2012 Seat Exeo ST ECU

210Trailer towing
Fitting the ball joint (step 1)
Fig. 166 Rear bumper:
Open the cover piece
– Remove the cover piece 2
⇒ Fig. 166 on the mounting fixture
1 below the bumper as far as it will go. The cover piece is held
automatically in the open position.
– Make sure the mounting fixture is clean. If not, clean it ⇒ 
.
Cont ⇒ page 210, Fitting the ball joint (step 2).
WARNING
It is important to keep the mounting fixture clean. Otherwise the ball
joint may fail to engage safely and securely. This could lead to an acci-
dent.
 Fitting the ball joint (step 2)
Fig. 167 Removable tow-
ing bracket: Ball joint
Fig. 168 Removable tow-
ing bracket: Ball joint
Make sure the ball joint is clean and undamaged
– Check the locking pin A
, release pin B, shaft section C and
knob D ⇒ Fig. 167 on the ball joint to make sure they are clean
and undamaged. 

214Trailer towing
WARNING
● To avoid injury, keep your hands away from the locking pin and the
release pin when releasing the locking mechanism.
● Make sure that the cover piece is properly engaged on the mounting
fixture on the vehicle. Otherwise the ball joint may fail to engage secure-
ly if dirt accumulates in the mounting fixture.

Fitting a towing bracket*
It is possible to fit a towing bracket to the rear of the vehicle.
Fig. 175 Attachment
points for towing bracket
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer. 

215
Trailer towing
The attachment points for the towing bracket A
are on the lower part of the
vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should
never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle
and including the maximum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
403
629 mm
1112 mm (vehicle with max. load)
from 350 to 420 mm (vehicle with max. load)
1000 mm
Fitting a towing bracket
● Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact a Technical Service to check
whether your cooling system needs modification.
● The legal requirements in your country must be observed (e.g. the fitting
of a separate warning lamp).
● Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securing bolts must be tightened using a
torque wrench, and a power socket must be connected to the vehicle's elec-
trical system. This requires specialised knowledge and tools.
● Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment
points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket. B
CDEFG
WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a specialised workshop.
● If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is serious danger
of accident.
● For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.
CAUTION
● If the power socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to
the vehicle's electrical system.
Note
For the Sport finish, fitting a trailer bracket is not recommended due to the
design of the bumpers. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

235
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an
added safety risk from the rotating parts (e.g. drive belts, alternator, ra-
diator fan, etc.) and from the high-voltage ignition system.
● Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system
or the electrical system is necessary:
–Always disconnect the battery.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near open flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.
CAUTION
When topping up fluids, make sure the correct fluid is put into the correct
filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunctions or engine
damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any leaks are
detected at an early stage. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your
vehicle inspected at the workshop.
● When the external temperature and level of humidity are high or when
the engine stops, it is possible for water to drop from the air conditioning
system evaporator potentially forming a small puddle on the ground. This is
normal and does not indicate a leak.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles some of the reservoirs mentioned below are lo-
cated on the other side of the engine compartment. Closing the bonnet
–
To close the bonnet, push it down until it overcomes the spring
pressure.
– Let the bonnet engage in the locking part. Do not force it ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● For safety reasons the bonnet must always be completely closed
when the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check that it is proper-
ly secured. The bonnet must be flush with the adjacent body panels.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when the ve-
hicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet. Fail-
ure to do so could result in an accident.

Engine oil General notes
The engine is factory-filled with a special multi-grade oil that can be used all
year round.
As the use of high quality oil is essential for the correct operation of the en-
gine and its long useful life, when topping up or replacement is necessary
use only those oils that conform to the requirements of the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should ap-
pear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the
oil can be used for both types of engines. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

246Checking and refilling levels
Disconnecting the battery
If the battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle's functions will become
inoperative (e.g. electric windows). These functions will require resetting af-
ter the battery is reconnected. For this reason, the battery should only be
disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system when absolutely necessa-
ry.
Long periods of non-use
The battery will gradually lose its charge because certain electrical equip-
ment continues to draw current even when the ignition is off. If you park the
vehicle for long periods of time in winter you should take the battery out of
the vehicle and store it in a place protected from frost. This way it will not
freeze and become damaged. At warm outside temperatures it is sufficient
to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Even when the battery is
not connected you should charge it from time to time.
Winter operation
The battery is drained more in cold weather, which means that the starting
power is reduced. For this reason, have the battery checked and charged if
necessary before the start of winter.
Replacing the battery
A replacement battery must have the same capacity, voltage and current rat-
ing. It must also have the same dimensions as the original, factory-fitted
battery and have sealed caps. The SEAT batteries which have been specially
developed fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety specifications for
your vehicle.
We recommend you use maintenance-free batteries.
WARNING
● All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. If work is re-
quired on the battery, this should be performed by a Technical Service or
specialised workshop. Danger of caustic burns and explosion!
● The battery must not be opened. Never try to change the battery's liq-
uid level. Explosive gas is released from the battery that could cause an
explosion.
CAUTION
● The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured.
● Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the warnings
listed under ⇒ 
.
For the sake of the environment
 Batteries contain toxic substances including sulphuric acid and lead.
Therefore, they must be disposed of in line with environmental regulations
and must not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Make sure dis-
connected batteries cannot tip over. Sulphuric acid could be spilt! 
Important safety warnings for handling a vehicle battery
The battery is located at the back of the engine compartment ⇒ page 304.
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective
gloves and eye protection!
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited! 

256Wheels and tyres
Tyre width in mm
Height/width ratio in %
Tyre construction: Radial
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating code
Speed rating
The tyres could also have the following information:
● A direction of rotation symbol
● “Reinforced” denotes heavy-duty tyres.
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly only
on the inner side of the wheel).
“DOT... 1103...” means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 11th
week of 2003.
We recommend that work on tyres and wheels be carried out by a Technical
Service. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary spe-
cial tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for disposing of the
old tyres.
Any Technical Service has full information on the technical requirements
when installing or changing tyres, wheels or wheel trims.
WARNING
● We recommend that you use only wheels and tyres which have been
approved by SEAT for your model. Failure to do so could impair vehicle
handling. Risk of accident.
● Avoid running the vehicle on tyres that are more than 6 years old. If
you have no alternative, you should drive slowly and with extra care at all
times.
195
65
R
15
91
TWARNING (Continued)
● Never use old tyres or those with an unknown history of use.
● If wheel trims are retrofitted, you must ensure that the flow of air to
the brakes is not restricted. This could cause them to overheat.
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of according to the laws in the country con-
cerned.
Note
● For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. This can also apply to wheels of the same model. The use of
wheels or tyres which have not been approved by SEAT for use with your
model may invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public roads.
● If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the
vehicle (e.g. winter tyres) you should only use the spare tyre for a short peri-
od of time and drive with extra care. Refit the normal road wheel as soon as
possible. 
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque.
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different wheel rims are
fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped
bolt heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and
that the brake system functions correctly.
In certain circumstances, you should not use wheel bolts from a different
vehicle, even if it is the same model ⇒ page 228.


261
If and when
Spare steel rim wheel
The spare steel rim wheel is carried in the wheel well under
the floor panel in the luggage compartment. It is only inten-
ded for temporary use over short distances.
Fig. 195 Spare steel rim
wheel
Taking out the spare wheel
– Turn the plastic knob ⇒ Fig. 195 anticlockwise.
– Take out the spare wheel.
Securing the defective wheel in the spare wheel well
– Place wheel in spare wheel well in the luggage compartment.
– Secure the wheel by turning plastic knob clockwise.
– Replace the floor panel before closing the rear lid.
Your vehicle can be factory-equipped with a spare steel wheel. The spare
wheel does not usually meet the same performance standards as the wheels fitted on the vehicle because of the wheel/tyre dimensions, rubber
composition, tread pattern, etc. Therefore, note the following restrictions:
●
The spare steel wheel is designed only for your vehicle model. Do not
attempt to mount the wheel on any vehicle but your own.
● Your vehicle will have different driving characteristics when the spare
steel rim wheel is mounted ⇒ 
.
● The spare wheel is only intended for temporary use after having a flat
tyre. Replace the spare wheel with a normal wheel that has the proper tyre
dimensions as soon as possible.
● If the size of the spare steel rim wheel is different to that of the other
wheels, it is unlikely that snow chains suitable for the other wheels will fit it.
WARNING
● After mounting the spare steel rim wheel, the tyre pressure must be
checked and corrected as soon as possible. The tyre pressure must corre-
spond to the vehicle load (consult the table containing the inflation pres-
sures). Otherwise there is danger of causing an accident. Use the highest
tyre pressure as indicated in the table.
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h, as higher speeds can cause an acci-
dent.
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering, as this
could cause an accident.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

262If and when
Changing a wheel
Preparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away
from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as
level as possible.
– All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a
safe place (e.g. behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage first gear .
– When towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from your vehicle.
– Take the tools and the spare wheel ⇒  page 259 out of the lug-
gage compartment.
WARNING
If you have a puncture in heavy traffic, switch on the hazard warning
lights and place the warning triangle in a visible location. This is for your
own safety and also warns other road users.
CAUTION
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent
the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so. 
Changing a wheel
Change the wheel as described below.
– Remove the wheel cover .
– Loosen the wheel bolts ⇒ page 263.
– Raise the vehicle with the jack ⇒ page 264.
– Take off the wheel with the flat tyre and then put on the spare
wheel ⇒ page 265.
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly in diagonal sequence with the
box spanner ⇒ page 263.
– Replace the cover. 
After changing a wheel
After changing the wheel, there are still tasks to complete. – Place the wheel with the defective tyre in the spare wheel well
and secure it.
– Put the tools and jack back in the luggage compartment. 