Towing bracket device
Bumper mounted tow hitch
Never fit a tow hitch or its attachments to the
bumper. A tow hitch should never interfere
with the bumper performance. Do not modify
the exhaust system and brake system. Regu-
larly check the tow hitch to ensure it is firmly
fitted.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer increases the load on
the engine and cooling system. The cooling
system should always have sufficient coolant
and to be able to cope with the vehicle and
trailer.
Electric trailer brake
If the trailer has its own braking system,
please note the relevant legal requirements.
The trailer braking system should never be
connected to the vehicle braking system.
Trailer cable
Always use a cable between the vehicle and
the trailer ››› page 183 .
T r
ailer rear lights
The rear lights of a trailer must fulfil the cor-
responding standards ››› page 183.
Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly
to the vehicle electric system. In case of any
doubt about the electrical connection of the trailer, ask a specialised workshop. SEAT rec-
ommends visiting a technical service.
Wing mirrors
When the field of vision behind the trailer
cannot be seen using the standard wing mir-
rors of the towing vehicle, additional wing
mirrors are required according to the legal re-
quirements of each country. The wing mirrors
must be fitted before driving and must pro-
vide a sufficient field of vision behind.
Trailer electricity consumption
Never exceed the specifications:
DevicesMaximum power
Side lights and rear lights50 Watts
Turn signal (each side)54 Watts
Brake lights (total)84 Watts
Reversing lights (total)42 Watts
Rear fog light42 Watts
WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable,
the trailer may separate from the vehicle
causing an accident with serious consequen-
ces. CAUTION
● If the rear lights of the trailer are not cor-
rectly connected, the vehicle electronics may
be damaged.
● If the trailer absorbs excessive electric cur-
rent, the vehicle electronics may be dam-
aged.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
to the electrical connections of the rear lights
or any other power sources. Only use suitable
connections for providing electric current to
the trailer. Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands
on the vehicle. At SEAT, we recommend addi-
tional services between the normal inspec-
tion intervals if the vehicle is used frequently
for towing a trailer.
● In some countries, an additional fire extin-
guisher is required if the trailer weight is
more than 2500 kg 181
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Towing bracket device
CAUTION
● If anything is attached to the tow hitch ball,
do not, under any circumstances press the
button.
● Never direct a high-pressure or steam
cleaning system directly at the tow hitch ball
or trailer power socket. This could cause
damage to seals or remove lubricating
grease. Note
In extremely low temperatures, it is possible
that the tow hitch is not released. In this
case, place the vehicle in a warmer location
(e.g. a garage). Installing a bicycle carrier to the tow
hitch
The maximum load permitted for a bicycle
carrier on the tow hitch ball is
75 kg, with a
m ax
imum distance of 30 cm from the sup-
port. The distance between supports is the
distance between the bicycle carrier centre of
gravity (with the bicycles) and the centre of
point of the tow hitch ball. WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch with a bicy-
cle carrier installed can cause accidents and
injury. ●
Never exceed the load and distances be-
tween supports indicated.
● Never fit the bicycle carrier to the tow hitch
ball neck, underneath the tow hitch given
that the bicycle carrier may be incorrectly fit-
ted due to the shape of the tow hitch and the
model of bicycle carrier.
● Always read and take the manufacturer as-
sembly instructions into account. CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum load and distance
between supports indicated can cause con-
siderable damage to the vehicle.
● Never exceed the specifications. Hitching and connecting the trailer
Fig. 154
Schematic diagram: assignment of
the pins of the trailer's electrical socket.
Key of the Schematic diagram ››› Fig. 154:
PinMeaning
1Left turn signal
2Rear fog light
3Earth, pins 1 to 8
4Right turn signal
5Tail light, right
6Brake lights
7Tail light, left
8Reverse lights
9Permanent live
10Live charge cable
11Unassigned
12Unassigned
13Earth, pins 9 to 13 Trailer power socket
The vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole power
socket for the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle. With the engine
running, electrical devices on the trailer re-
ceive power from the electrical connection
(pin 9 and pin 10 on the trailer power plug).
»
183
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Towing bracket device
●
With the engine running, the electrical
equipment on the trailer will be supplied with
power. Loading the trailer
Trailer weight / drawbar load
The trailer weight is the load that the vehicle
can pull
››› . The drawbar load is the vertical
weight of the tow hitch on the tow hitch ball
››› page 188.
The figur e
s for trailer weights and drawbar
load weights given on the data plate of the
tow hitch are for values of this model only.
The correct figures for your specific vehicle,
which may be lower than these figures for the
t o
w hitch, are given in the vehicle documen-
tation. The instructions in the official vehicle
documents take precedence.
For the sake of road safety, SEAT recom-
mends using the maximum allowed drawbar
load
. The handling of the combined vehicle
and trailer will be poor if the drawbar load is
too low.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the
rear axle, reducing the vehicle carrying ca-
pacity.
Gross combination weight
This figure refers to the combined weight of
the loaded vehicle and loaded trailer. Loading the trailer
The combined vehicle and trailer must be
balanced. Use the maximum drawbar load
authorised and do not overload the front or
the rear of the trailer:
●
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as near to the axle as possible or
above it.
● Correctly secure the trailer load.
Tyre pressure
Inflate the trailer tyres according to the man-
ufacturer's instructions.
Inflate the towing vehicles tyres to the maxi-
mum ››› page 231. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised axle
load, drawbar load or the gross combination
weight of the towing vehicle and trailer could
cause a serious accident with severe conse-
quences.
● Never exceed the specifications.
● With the actual load on the front and rear
axles, the maximum axle load should never
be exceeded. The weight on the front and rear
should never exceed the gross vehicle
weight. WARNING
If the load moves, the stability and safety of
the vehicle and trailer combination will be se-
riously affected and this could result in a seri-
ous accident.
● Always correctly load the trailer.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable
and undamaged attachment rope or straps. Driving with a trailer
Adjusting the headlights
When towing a trailer, the front of the vehicle
may rise and so the dipped beam headlights
may blind other drivers. Use the headlight
range control to lower the cone of light. If you
do not have headlight range control, have
the headlights adjusted by a specialised
workshop. Vehicles with high-intensity dis-
charge lamps adapt automatically and do not
require adjustment.
Details of driving with a trailer
● If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply
the brakes gently at first and then, firmly.
This will prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking.
● As of the combined vehicle and trailer
mass, braking distances will be greater.
● Select a low gear before driving down a
steep hill to use the engine braking effect to »
185
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Towing bracket device
●
Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, road, traffic and weather conditions.
● If the road surface is slippery, take care
when accelerating.
● When a system is operating, lift your foot
off the accelerator. WARNING
It is possible that the combination stabilisa-
tion system does not correctly recognised all
driving situations.
● It is possible that the stabilisation system
does not detect snaking of a light trailer and
thus does not intervene.
● When driving on slippery ground, the trail-
er could jack-knife despite the stabilisation
sy
stem.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity may
even tip over before they start to rock side-
ways.
● If a trailer is not used and the trailer power
socket is connected (e.g. installation of a bi-
cycle carrier with lights), repeated automatic
braking may occur in extreme driving condi-
tions. Retrofitting a tow hitch
Fig. 155
Measurements and attachments to
retrofit a tow hitch SEAT recommends visiting a specialised
workshop to retrofit a tow hitch. For example,
it may be necessary to adjust the cooling sys-
tem or to include thermal plates. SEAT recom-mends taking your car in for technical serv-
ice.
In any case, the separation distances must
be observed when fitting a tow hitch. The dis-
tance between the centre of the tow hitch ball
and the road surface
››› Fig. 155 D must nev-
er be lower than that indicated. This also ap-
plies when the vehicle is fully laden, includ-
ing maximum drawbar load.
Separation distances
›
›› Fig. 155
:
Attachment points.
1,040 mm (41 inches)
74 mm (3 inches)
364 mm (14 inches)
247 mm (10 inches)
596 mm (23 inches)
1,097 mm (43 inches)
1,102 mm (43 inches) WARNING
Erroneous or unsuitable connection of elec-
tric cables may cause anomalies in the vehi-
cle electronics that could result in an acci-
dent with serious consequences.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
to the electrical connections of the rear lights
or any other unsuitable power sources. Only
use suitable connectors to connect a trailer.
● Visit a specialised workshop if you wish to
retrofit a tow hitch to the vehicle. » A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
187
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Care and maintenance
Advice
Care and maintenance
Accessories, replacement of
parts and modifications Introduction WARNING
The use of spare parts and accessories, or in-
correctly performed modifications or repairs
may result in damage to the vehicle, acci-
dents and serious injury.
● SEAT strongly recommends you to only use
SEAT approved accessories and SEAT ®
origi-
nal spare parts. These parts and accessories
have been specially tested by SEAT for suita-
bility, reliability and safety.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried
out at a specialised workshop. These work-
shops have the necessary tools, diagnostics
equipment, repair information and qualified
personnel.
● Only mount parts with the same specifica-
tions as the parts fitted at factory.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink holders or telephone cradles over the
covers of the airbag modules or within their
radius of action. ●
Only use wheels and tyre combinations
which have been approved by SEAT for your
vehicle type. Accessories and spare parts
SEAT recommends you consult an Official
Service before purchasing accessories and
spare parts or consumables. For example,
when fitting accessories at a later date, or
when replacing a component. A technical
service centre will advise you as to the legal
requirements and manufacturer's recommen-
dations regarding accessories, spare parts
and other components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved
SEAT accessories
and
genuine SEAT spare
p
arts ®
. These parts and accessories have
been specially tested by SEAT for suitability,
reliability and safety. In addition the techni-
cal service centre will guarantee that the as-
sembly is carried out professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market,
SEAT cannot guarantee that products not ap-
proved by SEAT are reliable, safe and suita-
ble for the vehicle. Therefore, SEAT cannot ac-
cept liability, even in those cases authorised
by an officially recognised technical inspec-
tion office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct
effect
on the vehicle and/or the way it is driv- en must be approved by SEAT for use in your
vehicle and bear the e mark (the European
Union's authorisation symbol). This includes
cruise control systems or electronically con-
trolled suspension.
If any
additional electrical devices are fitted
which do not serve to control the vehicle it-
self, these must bear the mark (European
Union manuf
acturer conformity declaration).
This includes refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans. WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to
the vehicle may affect the performance of the
airbags, and may cause operating faults or fa-
tal accidents.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink holders or telephone cradles over the
covers of the airbag modules or within their
radius of action.
● Objects placed over the airbag covers, or
within their radius of action, could lead to se-
rious injury or loss of life if the airbags are
triggered. Fluids and consumables
All vehicle fluids and consumables
, such as
notched belts, tyres, coolant fluids, engine
oils, spark plugs and batteries are continual-
ly being developed. Therefore all fluids and »
189Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Care and maintenance
●
All repairs and modifications to the vehicle
should only be performed by a specialised
workshop. Repair and faults in the airbag system
When performing repairs and technical mod-
ifications, SEAT's directives must be ob-
served!
››› Modifications and repairs to the front bump-
er, doors, front seats, and repairs to the roof
or chassis should only be carried out in a
specialised workshop. These components
may contain parts or sensors belonging to
the airbag system.
If work is carried out on the airbag system or
parts have to be removed and fitted on the
system when performing other repair work,
parts of the airbag system may be damaged.
The consequence may be that, in the event of
an accident, the airbag inflates incorrectly or
does not inflate at all.
So that the effectiveness of the airbag is not
reduced and that removed parts do not cause
any injuries or environmental pollution, regu-
lations must be observed. These require-
ments are known to specialised workshops.
Modifications to the vehicle suspension may
affect the operation of the airbag system in
the event of collision. For example, if wheel
and tyre combinations not approved by SEAT are used, or if the vehicle height is lowered,
the suspension is stiffened or the suspension
springs, telescopic arms, dampers, etc., are
modified, the results received by the airbag
sensors and sent to the control unit may not
be accurate. For example, some modifica-
tions to the suspension could increase the
force measured by the sensors and result in
the triggering of the airbag systems in colli-
sions. Under normal conditions, the meas-
ured values would be lower and the airbag
would not have been triggered. Other modifi-
cations may reduce the forces measured by
the sensors and prevent the airbags from be-
ing triggered when they should.
WARNING
Repairs or modifications which are not per-
formed correctly may result in damage or er-
rors in the vehicle operation, affecting the ef-
fectiveness of the airbag systems. This could
result in serious or fatal accidents.
● All repairs and modifications to the vehicle
should only be performed by a specialised
workshop.
● Airbag modules must never be repaired: if
damaged, they must be replaced.
● Never fit recycled or reused airbag compo-
nents in your vehicle. WARNING
Modifications to the vehicle suspension, in-
cluding the use of unauthorised wheel and tyre combinations, may affect the perform-
ance of the airbags and increase the risk of
serious or fatal injury in the event of acci-
dent.
●
Never fit suspension components which are
not identical to the original parts in the vehi-
cle.
● Never use wheel and tyre combinations not
approved by SEAT. Retro-fitting of two-way radios
An exterior aerial is required for the use of
two-way radios in the vehicle.
The retro-fitting of electrical or electronic ap-
pliances in the vehicle is subject to their ap-
proval for use in your vehicle. Under certain
circumstances, this could mean that your ve-
hicle registration documents are no longer
valid.
SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with
two-way radios providing the following condi-
tions are observed:
● The exterior aerial must be mounted pro-
fessionally.
● The maximum transmitting power is 10
watts.
The optimal reach of the equipment is only
achieved with an external aerial. »
191Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Care and maintenance
equipment at the workshop. If this is the
case, the information and descriptions given
in the Instruction Manual will not match the
original functions. Therefore, SEAT recom-
mends that any modifications be recorded in
the section “Other workshop notes” in the
Maintenance Programme.
The technical service centre must have a re-
cord of any modification to the programming.
Reading the vehicle fault memory
There is a diagnostics connector in the vehi-
cle interior for reading the vehicle fault mem-
ory. The fault memory documents errors and
deviations from the theoretical values of the
electronic control units.
The diagnostics connector is in the driver
side footwell area, next to the lever for open-
ing the bonnet, below a cover.
The fault memory should only be read and re-
set by a specialised workshop.
Using a mobile telephone in a vehicle
without connection to an exterior
aerial Mobile telephones transmit and receive radio
waves, both when in use and when on stand-
by. Scientific studies state that radio waves
exceeding certain values may be harmful to
the human body. International committees and authorities have established limits and
directives in order to ensure electromagnetic
radiation from mobile phones remains within
certain limits that do not endanger health.
Nevertheless, there is no conclusive scientif-
ic evidence that wireless telephones are to-
tally safe.
Therefore, some experts recommend that use
of mobile phone be kept to a minimum until
the results of current research are published.
When a mobile phone not connected to an
exterior aerial is used inside the vehicle, the
electromagnetic radiation may be greater
than if the mobile phone were connected to a
built-in aerial or to another exterior aerial.
If the vehicle is fitted with a suitable hands-
free device, it will comply with the legislation
in many countries which only permits the use
of mobile phones inside vehicles using a
hands-free device.
The hands-free system mounted at the facto-
ry has been designed for use with conven-
tional mobile phones and phones with Blue-
tooth technology. Mobile phones should be
placed on a suitable phone cradle. In addi-
tion, the cradle should always be correctly fit-
ted into the base plate. This ensures that the
mobile phone is securely attached to the
dash panel, it is always within reach of the
driver and is connected to the vehicle exterior
aerial.
If the mobile phone is connected to an aerial
incorporated into the vehicle or an exterior
aerial connected to the vehicle, it will help re-
duce the electromagnetic radiation transmit-
ted and the risk to human health. It will also
improve the quality of the connection.
If the phone is used inside the vehicle with-
out the hands-free system, it will not be se-
curely fastened and will not be connected to
the exterior aerial of the vehicle telephone.
Nor will the telephone charge if it is not on
the support. In addition, some calls may
break off and the quality of the connection
will be affected.
Mobile phones should only be used inside
the vehicle if they are connected to a hands-
free system with an exterior aerial.
WARNING
If the mobile phone is not securely fastened
in position, it could be sent flying around the
vehicle in the event of sharp braking, sudden
manoeuvres or accident, causing injury.
● While driving, mobile phones must be se-
curely fastened in position, outside the radi-
us of action of the airbags, or safely stowed
away. WARNING
When using a mobile phone without a con-
nection to an exterior aerial, the maximum
permitted levels of electromagnetic radiation » 193Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Care and maintenance
CAUTION
● Never raise the vehicle at the engine oil
sump, the gearbox or the rear or front axles.
● Always use an intermediate rubber support
to prevent damage to the vehicle underbody. Check that the arms of the lifting platform are
able to move with obstruction.
● The arms should not come into contact with
the side running boards or other parts of the
vehicle. Care and cleaning the vehicle
exterior
Introduction Regular maintenance and washing help to
maintain the value
of the vehicle. This may
also be one of the requirements for acknowl-
edging warranty claims in the event of body-
work corrosion or paint defects.
Products suitable for the care of your vehicle
are available at any technical service. WARNING
Car-care products may be toxic and hazard-
ous. If car care products are not suitable or
are used inappropriately, this could result in
accident, serious injury, burns or intoxica-
tion. ●
Car care products must always be stored in
the original container which should be kept
closed.
● Observe information provided by the manu-
facturer.
● To prevent confusion, never store car care
products in empty food cans, bottles or other
containers.
● Keep all care products out of reach of chil-
dren.
● Harmful vapours may be produced when us-
ing car care products. Therefore, care prod-
ucts should only be used in well-ventilated
spaces or in the open air.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, ace-
tone or any other volatile liquid to wash,
clean or care for the vehicle. These are toxic
and highly flammable. WARNING
Inappropriate care and cleaning of vehicle
components may effect the vehicle safety
equipment, increasing the risk of severe in-
jury.
● Vehicle components should only be
cleaned and maintained in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions.
● Only use approved or recommended care
products. CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will
damage the material. For the sake of the environment
● Only wash the vehicle in areas allocated for
this purpose, to prevent dirty water which
may be contaminated by oil, grease or fuel,
from entering the drains. In some places,
washing it outside the planned areas is even
banned.
● Where possible, always use products which
respect the environment.
● The remains of car care products should not
be disposed of with ordinary household
waste. Observe information provided by the
manufacturer. Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird
droppings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, in-
dustrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and
other aggressive materials remain on the ve-
hicle, the more damage they do to the paint-
work. High temperatures (for instance due to
strong sunlight) further intensify the corro-
sive effect. The vehicle
undercarriage should
also be thoroughly washed at regular inter-
vals. »
195Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety