2009 Seat Exeo ST power steering

Contents3
ContentsManual structure
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Content
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Safety First
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Safe driving
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt tension devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Knee airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety
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Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls and equipment
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Cockpit
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Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto-check system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speed warning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Menu display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre pressure monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel controls
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The multi-function steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking and locking
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Remote control keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Childproof locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote control key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun roof / deflector* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights and visibility
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Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear-view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats and stowage
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Manual adjustment of the front seats . . . . . . . .
Electric adjustment of front seats* . . . . . . . . . . .
Lumbar support* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory for driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof carrier / roof rails* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drink holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray*, cigarette lighter* and power points . .
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
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2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
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Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . .
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking aid acoustic system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control (GRA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic gearbox* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Practical tips
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Intelligent technology
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Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servotronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the environment
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Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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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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Unlocking and locking97
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
WARNING
•Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle, even if you only
intend to be gone for a short time. This is particularly important if there are
children in the car, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine or
use power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could
lead to injuries.•Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the ignition
key from the lock! Otherwise, the steering lock could engage suddenly,
causing an accident.
Indicator light on the remote control key
The condition of the battery in the remote control key is moni-
tored by the indicator light.
Condition of the key battery
The indicator light ⇒fig. 68 (arrow) flashes when one of the buttons is
pressed. If the indicator light does not light up or flash, this means that the
battery is exhausted and must be replaced.
Replacing the batteries ⇒page 97.Replacing the key batteryWe recommend you have the batteries changed in a specialist
garage. If you decide to change the used battery yourself, follow the
steps below:
– Carefully prise apart the key ⇒fig. 69 and the cover
using a coin.
– Remove cover in the direction of the arrow.
Fig. 68 LED on the remote
control key
Fig. 69 Master key:
Opening the cover
AA
AB
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Driving
172Switching on the ignition/pre-heating glow plugs
If the key is difficult to turn in the lock, move the steering wheel (to take the
load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key turns freely. In the case of
vehicles with a diesel engine, the key is turned to this position to preheat the
glow plugs.
Starting the engine
The engine is started in this position. Electrical components with a high
power consumption are switched off temporarily.
After the engine has started, the ignition key returns to position by itself.
The ignition key has to be turned back to position before re-starting the
engine. The starter inhibitor in the ignition lock prevents the starter motor
from engaging when the engine is running, as this could cause damage.
Switching off the ignition
Turn the ignition key to this position.
WARNING
•Never remove the ignition key until the vehicle is stationary! Otherwise
the steering lock could engage suddenly, which could cause an accident.•Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle, even if you only
intend to be gone for a short time. This is particularly important if there are
children in the car, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine or
use power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could
lead to injuries.Note
•If the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, it will be
necessary to leave the key in position for about 5 seconds before starting
the engine.•Vehicles with automatic gearbox: After switching off the ignition, you can
only remove the ignition key if the gear selector lever is in position “P” (parking lock). The gear selector lever is locked after the ignition key has been
removed.
Starting and stopping the engineStarting the engine
The engine can only be started with an original SEAT key.Vehicles with a petrol engine:
– Use the foot brake.
– Manual gearbox: Push the clutch pedal all the way down.
– Move the gear lever into neutral (automatic gearbox: gear
selector lever to P or N) ⇒.
A2
A3
A2
A1
A1
A2
Fig. 148 Ignition key
positions
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Driving
174•The brake servo and the power steering system work only when the
engine is running. You need more strength to steer and brake the vehicle
when the engine is switched off. Given that you will be unable to steer and
brake as usual, this could lead to a risk of accidents and injuries.Caution
If the engine has been running hard for a long time, there is a risk of heat
building up in the engine compartment after the engine has been switched
off; this could cause engine damage. Therefore, you should idle the engine
for approx. 2 minutes before you switch it off.
Note
After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10
minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. It may also start running again
after some time if the coolant temperature rises due to a build-up of heat
under the bonnet, or if the engine is already warm and the engine compart-
ment is heated up further by direct sunlight.
HandbrakeHandbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and at the same time press in the release
button ⇒fig. 149 -arrow-.
– Keep the release button pressed and push the lever all the way down ⇒ .
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 149 Detail of the
centre console: Hand-
brake applied
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Intelligent technology
194Power steeringThe power steering assists the driver when turning the
steering wheel (with the engine running).The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the
steering wheel.
The power steering does not work if the engine is off. In this case the steering
wheel is very hard to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the car is stationary, this will
place an excessive load on the power steering system. Turning the steering
wheel to its limit places a load on the system, which causes noise. It will also
reduce the idling speed of the engine.
Caution
When the engine is running, do not turn the steering wheel to its limit for
more than 15 seconds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the power
steering.
Note
•If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off
(for instance when being towed), the car can still be steered. However, more
effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.•If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the car to a quali-
fied workshop as soon as possible.•The power steering requires a special hydraulic fluid. The fluid reservoir is
located at the front of the engine compartment on the left ⇒ page 295. The
correct fluid level in the reservoir is important for the power steering to func-
tion properly. The hydraulic fluid level is checked at the Inspection Service.
ServotronicThe servotronic system electronically adjusts the degree of
power assistanceIn cars equipped with servotronic power steering the degree of power assist-
ance ⇒page 194 is adjusted electronically according to road speed.
If a fault should occur in the servotronic system, the power steering will still
operate. The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to
different speeds. If the electronic regulating system is not working properly,
this is most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for
instance when parking) – more effort will be required than usual. The fault
should be corrected by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
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If and when
288Towing and tow-startingTo w - s t a r t i n g
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting
is preferable ⇒ page 285.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2
nd or the 3
rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing
vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
CommentsPlease observe the following points if you use a tow-rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto- matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake earlier than you
would normally, but with a more gentle pressure on the brake.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times when towing.Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material.
Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a
towing bracket.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.
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If and when289
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking the
tow-rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of over-
loading and damaging the anchorage points.
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the
steering wheel from locking and also to allow the use of the indicators, horn,
windscreen wipers and washers.
As the brake servo does not work if the engine is not running, you must apply
considerably more pressure to the brake pedal than you normally would.
As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than you normally would.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
•Put the selector lever into position “N”.•Do not drive faster than 50 km/h when towing a vehicle.•Do not tow further than 50 km.•If a breakdown vehicle is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.Note
•Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.•Switch on the hazard warning lights of both vehicles. However, observe
any regulations to the contrary.•For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.•If damage to your vehicle means that there is no lubricant in the gearbox,
you must raise the drive wheels while the vehicle is being towed.•If the vehicle has to be towed more than 50 km, the front wheels must be
raised during towing, and towing should be carried out by a qualified person.•The steering wheel is locked when the vehicle has no electrical power. The
vehicle must then be towed with the front wheels raised. Towing should be
carried out by a qualified person.
•The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle. Please refer to the
notes ⇒page 288, “Tow-starting”.Front towing eyeFitting the towing eye
– Take the towing ring from the onboard tool set.
– Remove the front cover by pressing down on the right hand side.
– Bolt the eye to its limit to the left, in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 244Rear towing eyeThere is a towing eye at the rear on the right below the rear bumper.
Fig. 244 Fitting the
towing eye to front rear of
the vehicle
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