Driving
174Switching 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 vehicle, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine
or use power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could
cause 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 selector lever is in position “P” (parking
lock). The 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: selector lever to P or N) ⇒.
A2
A3
A2
A1
A1
A2
Fig. 148 Ignition key
positions
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Driving177
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If you drive by mistake with the handbrake still applied, you will hear a
warning buzzer and the display will show the message:
Handbrake on
The handbrake warning switches on after driving for 3 seconds at speeds
above 5 km/h.
The handbrake warning lamp
H lights up when the handbrake is applied
with the ignition on.
WARNING
Please note that the handbrake should be released all the way. If it is only
partially released, this will cause rear brakes overheating, which can
impair the function of the brake system and could lead to an accident.
Caution
Once the vehicle has come to a standstill, always apply the handbrake firmly
and then, on a manual gearbox, engage a gear, or select P on an automatic.Parking
The following points will ensure there is no risk of the vehicle
rolling away accidentally after it is parked:– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Switch the engine off.
– On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear or on an automatic move the selector lever to P ⇒ .
When parking on slopes:
Turn the steering wheel so that the, if the vehicle moves, it will do so towards
the curb.
WARNING
•Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the vehicle when it is
locked. Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially
putting lives at risk.•Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could release
e.g. the handbrake or gear lever, moving the vehicle and causing an
accident.
Parking aid acoustic systemGeneral notesVarious systems are available to help you when parking or manoeuvring in
tight spaces, depending on the equipment fitted on your vehicle.
The SEAT Parking System gives an acoustic warning if there are any obstacles
behind your vehicle ⇒page 178.
When you are parking, SEAT Parking System Plus warns you acoustically and
optically about obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle ⇒page 178.
Note
To ensure the acoustic parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept
clean and free of snow and ice.
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Driving
178SEAT Parking System*
SEAT Parking System is an acoustic parking aid.Sensors are located in the rear bumper. When the sensors detect an obstacle,
you are alerted by acoustic signals. The measuring range of the sensors starts
at approximately:
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you approach the
obstacle. When the vehicle is less than 0.30 m away from the obstacle, the
warning tone will sound continuously. Do not drive on!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after about 4
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected
obstacle (it does not affect the permanent acoustic signal).
The parking aid is switched on automatically when reverse gear is engaged.
You will hear a brief confirmation tone.
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver is
personally responsible for safe parking and other manoeuvres.•The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not registered.
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will not
always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-
dents.•Always keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and make full
use of the rear view mirrors.
Caution
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be
registered by the sensors as the vehicle moves closer, so the system will not
give any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences,
chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw bars, etc) may not always be
detected by the system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
•Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 179.SEAT Parking System Plus*
SEAT Parking System Plus is an acoustic parking aid.Sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers. When the sensors detect
an obstacle, you are alerted by acoustic signals. The measuring range of the
sensors starts at approximately:
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you approach the
obstacle. When the vehicle is less than 0.30 m from the obstacle the warning
tone will sound continuously. Stop moving immediately!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after about 4
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected
obstacle (it does not affect the permanent acoustic signal).
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
Front
Side
0.90 m
Centre
1.20 m
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 178 Freitag, 3. September 2010 11:41 11
Checking and refilling levels241
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Topping up and changing the brake fluid
It is best to have the brake fluid changed by a professional.Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Therefore, in the course of time it will absorb
water from the air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid will be
considerably reduced. This could adversely affect the braking ability in
certain circumstances.
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.
Your vehicle's Service Plan will tell you when the brake fluid has to be
renewed.
We recommend you have the brake fluid changed as part of a regular Inspec-
tion Service at a workshop. They are familiar with the procedure and have the
necessary special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for
disposing of the old fluid.
Use only approved brake fluid. Specialised workshops are informed about
the factory-approved brake fluid -DOT 4-. The brake fluid must be new.
WARNING
•Brake fluid must always be kept closed in its original container. Keep
out of the reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.•If the brake fluid is left in the system for too long and the brakes are
subjected to heavy use, vapour bubbles may form in the brake system. This
would seriously affect the efficiency of the brakes and the safety of the
vehicle, leading to the risk of accident.Caution
Please note that brake fluid will attack the paintwork on contact.
For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and fluid must be collected and disposed of according the
applicable regulations. The SEAT service network has the necessary equip-
ment and qualified personnel for collecting and disposing of this waste
material.Vehicle batteryGeneral notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The battery is virtually maintenance-free and is checked in the Inspection
Services.
We recommend replacing the battery after 5 years.
Disconnecting the battery
If the battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle's functions will become
inoperative (e.g. electric windows). These functions will require resetting
after the battery is reconnected. For this reason, the battery should only be
disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system when absolutely necessary.
Long periods of non-use
The battery will gradually lose its charge because certain electrical equip-
ment continues to draw current even when the ignition is off. If you park the
vehicle for long periods of time in winter you should take the battery out of
the vehicle and store it in a place protected from frost. This way it will not
freeze and become damaged. At warm outside temperatures it is sufficient to
disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Even when the battery is not
connected you should charge it from time to time.
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Checking and refilling levels
242Winter operation
The battery is drained more in cold weather, which means that the starting
power is reduced. For this reason, have the battery checked and charged if
necessary before the start of winter.
Replacing the battery
A replacement battery must have the same capacity, voltage and current
rating. It must also have the same di mensions as the original, factory-fitted
battery and have sealed caps. The SEAT batteries which have been specially
developed fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety specifications for
your vehicle.
We recommend you use maintenance-free batteries.
WARNING
•All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. If work is required
on the bat te r y, t his s hould be pe r form ed by a Te chnical Ser vice or qual ified
workshop. Danger of caustic burns and explosion!•The battery must not be opened. Never try to change the battery's
liquid level. Explosive gas is released from the battery that could cause an
explosion.Caution
•The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured.•Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the warnings
listed under ⇒.For the sake of the environment
¡ Batteries contain toxic substances including sulphuric acid and lead.
Therefore, they must be disposed of in line with environmental regulations
and must not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Make sure
disconnected batteries cannot tip over. Sulphuric acid could be spilt!
Important safety warnings for handling a vehicle batteryThe battery is located at the back of the engine compartment ⇒page 301.
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical
system:•Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes, skin and clothing from acid and
particles containing lead.•Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves and
eye protection. Do not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through the
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralise any acid
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.•Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited. When handling
cables and electrical equipment, av oid causing sparks and electrostatic
charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause
injury.
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective
gloves and eye protection!
Ž
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited!
Ÿ
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery
is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
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If and when263
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•If you do come into contact with the sealant immediately rinse the eyes
or skin affected with clean water.•Change clothing immediately if it becomes soiled with the tyre sealant.•Make sure you do not breathe in the fumes!•If any of the tyre sealant is accidentally ingested, immediately rinse the
mouth thoroughly and drink lots of water.
−Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical assistance if needed.•If any allergic reactions should occur get medical help immediately.•Keep the sealant away from children.For the sake of the environment
If you have to dispose of a sealant can, go to a specialised waste ser vice or to
a SEAT Technical Service, where the product can be recycled in an appropriate
waste container.
Note
•If sealant should leak out, leave it to dry. When it has dried, you can pull
it off like a piece of foil.•Observe the expiry date stated on the sealing compound can. Have the
sealing compound exchanged by a qualified workshop.
Repairing a tyrePreparations
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away from the flow of traffic as possible.
–Apply the handbrake firmly to prevent the vehicle from moving
accidentally on slopes.
– Engage 1st gear .
– Check whether a repair is possibl e using the Tyre Mobility System
⇒ page 262.
– Ensure that all passengers leave the vehicle and move away from
the danger area ⇒ .
–Take the tyre sealant can and the compressor out of the luggage
compartment.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 199 Repairing a tyre
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 263 Freitag, 3. September 2010 11:41 11
Index
314Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Releasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Brake light Failure control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Brake system Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Worn brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Bulb change General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267CCatalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
CD-ROM player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Manual locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Sunroof: opening and closing . . . . . . . . . . 113
Central locking system Anti-theft security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Locking and unlocking the vehicle from inside
100
Opening and closing the windows . . . . . . 111
Security central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Switch on the driver door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Changing the main headlight bulb Main headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Changing the main headlight bulbs Dipped beam headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Changing the tail lights Luggage compartment lights . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Changing windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . 238
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Child safety seat ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Child seats on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Childproof lock Rear doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Cleaning alloy wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Cleaning steel wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Clock, setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Cloth seat covers cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Coat hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 In the door trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
In the front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Coolant Checking the level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Coolant fluid Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Coolant fluid additive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Cooling system Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Correct adjustment of front seat head restraints . . 13
Correct adjustment of rear seat head restraints In-use and non-use positions . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Correct sitting position Front passenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Incorrect sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
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Index315
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Adjust the stored speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Deactivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Deactivating temporarily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Setting the speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42DDanger of fitting a child seat on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Dash panel cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Data entry control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Date display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Daytime running lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Deactivating front passenger airbag Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Deactivating the airbag Front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Diesel engine Winter driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Diesel engine particulate filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Diesel particulate filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Dipped beam headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 DIS
Average fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Average speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Driving time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Instantaneous fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . 85
Disposal Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Distance covered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Distance to empty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73, 85
Door and tailgate warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Door lock cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Doors Childproof lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Locking the doors manually if the central lock-ing fails to work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Driver See Correct sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Driver information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Auto-check system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
CD and radio display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Door and tailgate warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Driver messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Handbrake warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Menu display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Onboard computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Outside temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Red symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Speed warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Warning messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Yellow symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Driver messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Driver seat
Activating stored settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
With memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
driver seat Assigning the key to the seat . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Driving Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Economically / Environmentally friendly . . 199
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Driving safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
DRP See Dynamic gear control programme . . . . 188
Dynamic gear control programme . . . . . . . . . . 188
EEconomical driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Electric socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Possible malfunctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Rear doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Switch on front passenger's door . . . . . . . 110
Switches in the driver door . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Electronic differential lock How it works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
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