
Driving
130Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock 
In this position ⇒ fig. 93 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the steering 
may get locked.
For the Steering lock  to operate without the ignition key, turn the steering 
wheel until it locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the 
steering wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent vehicle 
theft ⇒ .
Switching the ignition or the glow plug system on 
Turn the ignition key to this position and release it. If the key cannot be turned 
or it is difficult to turn from position   to position  , move the steering 
wheel back and forth until it loosens up. Starting 
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components 
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Every time the vehicle is started again, the ignition key must be turned to 
position . The 
repetitive start prevention lock  of the ignition prevents 
possible damage to the starter moto r if the engine is already running.
WARNING
•
The ignition key must NOT be removed from the lock until the vehicle 
comes to a standstill. Otherwise, the steering could be immediately 
blocked- Risk of accident!
•
Always remove the key from the ignition lock when leaving the vehicle, 
even for a short period. This is especially important if children or disabled 
people are left alone in the vehicle. They could accidentally start the 
engine or work electrical equipment such as the electric windows, conse-
quently resulting in an accident.
•
Unsupervised use of the keys could start the engine or any electrical 
system, such as the electric window.  This could result in serious injury.Caution
The starter motor will only work when the engine is stopped (ignition key 
position ).Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driving 
the vehicle.Inside the key there is a chip that deac tivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition.
Fig. 93  Ignition key posi-
tions
A0
A1
A0
A1
A2A0A2
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Driving131
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
The immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the 
key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with its correct code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used.Starting and stopping the engineStarting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the ne
utral position and depress the 
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it  in this position for the starter 
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting  ⇒page 130 position.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter  motor must not run on with the engine.After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the 
accelerator.
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 does not start immediately, switch the starter off after 
10 seconds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start, 
the fuel pump fuse should be checked 
⇒page 211, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon mono xide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the  engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start 
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter th e catalytic converter and damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you 
should first try to start it using the batt ery of another vehicle. Note and follow 
the instructions  ⇒page 227, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running th e engine with the vehicle stationary. 
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine 
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.
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Driving
132Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the 
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the starter 
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 130, fig. 93   . The 
indication lamp 
 will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp turns off, turn the key to position   to  start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of 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 ma y 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 there are problems starting the engine, see the  ⇒page 227.
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the battery, do not use any other major 
electrical equipment while th e glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp turns off.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal 
(up to one minute) to start the engine afte r refuelling with diesel fuel. This is 
because the system must eliminate air first.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should av oid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the  engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start 
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you 
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow 
the instructions  ⇒page 227, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running th e engine with the vehicle stationary. 
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine 
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Switching the engine off– Stop the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 130, fig. 93   .
A1
A2
A0
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Driving
136selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not depressed 
and the lever is in position N  for more than about 1second.Driving a car with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatically as the vehicle 
moves.Starting
– Start the engine with the selector lever in position  P or  N.
Driving
– Hold the brake pedal pressed down.
– By holding the lock button (button on the left in the selector  lever), select  R, or  D. – Release the lever and wait a little for the gearbox to engage the 
gear (a slight movement can be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator  ⇒.
Stopping briefly
– If stopping for a short time, keep the vehicle stationary by  pressing the foot brake hard to prevent the car moving back-
wards on a slope or “creeping” forwards, e.g. at traffic lights. The 
selector lever does not need to be put into the positions  P or  N.
– Do not press the accelerator.
Parking the vehicle
– Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a  standstill  ⇒.
–Apply the handbrake.
– By pressing the lock button down, move the selector lever to  P 
and release the lock button.
Driving up and down hills
– Press the selector lever from position “D” to the right into the  Tiptronic selector gate.
– Lightly press the selector lever back to change down.
Holding the car on a hill
– The footbrake must be always pressed down to prevent the  vehicle from “rolling backwards” ⇒ . Do not try to prevent the 
vehicle from “rolling backwards” by increasing the engine speed 
while a range of gears is selected.
Fig. 98  Automatic 
gearbox
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Driving137
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Starting the vehicle up hills
–Apply the handbrake.
– With a selected gear, accelerate slowly and at the same time, 
release the handbrake.The steeper the slope, the lower the needed gear. This increases the braking 
effect of the engine. For example, when driving down a very steep slope in 3rd 
gear. If the engine brake effect is not enough, the vehicle will speed up. The 
automatic gearbox automatically changes up to prevent the engine over-
revving. Use the foot brake to reduce speed and change into 3rd gear again 
using Tiptronic* ⇒ .
Your vehicle has an automatic interlock which prevents the selector lever 
from being put into a position for drivi ng forwards or in reverse from positions 
P  or N  if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The ignition key cannot be  removed unless the selector lever is in position  P.
Warning lamp “Pressing brake pedal” 
When the warning lamp next to the sel ector lever lights up, press the brake 
pedal. This is necessary when the auto matic gearbox selector lever is moved 
out of positions  P or  N. At the same time, a text message or the instructions 
to perform necessary operations may appear on the instrument panel.
WARNING
•
As a driver, you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is running 
and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the engine is 
running, you must apply the parking brake and engage parking lock P.
•
If the engine is running and D or R are engaged, you will need to hold 
vehicle stopped by depressing the brake pedal. The car would keep on 
creeping forward as the power transmission is not fully interrupted even 
when the engine is idling.
•
Never accelerate when changing gear or you may cause an accident.
•
Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Risk of accident!
•
Before driving down a long, steep slope, it is advisable to reduce speed 
and change into a lower gear.
•
If you stop the vehicle up hill, always hold the foot brake strongly 
depressed down to stop it from rolling back.
•
Never allow the brake to rub and do not use the brake pedal too often 
or for long periods. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat and 
will considerably reduce the brake effect. This increases the braking 
distance and could cause the brake system to fail.
•
Never allow the car to roll down a mountain or a slope with the lever in 
the N or D position, regardless of the engine is running or not.Caution
•
If you stop the vehicle up hills, do not  attempt to stop it from rolling back 
by depressing the accelerator when a ge ar has been selected. Otherwise, the 
automatic gearbox may overheat causing damage. Pull the handbrake up or 
fully depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling away.
•
If you allow the car to roll when the engine is not running, or with the 
selector lever in position N, a lack of lubrication in the automatic gearbox will 
damage it.WARNING (continued)
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Driving139
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
P - parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position, the drive wheels are locked 
mechanically.
Position P on the lever must only be 
selected if the vehicle is stationary.
To move selector lever from position  P, the locking button in the selector lever 
handle must be pressed and the brake pedal depressed at the same time 
when the ignition is switched on.
To put the selector lever in position  P, simply press the lock button down and, 
if necessary, depress the brake pedal down.
R -Reverse gear
The reverse gear is engaged in this position.
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the 
engine is idling.
To move the selector lever to position  R, press the lock button down and, at 
the same time, press the brake pedal down, with the ignition switched on.
With the selector lever in position  R and the ignition switched on the 
following occurs:
•
Reverse lights light up.
•
The air conditioning changes automati cally the air recirculation mode.
•
The wiper starts if the windscreen washer is on.
•
The parking distance warning system switches on.*
N - Neutral (idling)
If this position is selected, the gearbox is in neutral. Power is not transmitted 
to the wheels and the engine does not have a braking function.
Never use the  N position to drive down a hill. The engine does not function as 
a brake and the brakes are subjected to excessive stain.
You could damage the automatic gearbox if you drive down hills with the 
selector lever in position  N and the engine switched off. D - Drive (forwards)
In this position the gearbox automatically changes to a lower or higher gear, 
according to the engine's demand, dr
iving style and speed. The braking 
effect of the engine when driving downhill is very limited when the selector is 
in this position. On the in strument panel screen it is shown the selected gear 
and also selector lever to position  D.
If position  N has been selected and you wish to select  D, you must press the 
foot brake if the vehicle is stationary, or travelling at under 5 km/h.
S - Standard driving position (Sport programme)
When the selector lever is in position  S, it will automatically change up into a 
higher gear later, and change down into a low gear, if compared with position 
D . This way, it is possible to take full advantage of the engine reserve power, 
depending on the engine demand, driving style and speed. The braking 
effect of the engine when driving downhill  is very limited. On the instrument 
panel screenthe selected gear is shown as well as the selector lever to posi-
tion  S.
To select gear range  S, press the lock button on the selector lever.
WARNING
If the vehicle moves with no control,  an accident and serious injury may 
occur.•
As a driver, you should never leave your vehicle if the engine is running 
and a gear is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while the engine is 
running, you must always apply the parking brake and engage parking lock 
P.
•
If the engine is running and if D or R are engaged, you will need to hold 
the the vehicle stopped by depressing footbrake down. The car would creep 
forward as the power transmission is  not fully interrupted even when the 
engine is idling.
•
Never accelerate when changing gear or you may cause an accident.
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Driving
140•
Never move the selector lever to “R” or  “P” when driving. Risk of acci-
dent.
•
Before driving down a very steep slope, reduce your speed and shift to 
position 1st.
•
Always hold the vehicle on the foot brake if you stop uphills. Otherwise, 
the vehicle could roll back.
•
Never allow the brake to rub and do  not use the brake pedal too often 
or for long periods. Constant braking  will cause the brakes to overheat and 
will considerably reduce the brake effect. This increases the braking 
distance and could cause the brake system to fail.WARNING
Never switch the engine off until the  vehicle is stationary. You could lose 
control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and serious injury.•
The airbags and belt tensioners do  not work when the ignition is 
switched off.
•
The brake servo does not work when  the engine is not running. You 
need more force to stop the vehicle.
•
Power assisted steering does not wo rk when the engine is not running. 
That is why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.
•
Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The 
steering lock could suddenly engage, and you would not be able to steer 
the vehicle.
•
Never allow the car to roll downhill with the gear in “N”, regardless of 
the engine is running or not.
Caution
If you allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off or with the 
selector lever in position “N”, take your  foot off the accelerator and wait until 
the engine starts idling before  returning to position “D”.Kickdown feature
The kickdown feature is designed to give maximum accelera-
tion.If you press the accelerator down thoroughly, the gearbox automatically 
changes down, depending on speed and engine speed, into a lower gear to 
take full advantage of give the vehicle maximum acceleration.
The gearbox does not change gear until the engine reaches the maximum 
determined engine speed for the gear.
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle if you accelerate on slippery road 
surfaces. Risk of serious injury.•
Be particularly careful when using the kickdown features on slippery 
road surfaces. With a fast acceleration , the vehicle could lose traction and 
skid.
•
You should use the kickdown feature only when traffic and weather 
conditions allow it to be used safely.
WARNING (continued)
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Driving143
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Acoustic parking aid system*Rear parking aid
The parking aid system will use an  acoustic signal to warn of 
the approach of any object towards the rear of the vehicle.Description
The acoustic parking aid system will measure the distance between the rear 
of the vehicle and any possible obstacle using four ultrasonic sensors located 
on the rear bumper. The measuring range of the sensors starts at  approxi-
mately and depending on the nature of the obstacle  at a distance of:•
side of the rear bumper: 0.6 m
•
middle of the rear bumper: 1.6 m
Activation
The system is activated by engagement of the reverse gear. A brief acoustic 
signal confirms the activation and correct function of the system.
Reverse gear
The distance warning will begin as soon as an obstacle is detected by the 
system. The frequency of the bleeps emitted by the system will increase 
rapidly as the vehicle approaches the obstacle.
Within a short distance of about 30c m, a continuous signal sounds (stop 
signal). The driver should not reverse any further.
Models with a factory-fitted towing bracket: When the vehicle is less than 
0.35 m away from the obstacle the warn ing tone will sound continuously. The 
driver should then not reverse any further.
The warning tone decreases by 30% after 3 seconds from the start of the 
system. Provided that it is not in continuous 
mode, the tone on the parking aid system 
stops when it detects a wall parallel to the vehicle.
Trailer towing
For factory-fitted vehicles eith a towing bar, the parking aid system will not be 
activated by the engagement of the reverse gear when pulling a trailer, as the 
trailer's electric connector will be plugged into the vehicle.
Possible faults
If a continuous bleep sounds for some seconds when the reverse gear is 
engaged, this indicates that there is a fault in the parking aid system.
If the fault continues until the ignition is turned off, the acoustic signal 
warning of the fault will not be emitted every time the system is reactivated 
(by engaging the reverse gear). Thus, the system ready indication will not 
sound either. Have the fault repaired by an Authorised Service Centre as soon 
as possible.
If there is no ready signal or no acou stic warning signal, then the parking aid 
loudspeaker is faulty and may not warn of obstacles.
To ensure that the system works properly, the sensors must be kept clean and 
free of ice and snow.
WARNING
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles may not be detected.
•
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will 
not always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-
dents.
•
The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver 
must take full responsibility for parking and other manoeuvres.
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