2016 Seat Ateca lock

Operation
Note
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, if the
sel ect
or lever is placed in position D, N or S
after engaging reverse gear, the vehicle must
be driven at a speed faster than 10 km/h (6
mph) for the system to return to conditions in
which the engine can be stopped. Manually switching on/off the Start-
St
op sy

stem Fig. 169
Centre console: Start-Stop system
b utt

on If you do not wish to use the system, you can
sw
it

ch it off manually.
– To manually switch on/off the Start-Stop
sys

tem, press the button  . The button
symbo l
remains lit up yellow when the sys-
tem is switched off. Note
The system is automatically switched on each
time the en gine i

s deliberately stopped dur-
ing a stopping phase. The engine will start
automatically. Driver messages on the instrument
p
anel

display Start-Stop system deactivated.
Start the engine manually
Thi s

driver message is displayed when cer-
tain conditions are not met during the stop-
ping phase and the Start-Stop system cannot
restart the engine. The engine must be star-
ted manually.
Start-Stop system: Fault! Func-
tion not available There is a fault in the Start-Stop system. Take
the vehicle to a workshop to have the fault
repaired.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) D e

scription and operation 3
V
alid for vehicles: 4Drive
Hill Descent Control limits the speed on steep
descents by automatically braking all four wheels, both when moving forward and in re-
v
er

se. As the anti-lock brake system remains
active, it prevents the wheels from locking. In
vehicles with manual transmission, the Hill
Descent Control adapts the theoretical speed
without slowing the engine below its idling
speed.
After starting the descent of a slope below
30 km/h (18 mph), speed is limited to a min-
imum of 2 km/h (1 mph) and a maximum of
30 km/h (18 mph). When appropriate, the
driver may increase or decrease the speed
within the limit by pressing the accelerator or
the brake. At this point the function is inter-
rupted and, if necessary, it is then reactiva-
ted.
Even so, it is imperative that the surface
guarantees sufficient adhesion. For this rea-
son, the Hill Descent Control will not fulfil its
function when, for example, descending a
slope with a frozen or slippery surface.
Hill Descent Control is available when the
dash panel display shows the message .
Hill Descent Control automatically intervenes
if the following conditions are met:
● The vehicle engine is running.
● The Offroad driving profile has been selec-
t

ed ›››
page 225. Driving at a speed below 30
km/h (18 mph) (the message  is shown on
the dash panel display).
190

Operation
into account the speed limit for vehicles with
tr
ai
lers in the corresponding country, as it
could be less than the speed limit for vehi-
cles without a trailer.
● Never attempt to “straighten” the towing
vehic
le and trailer while accelerating. WARNING
If the towing bracket has been retrofitted by a
non- S

EAT workshop, the Start-Stop system
must be disconnected manually whenever
driving with a trailer. Otherwise the brake
system could be damaged and could conse-
quently cause a serious accident or injury.
● Always disconnect the Start-Stop system
manua
lly when using a towing bracket that
has not been fitted by a SEAT workshop. Note
● Bef

ore hitching or unhitching a trailer, al-
ways deactivate the anti-theft alarm
››› page 112. Otherwise, the tilt sensor could
cause the alarm to go off.
● Do not drive with a trailer for the engine's
firs
t 1000 km ››› page 184.
● SEAT recommends that, if possible, the tow
hitc
h be disassembled or covered when it is
not going to be used. In the event of a rear-
end collision, the damage to the vehicle
could be greater if the bracket is fitted.
● Some retrofitted towing brackets cover the
re

ar towing eye. In these cases, the towing eye should not be used for tow-starting or for
t
o

wing other vehicles. For this reason, if the
vehicle has been retrofitted with a towing
bracket, always keep the tow hitch in the ve-
hicle when you disassemble it. Control lamp

