149
Driving
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 77 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 and at
speeds below 5 km/h (3 mph). It is automatically switched off in position 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.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
155
Driving
● Engine at operating temperature
● Vehicle's battery sufficiently charged
● Vehicle not on a very steep slope
● Engine speed below 1200 rpm
● Vehicle's battery temperature is neither too high nor too low
● Sufficient brake system pressure
● Difference between outside temperature and set interior temperature
not too great
● Vehicle speed since last time the engine started was above 3 km/h (2
mph)
● Particulate filter ⇒ page 74 not being cleaned
● Front wheels not overly turned (steering wheel turned less than three
quarters of a turn)
Conditions for engine start up (Start phase)
● Clutch pedal pressed
● Max./min. temperature set
● Windscreen defrost function switched on
● High blower speed
● START-STOP button pressed
Conditions for automatic engine start up without driver involvement
● Vehicle moving at a speed of over 3 km/h (2 mph)
● Difference between outside temperature and interior temperature is too
great
● Vehicle's battery insufficiently charged
● Insufficient brake system pressure
If the driver seat belt is unfastened for more than 30 seconds in Stop phase,
the engine must be started using the ignition key. Please observe the mes-
sages on the general instrument panel display. Warnings on the instrument panel display (valid for vehicles not fitted with
an informative display)
FAULT: START-STOPFault in the START-STOP systemSTART-STOP IMPOSSIBLEEngine cannot be automatically shut
down
START-STOP ACTIVEAutomatic engine shut down (Stop
phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITIONSwitch the ignition offSTART MANUALLYStart the engine manually
WARNING
● If the engine is switched off, neither the brake servo or the power
steering will work.
● Do not move the vehicle when the engine is switched off.
CAUTION
Switch off the START-STOP system ⇒ page 162 before driving through a
pool of water on the road.
Note
● The battery temperature may reflect the changes in outside temperature
after several hours. If the vehicle has been stopped outside at temperatures
below zero or in direct sunlight, for example, the battery temperature may
take several hours to reach the values required for the correct operating of
the START-STOP system.
● If the Climatronic system is operating automatically, this could impair
automatic engine shut down in certain conditions.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
167
Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Towing bracket device Introduction
If the vehicle is equipped with a towing bracket device from the factory or
consisting of genuine SEAT accessories, it meets all the national technical
and legal requirements for towing.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle. If the towing bracket is equipped with a
7-pin connector, the corresponding available adaptor may be used as a
genuine SEAT accessory.
The towing device has a maximum vertical load of 50 kg.
WARNING
● Before driving with the ball-headed bar fitted, verify its correct as-
sembly and placement in the clamping bush.
● Do not use the ball-headed bar if it is not correctly placed and fixed in
the clamping bush.
● Do not use the towing device for towing if it is damaged or missing
parts.
● Do not modify or adapt the towing device for towing.
● Never disengage the ball-headed bar with the trailer still hitched.
CAUTION
Be careful not to damage the paint on the bumper when handling the ball-
headed bar. Description
Fig. 114 Towing bracket device support for hitching/ball-headed bar
The ball-headed bar is detachable. It is located in the spare wheel space or
in the spare wheel compartment in the luggage compartment ⇒ page 207,
Vehicle tool kit*.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 114
13-pin socket
Safety flange
Clamping bush
Clamping bush cap
Ball head cover
Ball-headed bar
Locking balls
Centred
Red marking on the manual regulator
Manual regulator
Key
Key slot cover
1
23456789101112
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
168Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Red marking on the manual regulator
White marking on the ball-headed bar
Note
Contact an Authorised Service Partner if you lose your key.
Placing in service position
Fig. 115 Placing in service position
Fig. 116 Service position 13
14Before assembling, place the ball-headed bar in service position.
–
Turn key A
fully in the direction of arrow 1 ⇒ Fig. 115.
– Hold the ball-headed bar with your left hand.
– Pull manual regulator B
outwards in the direction of arrow 2and turn it fully in the direction of arrow 3.
The manual regulator will remain in this position.
Service position ⇒ Fig. 116
● Key C
is in an open position – the key arrow points to the “unlocked”
symbol. The key cannot be removed from the key slot.
● The D
locking balls may be completely inserted into the body of the
ball-headed bar with some pressure.
● The red E
marking on the manual regulator points towards the white
marking on the ball-headed bar.
● Between the manual regulator and the body of the ball-headed bar there
is a clearly visible space of approx. 4 mm F
.
Once the ball-headed bar has been positioned like this, it will be ready to
be placed in the clamping bush.
WARNING
Do not use the ball-headed bar if it cannot be correctly placed in the serv-
ice position.
CAUTION
The key cannot be removed from the manual regulator key slot when it is in
the service position.
169
Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Assembling the ball-headed bar
Fig. 117 Placing the ball-headed bar/locking and removing the key
Fig. 118 Placing the key
slot cover
– Remove the cap from the clamp-type bulb holder 4
⇒ Fig. 114
by pulling downwards.
– Place the ball-headed bar in service position ⇒ page 168.
– Hold the ball-headed bar from underneath ⇒ Fig. 117 and place
it in the clamping bush as far as possible until you hear it click
into place ⇒
. The manual regulator
A
automatically turns in the opposite direc-
tion, adjusting to the ball-headed bar ⇒ .
– Switch off the manual regulator lock with key B
by turning the
key fully to the right in the direction of arrow 1 – the arrow in
the key represents the “locked” symbol.
– Remove the key in the direction of arrow 2
.
– Place cover C
over the manual regulator lock in the direction of
arrow 3 ⇒ Fig. 118.
– Verify the correct placement of the ball-headed bar
⇒ page 170.
WARNING
● Do not hold the manual regulator with your hand when fitting the
ball-headed bar since you could sustain injuries to your fingers.
● When mounting the ball-headed bar, always lock it with a key and re-
move the key from the slot.
● The ball-headed bar must not be in service position with the key in
the key slot.
● If the ball-headed bar is not placed in service position you will not be
able to place it in the clamping bush.
CAUTION
When removing the key, always place the cover over the key slot of the man-
ual regulator to prevent dirt from entering.
Note
Once removed, place the clamping bush cap in an appropriate location in
the luggage compartment.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
170Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Verification of correct placement
Fig. 119 Correct place-
ment of the ball-headed
bar
Before using the ball-headed bar, ensure it is correctly fitted.
Ensure that:
● The ball-headed bar does not come out of the clamping bush with a
strong “shake”.
● The red mark A
⇒ Fig. 119 on the manual regulator signals towards the
white mark on the ball-headed bar.
● The manual regulator is adjusted to the ball-headed bar, with no space
between them.
● The regulator is locked and the key has been removed.
● Cover B
has been placed over the manual regulator lock.
WARNING
Only use the towing bracket device when the ball-headed bar is properly
fitted!
Disassembly of the ball-headed bar
Fig. 120 Remove the key slot cover/unlock
Fig. 121 Unblock the
ball-headed bar
– Remove cover A
from over the regulator key slot in the direc-
tion of arrow 1 ⇒ Fig. 120.
– Insert key B
in the key slot.
– Open the manual regulator lock by turning key B
fully to the
left in the direction of arrow 2. The arrow on the key points to
the “unlocked” symbol.
171
Driving the vehicle with a trailer
– Hold the ball-headed bar from underneath ⇒ Fig. 121 and re-
move manual regulator C
with your other hand in the direction
of arrow 3.
– Turn the removed regulator fully in the direction of arrow 4
and
firmly hold it in this position.
– Remove the ball-headed bar from the clamping bush, pulling
downwards in the direction of arrow 5
.
The ball-headed bar should be placed in service position so that it
is ready to be inserted in the clamping bush ⇒
.
– Place the cover over the clamping bush 4
⇒ Fig. 114.
WARNING
● Never leave the ball-headed bar unsecured in the luggage compart-
ment. It could be damaged in the event of sudden braking, putting the
safety of passengers at risk!
● Never disassemble the ball-headed bar with the trailer still hitched.
CAUTION
● If you do not turn the manual regulator fully, it will return to its original
position when the ball-headed bar is removed. The manual regulator will be
stuck to the ball-headed bar and you will not be able to put it in the service
position. Therefore, before you assemble it again, you must place the ball-
headed bar in this position.
● When disassembling, place the cap on the clamp-type bulb holder’s key
slot. You will thus prevent dirt from entering the key slot.
Note
● Before disassembling the ball-headed bar, we recommend placing the
cover on the ball head.
● Clean the ball-headed bar thoroughly before returning it to the on-board
toolbox.
Use and maintenance
Cover the clamping bush with the cap to prevent dirt from entering.
Before hooking on the trailer, check the ball head and, if necessary, lubri-
cate it with adequate lubricant.
Place the protective cover over the ball head when storing the bar. This way,
you will avoid getting the luggage compartment dirty.
If it gets dirty, clean and dry the clamping bush thoroughly with an appro-
priate product.
CAUTION
The top part of the clamping bush opening is lubricated. Be careful not to
remove this lubrication.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
179
Checking and refilling levels
Checking and refilling levels Fuel
Introduction
The correct type of fuel for your vehicle is indicated on a sticker on the in-
side of the fuel tank flap, along with the tyre size and pressure ⇒ Fig. 122
.
WARNING
Observe all relevant statutory regulations on transporting spare fuel can-
isters. For safety reasons, we do not recommend carrying a spare canister
in the vehicle. The canister could be damaged in an accident and fuel
may leak. Risk of fire!
CAUTION
● Never completely empty the tank! If there is an irregular fuel supply, mis-
firing can occur that can cause damage to many of the engine parts and the
exhaust system.
● If any fuel is spilt onto the paintwork of the vehicle, it should be re-
moved immediately. Risk of damage to paintwork! Refuelling
Fig. 122 Vehicle as seen from the rear right: Fuel tank flap/fuel tank flap with tank un-
screwed cap attached
Opening the tank cap
– Press the flap in the direction of the arrow 1
⇒ Fig. 122.
– Open the cover in the direction indicated by the arrow 2
.
– Hold onto the fuel tank cap with one hand and unlock it using
the ignition key, turning it anti-clockwise.
– Unscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise and place it on top of the
tank flap ⇒ Fig. 122 .
Closing the tank cap
– Screw the tank cap clockwise until it clicks into place.
– Hold onto the fuel tank cap with one hand and lock it using the
ignition key, turning it clockwise
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications