The essentials
Turning on/switching off the ignition, glow
plugs reheating
● Switch ignition on: Turn the key to the 2position.
●
Switch ignition off. Turn the key to the 1position.
●
Diesel vehicles : The glow plugs reheat
when the ignition i s
switched on
Starting the engine
● Manual gearbox: press the clutch pedal all
the way down and move the gearbox lever in-
to neutral.
● Automatic gearbox: Press the brake pedal
and move the selector lever to the P position
or into
N.
● Turn the key to the 3 position. The key au-
tomatically returns to the 2 position. Do not
press the accelerator.
Start-Stop System*
When you stop and release the clutch pedal,
the Start-Stop system* turns off the engine.
The ignition remains switched on.
››› in Ignition key positions on
page 123
››› page 123 Lights and visibility
Headlight switch Fig. 20
Turn the switch to the required position
››› Fig. 20 .
Sym-
bolIgnition switch-
ed offIgnition is switch-
ed on
Fog lights, dipped
beam and side
lights off.Light off or daytime
driving light on.
The “Coming home”
and “Leaving
home” guide lights
may be switched
on.Automatic control of
dipped beam and day-
time driving light.
Side light on.
Sym-
bolIgnition switch-
ed offIgnition is switch-
ed on
Dipped beam head-
light offDipped beam switch-
ed on.
Front fog lights:
mov
e the switch to the
first position, from positions , or .
Rear fog light: move the switch completely
from positions , or .
Switching off fog lights: Push the switch or
turn it to the
position.
››› in Switching lights on and off on
page 90
››› page 90 Turn signal and main beam lever
Fig. 21
14
The essentialsSym-
bolMeaning of control and warning lampsFurther in-formation
If flashing:
the Electronic Sta-
bility Control (ESC) is working
or the ASR is working
If it remains lit: ESC or ASR
faulty››› page
60
››› page
60
Brake fluid required or
serious fault in brake system›››
page
61
Handbrake on›››
page
126
Cruise speed activated
(Cruise control)›››
page
61
Tyre pressure›››
page
61
Selector lever lock (automatic
gearbox)›››
page
62
Fuel level / reserve›››
page
62
Doors open›››
page
62
Rear lid open›››
page
62
Airbag or belt tensioner sys-
tem fault or airbag disabled›››
page
42
Main beam switched on›››
page
62
Start-Stop system switched
off›››
page
142
Sym-
bolMeaning of control and warning lampsFurther in-formation
Electro-hydraulic steering›››
page
62
Fault in the emission control
system›››
page
63
Coolant level / coolant tem-
perature›››
page
63
Alternator fault›››
page
63
If it stays lit:
ASR switched off
››› page
60
››› page
60
Turn signals in operation›››
page
63
SAFEElectronic immobiliser
››› page
64
››› page
79
››› in Overview of the warning lamps
on page 57
››› page 57 Gear lever
Manual gearbox Fig. 28
The position of the gears is indicated on the
gearbox lever
››› Fig. 28 .
● Pr e
ss the clutch pedal and keep your foot
right down.
● Move the gearbox lever to the required po-
sition.
● Release the clutch.
Selecting reverse gear
● Press the clutch pedal and keep your foot
right down.
● With the gearbox lever in neutral, push it
upwards, move it to the left as far as it will go
and then forwards to select reverse ››› Fig. 28
R .
» 19
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
The essentials
● Release the clutch.
››› in Driving with a manual gearbox on
page 128
››› page 128 Automatic gearbox*
Fig. 29
Parking lock
Reverse gear
Neutral (idling)
Drive (forward)
Sport programme: drive (forward)
Tiptronic mode: pull the lever forwards
(
+
) to go up a gear or backwards ( –
) to
go do
wn a gear.
››› in Driving a car with an automatic
gearbox on page 131
››› page 129
››› page 192 P
R
N
D
S
+/–
20
Safety
risk of injury. The following list includes most
of the safety equipment in your SEAT:
● Three-point seat belts
● Belt tension limiter for the front and rear
side seats
● Belt tensioners for the front seats
● Front airbags
● Side airbags in the front seat backrests,
with chest and head protection
● “ISOFIX” anchor points for “ISOFIX” rear
child seat system
● Height-adjustable front head restraints
● Rear-centre head restraints with in-use po-
sition and non-use position
● Adjustable steering column
The safety equipment mentioned above
works together to provide you and your pas-
sengers with the best possible protection in
the event of an accident. However, these
safety systems can only be effective if you
and your passengers are sitting in a correct
position and use this equipment properly.
Safety is everyone's business! Proper sitting position for
occupants
Correct sitting position for driver Fig. 46
The proper distance between driver
and steering wheel Fig. 47
Correct head restraint position for the
driver. For your own safety and to reduce the risk of
injury in the event of an accident, we recom-mend the following adjustments for the driv-
er:
– Adjust the steering wheel so that there is a
distance of at least 25 cm between the
steering wheel and the centre of your chest
››› Fig. 46 .
– Mo v
e the driver seat forwards or backwards
so that you are able to press the accelera-
tor, brake and clutch pedals to the floor
with your knees still slightly angled ››› .
– Ensure that you can reach the highest point
of the steering wheel.
– Adjust the head restraint so that its upper
edge is at the same level as the top of your
head, or as close as possible to the same
level as the top of your head ››› Fig. 47 .
– Mo v
e the seat backrest to an upright posi-
tion so that your back rests completely
against it.
– Fasten your seat belt securely ››› page 34.
– Keep both feet in the footwell so that you
have the vehicle under control at all times.
Adjustment of the driver seat ››› page 100. WARNING
● An incorrect sitting position of the driver
can lead to severe injuries.
● Adjust the driver seat so that there is at
least 25 cm distance between the centre of 30
Safety
To fit the head restraint in position for use A , pull on the edges with both hands in the
direction of the arrow. To place it in rest posi-
tion B , lower the head restraint.
WARNING
● Whenever a passenger is seated on the rear
seats, the head restraint should be placed in
the position for use A .
● Do not swap the centre rear head restraint
with either of the outer seat rear head re-
straints. Risk of injury in case of an accident! Note
Note the instructions on the head restraints
adjustment. Pedal area
Pedals –
Ensure that you can always press the accel-
erator, brake and clutch pedals unimpaired
to the floor.
– Ensure that the pedals can return unim-
paired to their initial positions.
– Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas-
tened during the trip and do not obstruct
the pedals ››› . Only use floor mats which leave the pedals
clear and which are secured to prevent them
from slipping. You can obtain suitable floor
mats from a specialised dealership.
If a brake circuit fails, the brake pedal must
be pressed down thoroughly in order to stop
the vehicle.
Wearing suitable shoes
Always wear shoes which support your feet
properly and give you a good feeling for the
pedals.
WARNING
● If the pedals are obstructed, an accident
may occur. Risk of serious injuries.
● Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor cov-
erings over the original floor mats. This
would reduce the pedal area and could ob-
struct the pedals. Risk of accident.
● Never place objects in the driver footwell.
An object could move into the pedal area and
impair pedal operation. In the event of a sud-
den driving or braking manoeuvre, you will
not be able to operate the brake, clutch or ac-
celerator pedal. Risk of accident! Seat belts
The reasons why we should
wear seat belts Number of seats Your vehicle has
five seats, two in the front
and thr ee in the r
ear. Each seat is equipped
with a three-point seat belt.
In some versions, your vehicle is approved
only for four seats. Two front seats and two
r e
ar seats. WARNING
● Never transport more than the permitted
amount of people in your vehicle.
● Every vehicle occupant must properly fas-
ten and wear the seat belt belonging to his or
her seat. Children must be protected with an
appropriate child restraint system. 34
Operation
Priority 2 warning messages will not be
shown until all Priority 1 warning messages
have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning reports
(yellow):*
● Fuel warning light with the information text
PLEASE REFUEL .
Information messages displayed on
the screen*Messages a)Description
SERVICEThe service interval has ended. Take
the vehicle to a Technical Service.
IMMOBILISERImmobiliser system active. The vehicle
will not start. Take the vehicle to a
Technical Service.
ERRORInstrument panel faulty. Take the vehi-
cle to a Technical Service.
CLEAN AIR FIL-
TERWarning: Clean the air filter.
NO KEYWarning: Correct key cannot be found
in the vehicle.
KEY BATTERYWarning: Key battery low. Change the
battery.
CLUTCHWarning: Press the clutch to start. In
vehicles with manual gearbox and
Start-Stop system.
Messages a)Description
--> P/NWarning: Place the selector level in
position P/N to start. Only in vehicles
with automatic gearbox.
--> PWarning: Place the selector lever in
position P to stop the engine.
STARTINGWarning: The engine starts automati-
cally. Start-Stop system activated.
START MAN-
UALLYWarning: The engine must be started
manually. Start-Stop system activated.
ERROR START- STOPWarning: Start-Stop system error.
START-STOP
IMPOSSIBLEWarning: Although the Start-Stop sys-
tem is switched on, the engine cannot
be stopped automatically. Not all the
necessary conditions are met.
START-STOP ACTIVEWarning: Start-Stop system activated.
Vehicle in Stop mode.
SWITCH OFFWarning: Start-Stop system activated.
Switch off the ignition when you leave
the vehicle.
STOP TRANS-
MISSION TOO HOTWarning: Stop the engine. Gearbox
overheated.
BRAKEWarning: To start the engine, press the
brake pedal. Only in vehicles with au-
tomatic gearbox.
COASTINGFUNCTIONWarning: “Coasting” mode active.
Transmission engaged. Only in vehi-
cles with automatic gearbox.
Messages a)Description
CHECK SAFE-
LOCKNotification of central locking function
activated.
a)These messages may vary according the version of the vehi-
cle model.
Engine management* This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
agement system for petrol engines.
The warning lamp (Electronic Power Con-
trol) lights up when the ignition is switched
on while system operation is being verified. It
should go out once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine
management system while you are driving,
this warning lamp will light up. Stop the vehi-
cle and seek technical assistance.
Glow plug system/Engine fault* The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glow plugs are preheating the diesel engine.
The control lamp
lights up
If the control lamp lights up when the en-
gine is started it means that the glow plugs
are preheating. When the warning lamp goes
off, the engine should be started straight
away.
58
Operation
●
Unsupervised use of the key could start the
engine or any electrical system, such as the
electric windows. This could result in serious
injury. CAUTION
The starter motor will only work when the en-
gine is stopped (ignition key position 3 ).
Electronic immobiliser
The electronic immobiliser prevents unau-
thorised persons from driving the vehicle.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates
the electronic immobiliser automatically
when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The electronic immobiliser will be activated
again automatically as soon as you pull the
key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured
if genuine SEAT keys are used. Starting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral posi-
tion and depress the clutch pedal thor-
oughly and hold it in this position for the
starter to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting posi-
tion ››› page 123.
– Let
go of the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine starts; the starter motor must not run
on with the engine.
After starting a very hot engine, you may
need to slightly press down the accelerator.
When starting a cold engine, it may be a little
noisy for the first few seconds until oil pres-
sure has built up in the hydraulic valve com-
pensators. This is quite normal, and no cause
for concern.
If the engine does not start immediately,
switch the starter off after 10 seconds and try
again after half a minute. If the engine still
does not start, the fuel pump fuse should be
checked ›››
page 195, Fuses. WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventila-
ted or closed rooms. The exhaust gases con-
tain carbon monoxide, an odourless and col-
ourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal acci- dents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness and result in death.
●
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the
engine is running.
● Never use “cold start sprays”, they could
explode or cause the engine to run at high
revs. Risk of injury. CAUTION
● When the engine is cold, you should avoid
high engine speeds, driving at full throttle
and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine
damage.
● The vehicle should not be pushed or towed
more than 50 metres to start the engine. Un-
burnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter
and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a ve-
hicle in order to start it, you should first try to
start it using the battery of another vehicle.
Please observe and follow the notes on the
››› page 188, Jump-starting
. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
engine with the vehicle stationary. Start off
immediately, driving gently. This helps the
engine reach operating temperature faster
and reduces emissions. 124
Driving
Starting diesel engines The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral posi-
tion and depress the clutch pedal thor-
oughly and hold it in this position for the
starter to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to position ››› Fig. 131
2 . The warning lamp
will light for en-
gine pr e-he
ating.
– When the lamp turns off, turn the ignition
key to position 3 to start the engine. Do
not press the accelerator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine starts. The starter motor should not
turn at the same time.
When starting a cold engine, it may be a little
noisy for the first few seconds until oil pres-
sure has built up in the hydraulic valve com-
pensators. This is quite normal, and no cause
for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see
the ›››
page 188 .
Glo w p
lug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the bat-
tery, do not use any other major electrical
equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heat-
ing. Start the engine as soon as the glow plug
warning lamp goes out.
Starting a diesel engine after the fuel tank
has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry,
it may take longer than normal (up to one mi-
nute) to start a diesel engine after refuelling.
This is because the fuel system must elimi-
nate air first.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Starting
petrol engines on page 124. CAUTION
● When the engine is cold, you should avoid
high engine speeds, driving at full throttle
and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine
damage.
● The vehicle should not be pushed or towed
more than 50 metres to start the engine. Un-
burnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter
and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a ve-
hicle in order to start it, you should first try to
start it using the battery of another vehicle.
Please observe and follow the notes on the
››› page 188, Jump-starting. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
engine with the vehicle stationary. You
should drive off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This helps the engine reach operating
temperature faster and reduces emissions. Switching off the engine
–
Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position ›››
Fig. 131
1 .
After switching the engine off, the radiator
fan may run on for up to 10 minutes. The fan
may also turn on again if coolant temperature
increases from accumulated heat in the en-
gine compartment or due to its prolonged ex-
posure to solar radiation. WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is completely stationary.
● The brake servo works only when the en-
gine is running. With the engine switched off,
more strength is needed to brake. As normal
brake operation cannot be performed, risk of
accidents and serious injury may exist.
● The steering lock can be immediately
blocked once the key is removed from the ig-
nition. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of
accident. » 125
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials