2012 Seat Mii towing

276Practical information
Towing and tow starting
Introduction
When towing or tow starting, respect the legal requirements.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to tow a vehicle if the battery is flat.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● Electronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
⇒  page 236
WARNING
A vehicle with a flat battery should never be towed.
● Never remove the key from the ignition lock. Otherwise, the steering
wheel lock could suddenly lock. Then the vehicle will be uncontrollable.
You may lose control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
WARNING
When towing the vehicle, the handling and braking efficiency change
considerably. Please observe the following instructions to minimise the
risk of serious accidents and injury:
● As the driver of the vehicle being towed:
– The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does
not operate. Always remain aware to avoid collision with the towing
vehicle.
– More strength is required at the steering wheel as the power steer-
ing does not operate when the engine is switched off.
● As the driver of the towing vehicle:
– Accelerate gently and carefully.
– Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
– Brake well in advance than usual and brake gently.
CAUTION
● Carefully fit and remove the towing ring and its cover to avoid damage to
the vehicle (for example, paintwork).
● When towing, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and cause dam-
age!
Note
Fitting a towline anchorage to the rear bumper is not possible. The vehicle is
not suitable for towing other vehicles. 

277
Practical information
Instructions for tow starting
In general, the vehicle should not be started by towing. Jump-starting is
much more preferable ⇒  page 273.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles can not be tow started:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it is possible that the engine control unit
does not operate correctly.
However, if your vehicle must absolutely be tow-started (manual gearbox):
● Engage the 2nd or 3rd gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down.
● Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
● Release the clutch when both vehicles are moving.
● As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever
into neutral. This helps to prevent a collision with the towing vehicle.
CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it. 
Notes on towing
Tow rope or tow bar
When towing, the tow bar is the safest and vehicle friendly way. You should
only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to avoid damage to both vehicles. It is
advisable to use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic mate-
rial. Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the tow ring or specially designed
fitting.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle:
●
Make sure the gear selector lever is in the N position.
● Do not drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) when towing a vehicle.
● Do not tow further than 50 km (30 miles).
● If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.
Situations in which the vehicle should not be towed
In the following cases, the vehicle should not be towed but transported on a
trailer or special vehicle:
● If the vehicle gearbox does not contain lubricant due to a fault.
● If the battery is flat as the steering cannot be unlocked, as a result, the
electronic steering lock and electronic parking brake cannot be disengaged.
● If the vehicle to be towed has an automatic gearbox and the distance to
be covered is greater than 50 km (30 miles).
Note
The vehicle can only be towed if the steering lock electronic gearbox lock is
deactivated. If the vehicle has no power supply or there is an electric system
fault, the engine must be started using jump leads to deactivate the steer-
ing column electronic gearbox lock. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

278Practical information
Fitting the front tow ring
Fig. 161 On the right-
hand side of the front
bumper: Remove the cov-
er
Fig. 162 On the right-
hand side of the front
bumper: Screw in the
towing ring
The location for the removable tow ring is on the right-hand side of the front
bumper behind a cover ⇒ Fig. 161.
The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle. Note the instructions for towing
⇒ page 277.
To fit the tow ring
● Take the tow ring from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment
⇒ page 246.
● Press the upper part of the cover ⇒ Fig. 161 (arrow) to disengage and
release the cover.
● Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
● Screw in the tow ring into its housing anticlockwise as far as it will go
⇒ Fig. 162 ⇒ 
. Use a suitable tool to firmly tighten the tow ring in its loca-
tion.
● After towing, remove the tow ring by turning it clockwise.
● Place the cover upper tab on the opening of the bumper and carefully
hold the lower tab on the edge of the opening. If necessary, press the lower
tab from below.
● Press the lower area of the cover until the lower tab engages in the
bumper.
CAUTION
The tow ring must always be completely and firmly tightened. Otherwise, it
could be released while towing and tow-starting. 
Towing advice
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. For this
reason, inexperienced drivers should abstain.
While driving, avoid excessive traction forces and jerking. When towing on
an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging the
anchorage points. 

279
Practical information
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warning lights on and the ignition
switched on, the turn signal may be used to indicate changes of direction.
Simply operate the turn signals lever as usual. Meanwhile, the hazard warn-
ing lights will go off. When the turn signal lever is returned to the rest posi-
tion, the hazard warning lights will be turned on automatically.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
● Keep the ignition running to prevent the steering wheel from locking
and also to allow the use of the turn signals, horn, windscreen wipers and
washers.
● As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not run-
ning, you will need more strength to steer than normally.
● The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does not
operate. Avoid hitting the towing vehicle.
● Note the instructions and information contained in the instruction man-
ual for the vehicle to be towed.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
● Accelerate gently and carefully. Avoid sudden manoeuvres.
● Brake well in advance than usual and brake gently.
● Note the instructions and information contained in the instruction man-
ual for the vehicle to be towed. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

Control lampAirbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Brake pad wear warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
City Safety Assist function . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Cruise control system (CCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Emission control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Engine management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Engine oil sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Fuel level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Hill hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Steering column lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Controlling function Electric exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Control units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Reprogramming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Convenience functions Reprogramming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Coolant See engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Crossing a river Salt water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Cruise control system (CCS) Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 D
Damaged tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Dangers of not using the seat belt . . . . . . . . . . 60
Dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67, 208
Data link connector (DLC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Data registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Data storage during the journey . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Data stored by the control units . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Daytime driving light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
De-icing the door lock cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
De-icing the locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Deadlock Deadlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SAFELOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Deadlock (immobilizer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Detail passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Diagnostics connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Differential lock See "Brake assist systems" . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Dipped beam headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Disposal Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Belt tension device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
End-of-life vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Door handle
exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Door release lever interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Childproof locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Emergency locking and unlocking . . . . . . 243
Drink holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Centre console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Drinks bottles see Drink holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Driver door Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Driver position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Driving Check list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Data storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Driving through water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Driving with an automatic gearbox . . . . . . 131
Ecological . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Economic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Fuel level to low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Journey preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Parking downhill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Parking uphill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Protection of the undercarriage . . . . . . . . . . 25
starting on a slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
stopping on a slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
294 Index

Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Fastening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Seat belt position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Seat belt status display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Twisted belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Unfastened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Unfastening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Seat belt warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Seat functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SEAT information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Adjusting the steering wheel position . . . . 53
Adjust the rear head restraints . . . . . . . . . . 52
Correct position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Fitting the rear head restraints . . . . . . . . . . 53
Front seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Heated seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Number of seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Rear backrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Removing and fitting rear head restraints . 53
Service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Set Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Side airbags See "Airbag system" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Sitting position Incorrect position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Sliding/tilting electric panoramic sunroof . . . . 44
Anti-trap function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Small window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 Temporary spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Socket 12 Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Spare fuel canister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Spare key see vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 30
Spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Driving advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
removing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Special features Automatic car wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
High pressure cleaning equipment . . . . . . 199
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134, 137, 290
Pushing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Radio reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Removing the vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Special notes Long parking times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276, 277
Tow starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Speed rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Start-Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Start-Stop system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Starting assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Jump leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Starting using an external battery See starting assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Electromechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Steering column lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Tendency to pull to one side . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Steering wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Storage compartment Centre console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Driver side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Sudden braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Sunglasses storage compartment . . . . . . . . . 110
Sun visor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Symbols see warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Systems ABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . 140
ASR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
BAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Brake assist system (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Cruise control system (CCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
300 Index

EDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Electronic differential lock system (EDL) . 140
electronic stability control (ESC) . . . . . . . . 139
ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Hill hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Optical parking system (OPS) . . . . . . . . . . 150
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Parking distance warning system . . . . . . . 150
Safety Assist (City Safety Assist function) 155
TC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Traction control system (ASR) . . . . . . . . . . 140
Traction Control (TC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
T Tank flap close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Natural gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
TC see Brake assist systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Technical data Axle loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Bottle capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Identification plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Kerb weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Manufacturer identification plate . . . . . . . 281
Roof load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Total weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Tyre pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 Vehicle data label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Technical information Type of fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Lifting platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Temperature display Liquid coolant temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Outside temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Temporary spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Driving advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
The rear lid Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Things to note Disconnecting the vehicle's battery . . . . . . 21
parking distance warning system . . . . . . . 150
Water underneath the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 168
Tightening torque Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
TIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Tips for driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Before starting out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
tire mobility set Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 Tire Mobility Set
Check after 10 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Do not use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Inflating a tyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Sealing a tyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
see Anti-puncture kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Tools see Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Total weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119, 276 Driving advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Front tow ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Special notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276, 277
Tow bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Tow rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Tow starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Traction control system (ASR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Traction Control (TC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Trailer coupling Towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Transporting a load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Transporting a load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Transporting children in the vehicle . . . . . . . . . 77 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Transporting objects Driving advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Driving with the rear lid open . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Retaining hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Roof carrier system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104, 105
301
Index