2011 Seat Exeo ST brake fluid

Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Removable towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 211
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Accessories, parts replacement and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Mobile phones and two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Athermic windscreen* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 233
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel . . . . . . . . . 251
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Tyre repair* (Tyre-Mobility-System) . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Changing bulbs. Halogen headlights . . . . . . . . . 265
Changing bulbs. Bi-Xenon AFS headlights . . . . . 271
Changing tail light bulbs (on side panel) . . . . . . 275
Changing tail light bulbs (on tailgate) . . . . . . . . . 280
Side turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283 Luggage compartment lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Registration light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Sun visor light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Description of specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Engine specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
4Table of Contents

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 

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.


76Cockpit
The red symbol indicates danger, whereas the yellow one represents a
warning. Additional messages for the driver may be shown with the red or
yellow symbols. 
Driver messages
Additional messages for the driver are displayed together
with the warning symbols on the instrument panel.
Fig. 53 Instrument pan-
el: CHECK button
Driver messages and red symbols
If a red warning symbol appears on the display, you can press the CHECK
button ⇒ fig. 53 to call up an additional driver message.
For example: in the event of an oil pressure malfunction, the oil pressure
symbol
 will appear in the display. If you now press the CHECK
button,
the following message will appear in the display:
Switch off engine, check oil level The message will disappear from the display after about 5 seconds. If re-
quired, the message can be called up again by briefly pressing the
CHECK
button.
Driver messages and yellow symbols
If a yellow warning symbol appears in the display, it will automatically be
accompanied by the corresponding driver message.
For example, the symbol
 is displayed to indicate that the windscreen
washer fluid level is low. In addition, the following message will appear:
Top up washer fluid
The message will disappear after a few seconds. If required, the message
can be called up again by briefly pressing the CHECK
button.
Note
● The messages handbrake on and when stationary apply footbrake to se-
lect gear cannot be called up a second time. They will remain in the display
until the handbrake is released or until a gear is selected. 
Handbrake warning
– Release the handbrake.
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. 

77
Cockpit
Red symbols
A red symbol warns of a danger.
Fig. 54 Display: Coolant
level warning
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the fault. Obtain professional assistance if necessary.

BRAKESFault in brake system⇒ page 77

COOLANTCoolant level too low / coolant tem-
perature too high⇒ page 78

OIL PRES- SUREEngine oil pressure too low⇒ page 78
The red symbols are used to indicate a Priority 1 fault (serious malfunction). A red symbol is accompanied by
three warning chimes. The symbols will
keep flashing until the faults are corrected. If several Priority 1 faults are de-
tected at the same time, the symbols are displayed one after the other for
about 2 seconds. 
Fault in the brake system 
A fault in the brake system should be repaired as soon as
possible.
If the symbol  flashes in the display, there is a fault in the brake
system. One of the following messages will appear in the display
together with the symbol:
Stop vehicle, check brake fluid and hydraulic fluid levels
Warning! Fault in brake system (ABS) Take vehicle to workshop
– Stop the vehicle.
– Check the brake fluid level ⇒ page 236.
If the ABS fails, the ABS warning lamp  will light up together with the
brake system fault symbol  ⇒ 
. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

78Cockpit
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 fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this could result in
an accident. 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.

Fault in the cooling system 
Faults in the cooling system must be repaired immediately.
If the  symbol flashes in the display, this means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. The
following message will appear in the display together with the
symbol:
Switch off engine and check coolant level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the coolant level ⇒ page 231.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒ page 232.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on. –
Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunc-
tion of the radiator fan.
If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well ⇒ page 69, it is possible that
the drive belt has broken.
CAUTION
Do not drive on if the symbol  has come on to indicate a fault in the cool-
ing system, otherwise there is a risk of engine damage. 
Engine oil pressure too low 
If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be re-
paired immediately.
If the  symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure is too low.
The following message will appear in the display together with the
symbol:
Switch off engine, check oil level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒ page 229.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
Engine oil level too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒ page 230.


79
Cockpit
Engine oil level correct
If the  symbol flashes and the engine oil level is correct, obtain profes-
sional assistance. Do not drive on! Do not continue to run the engine, even
at idle speed .
Note
The oil pressure warning lamp  is not an indicator for the oil level. The oil
level should therefore be checked regularly, preferably every time you fill
the tank. 
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol indicates a warning.
Fig. 55 Display: Fuel lev-
el low
Brake light failure warning light⇒ page 80
Fuel level low⇒ page 80
Engine speed governing⇒ page 80
Check engine oil level⇒ page 80
Engine oil sensor faulty*⇒ page 80
Diesel particulate filter* obstructed⇒ page 80
Photosensor/rain sensor faulty⇒ page 81
Brake pad worn⇒ page 81
Speed warning 1⇒ page 81
Dynamic headlight range control* faulty⇒ page 81
Adaptive headlights* faulty⇒ page 81
Washer fluid level low*⇒ page 81
Speed warning 2*⇒ page 81
Battery voltage too high or too low*⇒ page 81
Bulb monitor*⇒ page 82
Tyre pressure monitoring system*
Loss of pressure⇒ page 89
Tyre pressure monitoring system*
System not available⇒ page 66
Yellow symbols are used to indicate a Priority 2 fault (warning). 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

81
Cockpit
Photosensor/rain sensor faulty 
 Automatic headlights / automatic wipers faulty
If the  symbol lights up, this means that the photosensor/rain sensor is
not working. For safety reasons, the dipped beam headlights will then be
switched on permanently when the light switch is set to the AUTO position.
However, you can still switch the lights on and off in the normal way with
the light switch. If the rain sensor is faulty, the functions operated via the
windscreen wiper lever will still be available. You should have the photosen-
sor/rain sensor checked by a specialised workshop as soon as possible. 
Worn brake pads 
If the  symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for safety rea-
sons, the rear pads as well) inspected by a specialised workshop. 
Speed warning 1 
If the  symbol lights up, this means you are exceeding the speed that has
been pre-set with the speed warning function. You should reduce your
speed accordingly ⇒ page 82. 
Headlight range control faulty 
This symbol  indicates a malfunction in the dynamic headlight range con-
trol. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the dynamic headlight
range control function repaired. Adaptive headlights* faulty

 Adaptive headlights faulty
This symbol  indicates that the adaptive headlight system is faulty. Take
the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the headlights or the adaptive
headlight control unit repaired. 
Washer fluid level low 
If the  symbol lights up, top up the fluid for the windscreen washer and
headlight washer system* ⇒ page 233. 
Speed warning 2 
If the  symbol lights up, this means you are exceeding the speed that has
been pre-set. You should reduce your speed accordingly ⇒ page 82.
Battery voltage too high or too low 
If the  symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop and
have the following items checked:
● Poly V-belt
● Battery condition
It is also advisable to check whether the alternator warning lamp has come
on ⇒ page 69. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications