2011 Seat Exeo ST cooling

168Air conditioning
Air outlets
Fig. 143 Dash panel: Location of air outlets
The air outlets ⇒ fig. 143 3
and 4 can be operated as follows:
Outlets 3
and 4
–
The outlets can be opened and closed by turning the left
thumbwheels.
– The direction of air delivery from the outlets can be varied as re-
quired using the adjuster in the centre of each outlet grille. The
direction of air flow can be adjusted horizontally and vertically
as desired.
The flow of air from the outlets is controlled either automatically or manual-
ly, depending on the operating mode selected. All the outlets can provide
air that is either heated, unheated or cooled.
The heater outlets for the rear footwells are located under the front seats.
They are controlled together with outlets 5
.
Note
The cool air provided by the air conditioner is mainly issued from outlets 3
and 4. To ensure adequate cooling, outlets 3 and 4 should therefore
never be closed completely. 
Air distribution
The automatically-programmed air distribution can be al-
tered manually.
The buttons 
,  and  can be operated either separately or in combi-
nation. To return to automatically controlled air distribution, switch off the
selected functions separately or press the AUTO
button
Each of the three buttons has a specific function. The numbers relate to the
air outlets ⇒ fig. 143. 

169
Air conditioning
Air directed to windows 
This setting directs all the air to outlets 1 and 2. Unlike in setting , the
volume of air delivery remains the same.
Air to the driver/front passenger 
All the air comes from outlets 3 and 4 in the dash panel and from the rear of
the centre console.
Air to the footwells 
Most of the air emerges from outlets 5 and the outlets under the front seats.
Some of the air will also be issued from outlets 3 and 4.
Note
In all of the above air distribution settings, a small amount of air will still
come from the other outlets. 
Economical use of the air conditioner
Economical use of the air conditioner will help save fuel.
Engine power is reduced and fuel consumption increases when the
air conditioner is in cooling mode. To ensure that the system is on-
ly switched on when it is really necessary, please note the follow-
ing points:
– Select ECON mode if you wish to save fuel.
– Select ECON mode if you decide to open the windows or sun-
roof* while driving.
– If the vehicle has heated up after standing in the sun, open the
windows and doors for a short time to cool the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
By saving fuel you also reduce the amount of pollutants emitted from your
vehicle. 
Key settings
When the ignition is switched on, the air conditioner set-
tings assigned to the key are selected automatically.
The air conditioner settings selected are automatically stored and assigned
to the key in use. When the vehicle is started, the air conditioner automati-
cally selects the settings assigned to the key. Hence, every driver automati-
cally obtains his/her preferred settings without having to select them man-
ually.
Note
Should another driver use the key and enter other settings, the previous
settings will be deleted. 
Solar-powered blower/sunroof*
If the vehicle is parked in sufficiently strong sunlight, the
blower will operate in solar-powered mode when the igni-
tion is switched off.
After the ignition is switched off, the blower is supplied with electrical pow-
er from the sunroof. Please ensure that outlets 3 and 4 are open ⇒ fig. 143
to ensure the best possible ventilation.
The blower only works when the sunroof is closed or tilted open at the rear. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

201
Trailer towing
Trailer towing Trailer towing
Technical requirements
The towing bracket must meet certain technical require-
ments.
Your vehicle is intended mainly for transporting passengers and luggage.
However, if suitably equipped, it can also be used to tow a trailer or cara-
van.
If your vehicle has been factory-supplied with a towing bracket, all of the
necessary technical and legal aspects for trailing towing have been taking
into account during manufacturing.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer has a 7-pole connector you
can use an adapter cable. This can be purchased at an Authorised Service.
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
done according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer
⇒ page 209.
WARNING
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the installation should be carried out by
a qualified workshop.
● Particularly in high outdoor temperatures, it is not possible to drive
up long steep gradients without a suitable cooling system. The engine
would heat up.
● Incorrect installation can result in a safety risk!
 Notes on towing
There are a number of points which need to be checked be-
fore towing a trailer or caravan.
– Observe the maximum permitted trailer weights ⇒ page 296.
Trailer weight
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weight.
If you do not load the trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer weight,
you can then climb correspondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer must be reduced by about 10% for every
subsequent 1000 m (or part thereof). This figure refers to the combined
weight of the (loaded) vehicle and (loaded) trailer.
The figures for the drawbar load that appear on the identification plate of
the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct figures for
your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the towing
bracket, are given in the registration documents and on ⇒ page 289. Also
refer to ⇒ page 296.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them mov-
ing. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

210Trailer towing
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket A
are on the lower part of the
vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should
never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle
and including the maximum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
403
629 mm
1112 mm (vehicle with max. load)
from 350 to 420 mm (vehicle with max. load)
1000 mm
Fitting a towing bracket
● Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.
● The legal requirements in your country must be observed (e.g. the fitting
of a separate warning lamp).
● Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securing bolts must be tightened using a
torque wrench, and a power socket must be connected to the vehicle's elec-
trical system. This requires specialised knowledge and tools.
● Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment
points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket. B
CDEFG
WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a specialised workshop.
● If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is serious danger
of accident.
● For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.
CAUTION
● If the power socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to
the vehicle's electrical system.
Note
For the Sport finish, fitting a trailer bracket is not recommended due to the
design of the bumpers. 

226Checking and refilling levels
Opening the bonnet
Fig. 176 Release catch
under the bonnet
Before opening the bonnet make sure that the windscreen wiper
arms are not lifted away from the glass. Otherwise the paint may
be damaged.
– Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒ 
.
– Press the release catch under the bonnet upwards ⇒ fig. 176.
This will release the arrester hook under the bonnet.
– Open the bonnet.
The bonnet is held in position by a gas-filled strut.
WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or drips of coolant being re-
leased from the engine compartment. Failure to comply could result in
burns. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the
bonnet.
 Work in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components in
the engine compartment.
Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or even fire when working in the engine compartment (e.g. when
checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warnings listed below
and follow all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of the
vehicle is a potentially hazardous area ⇒ 
WARNING
● Switch the engine off.
● Remove the ignition key.
● Apply the handbrake firmly.
● If your vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox, place the gear lev-
er in neutral. If you are driving an automatic vehicle, place the selector
lever in position P.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● Children should not be allowed to approach the engine compartment.
● Never spill liquids used for vehicle operation on the engine compart-
ment, as these may catch fire (e.g. coolant).
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especial-
ly when working on the battery.
● Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is hot, as the fan could
start up suddenly.
● Never open the expansion tank when the engine is hot. The cooling
system is under pressure.
● Protect face, hands and arms from any hot steam or hot coolant fluid
released by covering the cap with a large, thick rag when opening the ex-
pansion tank. 

230Checking and refilling levels
Topping up the engine oil 
Fig. 178 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
– Unscrew cap  from oil filler opening ⇒ fig. 244.
– Carefully put in the specified grade of oil ⇒ page 228, adding
0.5 litres at a time.
– After two minutes, check the oil level once again ⇒ page 229.
– Where necessary, add more engine oil.
– Replace the oil filler cap carefully and push the dipstick all the
way in.
WARNING
● When refilling with oil, make sure no oil falls onto hot engine parts.
Failure to comply could result in fire.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.
CAUTION
● The oil level must never be above area a. This could damage the cata-
lytic converter or the engine. Contact a qualified workshop to drain the en-
gine oil if necessary.
● No additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused by the
use of such additives would not be covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
● Oil must not be disposed of in the drain or on the ground.
● Always observe legal requirements when disposing of empty oil canis-
ters. 
Cooling system Coolant fluid
The purpose of the coolant fluid is to carry heat away from
the engine. The correct amount of antifreeze is decisive in
preventing the cooling system from freezing in winter. The vehicle's engine cooling system is filled for life at the factory, so no
coolant needs to be changed. The coolant fluid consists of a mixture of wa-
ter and antifreeze G12++. This is a glycol-based antifreeze with anti-corro-
sion additives.
Coolant fluid additive
The amount of antifreeze required depends on the temperatures to be ex-
pected in the winter season. If the antifreeze concentration is too low the
coolant can freeze, resulting in failure of the cooling system and heater. 

231
Checking and refilling levels
The cooling system is filled at the factory with the correct amount of anti-
freeze for the country concerned.
In most cases, the mixture consists of 60% water and 40% antifreeze. This
mixture gives the required antifreeze protection at temperatures down to
-25 °C and particularly protects the metal parts of the cooling system
against corrosion. It also prevents scaling and significantly raises the boil-
ing point of the coolant fluid.
Countries with warm climate
The coolant fluid concentration must not be reduced by adding plain water,
even in the summer or in warm climates. The concentration of the antifreeze
must always be at least 40%.
Countries with cold climate
If greater freeze protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion
of antifreeze G12++ can be increased. A concentration of 60% offers anti-
freeze protection of temperatures down to approx. -40 °C. However, the con-
centration of antifreeze must not exceed 60%, as the antifreeze protection
would then drop and the performance of the coolant system would suffer.
Vehicles for countries with cold climates (e.g. Sweden, Norway and Finland)
have factory-filled antifreeze protection for temperatures down to -35 °C. In
these countries, the concentration of antifreeze should always be at least
50%.
CAUTION
● It is advisable to have the cooling system checked before the winter sea-
son to make sure that the antifreeze concentration is adequate for the con-
ditions to be expected. This applies particularly if you intend to take the ve-
hicle into a colder climate zone. If necessary, have the antifreeze concentra-
tion increased to 50 - 60% as required.
● Use only G12++ antifreeze, an additive meeting the “TL-VW 774G” speci-
fication. Other antifreezes may give considerably inferior corrosion protec-
tion. The damage caused by the use of these antifreezes may lead to a loss
of coolant fluid, causing serious damage to the engine.
● G12++ antifreeze can only be mixed with antifreeze additives G11, G12
and G12+. 
Checking the coolant level
The coolant level can be checked visually.
Fig. 179 Engine com-
partment: Coolant fluid
deposit
– Switch the ignition off. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

232Checking and refilling levels
–Check the coolant level on coolant fluid expansion tank
⇒ fig. 179. When the engine is cold, it should be between the
“min” and “max” marks. When the engine is hot, it may be
slightly above the “max” mark.
Its location is shown in the corresponding general overview of the engine
compartment.
The coolant level should be checked with the engine switched off.
The coolant level is monitored by a warning lamp on the instrument panel
display ⇒ page 78. However, we recommend that it should be checked oc-
casionally.
Coolant fluid loss
Any loss of coolant fluid normally indicates a leak in the cooling system. In
this case the cooling system should be inspected by a qualified workshop
without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the coolant fluid.
If there are no leaks in the system, a loss of coolant fluid can only occur if
the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of overheating.
CAUTION
Radiator sealants must not be added to the coolant fluid. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system. 
Topping up the coolant fluid
Be careful when topping up with coolant fluid. – Switch the engine off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down. –
Cover the cap on the expansion tank ⇒ fig. 179 with a cloth,
and carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒ 
.
– Add coolant fluid.
– Screw on the cap tightly.
Make sure that the coolant fluid meets the required specifications
⇒  page 230, Coolant fluid. Do not use a different type of antifreeze if G12+
+ antifreeze is not available. In this case, use only water and bring the anti-
freeze concentration back up to the correct level as soon as possible.
Always top up with new coolant fluid.
Do not fill above the “max” mark. Excess coolant fluid is forced out of the
system through the valve in the filler cap when the engine gets hot.
If a lot of coolant fluid has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down before
putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in serious engine dam-
age.
WARNING
● The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap on the
expansion tank when the engine is hot. Failure to comply could result in
burns.
● The antifreeze and coolant fluid can be a health hazard. Therefore,
the antifreeze should be stored in the original container in a safe place
out of reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.
For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used coolant in-
to a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper manner (observe envi-
ronmental regulations). 