2011 Seat Exeo ST open bonnet

60Cockpit
CHECK button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Call-up button for service indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Reset button for trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Coolant temperature gauge
Fig. 38 Engine coolant
temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒ fig. 38 only works when the ignition is
switched on. In order to avoid engine damage, please read the following
notes for the different temperature ranges.
Cold temperature A
If the needle is still on the left of the dial, this indicates that the engine has
not yet reached operating temperature. Avoid high revs and heavy accelera-
tion and do not make the engine work hard.
Normal temperature B
In normal operations, the needle will settle somewhere in the centre of the
dial once the engine has reached running temperature. The temperature
may also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high outside8
910
temperatures. This is no cause for concern, provided the warning lamp

does not light up in the instrument panel.
Warning temperature C
If the symbol
 flashes in the display, this means that either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low ⇒ page 78.
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet and checking the coolant level, observe
the warning information ⇒ page 226.
● Never open the bonnet when steam or coolant is being released from
it. This could lead to burns. Wait until you can no longer see or hear es-
caping steam or coolant.
CAUTION
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant.
At high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating. 

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.


74Cockpit
Door and tailgate warning
Fig. 51 Display: Door
and tailgate warning
The door and tailgate warning symbol lights up if one or more of the doors,
or the bonnet or tailgate are not properly closed when the ignition is on. The
symbol also indicates which of these is not properly closed. The display in
the illustration ⇒ fig. 51 shows that the driver door is open.
The corresponding part of the pictogram will flash if either the bonnet or
tailgate are open. The warning symbol goes out when the bonnet, tailgate
and all the doors are closed.
In vehicles with a driver information system and an onboard computer* the
door catches/tailgate warning symbol can be switched off by briefly press-
ing one of the control switches for the onboard computer ⇒ page 86. How-
ever, the warning symbol will appear again if any of the doors or the bonnet
or tailgate is opened or closed. Service indicator
This display reminds the driver when the next routine serv-
ice is due.
Fig. 52 Detailed view of
the instrument panel:
Service indicator
Displaying distance to next service
When you press the service button 1
briefly with the ignition switched on,
the display will show how far the vehicle can be driven before the next serv-
ice is due. This check can be carried out with the engine stopped or running
up to 5 km/h. Before the first 500 km and after the ignition cycle, the kilo-
metres and days before the service inspection are not displayed.
If the service button 1
is pressed before the first 500 km the following indi-
cation appears on screen:
Service in ----- km --- days
This is only valid for vehicles with “LongLife Service Intervals”*. 

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.


107
Unlocking and locking
Anti-theft alarm system* Description
The system triggers an alarm if anyone attempts to break in-
to the vehicle.
The anti-theft alarm helps to prevent the vehicle being broken into or sto-
len. If the system senses interference with the vehicle, it triggers an audible
and visible alarm.
How is the system enabled?
The anti-theft alarm system is enabled automatically when the vehicle is
locked with the remote control or by turning the key in the driver door (if the
door is closed). The anti-theft alarm is enabled about 30 seconds after the
vehicle is locked.
How is the system disabled?
The anti-theft alarm is only disabled when the vehicle is unlocked using the
remote control. The vehicle will lock again automatically if none of the doors
is opened within 60 seconds after pressing the remote control button.
If the vehicle is unlocked by turning the key in the driver door, all the other
doors, the tailgate and the tank flap will remain locked.
If the vehicle has been unlocked with the key in the driver door, the key
must be inserted in the ignition lock and the ignition switched on within 15
seconds of opening the door in order to disable the alarm. The alarm will be
triggered if the ignition is not switched on within 15 seconds.
Opening and closing function in cars with alarm
When using the key only without remote control to lock and unlock:
in unlocking all the doors, they unlock simultaneously.
When using the key only without remote control to lock and unlock: – in unlocking all the doors, they unlock simultaneously.
When combining locking using the remote control key and unlocking using
the key but without the remote control: when unlocking, only the driver door will unlock.
When does the system trigger the alarm?
The following parts of the vehicle are monitored when the vehicle is locked:
● Engine compartment (bonnet)
● Luggage compartment
● Doors
● Tilt angle (tow-away protection)
● Ignition
● Radio (only with a factory-fitted SEAT radio)
● Interior ⇒ page 108
If any of these areas are entered, the alarm will be triggered.
How is the alarm disabled?
The alarm can be switched off by unlocking the vehicle using the remote
control, or by switching on the ignition with the key, thus “disabling” the
alarm system. The alarm will also switch off when it comes to the end of its
cycle.
Turn signals
The turn signals flash briefly when the vehicle is locked to confirm that the
doors, the engine bonnet and the tailgate are properly closed and locked.
If the turn signals do not flash, check the doors, the bonnet and the tailgate
to make sure they are properly closed. The turn signals will also flash briefly
if one of the doors or the tailgate or engine bonnet is closed after the alarm
system has been enabled. 
–
–
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

185
Driving
To move the selector lever to position R, press in the interlock button and at
the same time press the brake pedal. Depending on the model, one or two
reverse lights will come on in selector lever position R (when ignition is
switched on).
N - Neutral (idling)
In this position the gearbox is in neutral ⇒ 
.
D - Drive (forward)
In this position, the gearbox selects the optimal transmission ratio depend-
ing on the engine load, speed and the dynamic gear regulation programme
(DRP).
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to D if the ve-
hicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒ 
.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountains or towing a
trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to tiptronic
mode ⇒ page 188, so that the gear ratios can be selected manually to suit
the driving conditions.
S - Sport position
To drive in sports mode, select the position S. The engine power reserve is
used to its maximum. When accelerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to S if the vehi-
cle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Failure to do so
could result in an accident.
● In selector position D or S the vehicle must always be held with the
foot brake when the engine is running. This is because an automatic
gearbox still transmits power even at idling speed, and the vehicle tends
WARNING (Continued)
to “creep”. The throttle must on no account be opened inadvertently (for
instance by hand from the engine compartment) when a gear is engaged
with the vehicle stationary. The vehicle could otherwise start moving im-
mediately (in some cases even if the parking brake is engaged) and pos-
sibly cause an accident.
● To avoid accidents, apply the parking brake and put the selector lever
in position P before opening the bonnet and working on the vehicle with
the engine running. Please observe the important safety warnings
⇒ page 226, Work in the engine compartment.
Note
● Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox:
● If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, release the accelera-
tor and let the engine speed drop to idling before selecting D or S again.
● For the sake of fuel economy (and the environment), the gearbox ratios
on some models are designed so that maximum speed is only obtained
when the gear lever is in position S. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

215
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
CAUTION
● Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and
mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack!
● The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of
the window. To prevent damage, do not put stickers on the heating ele-
ments inside the window. 
Cleaning windscreen wiper blades
Clean wiper blades improve visibility.
1. Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the windscreen wiper blades.
2. Use window cleaner to clean the windscreen wiper blades. Use a sponge or a cloth to remove stubborn dirt. 
Rubber seals maintenance
If rubber seals are well looked after, they will not freeze so
quickly. 1. Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.
2. Apply a specialist care product to the rubber seals.
The rubber strips on the doors, windows, bonnet and tailgate will remain
pliable and last longer if they are treated with a suitable care product (for
example silicone spray). Caring for rubber seals will also prevent premature ageing and leaks. The
doors will be easier to open. If rubber seals are well looked after, they will
not freeze so quickly in winter.

Door lock cylinders
The door lock cylinders can freeze up in winter.
To de-ice the lock cylinders you should only use spray with lubricating and
anti-corrosive properties. 
Cleaning chrome parts
1. Clean chrome parts with a damp cloth.
2. Polish chrome parts with a soft, dry cloth. If this does not provide satisfying results, use a specialist chrome cleaning
product. Chrome cleaning products will remove stains from the surface.
CAUTION
To prevent scratching chrome surfaces:
● Never use an abrasive cleaning product on chrome.
● Do not clean or polish chrome parts in a sandy or dusty environment. 
Steel wheel rims
– Clean steel wheel rims regularly using a separate sponge. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications