2011 Seat Exeo ST ABS

20Seat belts
Why wear seat belts?
Physical principles of frontal collisions
In the event of a frontal collision, a large amount of kinetic
energy must be absorbed.
Fig. 6 Vehicle about to
hit a wall: the occupants
are not wearing seat
belts
Fig. 7 The vehicle hits
the wall: the occupants
are not wearing seat
belts
It is easy to explain how the laws of physics work in the case of a head-on
collision: When a vehicle starts moving ⇒ fig. 6, a certain amount of energy
known as kinetic energy is produced in the vehicle and its occupants.
The amount of kinetic energy depends on the speed of the vehicle and the
weight of the vehicle and its passengers. The higher the speed and the
greater the weight, the more energy there is to be released in an accident.
The most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle. If the
speed doubles from 25 km/h to 50 km/h, for example, the kinetic energy is
multiplied by four.
Because the passengers in our example are not restrained by seat belts, in
the case of a head-on collision all of their kinetic energy has to be absorbed
at the point of impact ⇒ fig. 7.
Even at speeds of 30 km/h to 50 km/h, the forces acting on bodies in a col-
lision can easily exceed one tonne (1000 kg). At greater speed these forces
are even higher.
Passengers not wearing seat belts are not “attached” to the vehicle. In a
head-on collision, they will move forward at the same speed their vehicle 

22Seat belts
Seat belt protection
Passengers not wearing seat belts risk severe injuries in the
event of an accident.
Fig. 10 A driver wearing
the seat belt properly is
secured by the belt in
sharp braking
Properly worn seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting po-
sitions and substantially reduce the kinetic energy in the event of an acci-
dent. Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could
lead to severe injuries. In addition, properly worn seat belts reduce the dan-
ger of being thrown from the vehicle.
Passengers wearing their seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability
of the belts to absorb kinetic energy. The front part of your vehicle and other
passive safety features (such as the airbag system) are also designed to ab-
sorb the kinetic energy released in a collision. Taken together, all these fea-
tures reduce the releasing kinetic energy and consequently, the risk of in-
jury.
Our examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts
substantially reduce the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is
why it is so important to fasten seat belts before every trip, even when "just
driving around the corner". Ensure that your passengers wear their seat belts as well. Accident statistics
have shown that wearing seat belts is an effective means of substantially
reducing the risk of injury and improving the chances of survival in a seri-
ous accident. Furthermore, properly worn seat belts improve the protection
provided by airbags in the event of an accident. For this reason, wearing a
seat belt is required by law in most countries.
Although your vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be fas-
tened and worn. The front airbags, for example, are only triggered in some
frontal accidents. The front airbags will not be triggered during minor frontal
collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, overturns or accidents in
which the airbag trigger threshold value in the control unit is not exceeded.
Therefore, you should always wear your seat belt and ensure that your pas-
sengers have fastened their seat belts properly before you drive off!

Safety instructions on using seat belts
If seat belts are used correctly, they can reduce the risk of in-
jury in an accident.
– Always wear the seat belt as described in this section.
– Ensure that the seat belts can be fastened at all times and are
not damaged. 

30Airbag system
WARNING (Continued)
● To reduce the risk of injury from an inflating airbag, always wear the
seat belt properly ⇒ page 19.
● Always adjust the front seats properly.

The danger of fitting a child seat on the front passenger
seat
Rear-facing child seats must never be used on the front pas-
senger seat when the front passenger airbag is enabled. The front passenger airbag is a serious risk for a child if it is activated. The
front passenger seat is life threatening to a child if he/she is transported in
a rear-facing child seat. Children up to 12 years old should always travel on
the rear seat.
If a rear-facing child seat is secured to the front passenger seat, an inflating
airbag can strike it with such force that it can cause critical or fatal injuries.
Therefore we strongly recommend you to transport children on the rear
seats. That is the safest place for children in the vehicle. Alternatively, the
front passenger airbag can be disabled with a key-operated switch
⇒ page 45. When transporting children, use a child seat appropriate to
the age and size of each child ⇒ page 47.
For those vehicles that do not include a key lock switch to disconnect the
airbag, the vehicle must be taken to a Technical Service.
WARNING
● If a child seat is secured to the front passenger seat, the risk to the
child of sustaining critical or fatal injuries in the event of an accident in-
creases.
● Never secure a rear-facing child seat to the front passenger seat if the
front passenger airbag is enabled. The child can suffer critical or fatal in-
juries if the front passenger airbag is triggered.
● An inflating front passenger airbag can strike the rear-facing child
seat and hurl it with great force against the door, the roof or the back-
rest.
● If, under special circumstances, it is necessary to transport a child in
a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat, it is absolutely es-
sential that you observe the following safety measures:
–Deactivate the front passenger airbag ⇒ page 45, Deactivating
airbags.
– The child seat must be approved by the child seat manufacturer for
use on a front passenger seat with front or side airbag.
– Follow the installation instructions given by the child seat manu-
facturer and observe the safety instructions ⇒ page 47, Child safe-
ty.
– Before properly installing the child seat, push the front passenger
seat completely backwards so that the greatest possible distance to
the front passenger airbag is ensured.
– Ensure that no objects prevent the front passenger seat from being
pushed completely back.
– The backrest of the front passenger seat must be in an upright po-
sition.


65
Cockpit
Warning and indicator lamps General description
The warning and indicator lamps indicate a number of dif-
ferent functions and possible faults.
Fig. 44 Instrument panel with warning and indicator lamps
Exhaust emission control system⇒ page 66
Airbag system⇒ page 66
Tyre pressure too low⇒ page 66
Cruise speed (Cruise control)⇒ page 67
Trailer turn signals⇒ page 67
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)⇒ page 67
Seat belt warning⇒ page 68
Left turn signals⇒ page 68
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)⇒ page 68
Alternator⇒ page 69
Main beam headlights⇒ page 69
Engine management (alternative to )⇒ page 69
Glow plug system (alternative to )⇒ page 69
Fault in brake system / handbrake is ap-
plied⇒ page 70
Right turn signals⇒ page 68
Note
A number of functions are monitored by the auto-check control
⇒ page 75. If a malfunction should occur, this will be shown by the dis-
play in the instrument panel either with a red symbol (priority 1 - danger) or
a yellow symbol (priority 2 - warning). 
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67
Cockpit
The yellow warning  lamp remains on if the system is faulty or if
the pressure is too low in at least one tyre. In the event of a system
fault, the letters TPMS are displayed in the centre of the instrument
panel ⇒ fig. 45. If the tyre pressure drops rapidly, message A
⇒ fig. 46 will be shown on the central display of the instrument
panel. If the pressure loss is more gradual, message B ⇒ fig. 46
will be shown on the central display of the instrument panel. This
message does not show the tyre affected. Should any of these
warnings be displayed:
– Stop the vehicle.
– Check the tyres. Although the warning corresponds to just one
tyre, you should also check the others.
– Correct the tyre pressure ⇒ page 242.
For more detailed information on the tyre pressure monitoring system,
please refer to ⇒ page 241. 
Cruise speed (Cruise control)* 
The indicator lamp  on the instrument panel lights up when the cruise
control system is operating. 
Trailer turn signals* 
This turn signal lamp flashes when the turn signals are op-
erating while towing a caravan or trailer. The turn signal lamp  flashes when the turn signals are operated if a trail-
er is correctly coupled to the vehicle. Where a turn signal bulb does not work, either on the trailer or on the tow-
ing vehicle, the turn signal bulb will not flash.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 
The warning lamp monitors the ABS and the integrated elec-
tronic differential lock (EDL).
The warning lamp  lights up for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on and while the engine is being started. The lamp goes out again after
the system has run through an automatic test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
● The warning lamp does not light up when the ignition is switched on
● The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds
● The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving
The vehicle can still brake in the normal way (except that the ABS control
function is out of action). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS, see ⇒ page 191.
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, the ESP warning lamp will also
light up.
Entire brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp  lights up together with the brake warning lamp
 ⇒  page 70 (with the handbrake released), this indicates not only a
fault in the ABS function, but probably also a malfunction in the main brake
system ⇒ 
.
The symbol  will light up on the instrument panel if there if a fault in the
brake system. Please refer to ⇒ page 77. 
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68Cockpit
Electronic differential lock (EDL) fault
The EDL works in conjunction with the ABS. The ABS indicator lamp will light
up  to indicate an EDL fault. Please take the vehicle to a qualified work-
shop as soon as possible. For further information on the EDL, see
⇒  page 192.
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, ob-
serve the warning information in ⇒ page 226, Work in the engine com-
partment.
● If the brake warning lamp  should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp , stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir. If the fluid level has dropped below the "MIN" mark
you must not drive on, as there is a risk of accident. Obtain technical as-
sistance.
● If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may
have been caused by a fault in the ABS control function. As a result, the
rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. Under certain cir-
cumstances, the rear of the vehicle could suddenly sway from side to
side, with the subsequent danger of skidding. Drive carefully to the near-
est specialised workshop and have the fault repaired.

Seat belt warning lamp* 
The warning lamp acts as a reminder to the driver to fasten
the seat belt. After switching on the ignition, the warning lamp  will remain lit until the
driver and front passenger (if applicable) have fastened their seat belts.
When the vehicle has reached a certain speed, you will also hear a warning
signal and the warning light will flash.
For further information on the seat belts, see ⇒ page 24.Turn signals and hazard warning lights
 
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left  or right  turn
signal lamp flashes. Both turn signal lamps will flash when the hazard warn-
ing lights are switched on.
If a turn signal fails, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice as fast as
normal.
This does not apply when towing a trailer. Where a turn signal bulb does not
work, either on the trailer or on the towing vehicle, the turn signal bulb will
not flash. For further information on the turn signals, see ⇒ page 122.
Electronic Stability Programme 
This warning lamp monitors the Electronic Stability Pro-
gramme (ESP).
The warning lamp  has the following functions:
● 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 

69
Cockpit
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 bat-
tery 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 192. 
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 qualified workshop. However, given that the
battery will be running down, any electrical consumption not absolutely vi-
tal should be switched off.
CAUTION
If the coolant warning lamp  in the instrument panel lights up as well as
the alternator waning lamp while driving ⇒  page 78, stop the vehicle im-
mediately and switch off the engine. In this case the coolant pump is no
longer working, 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 122.
Engine management 
This warning lamp monitors the engine management sys-
tem 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 immedi-
ately to a qualified workshop to have the engine serviced. 
Glow plug system 
The indicator lamp lights up while the glow plugs are pre-
heating.
The indicator lamp  lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When
the indicator lamp goes out the engine should be started straight away.
When the engine is warm, or at outside temperatures above +8 °C, the
warning lamp will only light up very briefly. 
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70Cockpit
Note
● If the glow plug indicator lamp should start flashing while the vehicle is
moving, this indicates a fault in the engine management system. The en-
gine should be serviced without delay.
● If the indicator lamp fails to light up when the ignition is switched on,
this can mean that the glow plug system is defective. The engine should be
serviced. 
Brake system 
The warning lamp flashes when the handbrake is applied, or
if the brake fluid level is too low or if there is a fault in the
ABS system. If the warning lamp  flashes (and the handbrake is not applied), stop the
vehicle and check the brake fluid level ⇒ 
⇒ page 236.
If a failure should occur in the ABS, the ABS warning lamp  will light up
together with the brake warning lamp  ⇒ 
.
Handbrake on
The warning lamp  also lights up when the handbrake is applied. In addi-
tion to this, the handbrake warning ⇒ page 76 switches on after driving
for 3 seconds at a speed above 5 km/h.
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, ob-
serve the warning information in ⇒ page 226, Work in the engine com-
partment.
● If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when driv-
ing, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low and this may cause an
increased accident risk. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp, this can mean that there is a fault in the ABS control function. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. Under cer-
tain circumstances, the rear of the vehicle could suddenly sway from side
to side, with the subsequent danger of skidding. Drive carefully to the
nearest specialised workshop and have the fault repaired.
