2008 Seat Exeo steering wheel

Lights and visibility
120
Main beam headlights

– Press the lever forward to switch on the main beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam head-lights off again.
Headlight flasher

– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the flasher.
Parking light

– Switch the ignition off.
– Move the lever up or down to turn on the right or left-hand parking lights respectively.Notes on these functions•
The indicators only work when the ignition is switched on. The indicator
lamp  or  flashes in the instrument panel when the turns signals
⇒ page 65 are working.
•
The indicators are cancelled automatically when the steering wheel is
returned to the straight-ahead position.
•
The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. The main beam headlight indicator lamp
 then
comes on in the instrument panel.
•
The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever, even if no
other lights are switched on. The main beam headlight indicator lamp

then comes on in the instrument panel.
•
When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the rear light
on one side of the car light up with re duced intensity. The parking lights will
only work with the ignition off.
Caution
Never use the main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if this would
dazzle oncoming traffic.Interior lightsFront interior lights and glove compartment light
The front interior light also incorporates the reading lights for
the driver and passenger.The rocker switch ⇒fig. 92 for the front interior light has the
following functions:
Fig. 92 Details of head-
liner: front interior lights
AA
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Lights and visibility125
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
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Windscreen wipersWindscreen wipers

The windscreen wiper lever controls the windscreen wipers
and the automatic wash and wipe.The windscreen wiper lever ⇒fig. 100 has the following settings:
Brief wipe
– Move the lever down to position to give the windscreen a brief
wipe.
Intermittent wipe

/ Rain sensor* (enabling)
– Move the lever up to position .
– Move the switch up or down to set the wiper intervals. – On vehicles equipped with a rain sensor*, you can move the
switch up and down to set the sensitivity of the rain sensor.
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up to position .
Continuous wipe
– Move the lever up to position .
Automatic wash and wipe
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel, , so that the wind- screen washer is activated.
– Release the lever. The washer will stop and the wipers will keep running for approximately 4 seconds.
Disabling the windscreen wiper
– Pull the lever to basic position .
General notes
The washers and wipers will work only when the ignition is switched on.
If you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights , the wiper speed will automatically be
reduced. The rain sensor* will automatically be set to the intermittent wipe
function.
The windscreen washer jets are heated when the ignition is switched on.
The wiper intervals in the intermittent wipe setting are also varied automati-
cally according to the road speed (in addition to the manual delay setting).
When the lights are switched on you should only pull the lever briefly to wash
the windscreen, otherwise the headlight washers* will also be enabled. This
will use an unnecessary amount of fluid from the reservoir.
Fig. 100 Windscreen
wiper lever
A1
A2
AA
AA
A3A4
A5
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Driving
162DrivingAddressAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be adjusted as
required to suit the driver.–Push the lever ⇒fig. 137 down ⇒.
– Move the steering wheel to the desired position.
– Then push the lever back up against the steering column until it engages in position.
WARNING
•
Never adjust the position of the steering wheel when the vehicle is
moving, as this could cause an accident.
•
For safety reasons, the lever must always be securely engaged when
the vehicle is moving, so that the position of the steering wheel cannot
shift unexpectedly. Otherwise this could cause an accident.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.
Fig. 137 Lever beneath
steering column
Fig. 138 Detail of the
centre console: ESP
button
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Driving163
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP
) contains the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP function works
together with the ABS. If a fault in the ABS occurs, both warning lamps light
up, but if the ESP fails, only th e ESP warning lamp lights up.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESP switch deactivates both TCS and ESP functions. The ESP, in spite of
being off, will always self-connect wher e necessary if brakes are being used.
The TCS can be deactivated when in cases where wheel sliding is desirable.
For example:
•
When driving with snow chains,
•
when driving in deep sn ow or on loose surfaces,
•
when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for
example.
Next, the button should be pressed to reactivate the TCS.
When does the warning light switch on or flash ?
•
On switching the ignition on, it lights up for about two seconds to carry
out a function control.
•
The warning lamp will start flashing when the vehicle is moving if the ESP
or the TCS is activated.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
WARNING
•
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) cannot defy the laws of
physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet
roads and when towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
•
Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in ⇒page 175,
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockIgnition key positions
The ignition key is used to start and stop the engine.Position
The ignition key is inserted in this position. To engage the steering wheel
lock , take out the key and turn the wheel until you hear the pin engage. You
should always engage the steering lock when you leave the vehicle. This will
help to deter thefts ⇒.

WARNING (continued)
Fig. 139 Ignition key
positions
A0
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Driving
164Switching on the ignition/pre-heating glow plugs
If the key is difficult to turn in the lock, move the steering wheel (to take the
load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key turns freely. In the case of
vehicles with a diesel engine, the key is turned to this position to preheat the
glow plugs.
Starting the engine
The engine is started in this position . Electrical components with a high
power consumption are switched off temporarily.
After the engine has started, the ignition key returns to position by itself.
The ignition key has to be turned back to position before re-starting the
engine. The starter inhibitor in the ignition lock prevents the starter motor
from engaging when the engine is running, as this could cause damage.
Switching off the ignition
Turn the ignition key to this position.
WARNING
•
Never remove the ignition key until the vehicle is stationary! Otherwise
the steering lock could engage suddenly, which could cause an accident.
•
Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle, even if you only
intend to be gone for a short time. This is particularly important if there are
children in the car, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine or
use power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could
lead to injuries.Note
•
If the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, it will be
necessary to leave the key in position for about 5 seconds before starting
the engine.
Starting and stopping the engineStarting the engine
The engine can only be started with an original SEAT key.Vehicles with a petrol engine:
– Use the foot brake.
– Manual gearbox: Push the clutch pedal all the way down.
– Move the gear lever into the neutral position ⇒.
– Turn the ignition key to position without pressing the acceler- ator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts (the starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine).
A1
A2
A1
A0
A0
A1
Fig. 140 Ignition key
positions
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Driving167
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
If you drive by mistake with the handbrake still applied, you will hear a
warning buzzer and the display will show the message:
Handbrake applied
The handbrake warning is enabled after driving for 3 seconds at a speed
above 5 km/h.
The handbrake warning lamp
 lights up when the handbrake is applied
with the ignition on.
WARNING
Please note that the handbrake should be released all the way. If it is only
partially released, this will cause rear brakes overheating, which can
impair the function of the brake system and could lead to an accident.
Caution
After the vehicle has been stopped, always apply the hand brake and engage
a gear.Parking
The following points will ensure there is no risk of the car
rolling away accidentally after it is parked.– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Apply handbrake firmly.
– Switch the engine off.
– Engage the first gear ⇒.
When parking on slopes:
Turn the steering wheel so that the, if the vehicle moves, it will do so towards
the curb.
WARNING
•
Do not leave anyone (especially chil dren) in the vehicle when it is
locked. Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially
putting lives at risk.
•
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could release
e.g. the handbrake or gear lever, moving the vehicle and causing an
accident.
Parking aidGeneral notesVarious systems are available to help you when parking or manoeuvring in
tight spaces, dependi ng on the equipment fitted on your vehicle.
The SEAT parking system gives an acoustic warning if there are any obstacles
behind your car ⇒ page 168.
When you are parking, SEAT parking system plus warns you acoustically and
optically about obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle ⇒ page 168.
Note
To ensure the acoustic parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept
clean and free of snow and ice.
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Intelligent technology175
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Practical tipsIntelligent technologyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)General notes
The electronic stabilisation programme increases the
vehicle?s stability on the road.The ESP is designed to increase the degree of control in situations where the
car approaches the limits of adhesion, especially when accelerating and
cornering. It reduces the risk of skidding and improves stability in all road
conditions. The system is active across the entire speed range. The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock (EDL) and
the traction control system (TCS) are all
integrated into the electronic stabili-
sation programme.
How it works
The ESP control unit processes data from the three integrated systems. It also
processes additional inputs provided by other high-precision sensors. These
register the vehicle's rotation about the vertical axis (yaw rate), lateral accel-
eration, brake pressure and steering wheel angle.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehi cle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the car is starting to skid), then the ESP compen-
sates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the car back to a stable condi-
tion. If the vehicle over swerves (tendency of the rear to leave the road), the
brakes will act on the front wheel facing the outside of the bend. If the vehicle
under swerves (tendency to leave the bend), the braking force is applied to
the rear wheel facing th e inside of the bend.
The ESP works in conjunction with the ABS ⇒page 176. If a malfunction
should occur in the ABS, the ESP will also be out of action.
Disabling
The ESP is enabled automatically when the engine is started and performs a
self-test routine.
Fig. 146 Centre console
with ESP switch
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Intelligent technology179
Safety First
Operating instructions
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Corrosion
There may be a tendency for dirt to build up on the brake pads and corrosion
to form on the discs if the car is used
infrequently, or if you only drive low
mileages without using the brakes very much.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times from a
moderately high speed ⇒.
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may mean that
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest qual-
ified workshop and have the fault rectified. On the way to the dealer, be
prepared to use more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stop-
ping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too low.
The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
WARNING
When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and discs,
select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or endanger other
road users. Risk of accident.
Caution
•
Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when you do
not really intend to brake. This overhe ats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.
•
Before driving down a long, steep slope, it is advisable to reduce speed
and change into a lower gear. This makes use of engine braking and prolongs
the service life of the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes, it is better to
brake firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.
Note
If you wish to equip the car with accessories such as a front spoiler or wheel
covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not obstructed,
otherwise the brakes can overheat.Brake servo
The brake servo assists the driver when brakingThe brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. The
brake servo works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
Ensure the vehicle does not move whil e in neutral, when the motor is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Note
If the brake servo is not working, e.g. because the vehicle has to be towed or
because it is broken, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance.Power steeringThe power steering assists the driver when turning the
steering wheel (with the engine running).The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the
steering wheel.
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