2012 Seat Exeo ST ignition

126Lights and visibility
Interior light switched on
–Move switch A
to position I.
Interior light switched off
– Move switch A
to position O.
Front reading lights 
– Press one of the switches B
to turn the left and right reading
lights on and off.
Glove compartment light
– Open the glove compartment on the front passenger side. The
glove compartment light will come on automatically if the side
lights or headlights are switched on, and will go out again
when the glove compartment is closed.
Footwell* and door lighting
– This is switched on when the doors are opened and off when
they are closed.
If the switch is in the courtesy light position, the interior light comes on au-
tomatically when the vehicle is unlocked or the doors are opened. The light
also comes on when the key is pulled out of the ignition. The light turns off
about 30 seconds after closing the doors. The interior light is switched off
immediately when the vehicle is locked or when the ignition is switched on.
If a door is left open, the light is switched off after about 10 minutes to pre-
vent the battery from running flat.
The brightness of the lights is automatically adjusted by a dimmer when
they are switched on. Ambient lighting*
The ambient lighting illuminates a number of important
controls.
Fig. 93 Detail of headlin-
er: ambient lighting
The lights in the door handles come on automatically when the ignition is
switched on.
The lighting above the windscreen* also comes on when the side lights or
headlights are switched on. The centre console is illuminated from above.
The background lighting cannot be switched off manually. 

128Lights and visibility
Visibility
Heated rear window 
The rear window heating clears the rear window of conden-
sation.
Fig. 96 Switch for heat-
ed rear window
– Press button 
to switch the rear window heating on or off
⇒ Fig. 96.
The heated rear window only works when the ignition is switched on. An in-
dicator lamp on the button lights up when the rear window heater is switch-
ed on.
The heated rear window switches off automatically after about 10 minutes if
the outside temperature is above 0°C.
Depending on the outside temperature, the exterior mirrors are also heated
while the heated rear window is turned on. The exterior mirror heating is not activated at temperatures above approxi-
mately 20°C.
For the sake of the environment
Switch off the heated rear window as soon as the rear window has demis-
ted. By saving electrical power you can also save fuel. 
Sun visors
The sun visors can improve visibility and contribute to safe-
ty.
Fig. 97 Sun visor
The sun visors 1
for the driver and the front passenger can be pulled out of
their mountings in the centre of the vehicle and turned towards the doors
⇒ Fig. 97.
The vanity mirrors in the sun visor have covers. On opening the cover 2
,
the mirror light* located in the headliner is automatically switched on. The 

130Lights and visibility
–In vehicles equipped with a rain sensor*, you can move the
switch A
up and down to set the sensitivity of the rain sensor.
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up to position 3
.
Continuous wipe
– Move the lever up to position 4
.
Automatic wash and wipe
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel, 5
, to activate the
windscreen washer.
– Release the lever. The washer will stop and the wipers will keep
running for approximately 4 seconds.
Deactivating the windscreen wiper
– Pull the lever to basic position 0
.
General notes
The washers and wipers will work only when the ignition is switched on.
If you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights, the wiper speed will automatically be
reduced. The rain sensor* will automatically be set to the intermittent wipe
function.
The windscreen washer jets are heated when the ignition is switched on.
The wiper intervals in the intermittent wipe setting are also varied automati-
cally according to the road speed (in addition to the manual delay setting).
When the lights are switched on you should only pull the lever briefly to
wash the windscreen, otherwise the headlight washers* will also be ena-
bled. This will use an unnecessary amount of fluid from the reservoir. Rain sensor
The rain sensor* will only function in the intermittent wipe position. The in-
termittent wipe function is enabled automatically when it starts to rain.
If the windscreen wiper lever was in the intermittent wipe position when the
ignition was off, the rain sensor will not activate until you reach a speed of
6 km/h.
Use switch
A
to set the sensitivity of the rain sensor*.
If you have selected a high sensitivity level for the rain sensor the wind-
screen wipers will react sooner to any moisture on the windscreen.
The wiper intervals in the intermittent wipe setting are also varied automati-
cally according to the road speed (in addition to the sensitivity setting).
WARNING
● For correct visibility and safe driving, the wiper must be in perfect
condition ⇒ page 220. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
● The rain sensor* is only intended to assist the driver. The driver is
still obliged to manually operate the windscreen wipers as required de-
pending on visibility.
● Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad visibili-
ty conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at night, these
coatings can cause increased dazzle, which is a serious safety hazard.
Such coatings can also cause the wiper blades to make noise.
CAUTION
● In the event of frost, check that the wiper blade has not frozen before
activating the windscreen wipers. Should the windscreen wiper system be
enabled when the blade is frozen, this could damage it or even the wind-
screen wiper system motor.
● Make sure you switch off the windscreen wiper system (lever in position
0) before you use an automatic car wash. This will avoid inadvertent trigger-
ing of the wipers and possible damage to the wiper system. 

133
Lights and visibility
Switching off the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ Fig. 102. Indicator lamp B goes off.
Switching on the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ Fig. 102. Indicator lamp B turns on.
Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is switched on.
The green indicator lamp lights up in the mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is enabled, the interior mirror will darken au-
tomatically according to the amount of light it receives. The anti-dazzle
function is disabled if:
● the interior lighting is switched on
● reverse gear is engaged
Sensors for automatic headlights*
When the light switch is set to the AUTO position, the dipped beam head-
lights are switched on and off automatically according to the ambient light
level with the aid of the sensors located in the interior mirror ⇒ page 118.
WARNING
Electrolyte fluid can leak from a broken mirror. This fluid can cause irrita-
tion to the skin, eyes and respiratory organs. Wash thoroughly with clean
water should you come into contact with this fluid. Seek medical assis-
tance if needed!
CAUTION
Electrolyte fluid leaking from a broken mirror can cause damage to plastic
surfaces. Use a sponge or similar to remove the fluid as soon as possible.
Note
● The interior mirror automatic anti-dazzle function* will only work proper-
ly if the sun blind* for the rear window is retracted and if there are no other
objects preventing light from reaching the mirror.
● If you have to stick any type of sticker on the windscreen, do not do so in
front of the sensors. Doing so could prevent the automatic headlight or anti-
dazzle function from working correctly or even from working at all. 
Exterior mirrors
The exterior mirrors are adjusted electrically.
Fig. 103 Detailed view of
the armrest: Adjuster
knob
Adjusting the exterior mirrors
– Turn the adjuster knob to position ⇒ 
Fig. 103 L
(left exterior
mirror) or position R (right exterior mirror).
– Move the knob as required to adjust the exterior mirror for a
good view behind you. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

138Seats and storage compartments
Controls
Seat adjustment
Backrest adjustment
Lumbar support*
WARNING
● The electrical seat adjustment also works when the ignition is off or
when the key is not in the ignition. To avoid accidental injuries, never
leave children unattended in the vehicle.
● For safety reasons, the seat must only be adjusted when the vehicle
is at a standstill. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
● Be careful when adjusting the seat height. Injuries can be caused if
the seat height is adjusted without due care and attention.

Adjusting the backrest angle
Fig. 107 Front seat:
Backrest adjuster switch
A
BC
–
Press the button in the appropriate direction of the arrow
⇒ Fig. 107 to adjust the backrest ⇒ .
WARNING
The front backrests must not be reclined for driving. Otherwise, seat
belts and the airbag system might not protect as they should, with the
subsequent danger of injury.

Lumbar support*
The lumbar support can be adjusted to fit the natural curve
of the spine.
Fig. 108 Front seat: Ad-
juster switch for lumbar
support
Adjusting the contour
– Press the front part of the adjuster switch ⇒ 
Fig. 108 to increase
the contour of the lumbar support. 

156Seats and storage compartments
Using the cigarette lighter
–Press in the cigarette lighter button.
– Wait for the lighter to pop out slightly.
– Pull out the cigarette lighter immediately.
– Use the glowing heater element of the cigarette lighter to light
your cigarette.
– Put the cigarette lighter back in its socket.
Operating the socket
– Take out the cigarette lighter.
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance into the cigarette
lighter socket.
The cigarette lighter ⇒ Fig. 133 employs a standard 12 volt socket, which can also be used as a power source for electrical appliances. The applian-
ces connected to the socket must not exceed a power rating of 100 W.
WARNING
● Be careful when using the electric cigarette lighter. Carelessness or
negligence when using the cigarette lighter can cause burns.
● The lighter will only work when the ignition is switched on.
● The electrical sockets and, therefore, any appliances connected to
them will only work when the ignition is switched on.
CAUTION
Always use the correct type of plugs to avoid damaging the sockets.
Note
The use of electrical appliances with the engine switched off will cause a
battery discharge. 
Electric socket in the luggage compartment*
Electrical equipment can be connected to the 12 volt socket.
Fig. 134 Detailed view of
the side trim in the lug-
gage compartment: 12
volt socket
– Lift the power socket cover ⇒ 
Fig. 134.
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance into the socket.
Electrical equipment can be connected to the 12 volt socket. The appliances
connected to the socket must not exceed a power rating of 100 W. 

157
Seats and storage compartments
WARNING
The power points, and any accessories connected to them are also func-
tional with the ignition switched off or the key removed. To avoid the risk
of injury, never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
CAUTION
Always use the correct type of plugs to avoid damaging the sockets.
Note
The use of electrical appliances with the engine switched off will cause a
battery discharge. 
230 volt socket for Europlug*
Electrical equipment can also be connected to the 230 volt
socket in the centre console.
Fig. 135 Centre console:
230 volt socket The 230 Volt socket can only be used when the engine is running
⇒ 
.
In vehicles with folding cover:
– Hold the cover of the socket at the lower recess.
– Lift the cover to open ⇒ Fig. 135.
Inserting the Europlug
– Insert the Europlug in the socket. The childproof safety device
on the socket is deactivated.
– If necessary, press the Europlug as far as possible into the sock-
et to ensure it is correctly inserted and will not jump out of
place while driving over a bump or similar.
LED warning lamp above socket
Steady green
light:The childproof safety device is disconnected. The socket
is ready for use
Flashing red
light:There is a fault, for example, disconnection due to ex-
cess current or temperature
Equipment which may be connected
The 230 volt socket can be used to connect electrical equipment with a Eu-
roplug. Please note that the power consumption in this socket must not ex-
ceed 150 watts (peaks of 300 watts).
Even when more than one appliance is connected, the total consumption of
all the appliances must not exceed 150 watts. If necessary, please refer to
the manufacturer's label to confirm the power consumption of the connec-
ted equipment.
Connected equipment must be in perfect condition and show no signs of
faults. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

167
Air conditioning
Note
If the diode on the ECON button continues to light up when the ECON mode
has been switched off (i.e. the air conditioner has been switched on) this is
due to a defect in one of the air conditioner components. If a malfunction
should occur, please contact a specialised workshop. 
Air recirculation: automatic activation* 
If the outside air is polluted by diesel and petrol emissions,
an air quality sensor in the vehicle will automatically switch
on the air recirculation.
Fig. 140 Button for auto-
matic air recirculation
Activating air recirculation mode
– Press the button 

⇒ 
Fig. 140.
Deactivating air recirculation mode
– Press the 
button again or –
Press the AUTO
button or
– Press button 
.
The automatic air recirculation mode should normally be left switched on at
all times.
The system is ready to operate approx. 30 seconds after the engine ignition
key has been turned. During this initial period, fresh air is fed into the vehi-
cle.
If the air purity sensor in the air conditioner detects a certain concentration
of fumes in the outside air, the control unit will either pass the incoming air
through the pollution filter or automatically switch on the air recirculation. If
there is a high concentration of pollution in the outside air, the air condi-
tioner automatically switches to air recirculation and the supply of air from
the outside is cut off. As soon as the level of pollution decreases, air is fed
into the vehicle from the outside again.
The automatic air recirculation operates for a maximum period of 12 mi-
nutes. If the windows mist up when the automatic air recirculation is on,
press the 
button immediately.
The automatic air recirculation switches itself off under certain circumstan-
ces (for instance if 
or  is selected). In “ECON” and at temperatures
lower than approx. 8°C below zero, the automatic air recirculation mode is
limited to 12 seconds. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications