery cables to the battery (first
the “positive” cable, then the “negative” cable).
When charging with a low current (e.g. with a small battery charger), the
battery does not have to be disconnected. The instructions of the battery
charger manufacturer must be followed.
Use a current equivalent to or lower than 0.1 of the battery capacity to fully
charge the battery.
Before “fast-charging” the battery however, both battery cables must be
disconnected.
“Fast-charging” a battery is dangerous and requires a battery charger and
special knowledge. Fast charges should be performed by an official techni-
cal service.
The battery caps should not be opened while the battery is being charged.
CAUTION
In vehicles fitted with the “START-STOP” system, the charger cable cannot
be directly connected to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery but
must be attached to the engine earthing point ⇒ page 207. 
Disconnecting and connecting the battery
The following functions will either be inoperative or will not work properly
after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery: 
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186Checking and refilling levels
FunctionInstallationSetting the clock⇒ page 58The multifunction display data is deleted⇒ page 59
Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by an authorised SEAT dealer to
guarantee the correct working order of all electrical systems. 
Changing the battery
A replacement battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current rating
and size as the original. The appropriate types of battery can be acquired
from authorised SEAT dealers.
We recommend having the battery changed by an authorised SEAT dealer,
where the new battery will be correctly installed and the original disposed
of in line with regulations. 
Automatic disconnection of electrical equipment
When heavily-charging a battery, the programme selected by the electrical
system control unit prevents the battery from automatically discharging.
This may result in the following:
● Increase in idling speed so that the alternator can supply more current
to the electrical system.
● The performance of certain electrical components could be limited or
some may switch off temporarily, e.g. the heated seats, the heated rear win-
dow, the 12V power socket.
Note
Despite any measures taken by the control unit, the battery could drain. e.g.
with the engine is switched off, the key is turned in the ignition for a long
period or the side lights or parking lights are switched on. The switching off
of certain electrical components does not impair driving comfort and the
driver will often not even realise. 

205
Self-help
– Switch the compressor off.
– When an air pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar cannot be reached, un-
screw the flexible pipe 5
from the tyre valve.
– Drive the vehicle approx. 10 metres forwards or backwards, so
that the sealant can “spread evenly” in the tyre.
– Screw the flexible hose from the air compressor 5
back onto
the tyre valve and repeat the inflation process.
– If the pressure is still lower than specified, the tyre is too badly
damaged. The tyre cannot be repaired using the tyre sealant kit
⇒ 
.
– Switch the compressor off.
– Unscrew the flexible hose 5
from the tyre valve.
When a tyre pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar is reached then you can con-
tinue driving at a max. speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Check the tyre pressure after 10 minutes of driving ⇒ page 205.
WARNING
● The flexible tyre filling hose and the air compressor may heat up dur-
ing the filling process. Risk of injury!
● Do not place the hot flexible tyre filling hose or hot air compressor on
top of flammable materials. Risk of fire!
● If the tyre cannot be inflated to a minimum pressure of 2.0 bar then
the tyre is too badly damaged. The sealing product is unable to seal the
tyre  . Do not drive on and obtain professional assistance.
CAUTION
Do not use the air compressor for longer than 8 minutes at a time. Risk of
overheating! Before using the air compressor again, leave it to cool down
for several minutes. 
Check after 10 minutes of driving
Check the tyre pressure after 10 minutes of driving!
If the tyre pressure is less than 1.3 bar:
–  Do not drive on! The tyre cannot be sufficiently filled using
the tyre repair kit.
– See professional assistance.
If the tyre pressure is over 1.3 bar:
– Correct the tyre pressure again to the correct value (see inside
of the fuel tank flap).
– Carefully resume your journey to the nearest specialised work-
shop at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). 
Jump-starting
Introduction
If the engine fails to start because of a discharged battery, the battery can
be connected to the battery of another vehicle to start the engine. Suitable
jump leads are required. 
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206Self-help
Both batteries must be rated at 12 Volts. The capacity (Ah) of the booster
battery should not be significantly lower than that of the discharged battery.
Jump leads
The jump leads must be heavy enough to carry the starter current and must
be fitted with insulated battery clamps. Refer to the instructions given by
the manufacturer.
Positive cable – usually red
Negative cable – usually black
WARNING
● When it is discharged, a battery can freeze at temperatures around
0 °C (32 °F). A frozen battery must first be thawed out before connecting
the jump leads. Risk of explosion!
● Please note the safety warnings referring to working in the engine
compartment ⇒ page 173.
● The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to
touch. Additionally, the jump lead attached to the positive battery termi-
nal must not touch metal parts of the vehicle. Risk of short circuit!
● Do not connect the negative lead to the negative terminal of the dis-
charged battery. In the event of sparks when starting the engine, the ex-
plosive gas given off by the battery could catch fire.
● Position the jump leads in such a way that they cannot come into con-
tact with any moving parts in the engine compartment.
● Do not bend over the battery. Risk of acid burns!
● The screw plugs on the battery cells must be screwed in firmly.
● Keep sources of fire (flames, lit cigarettes, etc.) away from the bat-
tery. Risk of explosion!
● Never use the jump leads on batteries in which the electrolyte level is
too low. Risk of explosion and acid burns.
Note
● The vehicles must not touch each other, as electricity could flow as soon
as the positive terminals are connected.
● The discharged battery must be properly connected to the vehicle elec-
trical system.
● The jump leads should be checked in a specialist vehicle battery shop. 
Starting the engine
Fig. 136 Jump-starting
with the battery of anoth-
er vehicle: A – Dis-
charged battery, B –
Boosting battery
The two jump leads must be connected in the correct sequence:
Connecting the positive terminals with the positive lead
– Connect one end 1
⇒ Fig. 136 to the positive terminal of the
flat battery A.
– Connect the other end 2
to the positive terminal of the boost-
ing battery B. 

207
Self-help
Connecting negative terminals with the engine block
– Connect one end 3
⇒ Fig. 136 to the negative terminal of the
boosting battery B.
– Attach the other end 4
to a solid metal part firmly attached to
the engine block or to the engine block itself.
Starting the engine
– Start the engine of the vehicle and let it run at idling speed.
– Now start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
– If the engine fails to start, do not operate the start for longer
than 10 seconds. Wait for about 30 seconds and try again.
– Remove the jump leads from the engine in exactly the opposite
sequence to that described above. Jump-starting vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 137 Jump-starting
vehicles with the START-
STOP system
In vehicles fitted with the START-STOP system, the booster cable cannot be
directly connected to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery but must
be attached to the engine earthing point. 
Towing the vehicle
Introduction
Vehicles with manual gearbox can be towed using a towbar or tow-
rope. They can also be towed with either the front or rear wheels
lifted off the road.
Vehicles with automatic gearbox can be towed using a towbar or
towrope. They can also be towed with the front wheels lifted off the 
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208Self-help
road. If the vehicle is towed with the rear wheels lifted off the road
the automatic gearbox will be damaged!
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a towbar. A towrope
should only be used if you do not have a towbar.
Follow the instructions below when towing a vehicle:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Engage the clutch very gently when starting to move or on vehi-
cles with automatic gearbox press the accelerator carefully.
– On vehicles with manual gearbox, the towrope must be taut be-
fore driving off.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h (31 mph).
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– The ignition should be switched on so that the steering wheel
lock is not engaged and the turn signals, horn and windscreen
wipers and washers can be used.
– Put the gear lever in neutral or move the selector lever to posi-
tion N (automatic gearbox).
The brake servo and power steering only work when the engine is
running. Considerably more effort is required on the brake pedal
and steering wheel when the engine is switched off.
Ensure the towrope remains taut at all times when towing.
CAUTION
● Do not tow-start the engine. Risk of engine damage! In vehicles with a
catalytic converter, unburnt fuel could reach the catalytic converter and
catch fire in it. This could damage and destroy the catalytic converter. Use
the battery from another vehicle for help in starting the engine ⇒ page 206,
Starting the engine.
● If, due to a fault, there is no oil in the gearbox, the car may only be tow-
ed with the driven wheels lifted clear of the road and transported on a spe-
cial vehicle transporter or trailer.
● If normal towing is not possible or if the vehicle is to be towed for further
than 50 km (31 miles), the vehicle must be transported on a special vehicle
transporter or trailer.
● The towrope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both ve-
hicles during towing. It is advisable to use a towrope made of synthetic fibre
or similar material only.
● Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and always take care to
avoid jerking the towrope. When towing on a loose surface there is always a
risk of overloading and damaging the anchorage points.
● Attach the towrope or towbar only to the towline anchorages or to the
removable towing bracket ⇒  page 161, or ⇒ page 209.
Note
● We recommend you use the towrope or towbar available in the SEAT
Original Accessories programme from authorised SEAT dealers.
● Towing a vehicle requires some experience. Both drivers should be fa-
miliar with the technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should
not attempt to tow away another vehicle or to have their vehicle towed.
● Note the legal regulations concerning towing, particularly those regard-
ing the signalling of the towed and towing vehicle.
● The towrope must not be twisted, as under certain circumstances this
could unscrew the front towline anchorage. 

214Fuses and bulbs
Changing fuses in the engine compartment
Fig. 144 Battery: fuse cover (version 1)
Fig. 145 Battery: fuse cover (version 2)
●Press the flexible tabs on the fuse box cover in the direction indicated by
the arrows 1

⇒  Fig. 144.
● Remove the cover by sliding it in the direction indicated by arrow 2.
● Use a flat-headed screwdriver to unlock the holes 3.
● Open the cover in the direction indicated by the arrow 4.Changing bulbs
Introduction
Changing bulbs requires a certain degree of practical skill. If in doubt, we
recommend you have defective bulbs changed by a specialised service or,
in case of an emergency, seek professional assistance.
● Switch off the ignition and all of the lights before changing a bulb.
● Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare hands. The finger-
prints left on the glass will vaporise as a result of the heat generated by the
bulb, causing a reduction in bulb life and condensation on the mirror sur-
face, thus reducing efficiency.
● A bulb must only be replaced by one of the same type. The type is indi-
cated on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
● There is a storage area for the bulb box in the spare wheel well or below
the carpet in the luggage compartment.
The light source used for each function is listed below:
Double headlights
H7 Long Life
H7
W5W Long Life PY21W NA P21W Super Long Life 
Dipped beam:
Main beam:
Side lights:
Turn signals:
Daytime driving lights: