Driving173
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) contains the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP function works
together with the ABS. If a fault in the ABS occurs, both warning lamps light
up, but if the ESP fails, only the ESP warning lamp lights up.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESP switch deactivates both TCS and ESP functions. The ESP, in spite of
being deactivated, will always self-connect when necessary if brakes are
being used.
The TCS can be deactivated when in cases where wheel sliding is desirable.
For example:
•When driving with snow chains,•when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,•when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for
example.
Next, the button should be pressed to reactivate the TCS.
When does the warning lamp switch on or flash?•On switching the ignition on, it lights up for about two seconds to carry
out a function control.•The warning lamp will start flashing when the vehicle is moving if the ESP
or the TCS is activated.•It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.WARNING
•The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) cannot defy the laws of
physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet
roads and when towing a trailer.•Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, as this can cause accidents.
•Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in ⇒page 191,
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockIgnition key positions
The ignition key is used to start and stop the engine.Position
The ignition key is inserted in this position. To engage the steering wheel
lock , take out the key and turn the wheel until you hear the pin engage. You
should always engage the steering lock when you leave the vehicle. This will
help to deter thefts ⇒.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 147 Ignition key
positions
A1
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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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Driving175
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
– Turn the ignition key to position without pressing the acceler-
ator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts (the starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine).
Vehicles with a diesel 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) ⇒.
– Turn the ignition key to position . The pre-heating indicator light
D comes on while the glow plugs are preheating.
– When the indicator light
D goes out, turn the ignition key to
position . Do not press the accelerator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts (the starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine).
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine fails to start straight away, stop after 10 seconds and try again
after about half a minute.
Glow plug system*
To assist starting at low temperatures, diesel engines are equipped with a
glow plug preheating system. The preheating time depends on the coolant
temperature and the outside temperature. Start the engine as soon as the
glow plug indicator light
D goes out. When the engine is warm or at outside temperatures above +8 °C, the glow
plug indicator light will only come on for about one second. This means that
the engine can be started
immediately.
If the engine will not start...
•⇒ page 291•⇒page 294•⇒page 225, “Refuelling”WARNING
Never run the engine in confined spaces, as the exhaust gases are
poisonous.
Caution
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions until the
engine has reached its normal operating temperature, otherwise this can
damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.
Start immediately. This will help avoid unnecessary exhaust emissions.Stopping the engine– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 174, fig. 148 .
WARNING
•Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary.
A3A2
A3
A1
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Driving
176•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 under high load 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 let the
engine idle for approximately 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 Detailed view of
the centre console: Hand-
brake on
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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
180SEAT Parking System*
There is no distance warning.
SEAT Parking System Plus*
There is no rear distance warning. The system will still give a warning when
obstacles are detected while driving forward.Fault messages*If you hear a long beep for a few seconds and the LED on the
button* starts
flashing when you switch on the parking aid, a system fault has occurred.
Please have the fault corrected by a Dealer or qualified workshop.
Note
If the fault is not corrected before you switch off the ignition, it will only be
indicated by the flashing LED on the switch
* the next time you switch on
the parking aid.
Cruise control*Introduction
The cruise control system allows you to maintain a constant
speed.Using this system, any speed over 30 km/h can be kept constant, as long as
the engine power allows it. This is subject to power output and braking ability
of the engine. This helps to reduce fatigue, especially on long journeys. The indicator lamp
on the instrument panel lights up when the cruise
control system is operating.
WARNING
For safety reasons, the cruise control system should not be used in dense
traffic or poor road conditions (with ice, slippery surfaces, loose grit or
gravel), as this could cause an accident.
Caution
In vehicles with a manual gearbox: do not go into neutral if the device is
enabled without previously releasing the clutch, as the engine will increase
its revs and, under certain conditions, could break down.
Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when travelling down
steep hills. The vehicle tends to accelerate under its own weight. Change
down to a lower gear or use the foot brake to slow the vehicle.
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Driving183
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Manual gearboxDriving with a manual gearboxEngaging the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the
clutch down thoroughly.
– Place the gear lever into neutral and push the lever downwards.
– Slide the gear lever to the left, and then into the reverse position shown on the gear lever.The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When
the engine is running and before engaging this gear, wait about 6 seconds
with the clutch pressed down thoroughly in order to protect the gearbox.
The reverse lights light up when the reverse gear is selected and the ignition
is on.
WARNING
•When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a
gear is engaged and the clutch released.•Never select the reverse gear when the vehicle is in motion. Risk of acci-
dent.Note
•Do not rest your hand on the gear lever while driving. The pressure of your
hand could cause premature wear on the selector forks in the gearbox.•When changing gear, you should always depress the clutch fully to avoid
unnecessary wear and damage.•Do not hold the vehicle on the clutch on hills. This causes premature wear
and damage to the clutch.Automatic gearbox*Introduction
multitronic
®, tiptronic (7-speed gearbox)
Vehicles with multitronic
® gearbox
The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled continuously vari-
able transmission (multitronic®). Unlike conventional automatics, the gear
ratios are not shifted in fixed steps but continuously variable. This gives
smoother transmission and makes for better fuel economy.
The gearbox selects the gear ratio and shifts up or down automatically
according to the gear change programmes stored in the control unit
⇒ page 188.
Fig. 153 Detailed view of
the centre console: gear
shift pattern of a 6-speed
manual gearbox
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Driving
184If desired, you can also select the gears manually (tiptronic mode)
⇒ page 189.
Please note that in vehicles with a multitronic® gearbox, torque is trans-
mitted via a multi-plate clutch, and not via a torque converter as on conven-
tional automatics. This means that the vehicle will not “creep” as much as
conventional automatics when the engine is idling if you stop temporarily
with the selector lever in position D, S or R.
Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox
The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic
gearbox. The gearbox changes up and down automatically .
If desired, you can also select the gears manually (tiptronic mode)
⇒ page 189.Driving instructions
The gears are changed automatically.
Starting the vehicle
–Press and hold the brake pedal.
– Press and hold the interlock button (the button on the selector
lever handle), move the selector lever to the desired position, for
instance D, and release the interlock button.
– Wait for the gearbox to engage the gear (a slight movement can be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator ⇒.
Stopping briefly
– Apply the foot brake to hold the vehicle when stationary (for instance at traffic lights).
– To prevent the vehicle from rolling away, apply the parking brake before moving off on steep gradients ⇒.
– As soon as you accelerate as normal, the parking brake will auto- matically be released and the vehicle will start moving.
Parking the vehicle
–Press and hold the brake pedal ⇒.
– Apply the parking brake.
– Press and hold the interlock button, move the selector lever to P and release the interlock button.The engine can only be started when the selector lever is at P or N.
On level ground it is sufficient to move the selector lever to P. On slopes, first
engage the parking brake and then put the selection lever into the P position.
Fig. 154 Detailed view of
the centre console:
Selector lever with lock
button
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