2012 Seat Exeo power steering

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
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Table of Contents

98Unlocking and locking
2 remote control keys
In certain European markets, vehicles with alarm are equipped with 2 re-
mote control keys.
WARNING
● 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.
● Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the igni-
tion key from the lock! Otherwise, the steering lock could engage sud-
denly, causing an accident.

Indicator light on the remote control key
The condition of the battery in the remote control key is
monitored by the indicator light.
Fig. 68 LED on the re-
mote control key Condition of the key battery
The indicator light
⇒ Fig. 68 (arrow) flashes when one of the buttons is
pressed. If the indicator light does not light up or flash, this means that the
battery is exhausted and must be replaced.
Replacing the batteries ⇒ page 98. 
Replacing the key battery
Fig. 69 Master key:
Opening the cover
We recommend you have the batteries changed in a specialised
workshop. If you decide to change the used battery yourself, follow
the steps below:
– Carefully prise apart the key ⇒ Fig. 69 A
and the cover B us-
ing a coin.
– Remove the cover in the direction of the arrow.
– Remove the used battery from the cover. 

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

169
Driving
WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary.
● The brake servo and the power steering system work only when the
engine is running. You need more strength to steer and brake the vehicle
when the engine is switched off. Given that you will be unable to steer
and brake as usual, this could lead to a risk of accidents and injuries.
CAUTION
If the engine has been running under high load for a long time, there is a
risk of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. Therefore, you should
let the engine idle for approximately 2 minutes before you switch it off.
Note
After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10 mi-
nutes, even if the ignition is switched off. It may also start running again af-
ter some time if the coolant temperature rises due to a build-up of heat un-
der the bonnet, or if the engine is already warm and the engine compart-
ment is heated up further by direct sunlight. 
Start-Stop function* Description and operation
The Start-Stop function stops the engine when the vehicle is stop-
ped and starts it automatically when required.
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it in neutral and release the
clutch pedal. The engine will stop. –
When the clutch pedal is pressed, the engine starts again.
– The instrument panel screen displays information about the sta-
tus of the Start-Stop function ⇒ Fig. 137.
Start-Stop function conditions
● The driver seat belt must be buckled.
● The engine hood must be closed.
● The engine must be at operating temperature
● The steering wheel must not be turned more than 270°.
● The vehicle must not be on a steep gradient.
● The vehicle must not be in reverse.
● A trailer must not be connected.
● The temperature of the passenger compartment must be within the con-
venience limits ( ECON
button should not be selected).
● The windscreen de-mist function must be off.
● Otherwise it requires more than 50% of the airflow that the fan can sup-
ply.
● The temperature must not be set to HI or LO.
● The driver door must be closed.
● The diesel particulate filter must not be in regeneration mode, for diesel
engines.
● The battery charge must not be low for the next start.
● The battery temperature must be between -1 °C and 60 °C.
Start-Stop function interruption
In the following situations, the Start-Stop function will be interrupted and
the engine will automatically start:
● The vehicle starts moving.
● The brake pedal is pressed several times in a row.
● The battery has been discharged excessively. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

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. 

193
Intelligent technology
Brake servo
The brake servo assists the driver when braking
The brake servo increases the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. The
brake servo works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
Ensure the vehicle does not move while in neutral, when the engine is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Note
If the brake servo is not working, e.g. because the vehicle has to be towed
or because it is broken, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance. 
Power steering
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel
when the engine is running. Power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the
steering wheel.
Power steering does not work if the engine is off. In this case the steering
wheel requires much more force to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the vehicle is stationary, this
will place an excessive load on the power steering system. Turning the
steering wheel to its limit places a load on the system, which causes noise.
It will also reduce the idling speed of the engine.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, do not turn the steering wheel to its limit for
more than 15 seconds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the power
steering.
Note
● If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off
(for instance when being towed), the vehicle can still be steered. However,
more effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
● If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop as soon as possible.
● The power steering system requires a special hydraulic fluid. The fluid
reservoir is located at the front of the engine compartment on the left
⇒ page 296. The correct fluid level in the reservoir is important for the pow-
er steering to function properly. The hydraulic fluid level is checked at the
Inspection Service. 
Servotronic*
The servotronic system electronically adjusts the power as-
sisted steering.
In vehicles equipped with servotronic power steering the degree of power
assistance ⇒ page 193 is adjusted
electronically according to road speed.
If a fault should occur in the servotronic system, the power steering will still
operate. The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to
different speeds. If the electronic regulating system is not working properly,
this is most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for
instance when parking), as more effort will be required than usual. The fault
should be corrected by a specialised workshop as soon as possible. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

263
If and when
Fuse assignment
This list shows the fuses which can be replaced relatively
easily by the owner.
No.ConsumerAmps1Air conditioner102Footwell lamps53Heated washer jets54Radiator fan55Parking aid, automatic gearbox106Air conditioner (air purity sensor), pressure sensor5
7Electronic Stability Control (ESC), brake light switch,
clutch pedal switch, steering angle sensor10
8Telephone59Lambda probe heater1010Adaptive headlights right5
11Airbag and disconnection of the front passenger air-
bag5
12Diagnostic socket1013Steering column unit1014Brake lights1015Instrument panel1016Vacant 17Tyre pressure control, rain/light sensor1018Adaptive headlights left519Start-Stop control unit1020Engine management1521Start/Stop battery power management522Vacant 23Vacant
No.ConsumerAmps24Central electrics unit for convenience equipment2025Heater blower3026Rear window heater3027Power socket for trailer (control unit)3028Fuel pump, auxiliary pump for diesel2029Radio, amplifier (with Start-Stop)2030Sliding/tilting sunroof20
31Diagnosis connection, automatic anti-dazzle interior
mirror, reverse light, automatic gearbox15
32Towing socket1533Lighter2034Rear electric windows3035Luggage compartment power socket*2036Wiper system30
37Pump for windscreen washer and headlight washer
system30
38Luggage compartment illumination, alarm1539Radio, amplifier (without Start-Stop)2040Horn2541230 volt socket3042Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2543Front electric windows3044Seat heating35
Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras. 
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289
If and when
Towing and tow-starting
Tow-starting
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.
We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-start-
ing is preferable ⇒ page 285.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2nd or the 3rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the
gear lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the
towing vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it. General notes
Please observe the following points if you use a tow rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
–
Drive slowly at first until the tow rope is taut. Then accelerate
gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto-
matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not
working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake sooner than nor-
mal and pressing the pedal gently.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow rope remains taut at all times when towing.
Tow rope or tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. You should only use a
tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material.
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar only to the towing eyes provided or a tow-
ing bracket.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexper-
ienced drivers should not attempt to tow. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications