Cockpit
Operation
Cockpit Overview Legend for the Fig. 23
:
Int
erior door release lever . . . . . . . . .49
Turn switch for adjusting the exteri-
or mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
– Exterior mirror adjustment
– Heated exterior mirrors
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Lever for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
– Turn signals and main beam
headlights
– Cruise control system (CCS) –
– – /+ – /- . . . . . . .107
Steering wheel with horn and
– Driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36, 39
Windscreen wiper/ windscreen
wash lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
– Windscreen wipers
– Rear window wiper
1 2
3
4
5
6
7 –
Lever with buttons for controlling
the SEAT information system - ,
/
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
C ontr
ols for:
– Start-Stop system button . . .115
– Rear window heating button . .80
– Left seat heating controls . . . . . 64
Switches for: – Heating and ventilation system .80
– Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
SEAT Portable System (supplied by
SEAT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Radio (factory fitted) ››› Booklet Ra-
dio
Controls for:
– Hazard warning lights switch . 170
– Passenger front airbag off warn-
ing lamp . .17
– Right seat heating controls
or rear window heating button
(alternative position) . . . . . . . . . . .64, 80
Storage compartment with drink
holder in the centre console . . . . . . .71
Handle of the storage compartment
or storage compartment open 1)
. . . 67
8 9
10
11
12
13
14 In the side of the dash panel: Key
switch for switching off the front
passenger airbag
1)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Position of passenger front airbag
on the dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Ashtray* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
12 volt socket or cigarette lighter* .72, 72
Lever for:
– Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
– Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Button for:
– City Safety Assist function . 110
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Steering column adjustment lever .6
Open bonnet lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Headlamp range adjustment . . . 55
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Central lock button . . . . . . . . . .45
Button for operating the electric
windows of the driver door . . . . .52
15 16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1)
According to version
35
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Cockpit
Display messages A variety of information can be viewed on the
instrument panel display
››› Fig. 24 and
› ›
› Fig. 25 2 , depending on the vehicle
equipment:
● Warning and information messages.
● Odometer.
● Time.
● Outside temperature.
● Selector lever positions ››› page 93.
● Recommended gear (manual gearbox)
››› page 93 .
● Mu
ltifunction display (MFI) ›››
page 40
● Service interval display ›››
page 38 .
● Start-Stop system status display
››› page 115.
● Fuel
gauge ›››
page 139.
● Seat
belt status display for rear seats
››› page 11.
Warnin
g and information messages
The system runs a check on certain compo-
nents and functions when the ignition is
switched on and while the vehicle is moving.
Faults in the operation are displayed on the
screen using red and yellow symbols on the
instrument panel display ( ›››
page 39) and,
in some cases, with audible warnings. The display may vary according to the type of in-
strument panel fitted.
Type of
mes-
sageSymbol
colourDescription
Priority 1
warning.Red
Symbol flashing or lit; partly
combined with audible warn-
ings.
Stop the vehicle! It is dan-
gerous ››› !
Check the function that is faul-
ty and repair it. If necessary, re-
quest assistance from special-
ised personnel.
Priority 2
warning.Yellow
Symbol flashing or lit; partly
combined with audible warn-
ings.
A faulty function, or fluids
which are below the correct
levels may cause damage to
the vehicle! ›››
Check the faulty function as
soon as possible. If necessary,
request assistance from speci-
alised personnel. Odometer
The
odometer
registers the total distance
tr
avelled by the car.
The
odometer ( trip
) shows the distance trav-
elled since the last odometer reset. The last
figure indicates 100 m. Outside temperature indicator
When the outside temperature is below +4 °C
(+39 °F), the symbol “ice crystal” (warning of
risk of freezing) is also displayed next to the
temperature. At first this symbol flashes and
then it remains lit until the outside tempera-
ture rises above +6 °C (+43 °F)
››› .
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at
very low speeds, the temperature displayed
may be slightly higher than the actual out-
side temperature as a result of heat coming
from the engine.
The temperatures measured range from
-40 °C to +50 °C (-40 °F to +122 °F).
Selector lever positions
The range of engaged gears of the selector
lever is shown on the side of the lever, and
on the instrument panel display. In positions
D and
M
, and with the Tiptronic, the corre-
sponding gear is also indicated on the dis-
play.
