2009 Seat Exeo ST ABS

Seat belts19
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Why wear seat belts?Physical principles of frontal collisions
In the event of a frontal collision, a large amount of kinetic
energy must be absorbed.
It is easy to explain how the laws of physics work in the case of a head-on
collision: When a vehicle starts moving ⇒fig. 6 , a certain amount of energy
known as “kinetic energy” is produced in the vehicle and its occupants.
The amount of “kinetic energy” depends on the speed of the vehicle and the
weight of the vehicle and its passengers. The higher the speed and the
greater the weight, the more energy there is to be “released” in an accident.
The most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle. If the speed
doubles from 25 km/h to 50 km/h, for example, the kinetic energy is multi-
plied by four.
Because the passengers in our example are not restrained by seat belts, all
of the passengers' kinetic energy has to be absorbed at the point of impact
⇒ fig. 7 .
Even at speeds of 30 km/h to 50 km/h, the forces acting on bodies in a colli-
sion can easily exceed one tonne (1000 kg). At greater speed these forces are
even higher.
Passengers not wearing seat belts are not “attached” to the vehicle. In a
frontal collision, they will move forward at the same speed their vehicle was
Fig. 6 Vehicle about to hit
a wall: the occupants are
not wearing seat belts
Fig. 7 The vehicle hits
the wall: the occupants
are not wearing seat belts
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Seat belts21
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Seat belt protection
Passengers not wearing seat belts risk severe injuries in the
event of an accident.Properly worn seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting posi-
tions and substantially reduce the kinetic energy in the event of an accident.
Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to
severe injuries. In addition, properly worn seat belts reduce the danger of
being thrown from the car.
Passengers wearing their seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability
of the belts to absorb kinetic energy. The front part of your vehicle and other
passive safety features (such as the airbag system) are also designed to
absorb the kinetic energy released in a collision. Taken together, all these
features reduce the releasing kinetic energy and consequently, the risk of
injury.
Our examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts
substantially reduce the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is why it is so important to fasten seat belts before every trip, even when "just
driving around the corner".
Ensure that your passengers wear their seat belts as well. Accident statistics
have shown that wearing seat belts is an effective means of substantially
reducing the risk of injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious
accident. Furthermore, properly worn seat belts improve the protection
provided by airbags in the event of an accident. For this reason, wearing a
seat belt is required by law in most countries.
Although your vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be
fastened and worn. The front airbags, for example, are only triggered in some
frontal accidents. The front airbags will
not be triggered during minor frontal
collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, rolls or accidents in which the
airbag trigger threshold value in the control unit is not exceeded.
Therefore, you should always wear your seat belt and ensure that your
passengers have fastened their seat belts properly before you drive off!
Safety instructions on using seat belts
If seat belts are used correctly, they can reduce the risk of
injury in an accident.– Always wear the seat belt as described in this section.
– Ensure that the seat belts can be fastened at all times and are not damaged.
WARNING
•If the seat belts are worn incorrectly or not at all, the risk of severe inju-
ries increases. The optimal protection from seat belts can be achieved only
if you use them properly.
Fig. 10 A driver wearing
the seat belt properly: is
secured by the belt in
sharp braking
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Airbag system29
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•Always properly adjust the front seats.
The danger of fitting a child seat on the front passenger seat
Rear-facing child seats must never be used on the front
passenger seat when the front passenger airbag is enabled.An enabled front airbag on the front passenger side is potentially a major
danger to a child. The front passenger seat is life threatening to a child if
he/she is transported in a rear-facing child seat. You should always transport
all children up to 12 years of age on the rear seat.
If a rear-facing child seat is secured to the front passenger seat, an inflating
airbag can strike it with such great force that critical or fatal injuries may
result.
Therefore we strongly recommend you to transport children on the rear seats.
That is the safest place for children in the vehicle. Alternatively, the front
passenger airbag can be disabled with a key-operated switch ⇒page 44.
When transporting children, use a child seat appropriate to the age and size
of each child ⇒ page 46.
For those vehicles that do not include a key lock switch to turn the airbag off,
an Authorised Service Centre must be consulted.
WARNING
•If a child seat is secured to the front passenger seat, the risk to the child
of sustaining critical or fatal injuries in the event of an accident increases.•Never secure a rear-facing child seat to the front passenger seat if the
front passenger airbag is enabled. The child can suffer critical or fatal inju-
ries when the front passenger airbag is triggered.
•An inflating front passenger airbag can strike the rear-facing child seat
and hurl it with great force against the door, the roof or the backrest.•If, under special circumstances, it is necessary to transport a child in a
rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat, it is absolutely essential
that you observe the following safety measures:
−Disable the front passenger airbag ⇒page 44, “Deactivating
airbags*”.
− The child seat must be approved by the child seat manufacturer for
use on a front passenger seat with front or side airbag.
− Follow the installation instructions given by the child seat manufac-
turer and observe the safety instructions ⇒page 46, “Child safety”.
− Before properly installing the child seat, push the front passenger
seat completely backwards so that the greatest possible distance to
the front passenger airbag is ensured.
− Ensure that no objects prevent the front passenger seat from being
pushed completely back.
− The backrest of the front passenger seat must be in an upright
position.
Warning lamp for airbag and belt tension device system

This warning lamp monitors the airbag and belt tension
device system.The warning lamp monitors all airbags and belt tension devices in the
vehicle, including control units and wiring connections.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
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Cockpit65
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Warning and indicator lampsGeneral description
The warning and indicator lamps indicate a number of
different functions and possible faults.Fig. 44 Instrument panel with warning and indicator lamps
Note
A number of functions are monitored by the auto-check control ⇒page 75. If
a malfunction should occur, this will be shown by the display in the instru-
ment cluster either with a red symbol (priority 1 - danger) or a yellow symbol
(priority 2 - warning).

Exhaust emission control system
⇒ page 66

Airbag system
⇒page 66

Tyr e pre ssu re too low
⇒page 66

Cruise control
⇒page 67

Tra ile r in di cato rs
⇒page 67

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
⇒page 67

Seat belt warning
⇒page 68

Left indicators
⇒page 68

Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)
⇒page 68

Alternator
⇒page 69

Main beam headlights
⇒page 69

Engine management (alternative to
)
⇒page 69

Glow plug system (alternative to
)
⇒page 70

Fault in brake system / handbrake is
applied
⇒page 70

Right indicators
⇒page 68
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Cockpit67
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
The yellow warning
 lamp remains on if the system is faulty or if
the pressure is too low in at least one tyre. In the event of a system
fault, the letters TPMS are displayed in the centre of the instrument
panel ⇒page 66, fig. 45 . If the tyre pressure drops rapidly, the
message ⇒page 66, fig. 46 will be shown on the central display
of the instrument panel. If the pressure loss is more gradual, the
message ⇒page 66, fig. 46 will be shown on the central display
of the instrument panel. This message does not show the tyre
affected. Should any of these warnings be displayed:
– Stop the engine.
– Check the tyres. Although the warning corresponds to just one tyre, you should also check the others.
– Correct the tyre pressure ⇒page 243.
For more detailed information on the tyre pressure monitoring system, please
refer to ⇒page 242.Cruise control system*

The indicator lamp
 on the instrument panel lights up when the cruise
control system is operating.
Trailer indicators*

This indicator lamp flashes when the indicators are operating
while towing a caravan or trailer.The indicator lamp
 flashes when the indicators are operated if a trailer is
correctly coupled to the vehicle.
Where a turn signal lamp does not work, either on the trailer or on the towing
vehicle, the indicator lamp will not flash.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

The warning lamp monitors the ABS and the integrated elec-
tronic differential lock (EDL).The warning lamp
 lights up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on and while the engine is being started. The lamp goes out again
after the system has run through an automatic test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•the warning lamp does not light up when the ignition is switched on,•The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds.•The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still brake in the normal way (except that the ABS control func-
tion is out of action). Please take the vehicle to a specialist garage as soon as
possible. For further information on the ABS ⇒page 190.
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, the ESP warning lamp will also light
up.
AAAB
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Cockpit
68Entire brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp
 ⇒ page 70 (with the handbrake released), this indicates not only a fault
in the ABS function, but probably also a malfunction in the main brake system
as well ⇒.
The symbol
 will light up in the instrument panel if a fault occurs in the
brake system . Please refer to ⇒page 77.
Electronic differential lock (EDL) fault
The EDL works in conjunction with the ABS. The ABS indicator lamp will light
up
 to indicate an EDL fault. Please take the vehicle to a specialist garage
as soon as possible. For further information on the EDL ⇒page 191.WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, observe
the warning information in ⇒page 227, “Work in the engine compart-
ment”.•If the brake warning lamp
 should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir. If the fluid level has dropped below the "MIN" mark
you must not drive on otherwise there may be an increased accident risk.
Obtain technical assistance.
•If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have
been caused by a fault in the ABS control function. As a result, the rear
wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. Under certain circum-
stances, the rear of the vehicle could suddenly sway from side to side, with
the subsequent danger of skidding. Drive carefully to the nearest specialist
garage and have the fault rectified.
Seat belt warning lamp*

The warning lamp acts as a reminder to the driver to fasten
the seat belt.After switching on the ignition, the warning lamp
 will remain lit until the
driver and front passenger (if applicable) have fastened their seat belts.
When the vehicle has reached a certain speed, you will also hear a warning
signal and the warning light will flash.
For further information on the seat belts, see ⇒page 22.
Indicators and hazard warning lights
 
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left
 or right
 indi-
cator lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash when the hazard warning
lights are switched on.
If one turn signal fails, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice as fast as
normal.
This does not apply when towing a trailer. Where a turn signal lamp does not
work, either on the trailer or on the towing vehicle, the indicator lamp will not
flash. For further information on the indicators, see ⇒page 123.
Electronic stabilisation programme

This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
program (ESP).The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
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Cockpit69
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•It will start flashing to indicate that ESP is counteracting an unstable
driving condition.•It lights up when the ignition is switched on for approx. 2 seconds while
the function is checked.•The warning lamp will light up if there is a malfunction in the ESP.•It will light up after the battery has been disconnected.•The warning lamp will light up if the ESP is switched off.•It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp lights up and stays on after the engine is started, this
may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP. In this
case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then on
again. After this the warning lamp should go out to show that the system is
fully functional.
The warning lamp will light up when the ignition is switched on if the battery
has been disconnected and then reconnected. It should go out again after
driving a short distance if the steering wheel is turned slightly.
For further information on the ESP, see ⇒page 191.Alternator

The warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator or in the
vehicle's electrical system.The warning lamp
 lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should
switch off after the engine has started.
If the warning lamp  lights up when you are driving, you can normally
continue as far as the nearest specialist garage. However, given that the
battery will be running down, any electrical consumption not absolutely vital
should be switched off.
Caution
If the coolant warning lamp
 i n t h e i n s t r u m e n t p a n e l l i g h t s u p as we ll a s t h e
alternator waning lamp while driving ⇒page 78, stop the vehicle immedi-
ately and switch off the engine. In this case the coolant pump is no longer
being driven, and there is a risk of engine damage.
Main beam headlights

The indicator lamp
 lights up when the main beams are on or when the
headlight flasher is operated.
For further information on the main beam headlights, see ⇒page 123.
Engine management

This warning lamp monitors the engine management system
for petrol engines.The warning lamp
 (Electronic Power Control) lights up while the function
is being checked.
Note
If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indicates a fault
in the engine management system. The vehicle must be taken immediately to
a specialist garage to have the engine serviced.
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Cockpit
70Glow plug system

The indicator lamp lights up while the glow plugs are
preheating.The indicator lamp
 lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When
the indicator lamp goes out the engine should be started straight away. When
the engine is warm, or at outside temperatures above +8°C, the indicator
lamp will only light up very briefly.
Note
•If the glow plug indicator lamp should start flashing while the vehicle is
moving, this indicates a fault in the engine management system. The engine
should be serviced without delay.•If the indicator lamp fails to light up when the ignition is switched on, this
can mean that the glow plug system is defective. The engine should be
serviced.Brake system

The warning lamp flashes when the handbrake is applied, or
if the brake fluid level is too low or if there is a fault in the ABS
system.If the warning lamp
 flashes (and the handbrake is not applied), stop the
vehicle and check the brake fluid level ⇒ ⇒ page 237.
If a failure should occur in the ABS, the ABS warning lamp
 will light up
together with the brake warning lamp
 ⇒ . Handbrake applied
The warning lamp
 also lights up when the handbrake is applied. In addi-
tion to this, the handbrake warning ⇒ page 76 switches on after driving for 3
seconds at a speed above 5 km/h.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, observe
the warning information in ⇒page 227, “Work in the engine compart-
ment”.•If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low and this may cause
an increased accident risk. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain
technical assistance.•If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ABS is out of action. As
a result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. Under
certain circumstances, the rear of the vehicle could suddenly sway from
side to side, with the subsequent dang er of skidding. Drive carefully to the
nearest specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
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