Operation
Driving Starting and stopping the
engine Introduction WARNING
● Never adjust the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving!
● For safety reasons, the steering wheel ad-
justment lever must always be pushed se-
curely against the steering column to prevent
the steering wheel from accidentally chang-
ing position while driving. Risk of accident!
● If the steering wheel is adjusted closer to
your face, the protective effect of the driver
airbag will be decreased in the event of an ac-
cident. Check that the steering wheel is
pointing towards the upper part of your body.
● When driving, always hold the steering
wheel with both hands on the outside part at
the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never
hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock po-
sition, or in any other manner (e.g. in the cen-
tre of the steering wheel). In such cases, if
the airbag is triggered, you may sustain inju-
ries to the arms, hands and head.
● When moving with the engine switched off,
the ignition key must always remain in posi-
tion 2
››› Fig. 89 ››› page 97 (ignition on).
The contr
ol lamps will light up in this posi- tion. Otherwise, the steering lock could en-
gage suddenly. Risk of accident!
●
Do not remove the key from the ignition un-
til the vehicle has come to a standstill and is
secure (e.g. the handbrake is engaged). Oth-
erwise, the steering lock could suddenly en-
gage. Risk of accident!
● Always take the ignition key with you when
you leave the vehicle. This is particularly im-
portant if you leave children in the vehicle.
Children could, for example, start the engine
with the subsequent risk of accident.
● Never leave the engine running in unventi-
lated or closed rooms. The exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and
colourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal acci-
dents! Carbon monoxide can cause people to
lose consciousness and can cause death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the
engine is running.
● Never switch the engine off until the vehi-
cle has come to a complete stop. Risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
● Turning the steering wheel fully in either
direction when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine is in gear puts the power steering
under great stress. This could lead to noise.
Never leave the steering wheel turned fully in
either direction for more than 15 seconds.
Risk of damage to the power steering system! ●
The starter motor may only be used (key
position 3
››› Fig. 89 ››› p
age 97 in the igni-
tion) if the engine is off. Using the starter mo-
tor when the engine is running could damage
it.
● Immediately release the ignition key when
the engine starts, otherwise damage could be
caused to the starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, you should avoid
high engine speeds, driving at full throttle
and over-loading the engine before it reaches
operating temperature. Risk of engine dam-
age!
● Do not tow-start the engine. Risk of engine
damage! In vehicles with a catalytic convert-
er, fuel that has not been burned could reach
the catalytic converter and catch fire in it.
This would lead to a fault in the catalytic con-
verter. You may use the battery from another
vehicle to help you start your engine
››› page 157, Jump-starting.
● After prolonged and demanding operation
of the engine, when the journey has ended,
do not stop the engine immediately. Let the
engine run at idle for about one more minute.
This will stop the engine from overheating. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary. If possible, move off immediate-
ly after starting the engine. This will help the
engine reach operating temperature more
quickly, reducing the quantity of emissions. 96
Driving
Note
● The engine can only be started with the
original SEAT key.
● Loud running noises may be heard briefly
after cold-starting the engine. This is normal
and is no cause for concern.
● After the engine has been stopped and the
ignition switched off, the radiator fan may
continue running for around 10 minutes.
● If the engine still does not start after a sec-
ond attempt, the fuel pump fuse might have
blown. Check it and replace if necessary
››› page 163 or contact your Specialised
Ser v
ice.
● You should always engage the steering lock
when you exit the vehicle. This will hinder
any attempts at theft. Power steering
The power steering allows you to turn the
steering wheel more easily.
If the power steering fails or the engine is off
(towing), it is still possible to turn the vehi-
cle's steering wheel fully. However, you need
more strength to steer the vehicle. Start-up lock security system
(immobiliser) There is an electronic chip in the key. The
electronic immobiliser is deactivated when
the key is inserted into the ignition. The elec-
tronic immobiliser is automatically activated
when the key is removed from the ignition.
The engine will not start if an unauthorised
key is used.
The informative display indicates:
Immobiliser active!
Ignition lock Fig. 89
Ignition key positions. Petrol engines
1 – Ignition switched off, engine stopped,
steering can be locked
2 – Ignition switched on3 – Starting
Diesel engines 1 – Fuel supply stopped, ignition switched
off, engine stopped, steering can be locked
2 – Engine pre-heating, ignition switched
on
3 – Starting
To engage the Steering lock without the key
in the ignition, t urn the s
teering wheel slight-
ly until you hear it engage.
If the steering lock is engaged and it is diffi-
cult or impossible to turn the key to position 2 , release the lock by turning the steering
wheel slightly in both directions.
Starting the engine Vehicles with a
diesel engine are equipped
with a glow plug system. When you switch on
the ignition, the glow plug warning lamp
will light up. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.
Do not connect electrical appliances during
preheating so as not the drain the vehicle
battery unnecessarily. »
97
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Driving
For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine
speeds; changing to a higher gear sooner
contributes to saving fuel, reduces operating
noise and protects the environment. Environmental friendliness
Environmental protection is a top priority in
the design, choice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage
recycling
● Joints and connections designed for easy
dismantling
● Modular construction to facilitate disman-
tling
● 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, includ-
ing odour, in plastic materials.
● Use of CFC-free coolants.
Ban on heavy metals, with the exceptions
dictated by law (Annex II of ELV Directive
2000/53/EC): cadmium, lead, mercury, hexa-
v al
ent chromium.
Manufacturing methods
● Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the
protective wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during ve-
hicle transport.
● Use of solvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-
tems.
● Recycling and energy recovery from resi-
dues (RDF).
● Improvement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual
heat (thermal recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints.
Catalytic converter An exhaust gas emission control system (cat-
alytic converter) that functions perfectly is vi-
tally important for vehicle operation that re-
spects the environment.Please observe the following indications:
● Refuel only using unleaded petrol in petrol
engine vehicles ››› page 130, Unleaded pet-
rol .
● Do not a
dd too much oil to the engine
››› page 136, Checking the engine oil level .
● Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
If you are required to drive in a country where
unleaded fuel is not available, when return-
ing to a country where using a catalytic con-
verter is obligatory, the catalytic converter
must be replaced. WARNING
● Due to the high temperatures that the cata-
lytic converter can reach, the vehicle must be
stopped so that the catalytic converter does
not come into contact with easily flammable
material underneath the vehicle. Risk of fire!
● Never use substances for additional under-
body protection or anti-corrosives for the ex-
haust pipes, the catalytic converter or the
heat-resistant screens. Risk of fire! CAUTION
● Never completely empty the tank! An irreg-
ular fuel supply can cause ignition faults,
which can result in damage to a substantial
amount of engine parts and the exhaust sys-
tem. » 105
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Driving
The tyre pressures should always be checked
when the tyres are cold.
Do not u
se winter tyres all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Given that every kilo of extra weight
will in-
crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake
of convenience, even when it is no longer
needed. At a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph)
and 120 km/h (75 mph) your vehicle will use
about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra
wind resistance caused by the roof rack even
when it is not in use.
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which
produces electricity. With the need for elec-
tricity, fuel consumption also increases. Be-
cause of this, always turn off electrical devi-
ces when you do not need them. Examples of
devices that use a lot of electricity are: the
fan at high speeds, the rear window heating
and the seat heaters*. Note
● If you vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not rec-
ommended t o sw
itch this function off. ●
It is recommended to close the windows
when driving at more than 60 km/h (40 mph)
● Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal, as the pressure can make the
p l
ate spin, more fuel will be used and it can
burn the clutch plate lining, causing a serious
fault.
● Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the
clutch, use the foot brake or hand brake, us-
ing the latter to start. The fuel consumption
will be lower and you will prevent the clutch
plate from being damaged.
● On descents, use the engine brake, chang-
ing to the gear that is more suitable for the
slope. Fuel consumption will be “zero” and
the brakes will not suffer. Wading and driving off-road
Driving through water Fig. 94
Driving through water. To prevent the vehicle from being damaged
when driving through water (i.e. flooded
roads), please observe the following:
● Determine the depth of the water before
entering. Water can reach a maximum height
of below the door sill ››› Fig. 94 .
● Driv e at
a maximum pace of walking speed.
Driving at a higher speed can cause a wave
in front of the vehicle, which can cause water
to enter the engine air intake system or other
parts of the vehicle.
● Never stop in the water, never reverse and
never stop the engine.
● Before driving through water deactivate the
Start-Stop system ››› page 112. WARNING
● Driving through water, dirt and mud can re-
duce braking capability and prolong the brak-
ing distance – Risk of accident!
● Do not carry out any sudden or strong brak-
ing manoeuvres after driving through water.
● Clean and dry the brakes as soon as possi-
ble after driving through water by breaking
intermittently. Carry out braking in order to
dry the brakes and clean the brake discs only
if traffic so permits. Do not put other drivers
at risk. » 107Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Towing bracket device
altitude, this also reduces climbing ability,
which requires a reduction of the weight of
the vehicle with a trailer by 10% for every
1000 m increase in altitude. The weight of
the assembly is calculated by adding the ve-
hicle weight (loaded) to the trailer weight
(loaded). Always drive with special care when
towing a trailer.
The towed load and support load information
that is displayed on the towing bracket man-
ufacturers label are only values for the verifi-
cation of the device. The correct figures for
your specific vehicle, which are usually lower
than these figures, are given in the documen-
tation of your vehicle. WARNING
● Exceeding the maximum established load
per axle and the maximum towing bracket
load in addition to the maximum permitted
load or the load of the vehicle + trailer as-
sembly can cause accidents and serious inju-
ries.
● A sliding load can considerably affect the
stability and safety of the vehicle + trailer as-
sembly, resulting in accidents and serious in-
juries. Towing a trailer
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the
road behind the trailer with the standard rear
vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you
should have additional exterior mirrors fitted.
Observe the relevant statutory requirements
of the country you are in.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, also check the
headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. Adjust the headlight range set-
tings if necessary
›››
page 62, Range control
of main lights .
Driving speed
For your own safety do not drive faster than
the maximum permitted speed indicated on
the trailer.
At all times, immediately reduce speed if you
detect the slightest swaying movement of the
trailer. Never try to “return the trailer to a
straight position” by accelerating.
Brakes
Brake in due course! If the trailer has an over-
run brake , apply the brakes gently at first and
then, firm ly
. This will prevent the jerking that
can be caused by locking of trailer wheels.
Change to a lower gear in good time before descending a slope in order to take advant-
age of the engine brake.
The trailer is incorporated into the vehicle's
anti-theft alarm system:
● When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-
theft alarm and a towing bracket.
● When the trailer is electrically connected to
the vehicle via the towing bracket socket.
● When the vehicle electrical device and the
towing bracket are operational.
● When the vehicle is locked and the vehi-
cle's anti-theft alarm device is activated.
Once the electrical connection is interrupted
with the vehicle trailer locked, the alarm
sounds.
Always switch off the vehicle anti-theft alarm
device before connecting or disconnecting a
trailer. The vehicle anti-theft alarm device
could cause the alarm to sound ››› page 57,
Anti-theft alarm system*.
Engine overheating
In the event that the coolant temperature
gauge needle moves to the right section of
the scale or to the red area, immediately re-
duce speed. If the control lamp flashes on
the general instrument panel, stop the vehi-
cle and switch off the engine. Wait several
minutes and check the coolant level in the
tank ››› page 138
.
»
115
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Care and maintenance
Underbody sealant The underside of the vehicle is coated to per-
manently protect it from chemical and me-
chanical agents.
Given that damage to the
protective coating
during driving cannot be completely ruled
out, we recommend you check the condition
of the protective coating on the underbody
and suspension at regular intervals, prefera-
bly before the start and end of the coldest
season of the year.
Authorised SEAT dealers have suitable spe-
cial products and the necessary facilities and
are aware of the techniques required for their
application. We therefore recommend all
touch-up work or additional anti-corrosion
measures be performed by an authorised
SEAT dealer. WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion
coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic con-
verter, particulate filter or heat shields on the
exhaust system. Once the engine has
reached operating temperature, these sub-
stances could catch fire. Risk of fire! Cavity waxing
All cavities on the vehicle exposed to corro-
sion are permanently factory-protected by a
wax solution
.
This wax solution does not need to be
checked or touched up. Should wax run out
of the cavities at high ambient temperatures,
remove it using a plastic scraper and clean
away any stains using lighter fluid. WARNING
Note the regulations concerning safety and
environmental protection if you use lighter
fluid to remove the wax. Risk of fire! Leatherette and upholstery
Leatherette can be cleaned with a damp
cloth. If this is not sufficient, these parts
should only be cleaned with
solvent-free
plastic care and cleaning products .
Textile covers and trim parts on doors, boot
lid, etc. can be cleaned with special deter-
gents, e.g. dry foam. A soft sponge or brush
or a micro-fibre cloth for normal cleaning can
be used. Use special products to clean the
headliner.
The dye used in many garments, for example
dark jeans, is not always sufficiently colour-
fast. Seat upholstery (fabric and leather), es- pecially when light-coloured, may visibly dis-
colour if the dye comes out of clothing, even
in normal conditions. This is not an uphols-
tery defect but indicates that the dye in the
item of clothing is not solid enough.
Heated seat upholstery Do not clean the seat upholstery with
damp
products, as this could damage the seat
he atin
g system.
Clean the upholstery with special products,
e.g. dry foam, etc.
Natural leather Leather should be looked after from time to
time, depending on its use.
Normal cleaning
Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with water
and wipe over the leather surfaces.
More stubborn dirt
Do not let water soak through the leather or
penetrate the seams.
Dry it with a soft, dry cloth.
»
127
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Checking and refilling levels
Checking and refilling levels
Fuel Introduction The correct type of fuel for your vehicle is in-
dicated on a sticker on the inside of the fuel
tank flap, along with the tyre size and pres-
sure
››› Fig. 107 . WARNING
Observe all relevant statutory regulations on
transporting spare fuel canisters. 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! An irreg-
ular fuel supply can cause ignition faults,
which can result in damage to a substantial
amount of engine parts and the exhaust sys-
tem.
● If any fuel is spilt onto the paintwork of the
vehicle, it should be removed immediately.
Risk of damage to paintwork! Refuelling
Fig. 107
Vehicle as seen from the rear right:
fuel tank flap/fuel tank flap with tank un-
screwed cap attached. Vehicles with a fuel cap with key
–
Press the flap in the direction of the arrow
1
››› Fig. 107 .
– Open the c o
ver 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. 107
.
– Inser
t the pump nozzle into the fuel feed
tube as far as it will go.
The fuel tank is full as soon as the automatic
filler nozzle cuts out ››› .
– Remove the pump nozzle from the fuel feed
tube and place it back on the pump.
– 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.
– Press the tank flap with your hand to close
it.
– Check that the fuel flap is correctly closed.
Vehicles with a keyless fuel cap (the side
flap will unlock using the central locking
system)
– Once the vehicle has been unlocked using
the central locking button, press the fuel
flap in the direction of the arrow 1 ›››
Fig. 107 .
– Open the c o
ver in the direction indicated
by the arrow 2 .
»
129
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Advice
– Unscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise and
place it on top of the tank flap ››› Fig. 107
.
– Insert the pump nozzle into the fuel feed
tube as far as it will go.
The fuel tank is full as soon as the automatic
filler nozzle cuts out ››› .
– Remove the pump nozzle from the fuel feed
tube and place it back on the pump.
– Screw the tank cap clockwise until it clicks
into place.
– Close the tank flap. Make sure you hear it
click into place.
– Check that the fuel flap is properly closed. CAUTION
● Switch off the auxiliary heater (heater and
independent heater) before filling the tank.
● The fuel tank is full as soon as the automat-
ic filler nozzle cuts out. Do not continue fill-
ing, as this will fill the expansion chamber. Note
The fuel tank capacity is around 55 litres, of
which 7 litres are the reserve. Unleaded petrol
Your vehicle must only be run on
unleaded
petrol that complies with the Standard EN
228 (in Germany, also DIN 51626 – 1, or E10
for unleaded petrol with 95 and 91 octane
rating (RON) or DIN 51626 – 2, or E5 for un-
leaded petrol with 95 and 98 RON).
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol (95/91
RON)
Use unleaded petrol with 95
RON. Unleaded
petrol with 91 RON can also be used, al-
though thi s
will result in a slight loss of pow-
er.
If, as an emergency measure, you have to fill
the tank with petrol with a lower RON to that
prescribed, use only moderate engine
speeds and light throttle. High engine speed
and full throttle can seriously damage the en-
gine! Fill up with petrol with the correct RON
as soon as possible.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol (min. 95
RON)
Use unleaded petrol with 95 RON.
If u
nleaded petrol with 95 RON is not availa-
bl
e, you can fill up with petrol with 91 RON as
an emerg
ency measure. In this case, use only
moderate engine speeds and a light throttle.
High engine speed and full throttle can seri- ously damage the engine! Fill up with petrol
with the correct RON as soon as possible.
Petrol with a RON below
91 cannot be used,
even a
s an emergency measure. Risk of seri-
ously damaging the engine!
Unleaded petrol with higher RON
Unleaded petrol with a higher RON to that
prescribed can be used without limits.
In vehicles running on prescribed unleaded
petrol with 95/91 RON
, there is no notable
increase in power or lower fuel consumption
when petrol with a RON higher than 95
is
used.
In vehicles running on prescribed unleaded
petrol with min. 95 RON
, there is an increase
in power and a lower fuel consumption when
petrol with a RON higher than 95
is used.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol (98/(95)
RON)
Use unleaded petrol with 98
RON. Unleaded
petrol with 95 RON can also be used, al-
though this will result in a slight loss of pow-
er.
If unleaded petrol with 98
or 95 RON is not
available, you can fill up with petrol with 91
RON as an emergency measure. In this case,
use only moderate engine speeds and a light
throttle. High engine speed and full throttle
can seriously damage the engine! Fill up with
130