2012 Seat Mii key battery

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. 

181
In the engine compartment
WARNING (Continued)
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment. Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious burns.
Always wait until you cannot see or hear the sound of steam or coolant
coming from the engine compartment.
● Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
● Contact with hot elements of the engine and the exhaust system can
cause burns.
● Once the engine has cooled, follow the instructions below before
opening the bonnet:
–Engage the handbrake and place the gear selector lever in P or the
gear stick in neutral.
– Remove the key from the ignition.
– Keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cooling system is pressurised.
Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant expansion tank when the engine
is hot. Otherwise, coolant may spray out under pressure causing burns
and serious injury.
–After cooling, carefully and slowly unscrew the cap anticlockwise,
gently pressing down on it.
– Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant and
steam using a large, thick cloth.
● When refilling liquids, avoid spilling them on parts of the engine and
the exhaust system. Spilled liquids could cause a fire.WARNING
The high voltages of the electrical system can give electric shocks as well
as causing burns and serious injury and possibly even death!
● Never cause short circuits in the electrical system. The battery could
explode.
● To minimise the risk of electric shock and serious consequences
while the engine is running or starting the engine, note the following:
–Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
WARNING
In the engine compartment, there are rotating parts that could cause se-
rious injury.
● Never place your hands directly on or near the radiator fan. Touching
the rotor blades could seriously harm you. The ventilator works accord-
ing to the engine temperature and could start suddenly even when the ig-
nition is turned off and the key is removed.
● If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with
the engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk
from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan
etc as well as from the high-voltage ignition system. Always work with
the utmost caution.
–Always make sure that no parts of your body, jewellery, ties, loose
clothing and long hair can be trapped by the rotating parts of the en-
gine. Before any work, remove ties and jewellery ( necklaces, etc), tie
longhair back and tie all items of loose clothing to your body to make
sure that they cannot be trapped by engine components.
– Take extreme caution when operating the accelerator and remain
attentive. The vehicle could move, even if the handbrake is applied.
● Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cloths or
tools, in the engine compartment. If any object is left in the engine com-
partment, this could cause malfunctions, engine faults and even a fire. 
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182In the engine compartment
WARNING
Refill liquids and certain materials can catch fire easily in the engine
compartment, causing a fire and serious injury!
● Never smoke.
● Never work close to places exposed to flames or sparks.
● Never pour service fluids over the engine. These fluid may ignite hot
engine parts and cause injuries.
● If it is necessary to work on the fuel system or the electrical system,
please follow the instructions below:
–Always disconnect the vehicle battery.
– Never work close to heaters, heat sources or places exposed to
flames or sparks.
● Always keep a recently serviced and perfectly working fire extin-
guisher close by.
CAUTION
When refilling or changing service liquids, ensure that you put the liquids
into the right tank. Making a mistake when refilling could cause serious
malfunctions and damage the engine!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. Take
the vehicle to a Specialised workshop to be checked if you see stains, oil or
other fluids on the ground. Collect any spilt service fluids and allow a pro-
fessional to dispose of them. Preparing the vehicle for work in the engine compartment
Checklist
Carry out the operations below in the order indicated before starting work in
the engine compartment
⇒ 
:
¥ Park the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
¥ Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a stand-
still.
¥ Apply the handbrake firmly
⇒ page 134.
¥ Move the gear lever into the neutral position
⇒ page 124.
¥ Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition
⇒ page 119.
¥ Wait for the engine to cool down.
¥ Always keep children and other people far from the engine compart-
ment.
¥ Ensure that the vehicle can not move off unexpectedly.
WARNING
Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe the
general rules of safety.
● Ignoring this checklist, drawn up for your own safety, could result in
serious injury.


238Practical information
If and when
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
If you suspect that the vehicle has a fault or is damaged when using it, be-
fore consulting a SEAT dealership or a specialised workshop, carefully read
the following instructions. Similarly, the terms in the alphabetical index
“Things to note” or “Checklist” may be of help.
ProblemPossible causes,
among othersPossible solution
The engine does
not start.
The vehicle battery is
flat.– Carry out the jump start
⇒ page 273.
– Charge the battery
⇒ page 193.
You are using an incor-
rect vehicle key.Use the correct key
⇒ page 28.
The fuel tank level is
insufficient.Refuel ⇒ page 171.
The vehicle cannot
be locked or un-
locked with the
key.
– Vehicle key battery is
flat.
– Too far away from
the vehicle.
– Buttons pressed out-
side the radius of
reach.– Change the battery
⇒ page 28.
– Move closer to the vehicle.
– Synchronize the vehicle
key ⇒ page 28.
– Manually lock or unlock
the vehicle ⇒ page 243.
Unusual noises.
Engine cold, City Safe-
ty Assist system, steer-
ing column electronic
lock.See entry “Noises” in the de-
tailed alphabetical index.
ProblemPossible causes,
among othersPossible solution
Handling is
strange.
Assistance systems ac-
tive.See entry “Assistance sys-
tems” in the detailed alpha-
betical index.
You are using an incor-
rect tyre pressure.Check the tyre pressure
⇒ page 210.
Damage to the wheel
trims or tyres.
Inspect wheel trims and
tyres regularly for damage
⇒ page 210 and replace
them if necessary
⇒ page 250.
Vehicle has no
jack, spare wheel
or tire mobility set
present.Equipment subject to
the vehicle.
No direct solution, depends
on the equipment. In this
case, you should contact a
SEAT Dealership
⇒ page 246.
Surface not correct-
ly illuminated.
– Headlights covered
for driving on the left-
hand side or right-
hand side.
– Headlight adjust-
ment too high.
– Faulty bulbs.
– Dipped headlights
switched off.– Cover the headlights for
driving on the left-hand side
or right-hand side
⇒ page 84.
– Adjust the headlight range
⇒ page 84.
– Change the bulbs
⇒ page 264.
– Switch on the dipped
headlights ⇒ page 84. 

241
Practical information
Checklist (Continued) 7. When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
8. Place an emergency warning triangle to indicate the position of your vehicle to other road users.
9. Allow the engine to cool and check if a specialist is required.
When being towed with the hazard warning lights system on, a change in
direction or traffic lane can be indicated as usual using the turn signals lev-
er. The hazard lights will be interrupted temporarily.
Examples of when to use the hazard warning lights system:
● If the vehicles ahead suddenly slow down or reach the end of a traffic
jam, to warn the vehicles behind.
● In case of an emergency.
● If the vehicle breaks down.
● When tow-starting or towing.
Always comply with the applicable laws regarding the use of hazard warn-
ing lights.
If the hazard warning lights system is not working, you must use an alterna-
tive method of drawing attention to your vehicle. This method must comply
with traffic legislation.
WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
accidents and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the general rules of safety.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass or fuel).
Note
The vehicle battery will discharge and run down if the hazard warning lights
remain on for too much time (even with the ignition turned off).
Note
For some vehicles, the brake lights will blink when braking suddenly at
speeds of approximately 80 km/h (50 mph) to warn vehicles behind. If brak-
ing continues, then the hazard warning lights system will automatically be
turned on at the speed of less than approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). The
brake lights remain lit. Upon accelerating, the hazard warning lights system
will be automatically turned off. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data