
Cockpit
82Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an 
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp 
. Please 
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL  ⇒page 186, “Electronic differential lock (EDL)*”.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from 
spinning when the vehicle is acceleratingThe warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on and should turn 
out after about 2 seconds.
When the TCS is operating while drivi ng, the warning lamp flashes. If the 
system is deactivated or if there is any fault in the same, the warning lamp will 
remain lit.
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the TCS oper-
ates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information, see  ⇒page 183, 
“Brakes”.
If the TCS button is activated, the TC S function deactivates and the warning 
lamp remains lit.
By pressing again, TCS function is reactivated and the warning lamp switched 
off.
Operating the foot brake 
The footbrake must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This is 
necessary when the automatic gearbox*  selector lever is moved out of the 
positions  P or  N.Electronic immobiliser* “Safe”
This warning lamp flashes if an unauthorised key is used.Inside the key there is a chip that deac tivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition. The immobiliser will be 
activated again automatically as soon as you pull the key out of the ignition 
lock.
The instrument panel displays the following message
17):  SAFE . The vehicle 
cannot be used in that case  ⇒page 166.
The engine can, however, be started if the appropriate coded SEAT genuine 
key is used.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used.17)Depending on the version of the model.
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Driving
164•
Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel  so that there is a distance of at 
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest ⇒ page 163, 
fig. 136. If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not 
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.
•
If your physical constitution do es not allow you to mantain the 
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The 
Authorised Service Centre will help you  to decide if special specific modifi-
cations are necessary.
•
If you adjust the steering wheel so tha t it points towards your face, the 
driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make 
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•
When driving, always hold the steer ing wheel with both hands on the 
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and  3 o'clock positions. Never hold the 
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock positi on, or in any other manner (e.g. in 
the centre of the steering wheel, or on  the inside of the rim). In such cases, 
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP ) contains the electronic differential 
lock (EDL) and the traction control sy stem (TCS). The ESP function works 
together with the ABS. Both warning lamps will light up if the ESP or ABS 
systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESP is always active, and cannot be switched off. With the ESP switch it is 
only possible to switch TCS off.
The TCS can be deactivated when in cases where wheel sliding is desirable.
For example:•
When driving with snow chains,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 137  Detail of the 
centre console: ESP 
button
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Intelligent technology185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
With compact temporary spare wheel.
•
When using the snow chains.
•
When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
•
When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by “rocking.”
The TCS should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
WARNING
•
It must be remembered that TCS cann ot defy the laws of physics. This 
should be kept in mind, particular ly 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 TCS tempt you 
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
•
In order to ensure that TCS function correctly, all four wheels must be 
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can 
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
•
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to  the engine, the brake system, running 
gear or any components affecting the wh eels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS and TCS.
XDS*
Driveshaft differentialWhen taking a bend, the driveshaft differential mechanism allows the outer 
wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In this way, the wheel 
which is turning faster (outer wheel) receives less drive torque than the inner 
wheel. This may mean that in certain situations the torque provided to the  inner wheel is too high, causing the wheels to spin. On the other hand, the 
outer wheel receives a lower drive torque than it could transmit. This causes 
an overall loss of lateral grip on the front shaft, resulting in understeering or 
“lengthening” of the path.
The XDS system is able, using the ESP sensors and signals, to detect and 
correct this effect.
The XDS, via the ESP, brakes the inner wheel thus counteracting the excess 
drive torque in this wheel. This means that the path requested by the driver 
is more precise,
The XDS system operates in combination with the ESP and is always active, 
even when the traction control, TCS, is disconnected.
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*General notes
The electronic stabilisation programme increases the 
vehicle's stability on the road.The electronic stabilisation programme helps to reduce the danger of skid-
ding.
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of 
ABS, EDL, TCS and 
Steering manoeuvre recommendations.
Electronic Stabilising Program (ESP)*
ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually.
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 
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Intelligent technology
186maintained (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 vehicle back to a stable 
condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front 
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Steering manoeuvre recommendations
This is a complementary safety function included in the ESP This function aids 
the driver to better stabilize the vehicle in a critical situation. For example, in 
case of sudden braking surface with varied adherence, the vehicle will tend 
to destabilize its trajectory to the right to or to the left. In this case the ESP 
recognizes the situation and helps the driver with a counter steering 
manoeuvre from the power steering.
This function simply provides the driver with a recommended manoeuvre in 
critical situations.
The vehicle does not steer itself with this  function, the driver has full control 
of the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
•
It must be remembered that 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 driv ing, this can cause accidents.Caution
•
In order to ensure that ESP functions correctly, all four wheels must be 
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can 
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
•
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to  the engine, the brake system, running 
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS, EDL, ESP and TCS.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking during braking 
⇒ page 184.Electronic differential lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
The system will control the revolutions of the drive wheels using the ABS 
sensors (in case of an EDL fault th e warning lamp for ABS lights up) 
⇒ page 77.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differ-
ences in the speed of the driven wheels of approximately 100 rpm caused by 
a slippery road surface on  one side of the vehicle. It does this by braking the 
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the other 
driven wheel via the differential.
To prevent the disc brake of the braking wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts 
out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle will continue to 
function normally without EDL. For this  reason, the driver is not informed that 
the EDL has been switched off.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
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Index289
DDanger of fitting a child seat on the front passenger 
seat  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Dash panel cleaning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Daytime lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 activating  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
deactivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Diesel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Diesel engine Winter driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Diesel engine particulate filter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Differential lock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Differential lock fault (EDL) warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Dipped headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Disabling front passenger airbag Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Disabling the airbag Disabling front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . 43
Display (without warning or  information texts) . 58
Displays in the Multi-function display Memory displays  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Disposal Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Door lock cylinders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Door release lever  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Doors Childproof locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Drawer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Drinks holders at the front  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Drive wheels traction control system . . . . . . . . 184
Driveshaft differential
XDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Driving Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Economical/ Environtmental  . . . . . . . . . . . 192
With a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Headlights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Driving programmes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Driving safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
Driving with an automati c gearbox / DSG automatic 
gearbox*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Duplicate keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Dust filter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Dynamic curve lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Dynamic headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . 113
EEcological driving  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Economical driving  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
EDL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
EDS Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Electric steering system warning light  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Electrical sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 Electronic differential lock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Electronic immobiliser  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82, 166
Electronic stabilisation program  . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Electronic stabilisation programme . . . . . . . . . . 81 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Emergency braking function . . . . . . . . . .  115, 183
emergency manual locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Emergency opening Doors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Emission control system warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Engine Running in  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Engine compartment Working in the engine compartment  . . . . . 213
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Engine fault Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Engine management Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 Changing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Checking level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Oil properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
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