
117
Practical equipment
Electrical power socket* Introduction
Electrical equipment can be connected to the socket in the vehicle.
Connected equipment must be in perfect condition and show no signs of
faults.
Additional information and warnings:
● Cigarette lighter ⇒ page 115
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
Improper use of the socket or electrical devices could lead to a fire and
cause serious injuries.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The socket and
equipment connected to it can be used when the ignition is switched on.
● Should a connected electrical device overheat, switch it off and un-
plug it immediately.
CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the vehicle's electrical system, never connect equip-
ment that generates electrical current, such as solar panels or battery charg-
ers, to the 12 Volt sockets in order to charge the vehicle's battery.
● Only use accessories with approved electromagnetic compatibility ac-
cording to current regulations. ●
To avoid damage due to voltage variations, switch off all appliances con-
nected to the 12 V socket before switching the ignition on or off and before
starting the engine.
● Never connect an appliance to the 12 Volt socket that consumes more
than the power indicated in watts. Exceeding the maximum power absorp-
tion could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
For the sake of the environment
Do not leave the engine running when the vehicle is at a standstill.
Note
Using electrical appliances with the engine stopped and the ignition switch-
ed on will drain the battery.
Note
Unshielded equipment can cause interference on the radio system equip-
ment and the vehicle's electrical system.
Note
If electrical equipment is used near an aerial, you may observe interference
in the reception of AM stations.
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118Practical equipment
Vehicle socket
Fig. 82 Front centre con-
sole: 12 Volt socket in
the storage compartment
Maximum power consumption
SocketMaximum power consumption12 Volts120 Watts
The maximum capacity of the socket must not be exceeded. The power con-
sumption is indicated on the rating plate of each appliance.
Where 2 or more appliances are connected at the same time, the total rating
of all the connected devices must never exceed 190 Watts ⇒
.
12 volt socket
The 12 volt socket is found in the storage compartment in the front part of
the centre console ⇒ Fig. 82 and only functions when the ignition is switch-
ed on.
Using electrical appliances with the engine stopped and the ignition switch-
ed on will drain the battery. Therefore, electrical consumers connected to
the socket must only be used when the engine is running. To prevent voltage variations from causing damage, switch off the electrical
consumer connected to the 12 Volt socket before switching the ignition on
or off and before starting the engine.
CAUTION
● Always follow the operating instructions for the appliances to be con-
nected!
● Never exceed the maximum power rating as this could damage the vehi-
cle's general electrical system.
● 12 volt socket:
– Only use accessories with approved electromagnetic compatibility ac-
cording to current regulations.
– Never power the socket.

121
Starting, changing gears, parking
WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key could result in serious in-
jury.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. They
could be trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and will not be able to
get themselves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the
year, temperatures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely
high or extremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even
death, particularly for young children.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
Note
● If the key is left in the ignition lock with the engine off for long periods,
the vehicle battery will run flat.
● For automatic gearbox vehicles the key can only be removed from the ig-
nition lock if the gear selector lever is in position P. In this case, press and
release the selector lever locking button.
Starting the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
1.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 5 has been completed.
1 a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Press the clutch pedal all
the way and keep pressed until the engine starts.
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
2.Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the selector lever in posi- tion P or N.
3.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ Fig. 83 2; do
not press the accelerator.
4.When the engine has started, release the key in the ignition lock.
5.If the engine does not start, stop the process and try again af-ter one minute.
6.Release the handbrake when you want to begin driving⇒ page 134.
WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehicle
could move off suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting in an acci-
dent and serious injury.
WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a sudden increase in the engine
speed.
● Never use start boosters.
CAUTION
● An attempt to start the engine while driving or starting the engine imme-
diately after turning it off can cause damage to the engine or starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs and heavy acceleration and do
not make the engine work hard.
● Do not push or tow start the engine. Sunburnt fuel could damage the
catalytic converter.
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135
Starting, changing gears, parking
Warning and control lamps
lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution
Handbrake applied.⇒ page 136.
Fault in the brake system. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice
⇒ page 138.
Brake fluid level inadequate. Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid level
⇒ page 142.
Together with the ABS control
lamp : ABS and EBV do not
function. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice
⇒ page 138.
ESC* disconnected by system.Switching the ignition on and off.
If necessary, drive for a short dis-
tance.
Fault in ESC*.Contact a Specialised workshop.
Together with the ABS control
lamp : Fault in ABS.Contact a Specialised workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
The battery has been recon-
nected.⇒ page 193.
Traction Control faulty or
switched off by the system.Contact a Specialised workshop.
Together with the ESC* control
lamp : Fault in ABS.Contact a Specialised workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
Together with the warning
lamp : ABS and EBV do not
function. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice
⇒ page 138.
flash- esPossible causeSolution
ESC* or ASR regulating.Take your foot off the accelerator.
Adjust your driving style to the
road conditions.
Traction Control regulator oper-
ating.Take your foot off the accelerator.
Adjust your driving style to the
road conditions.
Several warning and control lamps light up for a few seconds when the igni-
tion is switched on while a test of the function is being carried out. They will
switch off after a few seconds.
WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
WARNING
Driving with brakes in bad condition could result in a serious accident.
● If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault
in the brake system. Obtain professional assistance immediately
⇒ page 141, Brake fluid.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp , the regulation function of the ABS could be malfunctioning. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. If the rear
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle control! If possible, reduce
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147
Starting, changing gears, parking
Steering Introduction
The power steering* is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of this steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
With the electromechanical steering system, the power steering function au-
tomatically adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and
the wheel turning angle. The electromechanical steering only works when
the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 119
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 276
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more difficult to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
(red)Electromechanical steering
faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible.
(yellow)Electromechanical steering
operation reduced.
The steering system should be
checked by a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short dis-
tance, the yellow warning light
no longer comes on, it will not
be necessary to take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop.
flashesPossible causeSolution
(red)Fault in the steering column
electronic lock. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.
(yellow)
Steering column deviation.Gently turn the steering wheel
to and fro.
Steering wheel not un-
locked or locked.
Remove the key from the igni-
tion and then switch the igni-
tion back on. If necessary,
check the messages displayed
on the instrument panel dis-
play.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after
the ignition has been switched
on. You should obtain profes-
sional assistance.
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160Driver assistance systems
Malfunction in the laser sensor
If the laser sensor operation is impaired, for example due to heavy rain,
spray, snow or dirt, the City Safety Assist system function is temporarily
switched off. On the instrument panel display the control lamp flashes.
When the fault in the laser sensor has been rectified, the City Safety Assist
system function automatically becomes available. The control lamp
switches off.
The following conditions could prevent the City Safety Assist system from
functioning:
● Tight bends.
● Accelerator pressed all the way down to the floor.
● If the City Safety Assist system is switched off or there is a fault
⇒ page 156.
● If the laser sensor is dirty, covered or overheated ⇒ page 157.
● In the event of snow, heavy rain or dense fog.
● If there are vehicles in front.
● Vehicles changing lanes.
● Vehicles moving in the opposite direction in the same lane.
● Very dirty vehicles with a low degree of reflection.
● Presence of thick dust.
Hill hold
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 22
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 134 ●
Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 210
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
● Hill hold ⇒ page 273
WARNING
The smart technology included in the hill hold cannot change the laws of
physics. Do not let the extra convenience afforded by the hill hold tempt
you into taking any risks when driving.
● Any accidental movement of the vehicle could result in serious injury.
● The hill hold is not a replacement for driver awareness.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.
● The hill hold cannot always keep the vehicle at a standstill on a slope
or brake sufficiently when travelling downhill (e.g. on slippery or frozen
surfaces).
Warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
The Start-Stop system is ena-
bled.
The Start-Stop system is ena-
bled but the engine cannot be
automatically stopped.Contact a Specialised
workshop.
The Start-Stop system cannot
start the engine.Start the engine by hand
using the vehicle's key
⇒ page 120.
There is a fault in the alternator.⇒ page 193

162Driver assistance systems
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
● When the vehicle is at a standstill, depress the brake or keep it pressed
down. The engine switches off.
● The engine will start again as soon as you release the brake pedal.
● With the gear lever set to position P, the engine will not start until a
range of gears is selected or the accelerator pedal is depressed.
Important conditions for the engine to stop automatically
● The driver's seat belt must be fastened.
● The driver door must be closed.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The engine must have reached a minimum temperature.
● The vehicle must have moved since the last time the engine was stop-
ped.
● The vehicle's battery must be sufficiently charged.
● The battery temperature must not be too low or too high.
● The vehicle must not be on a very steep slope.
Conditions for the engine to restart automatically
The engine can be automatically restarted in the following cases:
● If the vehicle starts to moves.
● If the battery voltage drops.
Conditions requiring engine start-up using the key
The engine must be started by hand using the vehicle's key in the following
cases:
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If the driver door is opened.
● If the bonnet is opened. Switching the Start-Stop system on and off
●
Press the button situated in the centre console ⇒ Fig. 101.
● The button will light up when the Start-Stop system is switched off.
The engine will start immediately if the vehicle is in Stop mode when the
system is switched off by hand.
WARNING
The brake servo and the electromechanical steering do not work when
the engine is switched off.
● The vehicle must never be allowed to move with the engine switched
off.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system before working in the engine com-
partment.
CAUTION
The vehicle's battery could be damaged if the vehicle is used for long peri-
ods at very high outside temperatures.
Note
In some cases, it may be necessary to start the engine by hand using the
key. Refer to the corresponding control lamp on the instrument panel.
Hill-start aid*
This function is only included in vehicles with ESC. This device helps when starting uphill.

180In the engine compartment
Care, cleaning and maintenance
In the engine compartment
Working in the engine compartmentIntroduction
Before working in the engine compartment, make sure that the vehicle is
parked on horizontal and firm ground.
The engine compartment of the vehicle is a hazardous area. Never work on
the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the op-
erations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially if
you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒
! In such
a case, have any work carried out by a Specialised workshop. Negligent
work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● Windscreen wash system ⇒ page 91
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 119
● Brake fluid ⇒ page 134
● Checks when filling up ⇒ page 171
● Engine oil ⇒ page 185
● Engine coolant ⇒ page 189
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
If the vehicle moves unexpectedly, this could cause serious injury.
● Never work underneath the vehicle if it is not secured against moving.
If you must work underneath the vehicle with the wheels in contact with
the ground then it should be parked on flat ground, the wheels should be
prevented from moving and the key must be removed from the ignition.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!.
The jack is not intended for this kind of work and its failure could lead to
severe injuries.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system.
WARNING
The engine compartment is a dangerous area capable of causing serious
injury.
● For all type of work, always take the utmost precautions, work care-
fully and note the general safety standards in force. Never take personal
risks.
● Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not
familiar with the necessary operations. If you are not sure about proce-
dures then visit a Specialised workshop to carry out the necessary work.
Incorrect work can cause serious injuries.