2013 Seat Exeo ST coolant temperature

178Driving
● The Start-Stop System is manually deactivated.
● The windscreen de-mist function is turned on.
● The temperature of the passenger compartment exceeds the comfort
limits (button ECON
should not be selected).
● If more than 50% of the airflow that the fan can supply is ordered.
● Temperature setting HI or LO is selected.
● The engine coolant temperature is insufficient.
● The alternator is faulty, for example the V-belt has ruptured.
● If any of the conditions described in the previous section are not fulfil-
led.
WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the engine off for any reason. You
could lose control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and seri-
ous injury.
● Power steering does not work when the engine is not running. That is
why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.
● Turn off the Start-Stop system when driving through water (fording
streams, etc.).
Note
● For vehicles with the Start-Stop function and a manual gearbox, when
the engine is started, the clutch must be pressed.
● When the conditions for the Start-Stop function are not fulfilled, the in-
strument panel displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than 270°, Stop will not function;
however, the angle of steering wheel turn does not affect starting the vehi-
cle. Activating and deactivating the Start-Stop function
Fig. 148 The Start-Stop
function button.
Every time the ignition is switched on, the Start-Stop function is au-
tomatically switched on.
Manually deactivating the Start-Stop function
– Press the  ⇒ Fig. 148 button located on the centre console.
When the Start-Stop function is deactivated, the pushbutton in-
dicator lights.
– If the Start-Stop function is operating then the engine starts im-
mediately.
Switching the Start-Stop function on manually
– Press the  ⇒ Fig. 148 button located on the centre console.
The indicator on the button will go out. 

209
Trailer towing
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted drawbar
load on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your vehicle, and adjust for “full load” condi-
tions (refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the door pillar). It may
also be necessary to adjust the tyre pressures on the trailer according to the
recommendations of the trailer manufacturer.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. The two exterior mirrors should be fitted on folding arms. Adjust the
mirrors to give sufficient rear vision.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, check the headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. If necessary, alter the height of the headlight beams by means
of the headlight range control. See ⇒ page 121.
Power supply
When you remove the ignition key, the power supply to the trailer is inter-
rupted.
Removable ball joint coupling
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a removable
ball joint coupling. This is stored in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment together with the necessary fitting instructions.
Note
If you frequently tow, we recommend you also have the vehicle serviced be-
tween services. Notes on towing
Towing a trailer involves additional attention by the driver.
Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slow to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed.
Therefore, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This especially applies
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slight-
est sign of swaying. Never try to stabilise the trailer by accelerating.
Anticipate hazards and brake in good time. If towing a trailer with an inertia
brake, first brake gently and then harder. This will prevent brake tapping by
the trailer wheels when they lock. Select a low gear in due course before go-
ing down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine braking to
slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recommend
having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a high trailer
weight. They can be purchased and installed at a Technical Service.
Reheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather with the engine running fast in low
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge ⇒ page 62.
Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to the right end of the scale.
If the temperature warning lamp  in the instrument panel should start
flashing, stop the vehicle and let the engine cool down by running it at
idling speed for a few minutes. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

235
Checking and refilling levels
Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.
Winter-grade diesel
When using summer-grade diesel fuel, difficulties may be experienced at
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel thickens due to wax separation. For
this reason, winter-grade diesel fuel is available in some countries during
the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22 °C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel generally sold
has different temperature characteristics. Check with the Technical Services
or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel fuels
available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter glow plug system, making it well
equipped for operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains
operational to approx. -24 °C, provided you use winter-grade diesel that is
safe to -15 °C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not
start at temperatures of under -24 °C, simply place the vehicle in a warm
place for a while.
CAUTION
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners or similar products) with diesel fuel. Bonnet
Work in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components in
the engine compartment. Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or even fire when working in the engine compartment (e.g. when
checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warnings listed below
and follow all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of the
vehicle is a potentially hazardous area ⇒ 
WARNING
● Switch the ignition off.
● Remove the ignition key.
● Apply the handbrake firmly.
● If your vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox, place the gear lev-
er in neutral. If you are driving an automatic vehicle, place the selector
lever in position P.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● Children should not be allowed to approach the engine compartment.
● Never spill liquids used for vehicle operation on the engine compart-
ment, as these may catch fire (e.g. the antifreeze in coolant).
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especial-
ly when working on the battery.
● Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is hot, as the fan could
start up suddenly.
● Never open the expansion tank when the engine is hot. The cooling
system is under pressure. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

236Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Protect face, hands and arms from any hot steam or hot coolant fluid
released by covering the cap with a large, thick rag when opening the ex-
pansion tank.
● If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an
added safety risk from the rotating parts (e.g. drive belts, alternator, ra-
diator fan, etc.) and from the high-voltage ignition system.
● Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system
or the electrical system is necessary:
–Always disconnect the battery from the on-board network.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near open flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.
CAUTION
When topping up fluids, make sure the correct fluid is put into the correct
filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunctions or engine
damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any leaks are
detected at an early stage. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your
vehicle inspected at the workshop.
● When the external temperature and level of humidity are high or when
the engine stops, it is possible for water to drop from the air conditioning
system evaporator potentially forming a small puddle on the ground. This is
normal and does not indicate a leak.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles some of the reservoirs mentioned below are lo-
cated on the other side of the engine compartment. Releasing the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Fig. 179 Detail of foot-
well area on driver side:
lever for unlocking the
bonnet
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dash panel
⇒ Fig. 179 in the direction indicated (arrow).
The bonnet springs out of its lock. 

241
Checking and refilling levels
When the coolant is topped up, use a mixture of distilled water and, at
least, 40 % of the G 13 or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) additive (both are
purple) to obtain an optimum anticorrosion protection ⇒ 
. The mixture of
G 13 with G 12 plus (TL-VW 774 F), G 12 (red) or G 11 (green-blue) engine
coolants will significantly reduce the anticorrosion protection and should,
therefore be avoided ⇒ 
.
WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the coolant system, the engine may
fail leading to serious damage. ● Please make sure that the percentage
of additive is correct with respect to the lowest expected ambient tem-
perature in the zone in which the vehicle is to be used. ● When the out-
side temperature is very low, the coolant could freeze and the vehicle
would be immobilised. In this case, the heating would not work either
and inadequately dressed passengers could die of cold.
CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed with coolants which are not
approved by SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to
the engine and the engine cooling system.
● If the fluid in the expansion tank is not purple but is, for example,
brown, this indicates that the G 13 additive has been mixed with an inade-
quate coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case! This could result in serious faults and engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. If any fluids are
spilled, they should be collected and correctly disposed of, with respect to
the environment. Checking the coolant level
The coolant level can be checked visually.
Fig. 183 Engine com-
partment: Coolant fluid
deposit
– Switch the ignition off.
– Check the coolant level on coolant fluid expansion tank
⇒ Fig. 183. When the engine is cold, it should be between the
“min” and “max” marks. When the engine is hot, it may be
slightly above the “max” mark.
Its location is shown in the corresponding general overview of the engine
compartment.
The coolant level should be checked with the engine switched off.
The coolant level is monitored by a warning lamp on the instrument panel
display ⇒ page 81. However, we recommend that it should be checked oc-
casionally. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

242Checking and refilling levels
Coolant fluid loss
Any loss of coolant fluid normally indicates a leak in the cooling system. In
this case the cooling system should be inspected by a specialised work-
shop without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the coolant fluid.
If there are no leaks in the system, a loss of coolant fluid can only occur if
the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of overheating.
CAUTION
Radiator sealants must not be added to the coolant fluid. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system. 
Topping up the coolant fluid
Be careful when topping up with coolant fluid. – Switch the ignition off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 183 with a cloth,
and carefully unscrew the cap anticlockwise ⇒ 
.
– Add coolant fluid.
– Screw on the cap tightly.
Make sure that the coolant fluid meets the required specifications
⇒  page 240. Do not use a different type of antifreeze if G12++ antifreeze is
not available. In this case, use only water and bring the antifreeze concen-
tration back up to the correct level as soon as possible.
Always top up with new coolant fluid. Do not fill above the “max” mark. Excess coolant fluid is forced out of the
system through the valve in the filler cap when the engine gets hot.
If a lot of coolant fluid has been lost, wait for the engine to
cool down before
putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in serious engine dam-
age.
WARNING
● The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap on the
expansion tank when the engine is hot. Failure to comply could result in
burns.
● The antifreeze and coolant fluid can be a health hazard. Therefore,
the antifreeze should be stored in the original container in a safe place
out of reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.
For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used coolant in-
to a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper manner (observe envi-
ronmental regulations). 
Radiator fan
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously. The auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as 10 minutes after stop-
ping the engine, even after the ignition is switched off. It may also start run-
ning suddenly ⇒ 
after some while if
● Stored heat raises the coolant temperature, or
● The hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the sun. 

Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Releasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Brake light Failure control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Worn brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Brake system Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Bulb change general notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
C
Car care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
CCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
CD-ROM player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Central locking Manual locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Sunroof: opening and closing . . . . . . . . . . 116 Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Anti-theft security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Locking and unlocking the vehicle from in-side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Opening and closing the windows . . . . . . 114
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Security central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Switch on the driver door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Changing the main headlight bulb Main headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Changing the main headlight bulbs Dipped beam headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Changing the tail lights Luggage compartment lights . . . . . . . . . . 294
Changing windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . 244
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Checklist Seat upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Childproof lock Rear doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Child safety seat ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Child seat Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Cleaning alloy wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Cleaning steel wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Clock, setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Coat hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 In the door trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
In the front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Coolant Checking the level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Coolant fluid Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Cooling system Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Correct adjustment of front seat head re- straints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Correct adjustment of rear seat head restraints In-use and non-use positions . . . . . . . . . . . 14
316 Index