2009 Seat Exeo ST Owner's manual

Driving183
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
This avoids overloading the locking mechanism and it will be easier to move
the selector lever from position P.
Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: Your vehicle is equipped with the
hill
hold assist function which makes it easier to start off on a slope. The system
is activated when you press and hold the brake pedal for a few seconds.
When you release the brake pedal the braking force will be maintained for a
moment in order to prevent the vehicle rolling back when you drive away.
WARNING
•While you are selecting a gear and the vehicle is stopped with the
engine running, do not accelerate. Failure to do so could result in an acci-
dent.•Please note that some power will still be transmitted when you stop
temporarily with the selector lever in position D, S or R. To do this, when
stopping you will need to press the brake with the force required to hold
the vehicle still. Failure to do so could result in an accident.•N e v e r m ov e t h e s e l e c t o r l e v e r t o R o r P w h e n d r i v i n g , a s t h i s co u l d ca u s e
an accident.•Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: Please note that some power will
still be transmitted when you stop temporarily with the selector lever in
position D, S or R. To do this, when stopping you will need to press the
brake with the force required to hold the vehicle still. Failure to do so could
result in an accident.
Selector lever positions
This section covers all th e selector lever positions.The current selector lever position is shown in the dash panel.
P - parking lock
This locks the driving wheels mechanically. The parking brake should only be
used when the vehicle has already stopped ⇒ .
The interlock button (the button in the selector lever handle) must be pressed
in and the brake pedal must be depressed before moving the selector lever
either in or out of position P. This is only possible when the ignition is on.
R - Reverse gear
When reverse gear is engaged the gearbox automatically selects the lowest
gear ratio.
The reverse gear may be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is idling ⇒.
Fig. 155 Display:
Selector lever positions
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Driving
184To move the selector lever to position R, press in the interlock button and at
the same time press the brake pedal. Depending on the model, one or two
reversing lights will come on in selector lever position R (when ignition is
switched on).
N - Neutral (idling)
In this position the gearbox is in neutral ⇒.
D - Drive (forwards)
In this position, the gearbox selects the optimal transmission ratio
depending on the engine load, speed and the dynamic gear regulation
program (DRP).
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to D if the
vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountains or towing a
trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to Tiptronic
mode ⇒page 187, so that the gear ratios can be selected manually to suit
the driving conditions.
S - Sport position
To drive in sports mode, select the position S. The engine power reserve is
used to its maximum. When accelerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to S if the
vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
WARNING
•Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Failure to do so
could result in an accident.•In selector position D or S the vehicle must always be held with the foot
brake when the engine is running. This is because an automatic gearbox
still transmits power even at idling speed, and the vehicle tends to “creep”.
The throttle must on no account be opened inadvertently (for instance by hand from the engine compartment) when a gear is engaged with the
vehicle stationary. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately
(in some cases even if the parking brake is engaged) and possibly cause an
accident.
•To avoid accidents, apply the parking brake and put the selector lever
in position P before opening the bonnet and working on the vehicle with
the engine running. Please observe the important safety warnings
⇒ page 227, “Work in the engine compartment”.Note
•Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox:•If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, release the acceler-
ator and let the engine speed drop to idling before selecting D or S again.•For the sake of fuel economy (and the environment), the gearbox ratios on
some models are designed so that maximum speed is only obtained when
the selector lever is at position S.WARNING (continued)
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Driving185
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Selector lever lock
The selector lever lock prevents gears from being engaged
inadvertently, so that the vehicle is not set in motion uninten-
tionally.The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch the ignition on.
–Press the brake pedal and at the same time press in the interlock
button.Automatic selector lever lock
With the ignition turned on, the selector lever is locked in the positions P and
N. To remove it from these positions, press on the brake. The following
message appears in the instrument display as a reminder for the driver when
the selector lever is in position P or N:
WHEN STATIONARY APPLY FOOTBRAKE WHILE SELECTING GEAR The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or driving at
speeds up to 5 km/h. At higher speeds the selector lever lock in the N posi-
tion is disengaged automatically.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly
through position N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This makes it possible, for
instance, to “rock” the vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck in snow
or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not
depressed and the lever is in position N for more than about a second.
Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever handle prevents the driver from
inadvertently engaging particular gears. Press the button in to disengage the
selector lever lock. The selector lever positions in which the lock button has
to be pressed are shown in the illustration, highlighted in colour
⇒fig. 156 .
Safety interlock for ignition key
Once the ignition has been turned off, the key may be removed only if the gear
selector is in position P. While the key is not in the ignition, the selector lever
is locked in position P.
Kick-down feature
The kickdown feature is designed to give maximum accelera-
tion.Applies to vehicles with multitronic
® gearbox
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of resistance
at full throttle, the gearbox will select a lower gear ratio, depending on road
speed and engine speed. While you keep the accelerator depressed the
engine speed is automatically controlled to give your vehicle maximum accel-
eration.
Fig. 156 Selector lever
lock functions
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Driving
186Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of resistance
at full throttle, the gearbox will shift down to a lower gear, depending on road
speed and engine speed. The upshift to the next higher gear is delayed until
the engine reaches maximum rpm.
WARNING
P l eas e n o te t ha t i f t h e road s u r fa ce is s l i pp e r y o r w e t , t h e k ick- d ow n fe at u re
could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could result in skidding.Dynamic gear control program (DCP)
The automatic gearbox is controlled electronically.The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled gearbox. The gear
ratios are selected automatically according to preset gearshift programmes.
When you drive at moderate speeds the gearbox will select the most econom-
ical shift programme. It will then change up early and delay the downshifts to
give better fuel economy.
If you drive at higher speeds with heavy acceleration, if you open the throttle
quickly, or if you use the kick-down or the car's maximum speed, the gearbox
will automatically select the more sporty shift programmes.
The gearbox is self-adapting, and continuously selects the most suitable shift
programme. At the same time, the driver can also make the gearbox switch to
a more sporty programme by pressing the accelerator quickly. Depending on
road speed, this makes the gearbox shift down early into a lower gear ratio
for more rapid acceleration (for instance to pass another vehicle), without
having to press the accelerator all the way down into the kick-down position.
After the gearbox has shifted back up it returns to the original programme,
depending on your style of driving. Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: the gearbox continuously adapts the
gear ratios to gradients. If the brake
pedal is pressed on a downhill gradient
the gearbox automatically shifts to a lower gear ratio. This increases the
engine braking effect.
Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox: in mountainous areas, the gearbox adapts
the gearshifts for uphill and downhill gradients. This prevents the gearbox
from shifting up and down unnecessarily on uphill gradients.
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Driving187
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Manual gear selection (tiptronic mode)
With the manual shift programm e (tiptronic) the driver can
manually select pre-programmed gears.
Switching over to the manual programme
– Move the selector lever from the position D to the right-hand
side. As soon as the selector lever has entered the tiptronic rail,
the gear engaged is displayed on the screen.
Shifting up a gear
– Briefly push the selector lever forwards (in the Tiptronic gate) ⇒fig. 157 .
Shifting down a gear
– Briefly pull the selector lever backwards (in the Tiptronic gate)
.With the tiptronic system, the driver can manually choose between eight (on
vehicles with multitronic) or seven (on vehicles with tiptronic) different gear
programmes. The manual programme can be selected either with the vehicle
stationary or on the move.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the next gear
shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.
If you select a gear which is lower than the gear shown in the instrument
display ⇒fig. 158 , the gearbox will only shift down when there is no longer
a risk of overrevving the engine.
When the vehicle slows down (for instance when braking), the gearbox auto-
matically shifts down into the next gear when the minimum engine speed is
reached.
Changing down to a lower gear increases the engine braking effect on down-
hill gradients.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of resistance
at full throttle, the gearbox will select a lower gear ratio, depending on road
speed and engine speed.
Fig. 157 Centre console:
Manual gear selection
(tiptronic mode)Fig. 158 Display: Manual
gear selection (tiptronic
mode)
A+
A-
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Driving
188Back-up programme
A back-up system is in place if a fault should occur in the
control system.The automatic gearbox switches to the back-up programme if a fault should
occur in the control system. This is indicated by a gear-wheel symbol which
lights up on the dash panel display (the symbol represents a gear pinion).
It is still possible to move the selector lever to all positions. The manual shift
programme (Tiptronic) is not available when the back-up programme is
active.
Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox: When the selector lever is in position D or S
or in the manual shift programme, the gearbox will remain in 3rd gear if 1st,
2nd or 3rd gears were engaged when the fault occurred. The gearbox will
remain in 5th gear if 4th, 5th or 6th gears were engaged. The gearbox will
then engage 3rd gear when you drive away from a standstill or after the
engine is restarted.
It will still be possible to use reverse gear in the normal way. However, the
electronic lock for reverse gear will be switched off.
Caution
Should the gearbox ever switch into the back-up programme, you should take
the vehicle to a technical service or qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Steering wheel with paddle levers
The paddle levers on the steering wheel enable the driver to
manually select pre-programmed ratios or gears.– Briefly pull the left-hand paddle lever to change down to a
lower gear.
– Briefly pull the right-hand paddle lever to change up to a higher gear.The paddle levers are activated when the selector lever is in position D or S,
or the position for the manual shift programme (tiptronic).
The manual shift programme can, of course, still be operated using the
selector lever in the centre console.
Fig. 159 Steering wheel:
Tiptronic controls
A–A+
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Intelligent technology189
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
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 vehicle. 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 the inside of the bend.
The ESP works in conjunction with the ABS ⇒page 190. 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. 160 Centre console
with ESP switch
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Intelligent technology
190If required, the ESP can also be enabled and disabled manually by briefly
pressing the switch ⇒page 189, fig. 160. The ESP warning lamp lights
up when the system is switched off, see ⇒page 68.
In general, the ESP should be left switched on at all times. In particular
circumstances where a certain amount of wheel slip is desirable, it may be
advisable to switch off the ESP. Examples:•when driving with snow chains•when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces•when rocking the car backwards and forwards to free it.
The ESP should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.WARNING
The ESP is not able to overcome the physical limits of adhesion. Even with
ESP, you should always adjust your speed to suit the conditions. Please
b ea r t h is i n m i n d , e s p e ciall y o n w e t o r s l i pp e r y roa d s u r fa ces . D o n o t l e t t h e
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving. Failure
to do so could result in an accident.Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking.The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the car's active safety
system. However, the ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter stopping
distances in all conditions. For instance, on loose gravel or fresh snow on top
of an icy surface (conditions which anyway require extreme care and reduced
speed), the stopping distance with ABS may even be slightly longer. How the ABS works
The system runs an automatic self-check when the car reaches a road speed
of about 6 km/h. This may be accompanied by a noise from the ABS pump.
When one of the wheels is turning very slowly in relation to the road speed
and is close to locking up, the system will reduce the pressure in the brake
line to this wheel. The driver is made aware of this adjustment process by a
vibration of the brake pedal
and an audible noise. This is a deliberate
warning to the driver that one or more of the wheels is tending to lock up and
the ABS control function has intervened. In this situation it is important to
keep the brake pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regulate the brake appli-
cation, but do not “pump” the brake pedal.
WARNING
The grip provided by ABS is still subjec t to the physical limits of adhesion.
Always bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery roads. If you notice
that the ABS is working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you
should reduce speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do
not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when
driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Note
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, this is indicated by a warning lamp
⇒ page 67.Brake assist system
The brake assist system helps the driver to achieve optimum
braking effect.The brake assist system helps to increase braking power and thus to achieve
a shorter stopping distance. If the driver presses the brake pedal very quickly,
ESP
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