2012 Seat Exeo ESP

123
Lights and visibility
Main beam headlights 
– Press the lever forward to switch on the main beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam head-
lights off again.
Headlight flasher 
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the flasher.
Parking light 
– Switch the ignition off.
– Move the lever up or down to turn on the right or left-hand park-
ing lights respectively.
Notes on these functions
● The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The turn
signal lamp  or  flashes in the instrument panel when the turns signals
⇒ page 65 are working.
● The turn signals are cancelled automatically when the steering wheel is
returned to the straight-ahead position.
● The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. The main beam headlight indicator lamp  then
comes on in the instrument panel.
● The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever, even if
no other lights are switched on. The main beam headlight indicator lamp 
then comes on in the instrument panel.
● When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the tail light
on one side of the vehicle light up with reduced intensity. The parking lights
will only work with the ignition off.
CAUTION
Never use the main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if this would
dazzle oncoming traffic. 
Interior lights
Front interior lights and glove compartment light
The front interior light also incorporates the reading lights
for the driver and passenger.
Fig. 91 Detail of headlin-
er: front interior lights
The rocker switch A

⇒ 
Fig. 91 for the front interior light has the
following functions:
Door light position
– Move switch A
to the centre position. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

131
Lights and visibility
Switching off the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ Fig. 101. Indicator lamp B goes off.
Switching on the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ Fig. 101. Indicator lamp B turns on.
Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is switched on.
The green indicator lamp lights up in the mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is enabled, the interior mirror will darken au-
tomatically according to the amount of light it receives. The anti-dazzle
function is disabled if:
● the interior lighting is switched on
● reverse gear is engaged
Sensors for automatic headlights*
When the light switch is set to the AUTO position, the dipped beam head-
lights are switched on and off automatically according to the ambient light
level with the aid of the sensors located in the interior mirror ⇒ page 116.
WARNING
Electrolyte fluid can leak from a broken mirror. This fluid can cause irrita-
tion to the skin, eyes and respiratory organs. Wash thoroughly with clean
water should you come into contact with this fluid. Seek medical assis-
tance if needed!
CAUTION
Electrolyte fluid leaking from a broken mirror can cause damage to plastic
surfaces. Use a sponge or similar to remove the fluid as soon as possible.
Note
● The interior mirror automatic anti-dazzle function* will only work proper-
ly if the sun blind* for the rear window is retracted and if there are no other
objects preventing light from reaching the mirror.
● If you have to stick any type of sticker on the windscreen, do not do so in
front of the sensors. Doing so could prevent the automatic headlight or anti-
dazzle function from working correctly or even from working at all. 
Exterior mirrors
The exterior mirrors are adjusted electrically.
Fig. 102 Detailed view of
the armrest: Adjuster
knob
Adjusting the exterior mirrors
– Turn the adjuster knob to position ⇒ 
Fig. 102 L
(left exterior
mirror) or position R (right exterior mirror).
– Move the knob as required to adjust the exterior mirror for a
good view behind you. 
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135
Seats and storage compartments
Electric adjustment of front seats*
Adjusting the seat
The arrangement of the switches corresponds with the de-
sign of the seats.
Fig. 104 Front seat: Ad-
juster controls
Fig. 105 Front seat: Seat
adjustment switches
The adjustment switches for the seat and backrest correspond with
the layout, design and operation of the seat. The seats can be ad-
justed merely by pressing the corresponding switch in the required
direction.
Moving the seat forwards / backwards
– Press switch A
⇒ Fig. 104 forwards or backwards 1⇒ Fig. 105 ⇒ .
Raising/lowering the seat
– Press switch A
up or down ⇒ .
Raising/lowering the front part of the seat
– Press the front of switch A
up or down 2 ⇒ .
Raising/lowering the rear part of the seat
– Press the rear of switch A
up or down 3 ⇒ . 
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137
Seats and storage compartments
– Press the rear part of the adjuster switch to decrease the con-
tour of the lumbar support.
Adjusting the height
– Press the top part of the adjuster switch to move the contour
upwards.
– Press the bottom part of the adjuster switch to move the con-
tour down.
The lumbar support provides effective support for the natural curvature of
the spine to give a more relaxed seating position, especially on long jour-
neys. Driver seat memory*
Description
The memory buttons in the driver door can be used to store
and recall up to four different positions for the driver seat
and exterior mirrors.
Fig. 108 Driver door:
Memory system
Memory buttons
Using memory buttons 1, 2, 3 and 4 ⇒ Fig. 108, you can store and recall the
seat and exterior mirror positions for up to four different drivers.
STOP
button
The seat memory will be disabled if the STOP button is in the up position
(press and release). The word  will light up next to the STOP button (only
visible when the lights are switched on).
The stored settings will all remain in the memory. However, the seat and the
exterior mirrors can now only be adjusted using the conventional electrical
adjustment. Use of the STOP
button is recommended to disable the memory

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145
Seats and storage compartments
Note
Do not fold away the ski bag after use if it is still damp. 
Roof rack
Description
Additional luggage can be carried on the roof rack. Note the following points if you intend to carry loads on the roof:
● There are aerodynamic drainage channels on the roof of the vehicle and,
therefore, normal roof racks cannot be used. We recommend using the ba-
sic support units from the range of genuine SEAT accessories.
● These basic supports are the base of a complete roof rack system. For
safety reasons, however, the corresponding additional fastenings must be
fitted to carry luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis and boats. All the parts of
this system are available from SEAT Official Services.
CAUTION
Any damage to the vehicle caused by the use of other types of roof rack or
incorrect installation will not be covered by the factory warranty. The roof
rack system must therefore be installed exactly according to the instructions
provided. Attachment points
The roof rack must be attached at the marked points only.
Fig. 117 Attachment
points for basic support
units
Installation
The feet of the support units must be fitted exactly between the points
marked with arrows on the roof sealing strip ⇒ Fig. 117. The arrows are only
visible with the doors open. 
Roof load
Loads carried on the roof must be securely attached. The ve-
hicle's handling is affected whenever you carry loads on the
vehicle. The authorised load on the roof of your vehicle is 75 kg. Use the weight of
the roof rack system and that of the load as a basis to calculate the roof
load. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

166Driving
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) contains the electronic differential lock
(EDL) and the traction control system (ASR). The ESC works together with
the ABS. If a fault in the ABS occurs, both warning lamps light up, but if the
ESC fails, only the ESC warning lamp lights up.
The ESC system is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESC system is always active and cannot be switched off. The ESC switch
only switches the ASR off.
The ASR can be deactivated when wheel spin is desirable.
For example:
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
● When the vehicle is stuck, to rock it backwards and forwards.
Press the button to switch the ASR back on when you no longer need wheel
spin.
Situations in which the warning lamp lights 
●
On switching the ignition on, it lights up for about two seconds to carry
out a function control.
● The warning lamp will start flashing when the vehicle is moving if the
ESC or the ASR is activated.
● It will light up continuously if there is a fault in the ESC.
WARNING
● Do not forget that the electronic stability control ESC cannot defy the
laws of physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and
wet roads and when towing a trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. The greater safety provided by the ESC should not
encourage you to run any risks.
● Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESC in
⇒ page 188, Intelligent technology.

Ignition lock Ignition key positions
The ignition key is used to start and stop the engine.
Fig. 134 Ignition key po-
sitions 

173
Driving
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and at the same time press in the re-
lease button ⇒ Fig. 141 (arrow).
– Keep the release button pressed and push the lever all the way
down ⇒ 
.
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.
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.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

174Driving
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 174.
When you are parking, SEAT Parking System Plus warns you acoustically
and optically about obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle
⇒ page 175.
Note
To ensure the acoustic parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept
clean and free of snow and ice. 
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 176. 