2012 Seat Mii power steering

Table of Contents
Manual structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Vehicle diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Exterior views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Side view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Front view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Rear view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Vehicle interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Driver door overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Overview of the driver side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Overview of centre console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Detail of the passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Symbols on the roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Control and warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SEAT information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Prior to a journey... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Before starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Tips for driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Vehicle key set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Central locking* and locking system . . . . . . . . . . 33
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Opening and closing the sliding/tilting electric
panoramic sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
48
Adjusting the seat position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Seat functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Child seats (accessories) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Sun blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Window wash/wipe system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Loading luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Roof carrier system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Trailer coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Practical equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Drink holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Ashtray and Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Electrical power socket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
While driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Starting, changing gears, parking . . . . . . . . . . 119
Stopping and starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Changing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Braking, stopping and parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Ecological driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Driver assistance systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Parking distance warning system* . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Cruise control* (Cruise control system - CCS) . . . 152 Safety Assist* (City Safety Assist function) . . . . . 155
Hill hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Hill-start aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Air control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning system . .164
At the filling station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Care, cleaning and maintenance . 180
In the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . 180
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Vehicle care and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Care and cleaning the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . 197
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle interior . . . . 205
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Accessories, replacements, repairs and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Notes for the user . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Practical information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Frequently asked questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
In case of emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Emergency locking and unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Vehicle tool kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
3
Table of Contents

122Starting, changing gears, parking
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start driving immediately if the visi-
bility is OK. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and
reduces emissions.
Note
Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched off tem-
porarily when the engine starts.
Note
When the engine is started cold, there may be strong vibrations for a few
moments for technical reasons. This is quite normal, and no cause for con-
cern.
Note
Natural gas engines always start up with petrol, as a certain operating tem-
perature is required for running with gas. Once the required operating tem-
perature is reached, the engine will change to operate with natural gas. 
Stopping the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given.1.Stopping the vehicle completely ⇒ .
2.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 4 has been
completed.
3.In automatic gearboxes, put the selector lever in position P4.Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ page 134.5.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ Fig. 83 0.6.With a manual gearbox, put the vehicle in first or reverse gear.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is moving. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not work when the ignition is
switched off.
● The brake servo does not work when the engine is not running. To
stop, the brake pedal must be pressed with more force.
● As the power steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than normally.
● If the key is removed from the ignition, the steering may lock and it
will not be possible to steer the vehicle.
CAUTION
If the engine has been driven at high speed for a prolonged period of time,
it may overheat when turned off. To avoid engine damage, allow the engine
to run for approximately 2 minutes in neutral before switching it off.
Note
● In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the key can only be removed when
the selector lever is in position P.
● After stopping the engine, the engine compartment fan may continue
running for a few minutes, even when the ignition has been switched off or
the key removed. The radiator fan is automatically switched off. 
Electronic immobilizer
The gear lock prevents the engine from being started with an unauthorised
key and the vehicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a built-in chip. It automatically deactivates the immobil-
izer when the key is inserted into the ignition lock. 

137
Starting, changing gears, parking
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒ 
.
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
● Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ page 136.
● For an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
● Switch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
● Remove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes,
or even the reverse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
● Locking the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the vehi-
cle should move then it will be held by the kerb.
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
kerb.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road.
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 wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards
and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. 
Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km (120 to 190 mph), the new brake pads have not
yet reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in” first
⇒ 
. The slightly reduced braking effect can be compensated for by in-
creasing pressure on the brake pedal. While running in, the full braking dis-
tance or emergency braking distance is larger then when the brake pads
have been run in. While running in, avoid full power braking or situations
requiring braking performance. For example, in heavy traffic.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is used frequently in city traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a Specialised workshop regularly more frequently than advised in the
Maintenance Programme to have the brake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the vehicle, the effect of the brakes is
lessened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher
speed, “dry” the brakes as quickly as possible by braking gently several
times. Only do this without endangering vehicles behind you or any other
road users ⇒ 
. 
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nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

139
Starting, changing gears, parking
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
distance and result in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
● If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed,
then the brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that
the braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not op-
erate.
CAUTION
● Never make the brakes “slip” by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not
really necessary to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake pedal will
heat the brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase
braking distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
● Reduce speed or reduce the gear when faced with steep and long
slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and to reduce the
strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may overheat and fail.
Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop.
Note
Make use, when having the front brake pads checked, and have the rear
pads checked also. The thickness of the brake pads should be checked vis-
ually and regularly, by looking through the openings in the wheel rims or
from underneath the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to check them
thoroughly. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. Assisted braking systems
The assisted braking systems ESC*, ABS, EBV, BAS, ASR, TC and EDL only
operate when the ignition is switched on. They contribute significantly to in-
creasing active safety.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
ESC* reduces the risk of skidding and increases the vehicle stability by
braking individual wheels under specific driving conditions. ESC* detects
critical handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin on
the driven wheels. The system stabilises the vehicle by braking individual
wheels or by reducing the engine torque.
The ESC* has limits. It is important to realise that the ESC* is also subject to
the laws of physics. ESC* will not be able to deal with all situations with
which drivers may be faced. For example, if the road surface changes sud-
denly then ESC* will not be useful in all cases. If the vehicle suddenly enters
a section covered by water, mud or snow then ESC* will not provide assis-
tance in the same way as on dry ground. If the vehicle loses its grip on the
ground and moves on a film of water (“aquaplaning”), the ESC* will not be
able to assist the driver to control the vehicle due to the loss of adherence
with the road surface preventing braking and steering. If the vehicle is driv-
en through series of bends at high speed, the ESC* will not always be as
effective: the vehicle reaction to aggressive driving is not the same as at re-
duced speeds.
Adjust your speed and driving style to suit visibility, and weather, road and
traffic conditions. ESC* cannot push the limits of the laws of physics; im-
prove the transmission available or maintain the vehicle on the road if a
lack of driver attention creates an inevitable situation. Otherwise, ESC* as-
sists in maintaining vehicle control in extreme situations and uses the
movements of the steering made by the driver to maintain the vehicle mov-
ing in the desired direction. If the vehicle is driven at such a speed that it
will leave the road before ESC* can intervene then the system cannot pro-
vide assistance.

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nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

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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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. 

173
At the filling station
lights upGauge position
⇒ Fig. 105Possible cause ⇒ Solution
 a)Red mark (ar-
row)The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The reserve tank is being
used ⇒ page 290.Refuel as soon as
possible ⇒ .
–The vehicle is running in
natural gas operating
mode.–
a)This only applies to vehicles with the fuel gauge on the instrument panel ⇒ Fig. 105.
flashes
for about 10 sec- ondsState of the barsPossible cause ⇒ Solution
 and
the seg-
ments re-
maining a)Reserve zone
(four small seg- ments)The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The reserve tank is being
used ⇒ page 290.Refuel as soon as
possible ⇒ .
–The vehicle is running in
natural gas operating
mode.–
a)This only applies to vehicles with the fuel gauge on the instrument panel display.
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.
In natural gas engines
The warning lamp  lights up when both fuel types (petrol and natural gas)
have reached reserve level.
The warning lamp  lights up when the vehicle is running in natural gas op-
erating mode. The warning lamp 
switches off when the natural gas is exhausted. The
engine changes to operate with petrol.
Problem: If the vehicle is left parked for a long time immediately after refuel-
ling, the gas level indicator does not accurately indicate the same level
shown after refuelling when the vehicle is started up again. This is not due
to a leak in the system, but to a drop in pressure in the gas tank for techni-
cal reasons after a cooling phase immediately after refuelling.
WARNING
Driving with insufficient fuel reserve could result in the vehicle breaking
down in traffic and a serious accident.
● If the fuel level is too low then the fuel supply to the engine can be-
come irregular especially on slopes.
● If the engine “is choked” or stalls due to lack of or irregularity of the
fuel supply, the power steering as well as all of the driver assistance sys-
tems including braking assistance will stop working.
● Always refuel when there is only one quarter of the fuel tank left to
avoid running out of fuel.
CAUTION
● Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descrip-
tions and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply may lead
to ignition faults and unburnt fuel could enter the exhaust system. This
could damage the catalytic converter.
Note
The arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the instrument panel ⇒ Fig. 105
indicates the side of the vehicle on which the fuel tank plug is located. 
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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. 