2012 Seat Mii light

146Starting, changing gears, parking
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other con-
ditions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in prac-
tice it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi / + 200 kPa) can help to save fuel.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine
oil, help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the re-
sistance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving
style. For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel con-
sumption up to 0.3 ltr/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle. Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Option-
al equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce
the aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds.


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. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

148Starting, changing gears, parking
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.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they appear may result in faults in
the vehicle. 
Information on the steering
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the ve-
hicle.
Mechanical steering lock
Lock the steering column by removing the key from the ignition when the
vehicle is stopped.
Please engage steering lockUnlocking the steeringParking the vehicle ⇒ page 134.Insert the key in the ignition lock.Remove the ignition key from the ig-
nition.Turn the steering wheel slightly to
release the steering lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you hear the steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and switch on the ignition.
Electromechanical steering
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.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than nor-
mal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all. 

152Driver assistance systems
Cruise control* (Cruise control system - CCS)
Introduction
The cruise control system (CCS) is able to individually maintain the set
speed when driving forwards from approx. 20 km/h (12 mph).
The CCS only slows down by reducing the accelerator but not by braking
⇒ 
.
Additional information and warnings:
● Changing gear ⇒ page 124
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
Use of the cruise control could cause accidents and severe injuries if it is
not possible to drive at a constant speed maintaining the safety distance.
● Do not use the cruise control in heavy traffic, if the distance from the
vehicle in front is insufficient, on steep roads, with several bends or in
slippery circumstances (snow, ice, rain or loose gravel), or on flooded
roads.
● Never use the CCS when driving off-road or on unpaved roads.
● Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in
line with visibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the
traffic situation.
● To avoid unexpected operation of the cruise control system, turn it off
every time you finish using it.
● It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the prevailing
road, traffic or weather conditions.
● When travelling down hills, the CCS cannot maintain a constant
speed. The vehicle tends to accelerate under its own weight. Select a
lower gear or use the brake pedal to slow the vehicle.
 Control lamp
lights upPossible cause
This cruise control system maintains the set speed of
the vehicle.
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.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they appear may result in faults in
the vehicle. 

153
Driver assistance systems
Cruise control system operation
Fig. 95 Turn signal and
main beam headlights
lever on the left of the
steering column: CCS
buttons and controls
FunctionControl position, control
operations ⇒ Fig. 95Action
Switching on the
cruise control sys-
tem.Control B in the position
.
The system is switched on.
After switching on, no
speeds are stored and no
regulator has yet been
placed.
Switching on the
cruise control sys-
tem.Press button A in the
area .The current speed is stor-
ed and maintained.
Temporarily
switching off the
cruise control sys-
tem.Place control B in the po-
sition  .
OR:. Press the brake or
clutch pedal.The cruise control system
is switched off temporari-
ly. The speed setting will
remain stored.
Switching the
speed setting
back on.Press button A in the
area  .The stored speed is
reached again and main-
tained.
FunctionControl position, control
operations ⇒ Fig. 95Action
Increasing the
stored speed (dur-
ing CCS setting).
Press the button A in the
area  briefly to in-
crease speed in shot
measures of about. 1 km/
h (1 mph) and store.
The vehicle accelerates ac-
tively until it reaches the
new stored speed.
Keep button A pressed in
the area  for a long
time to continually in-
crease speed until releas-
ing and storing.
Reducing the stor-
ed speed (during
CCS setting).
Press the button A in the
area  briefly to reduce
the stored speed in shot
measures of about. 1 km/
h (1 mph) and store.
Reduce speed without
braking, by interrupting
the accelerator until reach-
ing the new stored speed.
Keep button A pressed in
the area  for a long
time to continually de-
crease stored speed until
releasing and storing.
Switching off the
cruise control sys-
tem.Control B in the position
.The system is switched off.
The stored speed is de-
leted.
Travelling down hills with the CCS
When travelling down hills the CCS cannot maintain a constant speed. Slow
the vehicle down using the brake pedal and reduce gears if required.
Automatic off
The cruise control system (CCS) is switched off automatically or temporarily: 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

156Driver assistance systems
Note
If the City Safety Assist function activates a brake, the brake pedal range is
reduced. This makes the brake pedal seem “harder”.
Note
Automatic brake intervention by the City Safety Assist function can be can-
celled by pressing the clutch pedal, the accelerator pedal or by a corrective
intervention.
Note
During the automatic braking by the City Safety Assist function you may
hear unusual noises. This is normal and is produced in the brakes system. 
Warning and control lamps
The City Safety Assist function is switched on every time the ignition is
switched on. No special indication is produced.
If the City Safety Assist function is switched off, functions or there is an error
in the system, this will be shown by a control lamp on the instrument panel
display.
lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution
 
The City Safety Assist func-
tion has been switched on
manually using the button  
⇒ Fig. 98.
The control lamp turns off after
about 5 seconds.
flashesPossible cause ⇒ Solution

fast: The City Safety Assist
system function brakes auto-
matically or has braked auto-
matically.Control lamp turns off automati-
cally.
slow: City Safety Assist func-
tion is not currently available.
If the vehicle is stopped, switch
off the engine and switch it on
again. If necessary, inspect the
laser sensor (dirt, frozen) ⇒ 
in Laser sensor on page 157. If
it still does not function, refer to
a Specialised workshop to have
the system inspected.


within the operating area of
5-30– km/h (3-19 mph): The
City Safety Assist function
has been switched off man-
ually using the button  
⇒ 
Fig. 98.
Switch on the City Safety Assist
function manually using the but-
ton  
⇒ Fig. 98.
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.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they appear may result in faults in
the vehicle. 

158Driver assistance systems
Function
Fig. 98 In the lower part
of the centre console:
Button for the City Safety
Assist function
Switching on and off the City Safety Assist function
● Press the ⇒ Fig. 98 button on the centre console.
When the City Safety Assist function is switched on, the control lamp  
lights up on the instrument panel within the operational range, i.e. for
speeds between 5-30 km/h (3-19 mph). Switch off the City Safety Assist function in the following situations
Switching off the City Safety Assist function is recommended in the follow-
ing situations
⇒ 
:
● While the vehicle is being towed.
● If the vehicle has been taken to an automatic car wash.
● If the vehicle is above a test bed.
● If the laser sensor is faulty.
● After the laser sensor has been involved in a collision.
● When driving off road (overhanging branches).
● If objects are protruding above the bonnet, i.e. a load carried on the roof
that protrudes at the front.
● If the windscreen is damaged in the laser sensor area.
WARNING
Failure to switch off the City Safety Assist function in the above situa-
tions, may result in accidents and serious injury.
● Switch off the City Safety Assist function in critical situations.


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 