2013 Seat Exeo ST cooling

170Air conditioning
Air outlets
Fig. 142 Dash panel: Location of air outlets
The air outlets ⇒ Fig. 142 3
and 4 can be operated as follows:
Outlets 3
and 4
–
The outlets can be opened and closed by turning the left
thumbwheels.
– The direction of air delivery from the outlets can be varied as re-
quired using the adjuster in the centre of each outlet grille. The
direction of air flow can be adjusted horizontally and vertically
as desired.
The flow of air from the outlets is controlled either automatically or manual-
ly, depending on the operating mode selected. All the outlets can provide
air that is either heated, unheated or cooled.
The heater outlets for the rear footwells are located under the front seats.
They are controlled together with outlets 5
.
Note
The cool air provided by the air conditioner is mainly issued from outlets 3
and 4. To ensure adequate cooling, outlets 3 and 4 should therefore
never be closed completely. 
Air distribution
The automatically-programmed air distribution can be al-
tered manually.
The buttons 
,  and  can be operated either separately or in combi-
nation. To return to automatically controlled air distribution, switch off the
selected functions separately or press the AUTO
button
Each of the three buttons has a specific function. The numbers relate to the
air outlets ⇒ Fig. 142. 

171
Air conditioning
Air directed to windows 
This setting directs all the air to outlets 1 and 2. Unlike in setting , the
volume of air delivery remains the same.
Air to the driver/front passenger 
All the air comes from outlets 3 and 4 in the dash panel and from the rear of
the centre console.
Air to the footwells 
Most of the air emerges from outlets 5 and the outlets under the front seats.
Some of the air will also be issued from outlets 3 and 4.
Note
In all of the above air distribution settings, a small amount of air will still
come from the other outlets. 
Economical use of the air conditioner
Economical use of the air conditioner will help save fuel.
Engine power is reduced and fuel consumption increases when the
air conditioner is in cooling mode. To ensure that the system is on-
ly switched on when it is really necessary, please note the follow-
ing points:
– Select ECON mode if you wish to save fuel.
– Select ECON mode if you decide to open the windows or sun-
roof* while driving.
– If the vehicle has heated up after standing in the sun, open the
windows and doors for a short time to cool the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
By saving fuel you also reduce the amount of pollutants emitted from your
vehicle. 
Key settings
When the ignition is switched on, the air conditioner set-
tings assigned to the key are selected automatically.
The air conditioner settings selected are automatically stored and assigned
to the key in use. When the vehicle is started, the air conditioner automati-
cally selects the settings assigned to the key. Hence, every driver automati-
cally obtains his/her preferred settings without having to select them man-
ually.
Note
Should another driver use the key and enter other settings, the previous
settings will be deleted. 
Solar-powered blower/sunroof*
If the vehicle is parked in sufficiently strong sunlight, the
blower will operate in solar-powered mode when the igni-
tion is switched off.
After the ignition is switched off, the blower is supplied with electrical pow-
er from the sunroof. Please ensure that outlets 3 and 4 are open ⇒ Fig. 142
to ensure the best possible ventilation.
The blower only works when the sunroof is closed or tilted open at the rear. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

206Driving and the environment
Environmental friendliness
Environmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials
and manufacture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage recycling
●Joints and connections designed for easy dismantling
● Modular construction to facilitate dismantling
● Increased use of single-grade materials
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in accordance with ISO 1043,
ISO 11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials
● Use of recycled materials.
● Use of compatible plastics in the same part if its components are not
easily separated.
● Use of recycled materials and/or materials originating from renewable
sources.
● Reduction of volatile components, including odour, in plastic materials.
● Use of CFC-free coolants.
Ban on heavy metals, with the exceptions dictated the law (Annex II of ELV
Directive 2000/53/EC): cadmium, lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium.
Manufacturing methods
● Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the protective wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during vehicle transport.
● Use of solvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling systems.
● Recycling and energy recovery of residues (RDF).
● Improvement in the quality of waste water. ●
Use of systems for the recovery of residual heat (thermal recovery, en-
thalpy wheels, etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints 
Driving abroad Observations
To drive abroad, the following must be taken into consideration:
● For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter ensure that unleaded petrol
is available for the journey. See the chapter “Refuelling”. Automobile organ-
isations will have information about service station networks selling unlea-
ded fuel.
● In some countries, it is possible that your vehicle model is not sold, and
therefore spare parts are not available or the Technical Services can only
carry out limited repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the
technical preparations that you vehicle requires and also about necessary
maintenance and repair possibilities. 
Adhesive strips for headlights
If you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or
vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights will dazzle oncoming
traffic.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the head-
light lenses. Further information is available at your Technical Service. 

208Trailer towing
Trailer towing
Trailer towing
Technical requirements
The towing bracket must meet certain technical require-
ments.
Your vehicle is intended mainly for transporting passengers and luggage.
However, if suitably equipped, it can also be used to tow a trailer or cara-
van.
If your vehicle has been factory-supplied with a towing bracket, all of the
necessary technical and legal aspects for trailing towing have been taking
into account during manufacturing.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer has a 7-pole connector you
can use an adapter cable. This can be purchased at a Technical Service.
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
done according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer
⇒ page 216.
WARNING
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the installation should be carried out by
a specialised workshop.
● Particularly in high outdoor temperatures, it is not possible to drive
up long steep gradients without a suitable cooling system. The engine
would heat up.
● Incorrect installation can result in a safety risk!
 Notes on towing
There are a number of points which need to be checked be-
fore towing a trailer or caravan.
– Observe the maximum permitted trailer weights ⇒ page 306.
Trailer weight
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weight.
If you do not load the trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer weight,
you can then climb correspondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer must be reduced by about 10% for every
subsequent 1000 m (or part thereof). This figure refers to the combined
weight of the (loaded) vehicle and (loaded) trailer.
The figures for the drawbar load that appear on the identification plate of
the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct figures for
your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the towing
bracket, are given in the registration documents and on ⇒ page 299. Also
refer to ⇒ page 306.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them mov-
ing. 

217
Trailer towing
The attachment points for the towing bracket A
are on the lower part of the
vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should
never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle
and including the maximum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
403
629 mm
1112 mm (vehicle with max. load)
from 350 to 420 mm (vehicle with max. load)
1000 mm
Fitting a towing bracket
● Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact a Technical Service to check
whether your cooling system needs modification.
● The legal requirements in your country must be observed (e.g. the fitting
of a separate control lamp).
● Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securing bolts must be tightened using a
torque wrench, and a power socket must be connected to the vehicle electri-
cal system. This requires specialised knowledge and tools.
● Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment
points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket. B
CDEFG
WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a specialised workshop.
● If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is a serious danger
of accident.
● For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.
CAUTION
● If the power socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to
the vehicle electrical system.
Note
For the Sport finish, fitting a trailer bracket is not recommended due to the
design of the bumpers. 
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

240Checking and refilling levels
Topping up the engine oil 
Fig. 182 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
– Unscrew cap  from oil filler opening ⇒ Fig. 249.
– Carefully put in the specified grade of oil ⇒ page 238, adding
0.5 litres at a time.
– After two minutes, check the oil level once again ⇒ page 239.
– Where necessary, add more engine oil.
– Replace the oil filler cap carefully and push the dipstick all the
way in.
WARNING
● When refilling with oil, make sure no oil falls onto hot engine parts.
Failure to comply could result in fire.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.
CAUTION
● The oil level must never be above area a. This could damage the cata-
lytic converter or the engine. Contact a specialised workshop to drain the
engine oil if necessary.
● No additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused by the
use of such additives would not be covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
● Oil must not be disposed of in the drain or on the ground.
● Always observe legal requirements when disposing of empty oil canis-
ters. 
Cooling system Engine coolant specifications
The engine cooling system is supplied from the factory with a specially trea-
ted mixture of water and, at least, 40 % of the additive G 13 (TLVW 774 J).
The engine coolant additive is recognisable by its purple colour. This mix-
ture of water and additive gives the necessary frost protection down to
-25 °C (-13 °F) and protects the light alloy parts of the cooling system
against corrosion. It also prevents scaling and considerably raises the boil-
ing point of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the percentage of additive must al-
ways be at least 40 %, even in warm climates where anti-freeze protection is
not required.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
additive can be increased. However, the percentage of additive should not
exceed 60 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and, in turn, de-
crease the cooling capacity. 

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