2009 Seat Exeo ST lock

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
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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Intelligent technology191
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
the brake assist system automatically boosts the braking force to the
maximum level, up to the point where the anti-lock brake function (ABS) inter-
venes to stop the wheels from locking. You should then keep the brake pedal
pressed until the vehicle has braked to the required speed. The brake assist
system switches itself off as soon as you release the brake pedal.
The brake assist system will not be operative if there is a malfunction in the
ABS or the ESP.
WARNING
Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you drive too
fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow too close
behind the vehicle in front of you. An increased accident risk cannot be
compensated even by the brake assist system. Risk of accident.Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The electronic differential lock prevents the loss of traction
caused if one wheel starts spinning.General notes
The electronic differential lock (EDL) helps the car to start moving, accelerate
and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may otherwise be diffi-
cult or even impossible.
How it works
The EDL works automatically, i.e. without the driver's involvement. With the
aid of the ABS sensors, the system monitors the rotational speed of the
driven wheels ⇒
page 190. If a considerable difference in revs is detected
(approx. 100 rpm) in the speed of the driven wheels, e.g. when only one part
of the surface supporting the wheels is slippery, the system applies the brake
to slow down the skidding wheel so that more of the power is directed to the other wheels. The systems works up to a speed of approx. 80 km/h. The
system will make noises while it is working.
Moving away from a standstill
If one wheel has less grip and starts spinning (for instance, if one of the
driven wheels is on ice), keep pressing the accelerator gradually until the car
starts moving.
Overheating of the brakes
To prevent the brake disk of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts
out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. In this case, the vehicle will
continue to run and will have the same running properties as those of another
without EDL.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
WARNING
•When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance all four
wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and carefully.
Despite EDL, the driven wheels may otherwise start to spin. This could
impair the car's stability. Risk of accident.•Even with EDL, you should always adjust your speed to suit the condi-
tions. 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 the ABS warning lamp lights up, this can also mean there is a fault in the
EDL. Please take the vehicle to a specialist garage as soon as possible.
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Driving and the environment
196your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine
braking and relieves the brakes.•Never let the brakes “slip” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.•Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.•Very heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This impairs the braking effect.•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions
before purchasing accessories ⇒ page 220, “Technical modifications”.•If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary
journeys.
Exhaust gas purification systemCatalytic converter*To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Always use unleaded petrol.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil ⇒page 230. – Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary
⇒page 285.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest qualified workshop. In general, the exhaust warning lamp will light
up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒page 66. If this happens,
unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the environment.
The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! Fire hazard!•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
dry grass or inflammable materials under the vehicle.•Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust
system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is being driven.Caution
Never fully drain the fuel tank because the irregularity of the fuel supply may
cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust
system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust under some conditions. This depends on
the sulphur content of the fuel used. Quite often the problem can be solved
by changing to another brand of fuel.
WARNING (continued)
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Trailer towing201
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted
draw bar
weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your car, and adjust for “full load” conditions
(refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the door pillar). It may also be
necessary to adjust the tyre pressures on the trailer according to the recom-
mendations of the trailer manufacturer.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. The two exterior mirrors should be fitted on folding arms. Adjust the
mirrors to give sufficient rear vision.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, check the headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. If necessary, alter the height of the headlight beams by means of
the headlight range control. See ⇒page 120.
Power supply
When you remove the ignition key, the power supply to the trailer is inter-
rupted.
Removable ball joint coupling
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a removable
ball joint coupling. This is stored in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment together with the necessary fitting instructions.
Note
If you frequently tow, we recommend you also have vehicle ser viced between
services.
Notes on towing
Towing a trailer involves additional attention by the driver.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. Therefore,
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in an unfavour-
able road, weather or wind conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of swaying . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Anticipate hazards and brake in good time. If towing a trailer with an inertia
brake , first brake gently and then more severely. This will prevent brake
tapping by the trailer wheels when they lock. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine
braking to slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recommend
having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a high trailer load.
They can be purchased and installed at a Dealer.
Reheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather with the engine running fast in low
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 60.
Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to the right end of the scale.
If the temperature warning light
 in the instrument cluster should start
flashing, stop the car and let the engine cool down by running it at idling
speed for a few minutes.
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