2016 Seat Ateca sensor

Operation
Air recirculation mode Basic pointsAir recirculation:

Manual recirculation
Air recirculation mode prevents the ambient
air fr
om ent

ering the interior.
When the outside temperature is very high,
selecting manual air recirculation mode for a
short period refreshes the vehicle interior
more quickly.
For safety reasons, air recirculation mode is
switched off when the button  is press-
ed or the air distributor turned to .
Switching the manual air recirculation mode
on and off 
To switch system on: press the  button un-
til the warning lamp lights up.
To switch system off: press the  button un-
til the warning lamp goes off.
Functioning mode of automatic air recircula-
tion (air conditioning menu)
With the automatic air recirculation mode ac-
tivated, the entry of fresh air into the cabin
interior is enabled. If the system detects a
high concentration of hazardous substances
in the ambient air, air recirculation mode is
switched on automatically. When the level of impurities drops to within a normal range, re-
c
ir

culation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant
smells.
The air recirculation will not connect auto-
matically in versions without humidity sensor
and in the following external conditions:
● The outside temperature is lower than +3°C
(+38°F).
● The cooling system is switched off and the
outside t
emperature is below +10°C (+50°F).
● The cooling system is switched off, the out-
side t
emperature is below +15°C (+59°F) and
the windscreen wipers are switched on.
Activation/deactivation of automatic air recir-
culation is done in the air conditioner menu,
under Configuration. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››
› in Intro-
duction on p ag
e 157.
● If the cooling system is switched off and air
rec
irculation mode switched on, the windows
can mist over very quickly, considerably limit-
ing visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is
not r
equired. CAUTION
Do not smoke when air recirculation is
sw it

ched on in vehicles with an air condition-
er. The smoke taken in could lie on the cool-
ing system vaporiser and on the activated
charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen fil-
ter, leading to a permanently unpleasant
smell. Note
Climatronic: air recirculation mode is activa-
t ed t

o prevent exhaust gas or unpleasant
odours from entering the vehicle interior
when it is in reverse and while the automatic
windscreen wiper is working. 160

Operation
situations the torque delivered to the inner
wheel i
s too high, causing the wheels to
spin. On the other hand, the outer wheel is
receiving a lower drive torque than it could
transmit. This causes an overall loss of lateral
grip on the front axle, resulting in understeer
or “lengthening” of the trajectory.
The XDS system can detect and correct this
effect via the sensors and signals of the ESC.
Via the ESC, the XDS will brake the inside
wheel and counter the excess driving torque
of that wheel. This means that the driver's
desired trajectory is much more precise.
The XDS system works in combination with
the ESC and is always active, even when ASR
traction control is disconnected, or the ESC in
Sport mode or disconnected.
Multi-collision brake
In an accident, the multi-collision brake can
help the driver by braking to avoid the risk of
skidding during the accident, which could
lead to further collisions.
The multi-collision brake works for front, side
or rear accidents, when the airbag control
unit records its activation level and the acci-
dent takes place at a speed of over 10 km/h
(6 mph). The ESC automatically brakes the
vehicle, as long as the accident has not dam-
aged the ESC, the brake hydraulics or the on-
board network The following actions control automatic brak-
ing durin
g the accident:
● When the driver presses the accelerator,
the autom
atic braking does not take place.
● When the braking pressure through press-
ing the br
ake pedal is greater than the sys-
tem’s braking pressure the vehicle will brake
automatically.
● Multi-collision braking will not be available
if E
SC is malfunctioning. WARNING
● The E SC, ABS, ASR, ED

S and the electronic
torque control system cannot exceed the lim-
its imposed by the laws of physics. Always
bear this in mind, especially on wet or slip-
pery roads. If you notice the systems cutting
in, you should reduce your speed immediate-
ly to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do
not be encouraged to take risks by the pres-
ence of more safety systems. If you do, an ac-
cident may occur.
● Please remember that the accident risk al-
wa
ys increases if you drive fast, especially in
corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow
too close behind the vehicle in front of you.
The ESC, ABS, brake assist, EDS and the elec-
tronic torque control system cannot prevent
accidents: risk of accidents!
● Accelerate with caution on slippery surfa-
ce
s (for example, icy or snow-covered). De-
spite the control systems, the driven wheels could spin, affecting the stability of the vehi-
c
l

e: risk of accident! Note
● The ABS and ASR w

ill only operate correctly
if the four wheels have identical tyres. Any
differences in the rolling radius of the tyres
can cause the system to reduce engine power
when this is not desired.
● The regulating processes of the systems
can m
ake noises when they intervene.
● If the warning lamp  lights
up, or  alter-
natively, there could be a fault ››› page 106. Switching on/off the ESC and ASR
The ESC is switched on automatically when
the en
gine i

s started, and only works when
the engine is running and includes the ABS,
EDS and ASR systems.
The ASR function should only be switched off
in situations in which traction is insufficient,
including:
● When driving in deep snow or on surfaces
that
are not very firm.
● To “free” the vehicle if it gets stuck.
Then swit
ch the ASR function back on.
174

Operation
km/h (18 and 150 mph), as well as the tem-
por ar
y distance required with regard to the
vehicle in front. The ACC function will adapt
the vehicle's cruise speed at all times, main-
taining a safe distance with the vehicle in
front.
The ACC function is based on a radar sensor
that can measure the distance to the vehicles
in front.
If the vehicle is equipped with automatic
gearbox, the ACC can brake the vehicle until
it stops completely if a vehicle in front of it
stops.
Driver intervention prompt
During driving, the ACC is subject to certain
limitations inherent in the system. In other
words, in certain circumstances the driver will
have to adjust speed him or herself, as well
as the distance from other vehicles.
In this case, the instrument panel screen will
warn you to intervene by applying the brake
and a warning tone will be heard
››› page 199. WARNING
The intelligent technology in the ACC cannot
o v

ercome the system's inherent limitations
or change the laws of physics. If used negli-
gently or involuntarily, it may cause serious
accidents and injuries. The system is not a re-
placement for driver awareness. ●
Ad apt

your speed and safe distance to the
vehicle in front of you at all times to suit visi-
bility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● Do not use the ACC when visibility is bad,
on st
eep roads, with several bends or in slip-
pery circumstances such as snow, ice, rain or
loose gravel, or on flooded roads.
● Never use the ACC when driving off-road or
on unp
aved roads. The ACC has been de-
signed for use on paved roads only.
● The ACC does not react on approaching a
fix
ed obstacle, such as the tail of a traffic
jam, a damaged vehicle or a vehicle stopped
at the traffic lights.
● The ACC only reacts to people if a pedes-
trian monit
oring system is available. In addi-
tion, the system does not react to animals or
vehicles crossing your path or approaching
head-on down the same lane.
● If the ACC does not reduce speed sufficient-
ly, br
ake the vehicle immediately by applying
the pedal.
● If you are driving using the spare wheel,
the AC
C system could automatically switch
off during the journey. Switch off the system
when starting off.
● If the vehicle continues to move involuntar-
ily
after a driver intervention prompt, brake
the vehicle by applying the pedal.
● If the dash panel displays a dri
ver interven-
tion prompt, adjust the distance yourself.
● The driver should be ready to accelerate or
brak
e by him/herself at all times. CAUTION
If you have the sensation that the radar sen-
sor i s

damaged, disconnect the ACC. This will
avoid possible damage. If this occurs have it
adjusted.
● Repairs to the radar sensor require special-
is

t knowledge and special tools. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this pur-
pose. Note
● If the A

CC system does not work as descri-
bed in this chapter, do not use it until it has
been checked by a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership
for this purpose.
● Maximum speed with the ACC activated is
limited t
o 210 km/h (150 mph).
● When the ACC is switched on, strange
noise
s may be heard during automatic brak-
ing cause by the braking system. 198

Operation
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›› › in Warning
and c ontr
ol lamps on page 107. Note
When the ACC is connected, the indications
on the in s

trument panel screen may be con-
cealed by warnings from other functions,
such as an incoming call. Radar sensor
Fig. 177
On the front behind the SEAT badge:
r a

dar sensor. On the front behind the SEAT badge, a radar
sen
sor h

as been installed to capture the traf-
fic situation ›››
Fig. 177. This sensor can de-
tect vehicles in front up to a distance of ap-
proximately 120 m. The radar sensor's visibility may be impaired
by

dirt, mud or snow, or by environmental in-
fluences such as rain or mist. In this case the
adaptive cruise control (ACC) does not work.
The instrument panel displays the following
message: ACC: No sensor vision! If
necessary, clean the SEAT badge area ››› .
When the r a

dar sensor begins to operate
properly again, the ACC will automatically be
available again. The message on the instru-
ment panel screen will switch off and the ACC
will be reactivated again.
ACC operation may be affected by a strong ra-
dar reverse reflection. This may occur, for ex-
ample, in a closed car park or due to the
presence of metallic objects (e.g. rails on the
road or sheets used in road works).
The area in front of and around the radar sen-
sor should not be covered with adhesives,
additional or similar headlights, as this may
negatively affect ACC operation.
If structural modifications are made to the ve-
hicle, for example, if the suspension is low-
ered or the front spoiler is modified, ACC op-
eration may be affected. So structural modifi-
cations should only be made by specialised
workshops. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT
dealership for this purpose.
If work is done incorrectly on the front of the
vehicle, the radar sensor could be damaged
or lose its settings, and ACC operation may
be affected. So repair work should only be made by specialised workshops. SEAT recom-
mends

visiting a SEAT dealership for this pur-
pose. CAUTION
If you have the sensation that the radar sen-
sor i s

damaged or has lost its settings, dis-
connect the ACC. This will avoid possible
damage. If this occurs have it adjusted.
● The sensor may become damaged or lose
its
settings when knocked, for example, dur-
ing a parking manoeuvre. This may compro-
mise the system's efficacy or disconnect it.
● Repairs to the radar sensor require special-
is

t knowledge and special tools. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this pur-
pose.
● Clean away the snow with a brush and the
ice pr
eferably with a solvent-free de-icer
spray. 200

Operation
speed accordingly and then controls the ad-
ju s
ted distance. If the vehicle detected in
front accelerates, the adaptive cruise control
will also accelerate up to the target speed
programmed at most.
The greater the speed, the greater the dis-
tance in metres should be ››› . We recom-
mend the settin g

Distance 3. WARNING
With regard to distance setting, the driver is
r e

sponsible for observing country-specific
legislation. Driver messages
 A
C
C not available
The system can no longer continue to guar-
antee safe vehicle detection and will be de-
activated. The sensor has lost its setting or is
damaged. Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop and have the fault repaired.
 ACC: currently not available. No sensor vi-
sion
 ACC and Front Assist: currently not availa-
ble. No sensor vision
This message will be displayed to the driver if
the radar sensor's vision is impaired due, for example, to leaves, snow, heavy fog or dirt.
C
l

ean the SEAT badge ››› Fig. 177.
 ACC: currently not available. Gradient too
steep
The maximum road slope has been excee-
ded, hence safe ACC operation cannot be
guaranteed. The ACC cannot be switched on.
 ACC: only available in D, S or M
Select the D/S or M position on the selector
lever.
 ACC: parking brake applied
The ACC is deactivated if the parking brake is
applied. The ACC is available once again after
the parking brake is released.
 ACC: currently not available. Intervention
of stability control
The message for the driver is displayed when
the electronic stability control (ESC) inter-
venes. In this case, the ACC is automatically
switched off.
 ACC: Take action!
The message for the driver is displayed if,
when the vehicle starts up on a hill with a
mild slope, the vehicle rolls back even al-
though the ACC is activated. Apply the brake
to stop the vehicle from moving/colliding
with another vehicle. 
ACC: speed limit
The me ssage for the driver is displayed if, in
vehicles with manual gearbox, the current
speed is too low for the ACC mode.
The speed to be stored must be at least
30 km/h (18 mph). The speed limiter
switches off if the speed falls below 20 km/h (12 mph).
 ACC: available as of the 2nd gear
The ACC is operational as of the 2nd gear
(manual gearbox).
 ACC: engine speed
The message for the driver is displayed if, when the ACC accelerates or brakes, the driv-
er does not shift up or down a gear in time,
which means exceeding or not reaching the
permissible engine speed. The ACC switches
itself off. A buzzer warning is heard.
 ACC: clutch pressed
Vehicles with a manual gearbox: pressing the
clutch pedal for longer abandons control
mode.
Door open
Vehicles with automatic gearbox: the ACC
cannot be activated with the vehicle station-
ary and the door open.
204

Driver assistance systems
Deactivating the Adaptive Cruise Con-
tr o
l ACC temporarily in certain situa-
tions In the following situations the Adaptive
C
rui

se Control (ACC) should be deactivated
due to the system's limitations ››› :
● When changing lanes, on tight bends and
r ou

ndabouts, in acceleration and decelera-
tion lanes on motorways or in sections with
road works to prevent involuntary accelera-
tion to reach the programmed speed.
● When going through a tunnel, as operation
c ou

ld be affected.
● On roads with several lanes, when other ve-
hicl
es are driving more slowly in the overtak-
ing lane. In this case, slower vehicles will be
overtaken on the right.
● In case of heavy rain, snow or spray, as the
vehic
le in front might not be detected proper-
ly or, in certain circumstances, might not be
detected at all. WARNING
If the ACC does not switch off in the situa-
tion s

described, serious accidents and inju-
ries may occur.
● Always switch off the ACC in critical situa-
tions. Note
If you do not switch off the ACC in the afore-
mentioned s it

uations, you may commit a le-
gal offence. Special driving situations
Fig. 182
(A) Vehicle on a bend. (B) Motorcy-
c li

st ahead out of range of the radar sensor. Fig. 183
(C) Vehicle changing lanes. (D) One
v ehic

le turning and another stationary. The adaptive cruise control (ACC) has certain
ph
y

sical limitations inherent in the system.
For example, certain reactions of the ACC, in
certain circumstances, may be unexpected or
come late from the driver's point of view. So
pay attention in order to intervene if necessa-
ry.
For example, the following traffic situations
call for the utmost attention:
Starting driving after a stopping phase (only
vehicles with automatic gearbox)
After a stopping phase the ACC may begin
driving automatically when the vehicle in
front drives off. »
205
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Overtaking
When the t urn s
ignal lights up before the ve-
hicle begins an overtaking manoeuvre, the
ACC accelerates the vehicle automatically
and thus reduces the distance from the vehi-
cle in front.
When the vehicle enters the overtaking lane,
if the ACC does not detect another vehicle in
front, it accelerates until it reaches the pro-
grammed speed and maintains it.
System acceleration can be interrupted at
any time by pressing the brake or moving the
third lever backwards ››› page 201.
Driving through a bend
On entering or exiting bends, the radar sen-
sor may no longer determine the vehicle in
front or react to a vehicle in the adjacent lane
››› Fig. 182 A. In these situations the vehicle
may brake unnecessarily or fail to react to re-
act to the vehicle in front. In this case, the
driver has to intervene by accelerating or in-
terrupting the braking process by applying
the brake or pushing the third lever back-
wards ››› page 201.
Driving in tunnels
When driving through tunnels the radar sen-
sor may be limited. Switch off the ACC in tun-
nels. Narrow or misaligned vehicles
The ra
dar sensor can only detect narrow or
misaligned vehicles when they are within
range ››› Fig. 182 B. This applies particularly
to narrow vehicles such as motorbikes. In
these cases, you should brake as necessary.
Vehicles with special loads and accessories
Special loads and accessories of other vehi-
cles that jut out over the sides, backwards or
over the top may be out of the ACC's range.
Switch off the ACC when driving behind vehi-
cles with special loads and accessories or
when overtaking them. In these cases, you
should brake as necessary.
Other vehicles changing lanes
Vehicles changing lanes a short distance
away from your own can only be detected
when they are within range of the sensors.
Consequently, the ACC will take longer to re-
act ››› Fig. 183 C. In these cases, you should
brake as necessary.
Stationary vehicles
The ACC does not detect stationary objects
while driving, such as traffic tails or damaged
vehicles.
If a vehicle detected by the ACC turns or
moves over and there is a stationary vehicle
in front of it, the ACC will not react to it ›››
Fig. 183 D. In these c ases, you should
brake as necessary.
Vehicles driving in the opposite direction
and vehicles crossing your path
The ACC does not react to vehicles approach-
ing from the opposite direction or vehicles
crossing your path.
Metal objects
Metal objects, e.g. rails on the road or sheets
used in road works, can confuse the radar
sensor and cause the ACC to react wrongly.
Factors that may affect how the radar sensor
operates
If laser sensor operation is impaired, due to
heavy rain, spray, snow or mud, the ACC is
deactivated temporarily. The relevant text
message will appear in the dash panel dis-
play. If necessary clean the SEAT
badge ››› Fig. 177.
When the radar sensor begins to operate
properly again, the ACC will automatically be
available again. The message on the instru-
ment panel screen will switch off and the ACC
will be reactivated again.
ACC operation may be affected by a strong ra-
dar reverse reflection, for example in a closed
car park.
206

Driver assistance systems
Trailer mode
When driv in
g with trailer the ACC controls
less dynamically.
Overheated brakes
If the brakes overheat, for example after
abrupt braking or in long and steep slopes,
the ACC may be deactivated temporarily. The
relevant text message will appear in the dash
panel display. In this case, adaptive cruise
control cannot be activated.
Adaptive cruise control can be reactivated
once brake temperature has cooled suffi-
ciently. The message will disappear from the
instrument panel display. If the message ACC
not available remains on for quite a long
time it means that there is a fault. Contact a
specialised workshop. SEAT recommends vis-
iting a SEAT dealership. WARNING
If the message ACC ready to start ap-
pe ar

s on the instrument panel display and
the vehicle in front starts up, the vehicle will
start up automatically. In this case the radar
sensor may not detect obstacles on the road.
This could cause an accident and serious in-
juries.
● Before driving off, check that the road is
cl

ear. If necessary, apply the brake. Front Assist system including
C
ity

emergency braking and
pedestrian monitoring*
Introduction The Front Assist system including City emer-
g
ency

braking and pedestrian monitoring can
help avoid collisions.
The Front Assist system may warn the driver,
within the constraints of the system, of im-
pending collisions, prepare the vehicle for
emergency braking in case of danger, provide
support during braking and apply automatic
braking.
The City emergency braking and pedestrian
monitoring functions are an integral part of
the Front Assist system.
The Front Assist is not a replacement for
driver awareness.
Distance warning
If the system detects that safety is endan-
gered by the proximity of the vehicle in front,
it may warn the driver by means of a message
on the instrument panel when driving at a
speed of between approximately 60 km/h
(37 mph) and 250 km/h (156 mph)
››› Fig. 184.
The warning moment varies depending on
the traffic situation and driver behaviour. Advance warning
If
the sy

stem detects a possible collision with
the vehicle in front, it may warn the driver by
means of an audible warning and an indica-
tion on the instrument panel when driving at
a speed of between approximately 30 km/h
(18 mph) and 250 km/h (156 mph)
››› Fig. 184.
The warning moment varies depending on
the traffic situation and driver behaviour. At
the same time, the vehicle will prepare for a
possible emergency braking ››› .
C ritic

al warning
If the driver fails to react to the advance
warning, the system may actively intervene in
the brakes when driving at a speed of be-
tween approximately 30 km/h (18 mph) and
250 km/h (156 mph), generating a brief jolt
to warn of the imminent collision.
Automatic braking
If the driver also fails to react to the advance
warning, the system may brake the vehicle
automatically, by progressively increasing
braking effect driving at a speed of between
approximately 4 km/h (2.5 mph) and
250 km/h (156 mph). By reducing speed in
case of a possible collision, the system may
contribute to reducing the consequences of
an accident. »
207
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety