94Lights and visibility
Lights and visibility
Lights Introduction
The location of the controls of right-hand drive cars differs slightly from the
location shown here ⇒ Fig. 55 ⇒ page 94. However, the symbols indicat-
ing the respective positions of the controls remain the same.
WARNING
Never drive with only the side lights on! The side lights are not bright
enough to illuminate the road ahead and to ensure that other road users
are able to see you. Always use your dipped beam headlights if it is dark
or if visibility is poor.
CAUTION
● Use the lights in line with local law.
● However, drivers always remain responsible for correctly adjusting and
using the lights.
Note
● An audible warning will be heard when the light control is set to and
you remove the ignition key and open the door. Once the driver door is
closed (ignition off), the audible warning will stop, whereas the side lights
will remain on to light up the stationary vehicle if necessary.
● Depending on weather conditions (cold or wet), the lights may mist up
temporarily on the inside. This is particularly the case in the event of a dif-
ference in temperature between the inside and in front of the light. By
switching on the lights, the area through which the beam of light is projec- ted will quickly be demisted, although the edges may remain misted. The
real lights and turn signals can mist up. This has no influence on the useful
life of the lighting system.
Switching lights on and off
Fig. 55 Instrument panel: Light switch/Fuses: Switch for daytime driving lights
Switching on side lights
– Turn the light switch ⇒ Fig. 55 to position .
Switching on dipped beam
– Turn the light switch ⇒ Fig. 55 to position .
Switching off lights (except daytime driving lights)
– Turn the light switch ⇒ Fig. 55 to position 0.
99
Lights and visibility
Note
Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for example:
● When reaching the tail end of a traffic jam
● If the vehicle has a technical fault or you are involved in an emergency
situation.
Interior lights
Interior lighting – version 1
Fig. 60 Interior lighting
– version 1
Switching on the interior light
– Move the switch A
⇒ Fig. 60 towards the side of the light. The
symbol will be displayed.
Switching off the interior light
– Move the switch A
⇒
Fig. 60 to the centre position O
. Operating the courtesy light
–
Move the switch A
⇒ Fig. 60 to the centre of the light. The sym-
bol will be displayed.
Reading lights
– The reading lights are switched on and off by pressing switch
B
⇒ Fig. 60.
Where the courtesy light is on (switch A
⇒ Fig. 60 in position ), the light
will come on if:
● The vehicle is unlocked
● One of the doors is opened
● The key is removed from the ignition
When the courtesy light is on (switch A
in position ), the light will switch
off if:
● The vehicle is locked
● The ignition is switched on
● 30 seconds after all of the doors have been closed
If a door is left open or if switch A
is in position
, the interior lighting is
switched off after about 10 minutes to prevent the battery from running flat.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
119
Seats and storage
WARNING
● Take care when using the cigarette lighter! Carelessness or negli-
gence when using the cigarette lighter can cause burns and serious inju-
ries.
● The cigarette lighter also works when the ignition is off and when the
ignition key is removed. Therefore, never leave children unsupervised in
the vehicle.
Note
● The 12 volt power socket of the cigarette lighter can also be used as a
power source for electrical appliances ⇒ page 119, 12 V power socket.
● Additional information ⇒ page 195, Accessories, modifications and
spare parts.
12 V power socket
Fig. 87 Centre console:
12V power socket
The 12 V power socket is located at the front of the centre console
⇒ Fig. 87. Using the power socket
–
Open the cover or remove the cigarette lighter concealing the
socket.
– Insert the plug of the electrical appliance into the socket.
Additional information ⇒ page 195, Accessories, modifications and spare
parts.
WARNING
● Improper use of the sockets or electrical appliances can cause a fire
and lead to burns and other serious injuries.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The 12 volt power
socket is also operate when the is ignition switched off and the key re-
moved.
● Should the connected appliance overheat, immediately switch it off
and disconnect it from the socket.
CAUTION
● The 12V power socket can only be used to power appliances with a pow-
er rating of up to 120 Watt.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted power, as this could cause dam-
age to the vehicle electrical installation.
● When the engine is switched off, however, the vehicle battery will be
drained. Risk of flat battery!
● Only use suitable plugs so as not to damage the power socket.
● Only use appliances that have been tested for electromagnetic compati-
bility in compliance with current regulations.
● Before switching the ignition on or off, unplug the appliances from the
power socket to protect them from any damage caused by fluctuations in
voltage.
● Follow the instructions for use of connected appliances!
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
136Driving
Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
WARNING
● Never adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is moving!
● Maintain at least 25 cm distance between the steering wheel and the
upper part of your body 1
⇒ Fig. 101
⇒ page 137. The airbag system
will not be able to give the required protection if the minimum distance is
not observed. This can cause a risk of fatal injury!
● For safety reasons, the steering wheel adjustment lever must always
be pushed securely against the steering column to prevent the steering
wheel from accidentally changing position while driving. Risk of acci-
dent!
● If the steering wheel is adjusted closer to your face, the protective ef-
fect of the driver airbag will be decreased in the event of an accident.
Check that the steering wheel is pointing towards the upper part of your
body.
● When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside part at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner (e.g. in
the centre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if the airbag is triggered,
you may sustain injuries to the arms, hands and head.
● When moving with the engine switched off, the ignition key must al-
ways remain in position 2
⇒ Fig. 102 ⇒
page 138 (ignition on). The
control lamps will light up in this position. Otherwise, the steering lock
could engage suddenly. Risk of accident!
WARNING (Continued)
● Do not remove the key from the ignition until the vehicle has come to
a standstill and is secure (e.g. the handbrake is engaged). Otherwise, the
steering lock could suddenly engage. Risk of accident!
● Always take the ignition key with you when you leave the vehicle.
This is particularly important if you leave children in the vehicle. Children
could start the engine, for example, with the subsequent risk of accident.
● Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents! Carbon monoxide can cause peo-
ple to lose consciousness and can cause death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
● Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary. Risk of ac-
cident!
CAUTION
● Turning the steering wheel fully in either direction when the vehicle is
stationary and the engine in gear puts the power steering under great
stress. This could lead to noise. Never leave the steering wheel turned fully
in either direction for more than 15 seconds. Risk of damage to the power
steering system!
● The starter motor may only be used (key position 3
⇒ Fig. 102
⇒ page 138 in the ignition) if the engine is off. Using the starter motor
when the engine is running could cause damage.
● Immediately release the ignition key when the engine starts, otherwise
damage could be caused to the starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving
at full throttle and over-loading the engine before it reaches operating tem-
perature. Risk of engine damage!
137
Driving
● Do not tow-start the engine. Risk of engine damage! In vehicles with a
catalytic converter, unburnt fuel could reach the catalytic converter and
catch fire in it. This would lead to a fault in the catalytic converter. Use the
battery from another vehicle for help in starting the engine ⇒ page 205,
Jump-starting.
● After the engine has been working hard for a long time, leave the engine
idling for about one minute before switching it off at the end of a journey.
This will stop the engine from overheating.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine when the vehicle is stationary. If possible, move
off immediately after starting the engine. This will help the engine reach op-
erating temperature more quickly, reducing the quantity of emissions.
Note
● The engine can only be started with the original SEAT key.
● Loud running noises may be heard briefly after cold-starting the engine.
This is normal and is no cause for concern.
● After the engine has been stopped and the ignition switched off, the ra-
diator fan may continue running for around 10 minutes.
● If the engine still does not start after a second attempt, the fuel pump
fuse might have blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessary
⇒ page 211, Fuses in the dash panel or contact your Specialised Service.
● You should always engage the steering lock when you leave the vehicle.
This will hinder any attempts at theft. Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 101 Adjustable steering wheel: lever beneath steering column/safe distance from
steering wheel
The steering wheel can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.
– First adjust the position of the driver seat ⇒ page 107, Front
seats.
– Pull down the leave located below the steering wheel
⇒ Fig. 101 .
– Adjust the steering wheel vertically or horizontally.
– Pull the lever upwards as far as it will go.
Power steering
The power steering allows you to turn the steering wheel more easily.
If the power steering fails or the engine is off (towing), it is still possible to
turn the vehicle's steering wheel fully. However, you need more strength to
steer the vehicle.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
138Driving
Start-up lock security system (immobiliser)
There is an electronic chip in the key. The electronic immobiliser is deactiva-
ted when the key is inserted into the ignition. The electronic immobiliser is
automatically activated when the key is removed from the ignition.
The engine will not start if an unauthorised key is used.
The informative display indicates:
Immobiliser active!
Ignition lock
Fig. 102 Ignition key po-
sitions
Petrol engines 1
– Ignition switched off, engine stopped, steering can be locked
2
– Ignition switched on
3
– Starting Diesel engines
1
– Fuel supply stopped, ignition switched off, engine stopped,
steering can be locked
2
– Engine pre-heating, ignition switched on
3
– Starting
To engage the Steering lock without the key in the ignition, turn the steer-
ing wheel slightly until it engages
If the steering lock is engaged and it is difficult or impossible to turn the key
to position 2
, release the lock by turning the steering wheel slightly in
both directions.
Starting the engine
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. When
you switch on the ignition, the glow plug warning lamp will light up. The
engine can be started straight away when the lamp switches off.
Do not connect electrical appliances during preheating so as not the drain
the vehicle battery unnecessarily.
Starting the engine
● Move the gearbox lever into neutral or move the selector lever to posi-
tion P or N and pull firmly on the handbrake.
● Press the clutch pedal all the way down 2
⇒ Fig. 102 ⇒ page 138 and
start the engine 3 – without pressing the accelerator. Keep the clutch ped-
al pressed down until the engine starts.
● Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts. The key returns to
position 2
.
139
Driving
● If the engine does not start after 10 seconds, turn the key back to posi-
tion 1
. Repeat the action after 30 seconds.
● Release the handbrake before moving off.
Switching off the engine
Stop the engine by turning the ignition key to position 1 ⇒ Fig. 102
⇒ page 138.
Brakes and brake servo systems Introduction
WARNING
● The brake servo only works when the engine is running. Braking
when the engine is switched off requires more strength on the brake ped-
al. Risk of accident!
● Press down on the clutch pedal when stopping and braking with a
manual gearbox, petrol engine vehicle at low speed. Otherwise, the
brake servo might not work properly. Risk of accident!
● In the event of damage to the standard front spoiler or where a differ-
ent front spoiler, hubcaps, etc. are subsequently fitted, make sure the air
vent to the brakes on the front wheels is not blocked. Otherwise, braking
operations may be impaired. Risk of accident!
● Always fully release the handbrake. If it is only partially released, this
will cause overheating of the rear brakes, which can impair the function
of the brake system. Risk of accident!
WARNING (Continued)
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could release
the handbrake or move the gear lever. The vehicle could start moving.
Risk of accident!
● Insufficient fuel can cause the engine to run irregularly or to switch
off. Brake assist systems could be impaired. Risk of accident!
● Always adjust your driving style to suit visibility, the weather and
road and traffic conditions. The best vehicle safety offered by brake as-
sist systems must never encourage you to run greater risks. Risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
● Observe the information concerning new brake pads ⇒ page 154.
● Where braking is not necessary, do not wear down the brake pads by
pressing down gently on the brake pedal. This causes the brakes to over-
heat, increasing their wear and increasing braking distances.
● To ensure the brake assist systems work properly, all wheels must be fit-
ted with tyres approved by the manufacturer.
Note
● If you brake suddenly and the brake system control unit regards the sit-
uation as hazardous for the drivers behind you, the brake lights will begin
to flash automatically. After reducing speed to approx. 10 km/h (6 mph) or
stopping the vehicle, the brake lights will stop flashing and the hazard
warning lights will switch on. The hazard warning lights are automatically
switched off when you accelerate or restart the vehicle.
● On long, steep gradients, reduce your speed and change to a lower gear
(manual gearbox) or move the selector lever to a lower gear position (auto-
matic gearbox). This uses the force of the engine and the brakes do not suf-
fer as much. If you still have to brake, do so intermittently, pressing down
repeatedly on the brake pedal.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
146Driving
The manual gearbox can be activated when the vehicle is either moving or
stationary.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up shortly before the
maximum engine speed is reached.
On shifting up, the gear is only engaged when there is no risk of engine
damage.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed down to the kick-down zone, the
gearbox will shift down in line with the road speed and engine speed.
Note
The kick-down function is also available in manual shift mode.
Selector lever lock
Automatic selector lever lock
The selector lever is locked in the positions P and N when the ignition is on.
Press down on the brake to unlock it. Remember, if the selector lever is in
positions P and N then the ⇒ page 73 warning lamp will light up on the
general instrument panel.
When the selector lever merely moves through position N (e.g. when moved
from R to D), the lever lock is not applied. This makes it possible, for exam-
ple, to rock a stuck vehicle backwards and forwards. The lock is only applied
if the brake is not pressed and the selector lever is moved to position N for
more than 2 seconds.
The selector lever lock is only activated in vehicles that are stationary or at
speeds of less than 5 km/h (3 mph). It is automatically switched off in posi-
tion N at higher speeds. Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever knob prevents the driver from in-
advertently engaging a gear. Press the button to unlock the selector lever.
Safety interlock for ignition key
1)
After switching off the ignition, you can only remove the ignition key if the
selector lever is in position P. When the ignition key is removed, the selec-
tor lever is locked in position P.
Kick-down feature
The kick-down feature allows maximum acceleration to be reached.
In any gear programme, press down fully on the accelerator for the automat-
ic gearbox to activate the kick-down feature. This function takes priority over
the gear programmes without taking into account the position of the selec-
tor lever (D, S or Tiptronic) and is used to reach maximum acceleration, us-
ing full engine power. Depending on the road speed and engine speed, the
automatic gearbox shifts down and the vehicle accelerates. It only shifts up
after the maximum engine speed has been reached.
Driving programmes
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronically-controlled automatic gear-
box. Shifting up or down depends on the programme selected.
For a calm driving style, the gearbox uses the most economic programme.
The gearbox shifts up as quickly as possible and shifts down as late as pos-
sible, thus increasing driving economy.
1)
Valid only for certain countries.