2012 Seat Exeo ST towing

Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Removable towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 216
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Mobile phones and two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Athermic windscreen* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 241
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel . . . . . . . . . 259
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tyre repair* (Tyre-Mobility-System) . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Changing bulbs. Halogen headlights . . . . . . . . . 273
Changing bulbs. Bi-Xenon AFS headlights . . . . . 279
Changing tail light bulbs (on side panel) . . . . . . 283
Changing tail light bulbs (on rear lid) . . . . . . . . . 288
Side turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 Luggage compartment lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Registration light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Sun visor light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Description of specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Engine specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
4Table of Contents

69
Cockpit
Tyre pressure warning lamp* 
The tyre pressure should be corrected as soon as possible if
it is too low.
Fig. 45 Display: system
fault
Fig. 46 Display: warning
message The yellow warning
 lamp remains on if the system is faulty or if
the pressure is too low in at least one tyre. In the event of a system
fault, the letters TPMS are displayed in the centre of the instrument
panel ⇒ Fig. 45. If the tyre pressure drops rapidly, message A
⇒ Fig. 46 will be shown on the central display of the instrument
panel. If the pressure loss is more gradual, message B ⇒ Fig. 46
will be shown on the central display of the instrument panel. This
message does not show the tyre affected. Should any of these
warnings be displayed:
– Stop the vehicle.
– Check the tyres. Although the warning corresponds to just one
tyre, you should also check the others.
– Correct the tyre pressure ⇒ page 250.
For more detailed information on the tyre pressure monitoring system,
please refer to ⇒ page 249. 
Cruise speed (Cruise control)* 
The indicator lamp  on the instrument panel lights up when the cruise
control system is operating. 
Trailer turn signals* 
This turn signal lamp flashes when the turn signals are op-
erating while towing a caravan or trailer. The turn signal lamp  flashes when the turn signals are operated if a trail-
er is correctly coupled to the vehicle. 
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71
Cockpit
Turn signals and hazard warning lights  
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left  or right  turn
signal lamp flashes. Both turn signal lamps will flash when the hazard warn-
ing lights are switched on.
If a turn signal fails, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice as fast as
normal.
This does not apply when towing a trailer. Where a turn signal bulb does not
work, either on the trailer or on the towing vehicle, the turn signal bulb will
not flash. For further information on the turn signals, see ⇒ page 124.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*  / 
There are two control lamps for the electronic stability con-
trol. The  lamp provides information concerning the func-
tion and the  provides information on the disconnection
status
Both lamps come on together when the ignition is switched on and should
go out after approx. 2 seconds, which is how long the function check lasts.
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and ASR. This also includes the
brake assistance system (BAS), automatic cleaning of the brake discs and
the trailer stability programme (TSP).
The warning lamp  has the following functions:
● It flashes whilst driving when the ASR/ESC is activated.
● It will light up continuously if there is a fault in the ESC.
● As the ESC operates in conjunction with the ABS, it will also light up if a
fault should occur in the ABS. If the ESC warning lamp
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started,
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESC.
In this case the ESC can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and
then on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully
functional.
The  lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected when pressing the  switch.
Traction control system (ASR)*  / 
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating
There are two warning lamps for the traction control system:  and . Both
lamps come on together when the ignition is switched on and should go out
after approx. 2 seconds, which is how long the function check lasts.
The  lamp has the following function:
● It flashes when the ASR is working if the vehicle is moving.
If the system is deactivated or if it has any fault, the warning lamp will re-
main lit. The warning lamp will also light up if a fault should occur in the
ABS because the ASR operates in conjunction with the ABS. For further in-
formation, see ⇒  page 195
The  lamp provides information about the disconnection status of the
system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected when pressing the ASR OFF
switch.
By pressing it again, the ASR function is reactivated and the warning lamp
switched off. 
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119
Lights and visibility
● The warning symbol  will appear on the instrument panel if a malfunc-
tion occurs ⇒ page 84.
● Observe all relevant legal requirements when using the signalling and
lighting systems described here. 
Front fog lights 
The light switch can also be used to turn on the front fog
lights.
Switching on the front fog lights 
– Do  ⇒ Fig. 83 not turn the light switch to the symbol .
– First turn the light switch to the position  or .
– Then pull the light switch out to the first stop 1
.
The front fog light symbol  next to the switch will light up when the front
fog lights are on. 
Rear fog light 
The light switch can also be used to turn on the rear fog
light.
– Do  ⇒ Fig. 83 not turn the light switch to the symbol .
– First turn the light switch  ⇒ Fig. 83 to the position  or .
– Then pull out the light switch to the second stop 2
to switch
on the rear fog light. The symbols
 and  next to the switch will light up when the rear fog light
is switched on.
If you are towing a trailer or caravan equipped with a rear fog light on a vehi-
cle with a factory-fitted towing bracket*, only the rear fog light on the trailer
or caravan will light up.
CAUTION
To avoid dazzling the traffic behind you, the rear fog light should only be
used in accordance with legal regulations. 
Coming home / leaving home function*
The coming home and leaving home functions are used to
light up the surroundings in the dark. The front fog lights,
the rear side lights and the number plate light switch on.
Fig. 85 Detailed view of
the dash panel: Coming
home and leaving home
functions 
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124Lights and visibility
All four turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights
are switched on. The turn signal indicators   and the hazard warning
light indicator  flash at the same time. The hazard warning lights also
work when the ignition is switched off.
In an accident in which the airbags are triggered, the hazard warning lights
are switched on automatically.
Note
You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users,
e.g.
● When reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
● If your vehicle breaks down or there is an emergency
● If your vehicle is being towed away or if you are towing another vehicle Turn signal
  and main beam headlight lever 
The turn signal and main beam headlight lever also oper-
ates the parking lights and the headlight flasher.
Fig. 91 Turn signal and
main beam headlight lev-
er
The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Turn signals  
– Move the lever all the way up to indicate right or all the way
down to indicate left ⇒ Fig. 91.
– Move the lever up or down just as far as the point of resistance
and hold it there: the turn signals flash for as long as you hold
the lever (for instance when changing a lane).
– Move the lever briefly up or down as far as the point of resist-
ance and release it to signal briefly (the turn signals flash three
times). 

173
Driving
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) contains the electronic differential lock
(EDL) and the traction control system (ASR). The ESC works together with
the ABS. If a fault in the ABS occurs, both warning lamps light up, but if the
ESC fails, only the ESC warning lamp lights up.
The ESC system is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESC system is always active and cannot be switched off. The ESC switch
only switches the ASR off.
The ASR can be deactivated when wheel spin is desirable.
For example:
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
● When the vehicle is stuck, to rock it backwards and forwards.
Press the button to switch the ASR back on when you no longer need wheel
spin.
Situations in which the warning lamp lights 
●
On switching the ignition on, it lights up for about two seconds to carry
out a function control.
● The warning lamp will start flashing when the vehicle is moving if the
ESC or the ASR is activated.
● It will light up continuously if there is a fault in the ESC.
WARNING
● Do not forget that the electronic stability control ESC cannot defy the
laws of physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and
wet roads and when towing a trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. The greater safety provided by the ESC should not
encourage you to run any risks.
● Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESC in
⇒ page 195, Intelligent technology.

Ignition lock Ignition key positions
The ignition key is used to start and stop the engine.
Fig. 145 Ignition key po-
sitions 
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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. 
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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