2012 Seat Exeo gearbox

Table of Contents
Manual structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 10
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Storing objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Knee airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Deactivating airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Operating Instructions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Driver information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Auto-check system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Speed warning*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Onboard computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Menu display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Tyre pressure monitoring* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Steering wheel controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Multifunction steering wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Remote control keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Childproof lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Remote control key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Sliding/tilting sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Rear view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Seats and storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . 133
Manual adjustment of the front seats . . . . . . . . . 133
Electric adjustment of front seats* . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Lumbar support* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Driver seat memory* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Armrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Roof rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Drink holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Ashtray*, cigarette lighter* and electric sockets* . .147
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Start-Stop function* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Parking aid acoustic system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Cruise speed* (Cruise control system) . . . . . . . . 176
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Automatic gearbox* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Practical Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Intelligent technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Servotronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Economical and environmentally friendly driving 196
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
3
Table of Contents

72Cockpit
Driver information system
General notes
The driver information system in the instrument panel
shows the status of various on-board systems at a glance.
Fig. 47 Cockpit: Digital
instrument panel display
The display for the driver information system is in the centre of the instru-
ment panel.
The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the ig-
nition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. The DIS system gives
an audible warning if a fault should occur or if servicing is required, and a
red or yellow warning symbol (in some cases with a corresponding driver
message) appears in the instrument panel display.
The driver is informed on the audio system.
The driver information system includes the following functions:
CD player, radio and telephone display*⇒ page 73Outside temperature display⇒ page 73Gear indicator*⇒ page 74Selector lever positions for the 7-speed automatic
gearbox*⇒ page 185
Selector lever positions with multitronic ®
*⇒ page 182Distance to empty⇒ page 74Door and rear lid warning⇒ page 75Service indicator⇒ page 75auto-check control⇒ page 76Driving tips⇒ page 77Handbrake warning⇒ page 77Bulb monitor*⇒ page 83Onboard computer*⇒ page 86Tyre pressure monitoring*⇒ page 90Navigation information*Separate Instruc-
tion Manual
Note
● If a fault should occur, the display will show a red or yellow warning
symbol. A red warning symbol indicates a serious malfunction ⇒ page 78.
A yellow warning symbol indicates a less serious malfunction ⇒ page 80.

73
Cockpit
CD, radio and telephone display*
Fig. 48 Display: addi-
tional radio information
If the radio is switched on and no Priority 2 faults are indicated by the auto-
check control, depending on the type of radio fitted, the display will show
the name or frequency of the selected radio station and complementary in-
formation, once the “OK” symbol has gone out.
When in CD mode*, the display will show the current track.
If you have a compatible telephone*, the phone book or telephone dialled
can also be seen on this display.
These displays appear in addition to the display on the radio itself. Outside temperature displayFig. 49 Display: Outside
temperature display
The outside temperature is shown in the display when the ignition is switch-
ed on ⇒ Fig. 49. In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, the display does not
appear until the driver has engaged a gear.
At temperatures below +5 °C a snowflake symbol appears next to the tem-
perature display. This is to warn the driver to take extra care when there is a
risk of ice on the road. When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very
low speeds, the temperature displayed may be slightly higher than the ac-
tual ambient temperature as a result of heat coming from the engine.
If the vehicle has an air conditioner and the digital display is changed over
to °F (degrees Fahrenheit), the outside temperature indicator automatically
changes over to °F ⇒ page 161.
WARNING
Do not rely on the outside temperature display as an ice warning. Please
bear in mind that there may be ice on the roads even at outside tempera-
tures of +5 °C beware of ice patches. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

81
Cockpit
Yellow symbols are used to indicate a Priority 2 fault (warning).
Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning buzzer. The function indi-
cated should be checked as soon as possible. If several Priority 2 faults are
detected at the same time, the symbols are displayed one after the other for
about 2 seconds at a time. 
Brake light failure 
This warning light will appear on the upper part of the display if any of the
brake lights has failed. A text message in the central part of the display indi-
cates which brake light has failed (left or right). 
Fuel level low 
When this symbol  comes on for the first time, there are about 8 to 10 li-
tres of fuel left in the tank. You should fill up as soon as possible
⇒  page 223. 
Engine speed governing 
Max. engine speed XXXX rpm
There is a fault in the engine management. In addition, the warning lamp 
on the instrument panel will light up. The engine speed will be governed to
the speed displayed in the driver information system. Please ensure that
the engine speed does not exceed the speed shown (for example, when
changing down a gear).
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop immediately to have the fault re-
paired. Checking the engine oil level

If the  symbol lights up, please check the engine oil level as soon as pos-
sible ⇒ page 230. Top up the oil at the next opportunity ⇒ page 231.
Engine oil sensor defective* 
If the  symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and
have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to check the oil
level every time you fill up with fuel ⇒ page 230. 
Diesel particulate filter obstructed 
If the symbol  lights up, you can contribute towards automatic filter
cleaning by driving in the right manner. To do this, drive about 15 minutes
in 4th or 5th gear (automatic gearbox: S gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h,
with the engine running at approximately 2000 rpm. The increase in temper-
ature will burn off any soot in the filter. When cleaning is successful, the
symbol switches off.
If the symbol  does not turn off, or the three lamps turn on (particulate
filter , emission control system fault  and heaters ), take the vehicle
to a specialised workshop to repair the fault.
For further information on the diesel particulate filter, see ⇒ page 196.
WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the weather, road, ter-
rain and traffic conditions. The recommended driving speed must never
lead to the driver disregarding the traffic regulations.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

167
Driving
Position 1
The ignition key is inserted in this position. To
engage the steering wheel
lock, take out the key and turn the wheel until you hear the pin engage. You
should always engage the steering lock when you leave the vehicle. This
will help to deter thefts ⇒ 
.
Switching on the ignition/pre-heating glow plugs 2
If the key is difficult to turn in the lock, move the steering wheel (to take the
load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key turns freely. In the case
of vehicles with a diesel engine, the key is turned to this position to preheat
the glow plugs.
Starting the engine 3
The engine is started in this position. Electrical components with a high
power consumption are switched off temporarily.
After the engine has started, the ignition key returns to position 2
by itself.
The ignition key has to be turned back to position 1
before re-starting the
engine. The starter inhibitor in the ignition lock prevents the starter motor
from engaging when the engine is running, as this could cause damage.
Switching off the ignition 1
Turn the ignition key to this position.
WARNING
● Never remove the ignition key until the vehicle is stationary! Other-
wise the steering lock could engage suddenly, which could cause an acci-
dent.
● Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle, even if you
only intend to be gone for a short time. This is particularly important if
there are children in the vehicle, as they might otherwise be able to start
the engine or use power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows),
which could cause injuries.
Note
● If the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, it will be
necessary to leave the key in position 2
for about 5 seconds before start-
ing the engine.
● Vehicles with automatic gearbox: After switching off the ignition, you
can only remove the ignition key if the selector lever is in position “P” (park-
ing lock). The selector lever is locked after the ignition key has been re-
moved. 
Starting and stopping the engine Starting the engine
The engine can only be started with an original SEAT key.
Fig. 135 Ignition key po-
sitions
Vehicles with a petrol engine:
– Use the foot brake. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

168Driving
–Manual gearbox: Push the clutch pedal all the way down.
– Move the gear lever into neutral (automatic gearbox: selector
lever to P or N) ⇒ 
.
– Turn the ignition key to position 3
without pressing the accel-
erator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts (the start-
er motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine).
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
– Use the foot brake.
– Manual gearbox: Push the clutch pedal all the way down. Other-
wise, the engine will not start.
– Move the gear lever into neutral (automatic gearbox: selector
lever to P or N) ⇒ 
.
– Turn the ignition key to position 2
. The pre-heating indicator
light  comes on while the glow plugs are preheating.
– When the indicator light  goes out, turn the ignition key to
position 3
. Do not press the accelerator.
– Having completed the previous action the key can be released
immediately, it will return to position 2
and the engine will
have started.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few sec-
onds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine fails to start straight away, stop after 10 seconds and try again
after about half a minute. Glow plug system*
To assist starting at low temperatures,
diesel engines are equipped with a
glow plug preheating system. The preheating time depends on the coolant
temperature and the outside temperature. Start the engine as soon as the
glow plug indicator light  goes out.
When the engine is warm or at outside temperatures above +8 °C the glow
plug indicator lamp will only light up for about one second. This means that
the engine can be started immediately.
If the engine will not start...
● ⇒ page 285
● ⇒ page 289
● ⇒ page 223, Refuelling
WARNING
Never run the engine in confined spaces, as the exhaust gases are poi-
sonous.
CAUTION
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions until
the engine has reached its normal operating temperature, otherwise this
can damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle station-
ary. Start immediately. This will help avoid unnecessary exhaust emissions. 
Stopping the engine
– Turn the ignition key to position 1 ⇒ Fig. 135.

170Driving
● The Start-Stop System is manually deactivated.
● The windscreen de-mist function is turned on.
● The temperature of the passenger compartment exceeds the comfort
limits (button ECON
should not be selected).
● If more than 50% of the airflow that the fan can supply is ordered.
● Temperature setting HI or LO is selected.
● The engine coolant temperature is insufficient.
● The alternator is faulty, for example the V-belt has ruptured.
● If any of the conditions described in the previous section are not fulfil-
led.
WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the engine off for any reason. You
could lose control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and seri-
ous injury.
● Power steering does not work when the engine is not running. That is
why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system when driving through water (ford-
ing streams, etc.).
Note
● For vehicles with the Start-Stop function and a manual gearbox, when
the engine is started, the clutch must be pressed.
● When the conditions for the Start-Stop function are not fulfilled, the in-
strument panel displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than 270°, Stop will not function;
however, the angle of steering wheel turn does not affect starting the vehi-
cle. Activating and deactivating the Start-Stop function
Fig. 136 The Start-Stop
function button.
Every time the ignition is switched on, the Start-Stop function is au-
tomatically switched on.
Manually deactivating the Start-Stop function
– Press the  ⇒ Fig. 136 button located on the centre console.
When the Start-Stop function is deactivated, the pushbutton in-
dicator lights.
– If the Start-Stop function is operating then the engine starts im-
mediately.
Switching the Start-Stop function on manually
– Press the  ⇒ Fig. 136 button located on the centre console.
The indicator on the button will go out. 

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