2012 Seat Exeo ST trailer

181
Driving
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 181.
When you are parking, SEAT Parking System Plus warns you acoustically
and optically about obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle
⇒ page 182.
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 183. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

183
Driving
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 183.
● There is a slight delay in the picture display. 
Towing bracket*
In towing mode, the rear parking aid sensors are not enabled when you se-
lect reverse gear or press the switch . This function may not be guaran-
teed on towing brackets that are not factory fitted. This results in the follow-
ing restrictions:
SEAT Parking System*
There is no distance warning. SEAT Parking System Plus*
There is no rear distance warning. The system will still give a warning when
obstacles are detected while driving forward.

Fault messages*
If you hear a long beep for a few seconds and the LED on the  button*
starts flashing when you switch on the parking aid, a system fault has oc-
curred. Please have the fault corrected by a Technical Service or specialised
workshop.
Note
If the fault is not corrected before you switch off the ignition, it will only be
indicated by the flashing LED on the switch * the next time you switch on
the parking aid. 
Cruise speed* (Cruise control system)
Introduction
The cruise control system allows you to maintain a constant
speed. Using this system, any speed over 30 km/h can be kept constant, as long as
the engine power allows it. This is subject to power output and braking abil-
ity of the engine. This helps to reduce fatigue, especially on long journeys.
The indicator lamp  on the instrument panel lights up when the cruise
control system is operating. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

189
Driving
Selector lever positions
This section covers all the selector lever positions.
Fig. 158 Display: Selec-
tor lever positions
The current selector lever position is shown on the instrument panel dis-
play.
P - parking lock
This locks the driving wheels mechanically. The parking brake should only
be used when the vehicle is already stopped
⇒ 
.
The interlock button (the button on the selector lever handle) must be
pressed in and the brake pedal must be depressed before moving the selec-
tor lever either in or out of position P. This is only possible when the ignition
is on.
R - Reverse gear
When reverse gear is engaged the gearbox automatically selects the lowest
gear ratio.
The reverse gear may be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine is idling ⇒ 
. 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 192, 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 
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201
Driving and the environment
Driving and the environment
Running-in Running in a new engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first 1500 km.
Up to 1000 kilometres
– Do not drive at speeds of more than 2/3 the maximum speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 kilometres
– Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).
During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on, when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consump-
tion reduced. Braking capacity and braking distance
The braking capacity and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.
The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the
brake pad wear. The
rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions
under which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you
often drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving
style, we recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads
checked by a Technical Service more frequently than recommended in the
Service Plan.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the vehicle, the effect of the brakes is
lessened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). In this case
the brakes should be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk
of accidents.
● New brake pads must be run in and do not have the correct friction
during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also ap-
plies when the brake pads have to be changed further on.
● If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have
been salted, braking power may be lower than normal. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

206Trailer towing
Trailer towing
Trailer towing
Technical requirements
The towing bracket must meet certain technical require-
ments.
Your vehicle is intended mainly for transporting passengers and luggage.
However, if suitably equipped, it can also be used to tow a trailer or cara-
van.
If your vehicle has been factory-supplied with a towing bracket, all of the
necessary technical and legal aspects for trailing towing have been taking
into account during manufacturing.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer has a 7-pole connector you
can use an adapter cable. This can be purchased at a Technical Service.
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
done according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer
⇒ page 214.
WARNING
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the installation should be carried out by
a specialised workshop.
● Particularly in high outdoor temperatures, it is not possible to drive
up long steep gradients without a suitable cooling system. The engine
would heat up.
● Incorrect installation can result in a safety risk!
 Notes on towing
There are a number of points which need to be checked be-
fore towing a trailer or caravan.
– Observe the maximum permitted trailer weights ⇒ page 304.
Trailer weight
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weight.
If you do not load the trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer weight,
you can then climb correspondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer must be reduced by about 10% for every
subsequent 1000 m (or part thereof). This figure refers to the combined
weight of the (loaded) vehicle and (loaded) trailer.
The figures for the drawbar load that appear on the identification plate of
the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct figures for
your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the towing
bracket, are given in the registration documents and on ⇒ page 297. Also
refer to ⇒ page 304.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them mov-
ing. 

207
Trailer towing
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted drawbar
load on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your vehicle, and adjust for “full load” condi-
tions (refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the door pillar). It may
also be necessary to adjust the tyre pressures on the trailer according to the
recommendations of the trailer manufacturer.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. The two exterior mirrors should be fitted on folding arms. Adjust the
mirrors to give sufficient rear vision.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, check the headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. If necessary, alter the height of the headlight beams by means
of the headlight range control. See ⇒ page 121.
Power supply
When you remove the ignition key, the power supply to the trailer is inter-
rupted.
Removable ball joint coupling
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a removable
ball joint coupling. This is stored in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment together with the necessary fitting instructions.
Note
If you frequently tow, we recommend you also have the vehicle serviced be-
tween services. Notes on towing
Towing a trailer involves additional attention by the driver.
Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slow to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed.
Therefore, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This especially applies
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slight-
est sign of swaying. Never try to stabilise the trailer by accelerating.
Anticipate hazards and brake in good time. If towing a trailer with an inertia
brake, first brake gently and then harder. This will prevent brake tapping by
the trailer wheels when they lock. Select a low gear in due course before go-
ing down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine braking to
slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recommend
having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a high trailer
weight. They can be purchased and installed at a Technical Service.
Reheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather with the engine running fast in low
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge ⇒ page 62.
Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to the right end of the scale.
If the temperature warning lamp  in the instrument panel should start
flashing, stop the vehicle and let the engine cool down by running it at
idling speed for a few minutes. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

208Trailer towing
Equipment and accessories
Before mounting equipment and accessories (e.g. bicycle
rack) please observe the following notes.
Fig. 164 Load distribu-
tion of equipment and ac-
cessories
The equipment/accessories mounted must not protrude more than 700 mm
from the ball joint 1
.
The total weight (mounted equipment plus the load) must not exceed 75 kg.
The maximum load depends on where the centre of gravity lies.
The maximum weight decreases as the distance between the centre of grav-
ity and the ball joint 1
increases.
The following limits apply:
If the distance is 300 mm, the total weight (incl. the equipment mounted) A
must not exceed 75 kg.
If the distance is 600 mm, the total weight (incl. the equipment mounted) B
must not exceed 35 kg. Only bicycle racks for
a maximum of three bicycles may be used.
Equipment and accessories mounted on the towing bracket
SEAT recommends that you only mount equipment (e.g. bicycle rack) on the
towing bracket which has been officially approved.. If you wish to attach
other equipment please make sure that it has been approved by the manu-
facturer for use on the towing bracket. If you mount unsuitable equipment,
this can cause damage to the towing bracket. In an extreme case, damage
to the towing bracket could cause it to break ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● If you wish to mount equipment which has not been approved by
SEAT, please ensure that it is suitable for use on SEAT vehicles.
● Use of unsuitable equipment can result in severe damage to the tow-
ing bracket. The towing bracket could then break while pulling a trailer
and cause an accident.
● Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball joint.
This would damage the locking device, no longer guaranteeing the cor-
rect working order of the bracket. This could lead to an accident.


209
Trailer towing
Removable towing bracket Introduction
Special care is required when fitting and removing the tow-
ing bracket.
Fig. 165 Luggage com-
partment: Spare wheel
with towing bracket
The removable ball joint attachment for the towing bracket is stored under
the floor panel in the luggage compartment.
● Vehicles with a spare wheel
⇒ Fig. 165.
The ball joint can be fitted and removed by hand.
Accessories mounted on the towing bracket
Please note that the ball joint attachment can be damaged by using unsuit-
able equipment that is mounted onto the towing bracket (e.g. bicycle rack).
Due to the material construction, such damage to the towing bracket dra-
matically increases safety risks and in extreme cases could lead to breakage
of the towing bracket while towing ⇒ 
. Therefore, before buying such equipment, ensure that it is suitable for
mounting onto the vehicle's towing bracket and that it is approved for this
purpose. To prevent damage to the ball joint from unsuitable equipment, we
recommend that equipment for the towing bracket be purchased through
your SEAT Dealership. Also see
⇒ page 228.
WARNING
● Only mount equipment on the towing bracket of your vehicle if you
are certain it will not damage the bracket. Use of unsuitable equipment
can result in severe damage to the towing bracket. The towing bracket
could then break while pulling a trailer and cause an accident.
● Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball joint.
This would damage the locking device, no longer guaranteeing the cor-
rect working order of the bracket. This could lead to an accident.
Note
● Do not attempt to modify or repair the ball joint or other towing bracket
components.
● Should you have any difficulties when using the towing bracket, or sus-
pect that it is not fitted properly, contact a specialised workshop.
● Before setting off, always check that the ball joint is secured properly
⇒ page 212.
● Never disengage the ball joint with the caravan / trailer still hitched or
with a bicycle rack or similar accessory still attached.
● It is advisable to remove the ball joint when you are not towing a trailer.
Make sure that the cover piece is properly fitted on the mounting fixture on
the vehicle.
● Remove the ball joint before washing the vehicle with pressurised steam
equipment. Make sure the cover piece is fitted correctly onto the mounting
fixture. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications