Driving165
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Vehicles with a diesel 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 . The pre-heating indicator light
comes on while the glow plugs are preheating.
– When the indicator light
goes out, turn the ignition key to
position . Do not press the accelerator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts (the starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine).
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine fails to start straight-away, switch off the starter after about 10
seconds and try again after about half a minute.
Glow plug system*
To assist starting at low temperatures, diesel engines are equipped with a
glow plug preheating system. The pr eheating time depends on the coolant
temperature and the outside temperature. Start the engine as soon as the
glow plug indicator light
goes out.
When the engine is warm or at outside temperatures above +8°C, the glow
plug indicator light will only come on for about one second. This means that
the engine can be started immediately .
If the engine will not start...
•
⇒ page 271
•
⇒page 274
•
⇒page 208, “Refuelling”
WARNING
Never run the engine in confined spaces, as the exhaust gases are
poisonous.
Caution
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions until the
engine has reached its normal operating temperature, otherwise this can
damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.
Start immediately. This will help avoid unnecessary exhaust emissions.Stopping the engine– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 164, fig. 140 .
WARNING
•
Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo and the power steering system work only when the
engine is running. You need more stre ngth to steer and brake the vehicle
when the engine is switched off. Given that you will be unable to steer and
brake as usual, this could lead to a risk of accidents and injuries.
A1
A2
A0
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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
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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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Intelligent technology
180The power steering does not work if the engine is off. In this case the steering
wheel is very hard to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the car is stationary, this will
place an excessive load on the power steering system. Turning the steering
wheel to its limit places a load on the sy stem, which causes noise. It will also
reduce the idling speed of the engine.
Caution
When the engine is running, do not tu rn the steering wheel to its limit for
more than 15 seconds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the power
steering.
Note
•
If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off
(for instance when being towed), the ca r can still be steered. However, more
effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
•
If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the car to a quali-
fied workshop as soon as possible.
•
The power steering requires a special hydraulic fluid. The fluid reservoir is
located at the front of the engine compartment on the left ⇒page 282. The
correct fluid level in the reservoir is important for the power steering to func-
tion properly. The hydraulic fluid level is checked at the Inspection Service.
ServotronicThe servotronic system electronically adjusts the degree of
power assistanceIn cars equipped with servotronic power steering the degree of power assist-
ance ⇒page 179 is adjusted electronically according to road speed. If a fault should occur in the
servotronic system, the power steering will still
operate. The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to
different speeds. If the el ectronic regulating system is not working properly,
this is most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for
instance when parking) – more effort will be required than usual. The fault
should be corrected by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
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Wheels and tyres
230TMPS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring Syst em). Please contact the nearest
specialist garage as soon as possible.
The tyre pressure warning lamp
lights up if the tyre pressure on one or
more wheels is significantly lower than the tyre pressure setting which was
confirmed by the driver ⇒.
WARNING
•
If the tyre pressure warning lamp lights up
you must slow down
immediately and avoid any severe braking or steering manoeuvres. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible and check the tyres and their pressure.
•
The driver is responsible for maintaining correct tyre pressures. There-
fore, the tyre pressure must be regularly checked.
•
Under certain conditions (e.g. drivin g at high speeds, on ice and snow
or on poor road surfaces) the tyre pressure warning lamp
may not light
up immediately or not at all.
•
Please ask your Dealer or specialist garage whether run-flat tyres can
be used on your vehicle. Fitting this type of tyre in an undue manner could
lead to your driving licence being taken away from you. Furthermore, it may
led to damage to the vehicle or, un der certain circumstances, may cause
accidents.
•
If you change normal tyres for run-flat tyres or vice versa, the control
unit must be reprogrammed by the Dealer or a specialist garage.Note
If you did not press the button for the tyre pressure monitoring system to
confirm a new tyre pressure setting after making changes to the tyre pres-
sures or changing one or more wheels, the warning lamp
may light up
although the tyre pressures are correct. In this case, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible and, after examining the tyres, press the button for the tyre pres-
sure monitoring system.
Tyre service life
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving
style and fitting.
Fig. 173 Tyre tread wear
indicatorsFig. 174 Diagram for
changing wheels
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Wheels and tyres231
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
⇒
page 230, fig. 173 , running across the tread. Depending on the make,
there will be six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on
the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the
positions of the tread wear indicators. The minimum tread depth required by
law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indica-
tors). Worn tyres must be replaced. Different figures may apply in export
countries ⇒.
Tyre pressure
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres considerably
and also impair the car's handling. The inflation pressures are listed on a
sticker on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Correct inflation pressures are very important, especially at high speeds. The
pressure should therefore be checked at least once a month and before
starting any long journey.
Tyre pressure monitoring (RKA+)*
Monitoring of the tyre pressures is based on the tyre pressures you have
stored. The tyre pressure monitoring syst em cannot function as intended if
you store tyre pressure settings for a normal load, but then drive with the
vehicle fully laden. The tyre pressure must be adapted to the actual load and
stored accordingly in the tyre pressure monitoring system ⇒page 229.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisable
to change them around as shown ⇒page 230, fig. 174 . 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 tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive 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.
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If and when
248Fuse assignment
This list shows the fuses which can be replaced relatively
easily by the owner.No.
Consumer
Amps
1
Climate control
10
2
Footwell lamps
5
3
Heated washer jets
5
4
Radiator fan
5
5
Telephone, multifunction switch, rear window sun
blind
10
6
Air conditioner (air purity sensor), pressure sensor
5
7
Electronic Stabilisation Pro gram (ESP), brake light
switch, clutch pedal switch, steering angle sensor
10
8
Telephone
5
9
Brake servo (vacuum pump)
15
10
Self-directing headlights (adaptive light) right
5
11
Tyre pressure monitoring
12
Diagnostic socket
10
13
Steering column unit
10
14
Brake lights
10
15
instrument panel
10
16
Vacant
5
17
Parking aid, self-levelling suspension, tyre pressure
monitoring system, rain/ light sensor
10
18
Self-directing headlights (adaptive light) left
5
19
Fog lights
15
20
Vacant
21
Vacant
22
Driver's door / front passenger's door
15
23
Rear doors
15
24
Central electrics unit for convenience equipment
20
25
Heater blower
30
26
Rear window heater
30
27
Electrical socket for trailer (control unit)
30
28
Fuel pump, auxiliary pump for diesel
20
29
Vacant
30
Sliding/tilting sunroof
20
31
Diagnosis connection, automatic anti-dazzle interior
mirror with automatic adjustment
15
32
Towing socket
15
33
Lighter
20
34
Vacant
35
Luggage compartment power point*
20
36
Wiper system
30
37
Pump for windscreen washer and headlight washer
system
30
38
Central electrics unit for convenience equipment, bon-
net unlocking
15
39
Radio
20
No.
Consumer
Amps
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