2012 Seat Exeo ST traction control

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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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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195
Intelligent technology
Practical Tips Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
General Observations
The Electronic Stability Control increases the vehicle's stabil-
ity on the road.
Fig. 163 Centre console
with ESC switch
The ESC is designed to increase the degree of control in situations where
the vehicle approaches the limits of adhesion, especially when accelerating
and cornering. It reduces the risk of skidding and improves stability in all
road conditions. The system is active across the entire speed range. The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock (EDL) and
the traction control system (ASR) are all integrated into the Electronic Stabil-
ity Control.
How it works
The ESC control unit processes data from the three integrated systems. It al-
so processes additional inputs provided by other high-precision sensors.
These register the vehicle's rotation about the vertical axis (yaw rate), later-
al acceleration, brake pressure and steering wheel angle.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the vehicle is starting to skid), then the ESC
compensates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle
over swerves (tendency of the rear to leave the
road), the brakes will act on the front wheel facing the outside of the bend.
If the vehicle under swerves (tendency to leave the bend), the braking force
is applied to the rear wheel facing the inside of the bend.
The ESC works in conjunction with the ABS ⇒ page 196. If a malfunction
should occur in the ABS, the ESC will also stop working.
Deactivating
The ESC is activated automatically when the engine is started and performs
a self-test routine.
The ESC cannot be deactivated. 
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197
Intelligent technology
WARNING
Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you drive too
fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow too close
behind the vehicle in front of you. An increased accident risk cannot be
compensated even by the brake assist system. Risk of accident.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The electronic differential lock prevents the loss of traction
caused if one wheel starts spinning. General notes
The electronic differential lock (EDL) helps the vehicle to start moving, ac-
celerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may other-
wise be difficult or even impossible.
How it works
The EDL works automatically, without the driver's involvement. With the aid
of the ABS sensors, the system monitors the rotational speed of the drive
wheels ⇒ page 196. If a considerable difference in revs is detected (approx.
100 rpm) in the speed of the drive wheels, e.g. when only one part of the
surface supporting the wheels is slippery, the system applies the brake to
slow down the skidding wheel so that more of the power is directed to the
other wheels. The systems works up to a speed of approx. 80 km/h. The
system will make noise while it is working.
Starting the vehicle
If one wheel has less grip and starts spinning (for instance, if one of the
drive wheels is on ice), keep pressing the accelerator gradually until the ve-
hicle starts moving. Overheating of the brakes
To prevent the brake disk of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL
cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. In this case, the vehi-
cle will continue to run and will have the same running properties as those
of another without EDL.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled
down.
WARNING
● When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance all
four wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and careful-
ly. Despite EDL, the drive wheels may otherwise start to spin. This could
impair the vehicle's stability. Risk of accident.
● Even with EDL, you should always adjust your speed to suit the road
and traffic conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into
taking any risks when driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Note
If the ABS warning lamp lights up, this can also mean there is a fault in the
EDL. Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. 
Traction control system (ASR)
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating. General notes
The traction control system (ASR) is one of the functions incorporated in the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

198Intelligent technology
The traction control system (ASR) helps the car to start moving, accelerate
and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may otherwise be dif-
ficult or even impossible.
How it works
The ASR works automatically, i.e. without the driver's involvement. With the
aid of the ABS sensors , the ASR monitors the speed of the driven wheels
⇒ page 196. If the wheels start to spin, the engine speed is reduced auto-
matically to match the amount of grip available. The system is active across
the entire speed range.
The ASR works in conjunction with the ABS. If a failure occurs in the ABS,
the ASR will also stop working.
In general, the ASR should be left switched on at all times. It should only be
switched off manually in particular circumstances where a certain amount of
wheel slip may be desirable. Examples:
● when driving with snow chains
● when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
● when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it.
The ASR should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
Note
To ensure that the ASR works properly, all four wheels must be fitted with
identical tyres. The difference in size of the wheels may lead to an unde-
sired reduction in engine power. Also see ⇒  page 255.Brakes
General notes
New brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first
200 km; first they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking capacity
may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid
overloading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive
and the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for
instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard driving with abrupt starts
and stops.
Wet roads or road salt
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the vehicle or
driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by moisture (or
in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. In this case the brakes should
be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the vehi-
cle is driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot
of salt on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs
and pads has to wear off before braking.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are
not used very often.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times at a
moderately high speed ⇒ 
. 

Emergency activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258, 303
Solar-powered blower/sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Solar sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Spare keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Spare wheel Steel rim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Speed warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84, 85
Speed warning function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Start-Stop Activating and deactivating . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Steam jets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Steering Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Manual steering wheel adjustment . . . . . 172
Steering wheel controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Switches on the driver door Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Symbols Red symbols in central display . . . . . . . . . . 80
Yellow symbols on central display . . . . . . . 82
T Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
The danger of not using the seat belt . . . . . . . . 21 The environment
Heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Warming up the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Tightening torque of wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . 303
tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
tiptronic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206, 297 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Notes on towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206, 207
Removable towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Technical requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Towing bracket, fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Towing eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Towing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Tow starting General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Traction control system How the system works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Traction control system (ASR) warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Trailer weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Turn signal lamps Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Trailer turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Tyre mobility system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 Tyre Mobility System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tyre pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69, 93, 249
Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tyre pressure monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Tyre pressure monitoring system . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Tyre pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Tyre repair kit Tyre Mobility System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tyres and wheels Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Tyres service life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Tyres tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Tyres with directional tread pattern . . . . . . . . 249
U Underbody protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Upholstery Treating your upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
V
Vehicle care synthetic leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Treating your upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Vehicle data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Vehicle identification number . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Vehicle keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Vehicle maintenance electrically adjustable seats . . . . . . . . . . . 224
heated seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
320 Index