The tow hitch is not securely locked in
position.
Check that the towing bracket is locked
››› page 257. Some warning and control lamps will light up
briefly
when the ignition i

s switched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds. WARNING
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
me s

sages are ignored when they light up, the
vehicle may stall in traffic and cause acci-
dents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messag-
es.
● St

op the vehicle at the next opportunity
and in a saf
e place. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
s pondin

g text messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle. Technical requirements
Vehicles that are
fact
ory-equipped with a
towing bracket fulfil all the technical and le-
gal requirements for driving with a trailer.
If the vehicle is retrofitted with a towing
bracket, only a bracket that is authorised for
the maximum authorised load of the trailer
that is to be towed may be fitted. The towing
bracket must be suitable for the vehicle and
the trailer and must be properly secured to
the vehicle's chassis. Only use a towing
bracket that has been authorised by SEAT for
this vehicle. Always check and take into ac-
count the towing bracket manufacturer's in-
structions. Never fit a towing bracket “with
weight distribution” or “load compensation”.
Towing bracket fitted on the bumper
Never fit a towing bracket to the bumper or to
the area where the bumper is mounted. The
towing bracket should not impair the bum-
per's function. Do not make modifications or
repairs to the exhaust system or the brake
system. Make regular checks to ensure that
the towing bracket is secure.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer increases the load on
the engine and cooling system. The cooling
system should have sufficient coolant and be
prepared for the additional effort involved in
driving with a trailer.
256

Towing bracket device*
Trailer brakes
If the tr
ailer has its own brake system, please
take the relevant legal requirements into ac-
count. Never connect the trailer's brake sys-
tem to the vehicle's brake system.
Tow rope
Always use a cable between the vehicle and
the trailer ››› page 259.
Trailer rear lights
The trailer's rear lights should comply with
the statutory safety regulations ››› page 259.
Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly
to the vehicle's electric system. If you are not
sure that the trailer's electrical connection is
correct, have it checked by a specialised
workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT
dealership for this.
Exterior mirrors
If you cannot see the area behind the trailer
with the exterior mirrors of the towing vehi-
cle, additional mirrors will have to be instal-
led in accordance with the regulations of the
country in question. The exterior mirrors
should be adjusted before you start driving
and must provide a sufficient field of vision
at the rear. Trailer maximum electricity consumption
ConsumersEurope, Asia,
Africa, South America and
Central AmericaAustralia
Brake lights (total)84 Watts108 Watts
Turn signal (on each
side)42 Watts54 Watts
Side lights (on each
side)50 Watts100 Watts
Reverse lights (on
each side)42 Watts54 Watts
Rear fog light42 Watts54 Watts
Never exceed the values indicated! WARNING
If the towing bracket is wrongly fitted or is
not the right

one, the trailer could become
detached from the vehicle and cause serious
injury. CAUTION
● If the r

ear lights of the trailer are not cor-
rectly connected, the vehicle's electronic sys-
tem may be damaged.
● If the trailer absorbs excessive electric cur-
rent, the
vehicle's electronic system may be
damaged. ●
Nev er c

onnect the trailer's electric system
directly to the electrical connections of the
tail lights or any other power sources. Only
use the connections intended for providing
electric current to the trailer. Electrical unlocking tow hitch
Fig. 217
On the right side of the luggage
c omp

artment: button for unlocking the tow
hitch. 

› ›
›
table on page 2
The tow hitch is located in the bumper. The
electrical unlocking tow hitch cannot be dis-
assembled.
There should be no person, animal or object
in the path of the tow hitch ››› .
»
257
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Unlock the tow hitch and remove it
● Stop the vehicle and connect the electronic
p ark
ing brake ››› page 170.
● Switch off the engine.
● Open the rear lid.
● Pull the ››› Fig. 217
button briefly. The tow
hitch unlocks electrically and automatically
turns outwards. The control lamp in the but-
ton will flash ››› Fig. 217.
● Remove the tow hitch with your hand until
you f
eel and see that it has engaged and the
control lamp on the button stays on.
● Close the tailgate.
Co
ver the tow hitch
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electronic
park
ing brake.
● Switch off the engine.
● Unhook the trailer and interrupt the electri-
cal
connection between it and the vehicle. If
you are using an adapter, remove it from the
trailer's power socket.
● Open the rear lid.
● Pull the ››
› Fig. 217 button briefly. The tow
hitch unlocks electrically.
● Turn the tow hitch under the bumper with
your h
and until you feel and see that it en-
gages and the control lamp on the ››› Fig. 217
button stays on.
● Close the tailgate. Meaning of control lamp
●
If the warning light of the button ››
› Fig. 217
is flashing , this means that the tow hitch has
not been attached properly or is damaged
››› .
● If the warning lamp st

ays on with the rear
lid open, the tow hitch is correctly in place
both when engaged and when covered.
● The control lamp of the button will go off
appr
ox. 1 minute after closing the rear lid. WARNING
Undue use of the towing bracket may cause
injur y

and accidents.
● Only use the tow hitch if it is properly en-
gag
ed.
● Always ensure that no person, animal or
ob
ject is to be found in the path of the tow
hitch.
● Never use a tool or instrument while the
to

w hitch is moving.
● Never press the ››
› Fig. 217 button when
there is a trailer hooked to the vehicle or
when a carrier system or other accessories
are mounted on the tow hitch.
● If the tow hitch is not attached properly, do
not u
se it. Instead, go to a specialised work-
shop and have the towing bracket checked.
● If you detect any fault in the electrical sys-
tem or in the t
owing bracket, contact a speci-
alised workshop and ask them to check it. ●
If the b

all has a diameter of less than 49
mm at any one point, do not use the towing
bracket under any circumstances. CAUTION
If you clean the vehicle with high-pressure or
s t

eam devices, do not point the jet directly
towards the retractable tow hitch or the trail-
er power socket, as this may damage the
joints or remove the grease necessary for lu-
brication. Note
At extremely low temperatures, the tow hitch
m a

y be impossible to use. In this case, place
the vehicle in a warmer location (for example,
a garage). Fitting a bicycle carrier on the retract-
ab
l

e tow hitch The maximum allowed weight of the carrier
sy
s

tem, including the load, is 75 kg. The car-
rier system should not protrude more than
700 mm backwards from the spherical head.
Only carrier systems on which up to 3 bikes
can be mounted are allowed. Heavier bicy-
cles must be mounted as close to the vehicle
as possible (tow hitch).
258

Operation
Tow rope
The t o
w rope must always be securely fixed
to the towing vehicle and loose enough so
that the vehicle can handle turns smoothly.
However, make sure that the cable does not
rub on the ground while driving.
Trailer rear lights
Always check the trailer's rear lights to en-
sure they are working correctly and that they
comply with the relevant safety regulations.
Make sure that the maximum permissible
power that can be absorbed by the trailer is
not exceeded ››› page 257.
Connection to the anti-theft system
The trailer is included in the anti-theft system
if the following conditions are met: ● If the vehicle is factory-equipped with an
anti-theft
alarm and towing bracket.
● If the trailer is electrically connected to the
to
wing vehicle through the trailer power
socket.
● If the electrical systems of the vehicle and
trai
ler are in perfect condition and have no
faults or damage.
● If the vehicle is locked with the key and the
anti-theft
alarm is activated.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is trig-
gered if the electrical connection with the
trailer is cut off. Before hitching or unhitching a trailer, always
turn off

the anti-theft alarm. Otherwise, the
tilt sensor could cause the alarm to go off.
Trailers with LED rear lights
For technical reasons, trailers fitted with LED
rear lights cannot be connected to the anti-
theft alarm system.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm does
not go off when the electrical connection with
the trailer is cut if it has rear lights with light-
emitting diodes.
If the Eco driving profile was selected when
hitching the trailer, this will automatically
switch to the Normal profile. If the system
cannot detect the attached trailer or if the
towing bracket has been retrofitted by an au-
to repair shop other than SEAT, you must
manually select the Normal profile before you
start driving with a trailer attached. To recon-
nect the Eco profile once the trailer has been
unhitched, switch the ignition off and back
on once. WARNING
If the cables are improperly or incorrectly
c onnect

ed, it may lead to an excessive
amount of current supplied to the trailer,
which can cause abnormalities in the entire
vehicle electronic system, as well as acci-
dents and serious injuries. ●
En s

ure that any repairs that need to be car-
ried out on the electrical system are carried
out by a specialised workshop.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
directly
to the electrical connections of the
tail lights or any other power sources. WARNING
Contact between the pins of the trailer power
soc k

et can cause short circuits, overloading
of the electrical system or failure of the light-
ing system, and consequently can cause acci-
dents and serious injuries.
● Never connect the pins of the trailer power
sock
et to each other.
● Make sure any work on bent pins is carried
out b
y a specialised workshop. CAUTION
Do not leave the trailer connected to the vehi-
c l

e when parked; place it on its support
wheel or its supports. If the vehicle rises or
falls due, for example, to a variation of the
load or a burst tyre, increased pressure will
be placed on the towing bracket and the trail-
er, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. Note
● In c a

se of malfunctioning of the electrical
systems of the vehicle or trailer, as well as of 260

Operation
Driving with a trailer Adjusting the headlights
When t
o
wing a trailer, the front part of the ve-
hicle could lift up, and if the dipped beams
are on, this could dazzle 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.
Special characteristics of driving with a trail-
er
● If your trailer has an ov
errun brake, brake
gently at first and then rapidly. This will pre-
vent the jerking that can be caused by the
locking of trailer wheels.
● Due to the gross combination weight of the
to
wing vehicle and trailer, the braking dis-
tance increases.
● When going down a slope, go into lower
ge
ar (if using a manual gearbox or the Tip-
tronic automatic gearbox) to take advantage
of the braking power provided by the engine.
Otherwise, the braking system could over-
heat and even fail.
● The trailer weight, as well as the gross com-
bin
ation weight of the towing vehicle and
trailer, change the centre of gravity and the
properties of the vehicle.
● If the towing vehicle is empty and the trail-
er is
loaded, then the load distribution is in- correct. Under these conditions, drive slowly
and with e

xtra caution.
Hill starts with a trailer
Depending on the slope of the hill and the
combination weight of the towing vehicle
and trailer, the vehicle might start rolling
backwards slightly when you first start up.
For hill-starting with a trailer, do the follow-
ing:
● Press and hold the brake pedal.
● Press the  butt
on to disconnect the elec-
tronic parking brake ››› page 170.
● If the vehicle is equipped with a manual
ge
arbox, push the clutch pedal all the way
down.
● Put the vehicle into first gear or turn the se-
lect
or lever to position D/S ››› page 176.
● Pull out the  butt
on and hold it in that
position to stop the towing vehicle and trailer
with the electronic parking brake.
● Release the brake pedal.
● Start driving slowly. To do this, in the case
of a m
anual gearbox, slowly release the
clutch pedal.
● Do not release the  butt
on until the en-
gine has sufficient force to start driving. WARNING
If a trailer is pulled incorrectly, this may lead
t o lo

ss of control of the vehicle and serious
injury.
● Driving with a trailer and transporting
heavy
or large objects will change the vehicle
handling and braking distances.
● Always drive cautiously and carefully.
Brak
e earlier than usual.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times
to suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions. Slow down, especially when
driving down hills or slopes.
● Accelerate with particular care and caution.
Av
oid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Take great care when overtaking. Reduce
speed immedi
ately if you notice that the trail-
er is swaying, however slightly.
● Never attempt to “straighten” the towing
vehic
le and trailer while accelerating.
● Take into account the speed limit for vehi-
cl

es with a trailer, as it could be lower than
for vehicles without a trailer. Stabilisation of the towing vehicle
and tr
ai

ler The stabilisation of the towing vehicle and
tr
ai

ler together is an additional function of
the electronic stability control (ESC).
262

Care and maintenance
Automatic car washes
B ef
ore going through a car wash, be sure to
take the usual precautions such as closing
the windows and roof. If the vehicle has spe-
cial accessories such as spoilers or a roof
rack or two-way radio aerial, etc., it is advisa-
ble to consult the car wash tunnel operator.
It is best to use a car wash without revolving
bristles if possible.
Washing the vehicle with a high pressure
cleaner
When washing the vehicle with a high-pres-
sure cleaner, always follow the operating in-
structions for the equipment. This applies
particularly to the operating pressure and the
spraying distance. Do not hold the nozzle too
close to soft materials such as rubber hoses
or seals. The same applies to the parking aid
sensors*, which are located in the rear bump-
er.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out
in a direct stream or one that has a rotating
jet for forcing off dirt.
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of
water to soften the dirt first, and rinse off as
well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge,
glove or brush using only slight pressure.
You should start on the roof and work down. Special car
soap should only be used for very
persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and of-
ten.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned
last. Use a second sponge for this. WARNING
● The v

ehicle should only be washed with the
ignition switched off. Failure to follow this in-
struction could result in an accident.
● Do not clean the underside of chassis, the
ins
ide of wheel arches or wheel trims without
protecting your hands and arms. You may cut
yourself on sharp-edged metal parts. Other-
wise, there is a risk of sustaining cuts.
● When washing the car during the winter
sea
son: water and ice in the brake system
can reduce braking effectiveness: risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
● Do not w

ash the vehicle in direct sunlight –
otherwise the paint can be damaged.
● Do not use sponges, abrasive household
spon
ges or similar to clean insect remains.
This could damage the surface.
● Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from
the hea
dlights at regular intervals, for in-
stance when filling the fuel tank. The head-
lights should only be washed with water, do not wipe them with a dry cloth or sponge. It
i
s

best to use soapy water.
● Never wash tyres with a jet that sprays the
wat
er out in a direct stream. This could dam-
age the tyres even if the spray is kept at a
distance and only used for a very short time.
● Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
car w
ash, please make sure to retract the ex-
terior mirrors to prevent them from being
damaged. Electrically retractable exterior
mirrors must not be folded in or out by hand,
always use the electrical power control. CAUTION
● Bef

ore washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash, please proceed as follows to lock
the wiper arms so that they are not moved to-
wards the top of the windscreen:
–the bonnet must be closed.
– switch the ignition on and off.
– press the windscreen wiper lever forward
briefly (windscreen washer function).
This will lock the wiper arms. For the sake of the environment
The car should only be washed in special
w a

sh bays. These areas are prepared to pre-
vent oily water from getting into the public
drains. In some places, washing vehicles out-
side the areas intended for this purpose is
prohibited. 267
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Intelligent technology
The retract function may not operate properly
in v
ery dirty belts. Make sure that the inertia
reel seat belts are completely dry before al-
lowing them to retract. CAUTION
● Do not r

emove the seat belts from the vehi-
cle to clean them.
● Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the
seat
belts, as this can damage the webbing.
Ensure that the seat belts do not come into
contact with corrosive fluids.
● If you find any damage to the belt webbing,
belt fittin
gs, the belt retractor or the buckle,
the belt in question must be replaced by a
specialised workshop. Intelligent technology
El ectr

omechanical steering Electro-mechanical power steering assists
the driv
er when s

teering.
Electro-mechanical power steering adapts
electronically to the speed of the car, torque
and turning angle.
If the power steering should fail at any time
or the engine is switched off (for instance
when being towed), the car can still be
steered. However, more effort than normal
will be required to turn the steering wheel.
Driver warning lamps and messages  (in red) Faulty steering! To
park the vehicle
If the warning lamp remains on and the driver
indication appears, the power steering could
be faulty.
Do not continue driving. Seek specialist as-
sistance.  (in yellow) Steering: System
fault! You may continue driving.
If the warning lamp comes on, the steering
could react with more difficultly or more sen-
sitivity than normal. In addition, when driving
in a straight line the steering wheel may be
off-centre. Drive slowly to a specialised workshop and
h
av

e the fault repaired.
 (in yellow) Steering lock:
fault! Go to an Official Service
The electronic steering lock is malfunction-
ing.
Go to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the fault repaired. WARNING
Take it immediately to a specialised work-
shop and h av

e the fault repaired: risk of acci-
dent! Note
If the lamp  (in red) or el
se  (in yellow)
lights up briefly, you may continue driving. Four-wheel drive
3
V
alid for vehicles: with four-wheel drive
On four-wheel drive models, the engine pow-
er is distributed to all four wheels
General notes
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the engine
power is distributed to all four wheels. The
distribution of power is controlled automati-
cally according to your driving style and the
road conditions. Also see ›››
page 173. »
273
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety