2012 Seat Exeo ST check engine light

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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 168.
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. 
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Cockpit
Door and rear lid warning
Fig. 51 Display: Door
and rear lid warning
The door and rear lid warning symbol lights up if one or more of the doors,
or the bonnet or rear lid 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
rear lid are open. The warning symbol goes out when the bonnet, rear lid
and all the doors are closed.
In vehicles with a driver information system and an onboard computer* the
door catches/rear lid warning symbol can be switched off by briefly press-
ing one of the control switches for the onboard computer ⇒ page 89. How-
ever, the warning symbol will appear again if any of the doors or the bonnet
or rear lid 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”*. 
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78Cockpit
Service reminder
The instrument panel controls the distance travelled every day. It calculates
the average of these distances travelled and activates the service reminder
sufficiently in advance.
The display reverts back to the standard display after about 5 seconds. The
remaining distance to the next service is updated every time the ignition is
switched on, until the service becomes due.
Service due
When a service is due, SERVICE! will appear in the display immediately after
you switch on the ignition. The display reverts back to the standard display
after about 5 seconds.
Resetting the display
The display is reset by the specialised workshop after the service has been
carried out. The service interval will be set to a LongLife Service (flexible
service interval) or Inspection Service (fixed service interval), depending on
which engine oil is used. It is only possible to reset the display via the in-
strument panel when an oil change is performed; in this case the display
can only be reset to a fixed service interval of 15 000 km. Proceed as fol-
lows:
● Switch the ignition off.
● Press the service button ⇒ Fig. 52 1
and hold while switching on the
ignition. The display will show one of these messages: Service in ----- km or
Service!
● Now press and hold the reset button 2
until the display shows
Service
in ----- km --- days or Service!
The display switches out of the reset mode if you do not press the reset but-
ton within 5 seconds.
CAUTION
The system cannot calculate the figures for the service interval display if the
battery is disconnected from the vehicle, so no service reminder can be dis-
played during this time. Please remember that it is essential to service the
vehicle within the established time limits to prevent its deterioration and to
extend its useful life (particularly that of the engine). The period between
two services must never be longer than the time specified in the Mainte-
nance Programme, even if you only cover a low mileage during this time.
Note
● Do not reset the service indicator between services, otherwise the dis-
play will be incorrect.
● The information in the service indicator remains intact if the battery is
disconnected.
● The distance to the next service cannot be called up if the system has
detected a Priority 1 fault (red symbol). 
Auto-check system Introduction
The auto-check system checks important components and vehicle systems.
These background checks are run constantly, as long as the ignition is
switched on.
A message is displayed on the instrument panel if a fault should occur or if
any maintenance or repairs are urgently required. This is accompanied by
an audible warning signal. Depending on the priority of the fault, a red or
yellow warning symbol lights up on the display. 

80Cockpit
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.

BRAKESBrake fluid required or
brake system fault⇒ page 80

COOLANTCoolant level too low / coolant tem-
perature too high⇒ page 81

OIL PRES- SUREEngine oil pressure too low⇒ page 81
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 244.
If the ABS fails, the ABS warning lamp  will light up together with the
brake system fault symbol  ⇒ 
. 

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Cockpit
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, ob-
serve the warning information in ⇒ page 234, 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 239.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒ page 240.
– 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 72, 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 237.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
Engine oil level too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒ page 238.

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82Cockpit
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 83
Fuel level low⇒ page 83
Engine speed governing⇒ page 83
Check engine oil level⇒ page 83
Engine oil sensor faulty*⇒ page 83
Diesel particulate filter* obstructed⇒ page 83
Photosensor/rain sensor faulty⇒ page 84
Brake pad worn⇒ page 84
Speed warning 1⇒ page 84
Dynamic headlight range control* faulty⇒ page 84
Adaptive headlights* faulty⇒ page 84
Washer fluid level low*⇒ page 84
Speed warning 2*⇒ page 84
Battery voltage too high or too low*⇒ page 84
Bulb monitor*⇒ page 85
Tyre pressure monitoring system*
Loss of pressure⇒ page 92
Tyre pressure monitoring system*
System not available⇒ page 69
Start-Stop system fault*⇒ page 178 

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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 230. 
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 237. Top up the oil at the next opportunity ⇒ page 238.
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 237. 
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 203.
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

204Driving and the environment
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at lev-
el crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after
only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart
the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up when it is idling. Mechanical wear
and pollutant emissions are also especially high during this initial warm-up
phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately after starting the engine.
Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey,
you will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture.
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not normalise until having
driven approximately four kilometres. This is why we recommend avoiding
short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If
the tyre pressure is just one bar too low, fuel consumption can increase by
as much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.Do not use
winter tyres all year round as they increase fuel consumption by
up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no un-
necessary loads are being transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h your vehicle will use about
12% more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof
rack even when it is not in use.
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the
need for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, al-
ways turn off electrical components when you do not need them. Examples
of components that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the
rear window heating or the seat heaters*.
Note
● If you vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not recommended to disconnect this
function.
● It is recommended to close the windows when driving at more than
60 km/h
● Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, as the pressure
can make the plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can burn the clutch
plate lining, causing a serious fault.
● Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch, use the foot brake or
hand brake, using the latter to start. The fuel consumption will be lower and
you will prevent the clutch plate from being damaged.
● On descents, use the engine brake, changing to the gear that is more
suitable for the slope. The fuel consumption will be lower and the brakes
will not suffer. 