2011 Seat Exeo ST sensor

176Driving
Handbrake on
The handbrake warning switches on after driving for 3 seconds at speeds
above 5 km/h.
The handbrake warning lamp  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 on-
ly 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 firm-
ly and then, on a manual gearbox, engage a gear, or select P on an auto-
matic. 
Parking
The following points will ensure there is no risk of the vehi-
cle 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 to-
wards 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 acci-
dent.

Parking aid acoustic system General notes
Various 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 obsta-
cles behind your vehicle ⇒ page 177.
When you are parking, SEAT Parking System Plus warns you acoustically
and optically about obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle
⇒ page 177.
Note
To ensure the acoustic parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept
clean and free of snow and ice. 

177
Driving
SEAT Parking System*
SEAT Parking System is an acoustic parking aid.
Sensors are located in the rear bumper. When the sensors detect an obsta-
cle, you are alerted by acoustic signals. The measuring range of the sensors
starts at approximately:
RearSide0.60 mCentre1.60 m
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 obsta-
cle (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 ac-
cidents.
● 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 de-
tected by the system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
● Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒ page 178. 
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:
FrontSide0.90 mCentre1.20 m
RearSide0.60 mCentre1.60 m
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 warn-
ing 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 obsta-
cle (it does not affect the permanent acoustic signal). 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

178Driving
Activating/Deactivating
Fig. 150 Centre console:
switch for parking aid
Activating
– Engage reverse gear or
– Press the button  on the centre console ⇒ fig. 150 or on the
gear selector gate. You will hear a brief confirmation tone and
the LED on the switch will light up.
Deactivating
– Drive forward faster than 10 km/h, or
– Press the  button or
– Switch off the ignition or
– Disengage the reverse gear.
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 ac-
cidents.
● 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 de-
tected by the system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
● Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒ page 178.
● There is a slight delay in the picture display. 
Towing bracket*
In towing mode, the rear parking aid sensors are not enabled when you se-
lect reverse gear or press the switch . This function may not be guaran-
teed on towing brackets that are not factory fitted. This results in the follow-
ing restrictions:
SEAT Parking System*
There is no distance warning. 

190Intelligent technology
Practical Tips
Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) General notes
The Electronic Stability Programme increases the vehicle's
stability on the road.
Fig. 160 Centre console
with ESP switch
The ESP is designed to increase the degree of control in situations where
the vehicle approaches the limits of adhesion, especially when accelerating
and cornering. It reduces the risk of skidding and improves stability in all
road conditions. The system is active across the entire speed range. The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock (EDL) and
the traction control system (TCS) are all integrated into the Electronic Stabil-
ity Programme.
How it works
The ESP control unit processes data from the three integrated systems. It al-
so processes additional inputs provided by other high-precision sensors.
These register the vehicle's rotation about the vertical axis (yaw rate), later-
al acceleration, brake pressure and steering wheel angle.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the vehicle is starting to skid), then the ESP
compensates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle
over swerves (tendency of the rear to leave the
road), the brakes will act on the front wheel facing the outside of the bend.
If the vehicle under swerves (tendency to leave the bend), the braking force
is applied to the rear wheel facing the inside of the bend.
The ESP works in conjunction with the ABS ⇒ page 191. If a malfunction
should occur in the ABS, the ESP will also stop working.
Deactivating
The ESP is activated automatically when the engine is started and performs
a self-test routine. 

192Intelligent technology
Brake assist system
The brake assist system helps the driver to achieve optimum
braking effect.
The brake assist system helps to increase braking power and thus to ach-
ieve a shorter stopping distance. If the driver presses the brake pedal very
quickly, the brake assist system automatically boosts the braking force to
the maximum level, up to the point where the anti-lock brake function (ABS)
intervenes to stop the wheels from locking. You should then keep the brake
pedal pressed until the vehicle has braked to the required speed. The brake
assist system switches itself off as soon as you release the brake pedal.
The brake assist system will not be operative if there is a malfunction in the
ABS or the ESP.
WARNING
Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you drive too
fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow too close
behind the vehicle in front of you. An increased accident risk cannot be
compensated even by the brake assist system. Risk of accident.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The electronic differential lock prevents the loss of traction
caused if one wheel starts spinning. General notes
The electronic differential lock (EDL) helps the vehicle to start moving, ac-
celerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may other-
wise be difficult or even impossible. How it works
The EDL works automatically, without the driver's involvement. With the aid
of the ABS sensors, the system monitors the rotational speed of the drive
wheels
⇒ page 191. If a considerable difference in revs is detected (approx.
100 rpm) in the speed of the drive wheels, e.g. when only one part of the
surface supporting the wheels is slippery, the system applies the brake to
slow down the skidding wheel so that more of the power is directed to the
other wheels. The systems works up to a speed of approx. 80 km/h. The
system will make noise while it is working.
Starting the vehicle
If one wheel has less grip and starts spinning (for instance, if one of the
drive wheels is on ice), keep pressing the accelerator gradually until the ve-
hicle starts moving.
Overheating of the brakes
To prevent the brake disk of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL
cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. In this case, the vehi-
cle will continue to run and will have the same running properties as those
of another without EDL.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled
down.
WARNING
● When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance all
four wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and careful-
ly. Despite EDL, the drive wheels may otherwise start to spin. This could
impair the vehicle's stability. Risk of accident.
● Even with EDL, you should always adjust your speed to suit the road
and traffic conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into
taking any risks when driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident. 

193
Intelligent technology
Note
If the ABS warning lamp lights up, this can also mean there is a fault in the
EDL. Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. 
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating. General notes
The traction control system (TCS) is one of the functions incorporated in the
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
The traction control system (TCS) helps the vehicle to start moving, acceler-
ate or climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may otherwise be
difficult or even impossible.
How it works
The TCS acts automatically, without the driver's intervention. With the aid of
the ABS sensors ⇒ page 191, the TCS monitors the speed of the drive
wheels. If the wheels start to spin, the engine speed is reduced automati-
cally to match the amount of grip available. The system is active across the
entire speed range.
The TCS works in conjunction with the ABS. If a malfunction occurs in the
ABS, the TCS will also be inoperative.
Note
To ensure that the TCS works properly, all four wheels must be fitted with
identical tyres. The difference in size of the wheels may lead to an unde-
sired reduction in engine power. Also see ⇒  page 247.Brakes
General notes
New brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first 200
km; first they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking capacity may
be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid over-
loading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive
and the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for
instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard driving with abrupt starts
and stops.
Wet roads or road salt
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the vehicle or
driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by moisture (or
in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. In this case the brakes should
be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
When the speed is over 80 km/h and the windscreen wipers are on, the
brake system moves the pads towards the brake discs for a few seconds.
This occurs - without the driver knowing - at regular intervals and allows a
faster response from the brakes when driving on wet roads.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the vehi-
cle is driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot
of salt on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs
and pads has to wear off before braking.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are
not used very often. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

243
Wheels and tyres
Significant tyre pressure loss
The tyre symbol  is displayed and indicates that the tyre pressure
of at least one tyre is insufficient.
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the tyre(s).
– Change the wheel if necessary. 
Tyre pressure monitoring (RKA+)*
The tyre pressure monitor display on the instrument panel
indicates if the pressure is too low.
Fig. 186 Detailed view of
the centre console: But-
ton for the tyre pressure
monitoring system The tyre pressure monitoring system makes use of the ABS sensors to com-
pare the rolling circumference and the frequency characteristics of the
wheels. If the rolling circumference or frequency characteristic changes on
one or more wheels, the tyre pressure warning lamp  will light up. The
fault will also be indicated by a warning buzzer. The position of the affected
tyre will also be shown (if only one tyre is affected) on the centre display of
the instrument panel.
The rolling circumference and frequency characteristics can change if:
●
the tyre pressure is too low.
● the tyre has suffered structural damage.
● the wheels or the inflation pressures have been changed without initial-
ising the system (see Adjusting the tyre pressure settings).
● there is a greater load on the wheels of one axle (e.g. if you are carrying
more passengers or luggage).
● the road surface under the left wheels is different to the road surface un-
der the right wheels for a long period.
● when driving with snow chains.
Adjusting the tyre pressure settings (initialising the tyre pressure
monitoring system)
After any incident regarding the wheels of your vehicle, e.g. after modifying
the tyre pressure ⇒ page 245 or after changing or swapping wheels
⇒ page 245 you should - with the vehicle at a standstill and the engine run- ning - press ⇒ fig. 186. The yellow warning lamp  will light up. Hold the
button down for 2 seconds until the warning lamp goes out and an acoustic
warning is given. You can now release the button.
If the wheels are subjected to extreme stress (e.g. heavy load), the tyre
pressure must be increased to the recommended value for the maximum
load (see the adhesive label on the inside of the fuel tank flap) and then
initialise the system. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

263
If and when
Fuse assignment
This list shows the fuses which can be replaced relatively
easily by the owner.
No.ConsumerAmps1Air conditioner102Footwell lamps53Heated washer jets54Radiator fan55Parking aid, automatic gearbox106Air conditioner (air purity sensor), pressure sensor5
7Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), brake light
switch, clutch pedal switch, steering angle sensor10
8Telephone59Vacant 10Adaptive headlights right5
11Airbag and disconnection of the front passenger air-
bag5
12Diagnostic socket1013Steering column unit1014Brake lights1015Instrument panel1016Vacant 17Tyre pressure control, rain/light sensor1018Adaptive headlights left519Vacant 20Vacant 21Vacant 22Driver door / front passenger door1523Rear doors15
No.ConsumerAmps24Central electrics unit for convenience equipment2025Heater blower3026Rear window heater3027Power socket for trailer (control unit)3028Fuel pump, auxiliary pump for diesel2029Vacant 30Sliding/tilting sunroof20
31Diagnosis connection, automatic anti-dazzle interior
mirror, reverse light, automatic gearbox15
32Towing socket1533Lighter2034Lambda probe heater1035Luggage compartment power socket*2036Wiper system30
37Pump for windscreen washer and headlight washer
system30
38Luggage compartment illumination, alarm1539Radio, amplifier2040Horn2541230 volt socket3042Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)2543Engine management1544Seat heating35
Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras.
The electric windows and electric seat adjusters are protected by circuit
breakers. These reset automatically after a few seconds when the overload
(caused for example by frozen windows) has been corrected. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications