Lights and visibility
112Lights and visibilityLightsSwitching lights on and off
Switching on the side lights
– Turn the light switch ⇒fig. 72 to position
.
Switching on dipped headlights
– Turn the light switch to position
.
Switching off the lights
– Turn the light switch to position 0. Switching on the fog lights*
– Pull the switch out of position
or
to the first stop. The
symbol
in the light switch lights up.
Switching on the rear fog lights (vehicles with front fog lights)
– Pull the switch out of position
or
to the second stop
⇒ . A warning lamp lights up in the control panel.
Switching on the rear fog lights (vehicles with no front fog lights)
– Pull the switch out of position
to the last stop. A warning lamp
lights up in the instrument panel.
WARNING
Never drive with just the side lights on . Risk of accident. The side lights are
not bright enough to illuminate the road ahead and to ensure that other
road users are able to see you. Always use your dipped headlights if it is
dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
•
The dipped beam headlights will only work with the ignition on. The side
lights come on automatically when the ignition is turned off.
•
If the lights are left on after the key has been taken out of the ignition lock,
a buzzer sounds when the driver door is opened. This is a reminder to switch
off the lights.
Fig. 72 Detailed view of
dash panel lights, fog
light and rear fog light
control
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Lights and visibility115
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Instrument and switch lighting / Headlight range controlInstrument and switch lighting
When the headlights are switched on, the brightness of the instruments and
switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning the
thumb wheel ⇒fig. 74 .
Those vehicles fitted with xenon gas discharge headlights are fitted with an
automatic headlight range system.
Headlight range control
Using the electrical headlight range control, you can adjust the headlight
range to the load level that is being carried in the vehicle. In this way it is
possible to avoid dazzling oncoming traffi c more than necessary. At the same
time, the driver has the best possible lighting for the road ahead using the
correct headlight settings.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To lower the beam, turn the thumb wh eel down from the basic setting 0.Dynamic headlight range control
Vehicles with
gas discharge lamps (“xenon lamps”) are equipped with
dynamic headlight range control . This means that the headlights will be
adjusted to suit the load level of the vehicle and “nodding movements” when
pulling off and braking are automatically compensated for.
Vehicles with gas discharge lamps do not have headlight range control.
Self directional headlights*
When driving around bends the headlights will light the most
important areas of the road.This cornering light gives better illumina tion of the side of the road when
driving through a corner. The dynamic lighting is controlled automatically
according to speed and the steering wheel angle.
The two main headlights move at different angles to avoid that the front of the
vehicle is left completely in the dark.
Fig. 74 Instrument panel:
regulation for instrument
and switch illumination
and headlight range
control
A1
A1A2
A2A2
Fig. 75 Cornering
lighting using directional
headlights
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Lights and visibility
116
NoteThe system operates from a speed of about 10 km/h.Hazard warning lights
The hazard warning lights are used to draw the attention of
other road users to your vehicle in emergencies.
If your vehicle breaks down:
1. Park your vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
2. Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights ⇒.
3. Switch the engine off.
4. Apply the handbrake. 5. On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear, and for an automatic
move the selector lever to P.
6. Use the warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users
to your vehicle.
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehicle.
You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for
instance when:•
reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
•
there is an emergency
•
your vehicle breaks down due to a technical defect
•
you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are
switched on. That is that the two turn signal indicator lamps
and the
indicator lamp in the switch
will flash at the same time. The hazard
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
Turning on the emergency indicators
The emergency indicators turn on auto matically when braking sharply at a
speed of over 60km/h, or if the ABS works for a prolonged period, in order to
alert the vehicles behind. If you accele rate, or continue at over 40km/h, the
emergency indicators turn off automatically.
WARNING
•
The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the attention
of other road users to your stationary vehicle.
•
Never park where the catalytic convert er could come into contact with
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt
petrol. This could start a fire!
Fig. 76 Instrument panel:
switch for hazard warning
lights
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Seats and stowage127
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Seats and stowageThe importance of correct seat adjustmentProper seat adjustment optimi ses the level of protection
offered by seat belts and airbags.Your vehicle has five passenger places, two individual front seats and three
places on the rear seat. Each seat is equipped with a three-point seat belt.
The driver seat and front passenger seat can be adjusted in many ways to suit
the physical requirements of the vehicle occupants. The correct seat position
is very important for:•
fast and easy operation of all controls on the instrument panel,
•
relaxed posture that does not cause drowsiness,
•
safe driving ⇒ page 7,
•
and to ensure that the seat belts and airbag system provide maximum
protection ⇒page 19.
WARNING
•
If the driver and passengers assume improper sitting positions, they
may sustain critical injuries.
•
Never transport more people than there are seats available in the
vehicle.
•
Every occupant in the vehicle must properly fasten and wear the seat
belt belonging to his or her seat. Children must be protected with an appro-
priate child restraint system ⇒page 46, “Child safety”.
•
The front seats and all head restraints must always be adjusted to body
size and the seat belt must always be properly adjusted to provide you and
your passengers with optimum protection.
•
Always keep your feet in the foot well when the vehicle is moving; never
rest them on the dash panel, out of the window or on the seat. This also
applies to passengers. An incorrect sitting position exposes you to an
increased risk of injury in the event of a braking manoeuvre or an accident.
If the airbag is triggered, you could sustain severe injuries due to an incor-
rect sitting position.
•
It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a distance
of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel. Failure to respect
the minimum distance means that the airbag will not protect you. Risk of
fatal injury. The distance between the driver and the steering wheel or
between the front passenger and the dash panel should always be as great
as possible.
•
Adjust the driver or front passenger seat only when the vehicle is
stationary. Otherwise your seat coul d move unexpectedly while the vehicle
is moving. This could increase the risk of an accident and therefore injury.
In addition, while adjusting your seat, you will assume an incorrect sitting
position. Risk of fatal accidents.
•
Special guidelines apply to installing a child seat on the front
passenger seat. When installing a child seat, observe the warning note in
the ⇒page 46, “Child safety”.WARNING (continued)
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Driving
164
Note•
The gearbox controls on the steering wheel can operate with the gear stick
in any position and with the vehicle in motion.
HandbrakeUsing the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park. Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒
fig. 125.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the locking knob in the direc- tion of the arrow ⇒fig. 125 and guide the handbrake lever down
fully ⇒ .
Always apply the handbrake firmly. This prevents you driving with the hand-
brake applied ⇒.
The handbrake warning lamp
lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp goes out when the hand-
brake is released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following
message* will appear in the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. Also,
an audible warning is given.
WARNING
•
Never use the handbrake to slow down the vehicle when it is in motion.
The braking distance is considerably longer, as braking is only applied to
the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
•
If it is only partially released this will cause overheating of the rear
brakes, which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead
to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads/linings.Caution
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected.
Fig. 125 Handbrake
between the front seats
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Wheels and tyres
224Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisable
to change them around as shown ⇒page 223, fig. 152. All the tyres will then
last for about the same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results
in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause excessive
wear on steering, suspension and tyre s. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessiv e tyre wear, impairing the safety of
the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel align-
ment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre bursts during driving!•
The tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to
the tread wear indicators. Failure to do so could result in an accident. Worn
tyres do not grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There is also a greater
risk of “aquaplaning”.
•
At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. This causes it to overheat. This can cause tread separation and tyre
blow-out. Risk of accident. Always observe the recommended tyre pres-
sures.
•
If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the running gear checked
by an Authorised Service Centre.
•
Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake fluid away from tyres.
•
Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately!
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.Puncture proof tyres
Anti-puncture tyres allow you to continue driving even with a
punctured tyre, in the majority of cases.Vehicles that are factory-fitted with puncture proof tyres
21)
indicate
on the instrument panel when there is a loss of tyre pressure.
Driving with anti-puncture tyres (emergency gear)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (electronic stabilisation programme) switched on, or switch on ⇒page 173.
– Continue driving carefully and slowly (80 km/h maximum).
– Avoid sudden manoeuvres and sharp turns.
– Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
– Look out for the ESP/TCS intervening often, smoke coming from the tyres or the smell of rubber, the vehicle vibrating or a clat-
tering noise. If any of these occur, stop the vehicle.
The anti-puncture tyres have a tag on the side of the tyre, with the description:
“DSST”, “Eufonia”, “RFT”, “ROF”, “RSC”, “SSR” or “ZP”.
The sides of this type of tyre are reinforced. When the tyres lose air they are
supported on the sides (emergency driving).21)Depending upon version and country.
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Wheels and tyres225
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
The loss of pressure in the tyre is shown on the instrument panel. You can
then drive a maximum of 80 km and if the circumstances are favourable (for
example, low load), even more.
The damaged tyre should be changed as soon as possible. The rim should be
checked in a specialist workshop to detect possible damage and replace it if
necessary. We recommend you contact Technical Service. If more than one
tyre is being used under emergency conditions, this reduces the distance
which can be travelled.
Starting driving in emergency conditions
At the moment the loss of tyre pressure is indicated on the instrument panel,
at least one of the tyres is driving in emergency mode
⇒.
End of emergency operation
Do not drive on if:
•
smoke is coming from one of the tyres,
•
there is a smell of rubber,
•
the vehicle vibrates,
•
there is a rattling noise.
When is it no longer possible to continue driving even using anti-puncture
tyres?
•
If the Electronic Stabilisation Pro gram (ESP) is out of operation.
•
If the tyre pressure monitoring system is out of operation.
•
If one of the tyres has been severely damaged in an accident, etc. If a tyre
has been badly damaged there is a risk that parts of the tread can be thrown
off and cause damage to the fuel lines, brake pipes or fuel filler.
•
It is also advisable to stop driving if severe vibrations occur, or if the wheel
starts overheating and gives off smoke.
WARNING
When driving in emergency conditions, the driving quality of the vehicle is
considerably impaired.•
The maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h is subject to road and
weather conditions. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.
•
Avoid sharp turns and rapid manoeuvres, and brake earlier than usual.
•
Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
•
If one or more tyres is being driven in emergency conditions, the driving
quality of the vehicle is impaired and there is a risk of accident.Note
•
The anti-puncture tyres do not “deflate” on losing pressure because they
are supported on the reinforced sides. Therefore defects in the tyre can not be
detected with a visual inspection.
•
Snow chains must not be used on front tyres used in emergency
conditions.
New tyres and wheels
New tyres and wheels have to be run-in.The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteristics
of the vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and safe
handling ⇒.
Tyres should be replaced at least in pair s and not individually (i.e. both front
tyres or both rear tyres together). A knowledge of tyre designations makes it
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If and when241
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Fuses on left side of dash panelFuses
Number Consumer Amperes
1 Diagnosis Switchboard/Instrument lights / Headlights switchboard/ Flowmeter/ Heated wipers 10
2 Engine control unit/ ABS-ESP switch
board/ Automatic gearbox/ Instrume nt panel/ Trailer switchboard/
Light switch / Brake sensor/ Power steering/ Right and left headlights 5
3 A ir b ag 5
4 Heating/ Reverse switch/ ASR-ESP switch/ Telephone/ Nozzles/ Electrochrome anti-dazzle mirror/ Tom-
tom navigator 5
5 Right xenon headlight 5
6 Left xenon headlight 5
7 Vacant
8 Vacant
9 Vacant
10 Vacant
11 Vacant
12 Central locking 15
13 Diagnosis/ Lights switch/ Rain sensor 10
14 Automatic gearbox / Heating/ ESP switchboard/ Automatic gearbox lever 5
15 Cable control unit 7,5
16 Vacant
17 Alarm 5
18 Vacant
19 Vacant
20 Vacant
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