Recommended gear* (manual gearbox)
The recommended gear to save fuel can be
displayed on the instrument panel display
while you are driving ››› page 93.
Seat belt status display for rear seats*
The seat belt status display on the instru-
ment panel display informs the driver, when
the ignition is switched on, whether any »
37
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Driving
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key which is not authorised for this vehi-
cle is inserted in the ignition lock, it can be
removed as follows:
● Automatic gearbox : the key cannot be re-
moved from the ignition lock. Press and re-
lease the selector lever locking button. Key
can be removed from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox : Remove the key from the
ignition. WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key
could result in serious injury.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever
you leave the vehicle. If not, the engine could
accidentally be started and electrical equip-
ment such as the windows could accidentally
be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the car. Passengers could be trapped
in the car in an emergency and not be able to
get themselves to safety. For example, de-
pending on the time of the year, tempera-
tures inside a locked and closed vehicle can
be extremely high or extremely low resulting
in serious injuries and illness or even death,
particularly for young children.
● 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. Note
● If the key is left in the ignition lock with the
engine off for long periods, the vehicle bat-
tery will run flat.
● For automatic gearbox vehicles the key can
only be removed from the ignition lock if the
gear selector lever is in position P. In this
case, press and release the selector lever
locking button. Starting the engineComplete operations only in the sequence giv-
en.
1.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until
step 5 has been completed.
1 a.In vehicles with a manual gearbox: Press the
clutch pedal all the way and keep pressed un- til the engine starts.
2.Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the selector lever in position N.
3.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position
››› Fig. 79 2; do not press the accelerator.
4.When the engine has started, release the key
in the ignition lock.
5.If the engine does not start, stop the processand try again after one minute.
6.Release the handbrake when you want to be- gin driving ››› page 89. WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the en-
gine is running. The vehicle could move off
suddenly, especially if it is in gear, resulting
in an accident and serious injury. WARNING
Cold start sprays could explode or cause a
sudden increase in the engine speed.
● Never use start boosters. CAUTION
● An attempt to start the engine while driving
or starting the engine immediately after turn-
ing it off can cause damage to the engine or
starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs
and heavy acceleration and do not make the
engine work hard.
● Do not push or tow start the engine. Un-
burnt fuel could damage the catalytic con-
verter. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start
driving immediately if the visibility is OK.
This helps the engine reach operating tem-
perature faster and reduces emissions. » 87
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Operation
Note
● Electrical devices with a high power con-
sumption are switched off temporarily when
the engine starts.
● When the engine is started cold, there may
be strong vibrations for a few moments for
technical reasons. This is quite normal, and
no cause for concern.
● Natural gas engines always start up with
petrol, as a certain operating temperature is
required for running with gas. Once the re-
quired operating temperature is reached, the
engine will change to operate with natural
gas. Stopping the engineComplete operations only in the sequence giv-
en.
1.Stopping the vehicle completely
››› .
2.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until
step 4 has been completed.
3.In automatic gearboxes, put the selector lever in position D or R.
4.Apply the handbrake firmly ››› page 89.
5.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position
››› Fig. 79 0.
6.With a manual gearbox, put the vehicle in first
or reverse gear. WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle
is moving. You may lose control of the vehicle
and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not
work when the ignition is switched off.
● The brake servo does not work with the en-
gine off. To stop, the brake pedal must be
pressed with more force.
● As the power steering does not work if the
engine is not running, you will need more
strength to steer than normally.
● If the key is removed from the ignition, the
steering may lock and it will not be possible
to steer the vehicle. CAUTION
If the engine has been driven at high speed
for a prolonged period of time, it may over-
heat when turned off. To avoid engine dam-
age, allow the engine to run for approximate-
ly 2 minutes in neutral before switching it off. Note
After stopping the engine, the engine com-
partment fan may continue running for a few
minutes, even when the ignition has been
switched off or the key removed. The radiator
fan is automatically switched off. Electronic immobiliser
The gear lock prevents the engine from being
started with an unauthorised key and the ve-
hicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a built-in chip. It auto-
matically deactivates the electronic immobil-
iser when the key is inserted into the ignition
lock.
The electronic immobilizer will be activated
again automatically as soon as you remove
the key from the ignition lock.
For this reason, the vehicle can only be used
with a genuine SEAT key with the correct
code. Coded keys can be obtained from SEAT
dealerships
›››
page 43 .
If an u
nauthorised key is used, the signal
appears on the instrument panel display. The
vehicle cannot be started in this case Note
The correct operation of the vehicle is only
guaranteed when original SEAT keys are
used. 88
Driving
●
Never use the handbrake to brake the vehi-
cle except in an emergency. The braking dis-
tance is considerably longer, because braking
is only applied to the rear wheels. Always use
the foot brake.
● Never drive with the handbrake gently ap-
plied. This can overheat the brake, affecting
the brakes system. This also causes prema-
ture wear on the rear brake pads.
● Never accelerate from the engine compart-
ment with the engine running and a gear en-
gaged. The vehicle could move, even if the
handbrake is applied. Note
If the vehicle moves at a speed superior to
6 km/h (4 mph) with the handbrake applied,
an audible warning is sounded. Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal require-
ments should be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence
given.
● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ››› .
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the ve-
hicle comes to a standstill.
● Apply the handbrake firmly ››› page 90. ●
For an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever to position P
.
● Sw
itch off the engine and release the brake
pedal.
● Remove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slight-
ly to lock the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage 1st gear on
flat ground and slopes, or even reverse gear
on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehi-
cle, especially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with
you.
● Lock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and
hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the
steering wheel so that if the vehicle should
move, it will be held by the kerb.
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that
they are against the edge of the kerb.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre
of the road. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
very high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage. ●
Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhaust system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood,
leaves,dried grass, or spilled fuel). CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking
in areas with high kerbs or fixed barriers. Ob-
jects protruding from the ground may dam-
age the bumper or other parts of the vehicle
during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touch the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving
through entrances, over ramps, kerbs or oth-
er objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers,
mudguards and running gear, and the engine
and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km, the new brake
pads
have not yet reached their maximum
br ak
ing capacity, and need to be “run in”
first ››› . The slightly reduced braking effect
can be compensated for by increasing pres-
sure on the brake pedal. While running in,
the f u
ll braking distance or emergency brak-
ing distance is larger then when the brake
pads have been run in. While running in,
avoid full power braking or situations requir-
ing braking performance. For example, in
heavy traffic. »
91
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Driving
weather, and road and traffic conditions
permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may signifi-
cantly increase the braking distance and re-
sult in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards
when the engine is switched off.
● If the brake servo does not operate or the
vehicle must be towed, then the brake pedal
will have to be pressed with more force given
that the braking distance will be increased
when the brake servo does not operate. CAUTION
● Never make the brakes “slip” by pressing
the pedal gently, if it is not really necessary
to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake
pedal will heat the brakes. This could signifi-
cantly reduce braking power, increase brak-
ing distance or even result in the total failure
of the brake system.
● Reduce speed or change down a gear when
faced with steep and long slopes. This allows
you to use the engine braking effect and to
reduce the strain on the brake system. Other-
wise, the brakes may overheat and fail. Only
use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop. Note
Make use, when having the front brake pads
checked, and have the rear pads checked al-
so. The thickness of the brake pads should be
checked visually and regularly, by looking
through the openings in the wheel rims or
from underneath the vehicle. If necessary, re-
move the wheels to check them thoroughly.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service. Changing gear
Introduction When reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is switched on the following takes
place:
● Reverse lights light up.
● The rear wiper blade performs one move-
ment when the windscreen wiper is activa-
ted.
● If necessary, connect the parking distance
warning system. WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction
and skidding, especially on slippery ground.
This could cause loss of control of the vehicle
resulting in an accident and considerable
damage. ●
Use rapid acceleration only when visibility,
weather, road conditions and traffic permit. WARNING
Do not allow the brakes to “rub” for a pro-
longed period of time, or brake frequently or
for long periods of time. Continuous braking
heats up the brakes. This could significantly
reduce braking power, increase braking dis-
tance or even result in the total failure of the
brake system. Warning and control lamps
(red)It lights up
Fault in the auto-
matic gearbox.
Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice. Failure to
do so could result in considerable
damage to the transmission
››› page 97.
(yellow)It lights up
In the automatic
gearbox the
gears can en-
gage incorrectly.Switch the ignition on and off.
When the control lamp does not
light up, find the nearest special-
ised workshop and have the auto-
matic gearbox checked.
»
93
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Operation
(yellow)It lights up
The automatic
gearbox over-
heats temporari-
ly.Let the transmission cool with the
gearbox lever in the position .
When the control lamp does not
light up, find the nearest special-
ised workshop and have the auto-
matic gearbox checked.
It lights up
Place the automatic
gearbox lever in the
position
and do not
press the brake pedal.
Press the brake pedal to select
a gear range.
Together with the yel-
low control lamp for
the temperature of the
transmission
: the
automatic gearbox
overheats.
Press brake pedal and let the
transmission cool. Avoid
pressing the accelerator. When
the control lamp does not light
up, find the nearest special-
ised workshop and have the
automatic gearbox checked.
Together with the turn
signal display in the
instrument panel dis-
play: the automatic
gearbox lever is not in
the position
, indica-
tion to start the en-
gine.
Move the gearbox lever to the
position and start the en-
gine.
Flashes
An automatic gearbox
in the vehicle does
not guarantee that the
vehicle will not roll
away.Apply the handbrake.
Flashes
In the instrument pan-
el display, in addition
to the control lamp re-
questing the brake
pedal to be pressed
: indicated for start-
ing the engine.
Move the gearbox lever to the
position and start the en-
gine.
On the instrument
panel display: Whilst
driving in a forward di-
rection, try to move
the automatic gearbox
lever to the position
.
Stop the vehicle and move the
gearbox lever to the position in order to subsequently
change to the position .
On the instrument
panel display: The au-
tomatic gearbox lever
was placed in the po-
sition
or , but the
brake pedal was not
pressed.
Press the brake pedal, move
the gearbox lever to the posi-
tion
, and subsequently to
the required position or . When switching on the ignition some warn-
ing and control lamps light up for a short
time to check the operations. They will switch
off after a few seconds.Manual gearbox: engaging gears
Fig. 81
Gear shift pattern of a 5-speed man-
ual gearbox The position of each of the gears is shown on
the gear stick
››› Fig. 81 .
● Keep the c
lutch pedal pushed all the way
down.
● Move the gearbox lever to the required po-
sition ››› .
● Release the clutch pedal to engage clutch.
In some countries, it is necessary to press the
clutch pedal to the floor to start the engine.
Selecting reverse gear
● Engage reverse gear only when the vehicle
is stopped.
● Keep the clutch pedal pushed all the way
down ››› .
94
Driving
● Place the gearbox lever into neutral and
push the lever downwards.
● Slide the gearbox lever to the right, and
then backward as shown on the lever.
● Release the clutch pedal to engage clutch.
Shifting down a gear
Shifting down a gear while driving must be
carried out gear by gear, i.e. to the gear im-
mediately preceding the current gear and at
an engine speed that is not excessive ››› .
At high speeds, or high engine speeds, skip-
ping one or various gears when shifting
down a gear can cause damage to the clutch
and the gearbox, even if the clutch is not en-
gaged during the process ››› .
WARNING
When the engine is running, the vehicle will
start to move as soon as a gear is engaged
and the clutch released.
● Never engage the reverse gear when a vehi-
cle is moving forward. WARNING
As a consequence of shifting down a gear in-
correctly, you may lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident with serious conse-
quences. CAUTION
If, at high speeds or high engine speeds, the
gear lever is shifted down to a gear that is too
low, serious damage can be caused to the
clutch and gearbox. This may also happen if
you press the clutch pedal and it does not en-
gage. CAUTION
To prevent damage and avoid premature
wear, please observe the following:
● While driving, do not leave your hand rest-
ing on the gear stick. The pressure applied by
your hand is transmitted to the gearbox se-
lector forks.
● Always ensure that the vehicle is complete-
ly stopped before engaging the reverse gear.
● When changing gear, always make sure the
clutch pedal is pushed right to the floor.
● Never hold the vehicle “on the clutch” on
hills with the engine on. Automatic gearbox: engaging a gear
Fig. 82
Automatic gearbox diagram of gears To move the gear selector lever from the posi-
tion
N
to D or to R, first press and hold the
brake pedal.
In the instrument panel display, with the igni-
tion switched on, the selected gear range or
the gear engaged in the gearbox is shown.
Posi-
tionsDenomi- nationMeaning ›››
Reverse
gearReverse gear is selected. En-
gage only when the vehicle is
stopped.
Neutral
The gear box is in neutral. No
movement is transmitted to
the wheels and the engine
does not act as a brake.
»
95
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety