2013 Seat Mii steering

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 power steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power 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 278
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)Power steering faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a specialised
workshop as soon as possible.

(yellow)Power 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
lamp no longer comes on, it
will not be necessary to take
the vehicle 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. Seek specialist assistance. 
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148Starting, changing gears, parking
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
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 key from the ignition.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 power steering
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power 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. 

153
Driver assistance systems
Cruise control system operation
Fig. 98 Turn signal and
main beam headlights
lever on the left of the
steering column: CCS
buttons and controls
effectControl position, control
operations ⇒ Fig. 98Action
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.
effectControl position, control
operations ⇒ Fig. 98Action
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: 
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159
Driver assistance systems
Special driving situations
Fig. 102 A: Vehicle on a bend. B: Motorcyclist driving
ahead out of range of the laser sensor
Fig. 103 Other vehicles
changing lanes
The City Safety Assist function has physical limits, and has limits deter-
mined by the system itself. In certain circumstances, this may produce reac-
tions from the City Safety Assist system, that are late or unexpected by the
driver. For this reason, always pay due attention and if necessary, intervene. For example, the following driving situations require special attention:
Driving through a bend
When entering or leaving a “long” bend, the vehicle may decelerate when
the laser sensor detects a vehicle travelling in the opposite lane
⇒ Fig. 102
A. To interrupt the deceleration you can accelerate, turn the steering wheel
or press the clutch.
Narrow vehicles in front
The laser sensor will only detect narrow vehicles in front if they are in the
sensor detection zone ⇒ Fig. 102 B. This applies especially to narrow vehi-
cles such as motorbikes.
Other vehicles changing lanes
Vehicles changing lane in close proximity can cause an unexpected brake
from the City Safety Assist system ⇒ Fig. 103. To interrupt the deceleration
you can accelerate, turn the steering wheel or press the clutch. 
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162Driver assistance systems
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
● When the vehicle is at a standstill, depress the brake or keep it pressed
down. The engine switches off.
● The engine will start again as soon as you release the brake pedal.
● With the selector lever set to position P, the engine will not start until a
range of gears is selected or the accelerator pedal is depressed.
Important conditions for the engine to stop automatically
● The driver's seat belt must be fastened.
● The driver door must be closed.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The engine must have reached a minimum temperature.
● The vehicle must have moved since the last time the engine was stop-
ped.
● The vehicle's battery must be sufficiently charged.
● The battery temperature must not be too low or too high.
● The vehicle must not be on a very steep slope.
Conditions for the engine to restart automatically
The engine can be automatically restarted in the following cases:
● If the vehicle starts to moves.
● If the battery voltage drops.
Conditions requiring engine start-up using the key
The engine must be started by hand using the vehicle's key in the following
cases:
● If the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt.
● If the driver door is opened.
● If the bonnet is opened. Switching the Start-Stop system on and off
●
Press the button  situated in the centre console ⇒ Fig. 104.
● The button will light up when the Start-Stop system is switched off.
The engine will start immediately if the vehicle is in Stop mode when the
system is switched off by hand.
WARNING
The brake servo and the electromechanical steering do not work when
the engine is switched off.
● The vehicle must never be allowed to move with the engine switched
off.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system before working in the engine com-
partment.
CAUTION
The vehicle's battery could be damaged if the vehicle is used for long peri-
ods at very high outside temperatures.
Note
In some cases, it may be necessary to start the engine by hand using the
key. Refer to the corresponding control lamp on the instrument panel. 
Hill driving assistant*
This function is only included in vehicles with ESC. The hill driving assistant helps the driver to move off and upwards on a hill
when the vehicle is stationary. 

173
At the filling station
lights upGauge position
⇒ Fig. 108Possible cause ⇒ Solution
 a)Red mark (ar-
row)The fuel tank is almost
empty.
The reserve tank is being
used ⇒ page 288.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. 108.
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 288.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 should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
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 control lamps and to the corresponding
descriptions 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. 108
indicates the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located. 
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216Vehicle care and maintenance
The minimum tread depth required by law in the majority of cases is
1.6 mm, measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indicators.
Observe legal requirements in each country.
The performance of winter tyres is much reduced when the tread has worn
to 4 mm (5/32 inch).
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of
tyre and the tread pattern.
Wear indicators on the tyre
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high ⇒ Fig. 125 tread wear
indicators running across the tread. A number of these indicators are equal-
ly spaced around the tyre tread. Certain marks on the tyre walls (for exam-
ple, the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the position of the wear in-
dicators.
Tread wear indicators indicate if a tyre is worn. Tyres must always be re-
placed before the tyre tread has worn to the level of the indicator.
WARNING
Driving with worn tyres is dangerous, and may lead to loss of control of
the vehicle with serious consequences.
● Tyres must be replaced before the wear indicators are at the same lev-
el as the tread pattern.
● Worn tyres have significantly reduced grip, especially on wet surfa-
ces, increasing the risk of “aquaplaning”.
● Worn tyres make control of the vehicle more difficult in normal or dif-
ficult driving conditions, increasing the braking distance and the risk of
skidding.
 Damaged tyres
Damage to wheels and tyres is often not immediately visible. If you notice
unusual
vibration or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate that one
of the tyres is damaged ⇒ 
.
● Slow down immediately if you think you have a damaged wheel.
● Check the wheels and tyres for damage.
● If tyres are worn, stop driving and seek qualified assistance.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
nearest specialised workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
● Do not remove foreign bodies if they have penetrated through the tyre
wall!
● You should obtain professional assistance immediately.
Wear of tyres
The wear of tyres depends on a number of factors, for example:
● Driving style.
● Unbalanced wheels.
● Running gear settings.
Driving style : driving round bends fast or sudden acceleration or braking
speed up the wear of tyres. When the driving style is normal, if the tyres
wear too quickly, have the running gear settings checked at a specialised
workshop.
Wheel run-out: The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, certain
circumstances may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is detected as vibra-
tions in the steering wheel. Run-out leads to wear of the steering and sus-
pension. In the event of run out, the wheels should be balanced again.
When a new wheel is fitted, it should be balanced again. 

278Practical 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 237
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 towline anchorage 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. 