Operation
Catalytic converter To maintain the useful life of the catalytic
conv
er
ter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol en-
gines, as l
ead damages the catalytic con-
verter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish
with too much en
gine oil ››› page 206, Top-
ping up engine oil.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump
lea d
s if necessary ›››
page 52.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or
loss of power when the vehicle is moving, re-
duce speed immediately and have the vehi-
cle inspected at the nearest specialised
workshop. In general, the exhaust warning
lamp will light up when any of the described
symptoms occur ›››
page 100. If this hap-
pens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust sys-
tem and escape into the environment. The
catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating. CAUTION
Never run the fuel tank completely dry be-
cause the irr e
gularity of the fuel supply may
cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt
fuel to enter the exhaust system, which could
cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter. For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is
workin g per
fectly, there may be a smell of
sulphur from the exhaust gas under some
conditions. This depends on the sulphur con-
tent of the fuel used. Quite often the problem
can be solved by changing to another brand
of fuel. Diesel engine particulate filter*
Fig. 173
Vehicle data sticker on back cover of
the M aint
enanc
e Programme. Your vehicle is fitted with a DPF (Diesel Partic-
u
l
at e Fi
lter) if the vehicle data sticker (back
cover of the “Maintenance Programme”) lists
the code PR 7GG ››› Fig. 173.
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates
most of the soot from the exhaust gas sys-
tem. Under normal driving conditions, the fil-
ter cleans itself. If this is not possible (for ex- ample, multiple short trips) the filter will be
obstruct
ed by soot and the diesel engine
particulate filter warning lamp will light up.
This does not represent a fault, it is a warning
that indicates that the filter has not been
able to regenerate automatically and that you
must perform a cleaning cycle, as indicated
below.
Accumulation of soot in the diesel engine
particulate filter*
If the control lamp lights up you should
help the filter clean itself by driving in the ap-
propriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in fourth
or fifth gear (automatic gearbox: S gear
range) at a minimum speed of 60 km/h
(37 mph), with the engine running at approxi-
mately 2,000 rpm. In this way, the soot build
up in the filter is burned. When cleaning is
successful, the control lamp turns off.
If the lamp does not turn off, or the three
lamps turn on (particulate filter , fault in
the emission control system and glow
plugs ), drive the vehicle to a specialised
workshop and have the fault repaired at the
earliest opportunity. WARNING
Always drive according to the road weather
conditions, the t err
ain and traffic. Driving rec-
ommendations should never lead to illegal
manoeuvres in surrounding traffic. 170
Driving
CAUTION
● Your v ehic
le is not designed to use biodie-
sel fuel. Never, under any circumstances re-
fuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel
could damage the engine and the fuel sys-
tem. The addition of biodiesel to diesel by
the diesel producer in accordance with stand-
ard EN 590 is authorised and will not cause
damage to the engine or the fuel system.
● Using diesel fuel with a high sulphur con-
tent ma
y significantly reduce the useful life of
the diesel particulate filter. Your Technical
Service will be able to tell you which coun-
tries have diesel with a high sulphur content. Engine management*
This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
ag
ement
sys
tem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp (Electronic Power Con-
trol) lights up when the ignition is switched
on while system operation is being verified. It
should go out once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine
management system while you are driving,
this warning lamp will light up. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the engine checked. Emission control system* Control lamp
flashes:
When ther
e is misfiring that can damage the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed and drive
carefully to the nearest specialised workshop
to have the engine checked.
The control lamp lights up:
If a fault has developed during driving which
has reduced the quality of the exhaust gas
(e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and
drive carefully to the nearest specialised
workshop to have the engine checked.
Engine pre-heating/fault system* The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glo
w p
lugs
are preheating the diesel engine.
The control lamp lights up
If the control lamp lights up when the en-
gine is started it means that the glow plugs
are preheating. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.
Control lamp flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management
system while you are driving, the glow plug
system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked. Driving tips
Driving abro
ad To drive abroad, the following must be taken
into con
s
ideration:
● For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter
ensure th
at unleaded petrol is available for
the journey. See the chapter “Refuelling”. Au-
tomobile organisations will have information
about service station networks selling unlea-
ded fuel.
● In some countries, it is possible that your
car model i s
not sold, and therefore some
spare parts are not available or the technical
services may only be able to carry out limited
repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly
provide information about the technical prep-
aration that your vehicle requires and also
about necessary maintenance and repair
possibilities.
Adhesive strips for headlights
In countries where vehicles drive on the other
side of the road to your home country, the
asymmetric dipped beam may dazzle drivers
of oncoming vehicles. »
171
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers
t o c
ert
ain parts of the headlight lenses. Fur-
ther information is available at any Technical
Service.
In vehicles with adaptive headlights, the ro-
tation system must previously be disconnec-
ted. To do this, please go to a specialised
workshop.
Driving on flooded roads To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
in
g thr
ough w at
er, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● The water should never come above the
lower edge of
the bodywork.
● Drive at pedestrian speed. WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge,
etc., the br ak
ing effect can be delayed slight-
ly due to moisture build-up on the discs and
brake pads. Applying the brakes carefully
several times will remove the moisture and
restore the full braking effect. CAUTION
● Driving thr ough flooded ar
eas may severely
damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, running gear or electrical
system. ●
Whenever drivin g thr
ough water, the Start-
Stop system* must be switched off
››› page 172. Note
● Chec k the depth of the w
ater before enter-
ing the flooded zone.
● Do not stop in the water, drive in reverse, or
stop the engine in an
y situation.
● Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite
direction may
splash water that could exceed
the maximum permitted water height for your
vehicle.
● Avoid driving through salt water (corro-
sion). Driver assistance systems
St ar
t-
Stop System*
Description and operation The Start-Stop function stops the engine
when the vehic
l
e is stopped and starts it au-
tomatically when required.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutral and r el
ease the clutch pedal. The
engine will switch off. The warning lamp
will appear on the instrument panel dis-
play.
– When the clutch pedal is pressed the en-
gine will
start up again. The warning lamp
will switch off.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
– Use the foot brake to bring the vehicle to a
stop and keep the br
ake pedal pressed
down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp will appear in the
display.
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal
the engine wil
l start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off.
172
Driver assistance systems
Start-Stop function conditions
● The driver seat belt must be buckled.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The engine must be at operating tempera-
t ur
e.
● The s t
eering wheel must be straight.
● The vehicle must be on flat ground.
● The vehicle must not be in reverse.
● A trailer must not be connected.
● The temperature of the interior must be
within the comfor
t limits (A/C button should
be sel ect
ed).
● The w ind
screen de-mist function must be
off.
● If in an incr
ease in airflow is not request
ed.
● The temperature must not be set to HI or
LO .
● The driver door must be closed.
● The diesel particulate filter must not be in
regener
ation mode, for diesel engines.
● The battery charge must not be low for the
next st
art.
● Battery temperature must be between -1 °C
(+30 °F) and +55 °C (+131 °F).
Star
t-Stop function interruption
In the following situations, the Start-Stop
function will be interrupted and the engine
will automatically start: ●
The vehicl
e starts moving.
● The brake pedal is pressed several times in
a row.
● The b
attery has been discharged excessive-
ly.
● The Star
t-Stop System is manually deacti-
vated.
● The wind
screen de-mist function is turned
on.
● The temperature of the interior exceeds the
comfort
limits ( A/C button).
● If the airflow is increased by more than 3
pr e
sse
s.
● Temperature setting HI or LO is select
ed.
● The engine coolant temperature is insuffi-
cient.
● The altern
ator is faulty, for example the V-
belt has
ruptured.
● If any of the conditions described in the
previous
section are not fulfilled.
When the engine is turned off by the Start-
Stop function, this is displayed on the instru-
ment panel.
If the Start-Stop system is not switched on,
the warning lamp will appear on the instru-
ment panel. WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the en-
gine off for an y
reason. You could lose control
of your vehicle. This could cause an accident
and serious injury.
● The brake servo does not work with the en-
gine off. You need mor
e force to stop the vehi-
cle.
● Power steering does not work when the en-
gine is not ru
nning. That is why it is much
more difficult to turn the steering wheel.
● Turn off the Start-Stop system when driving
through water (f
ording streams, etc.). Note
● For v ehic
les with the Start-Stop function
and a manual gearbox, when the engine is
started, the clutch must be pressed.
● When the conditions for the Start-Stop
function are not
fulfilled, the instrument pan-
el displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than
270°, it wil
l not be possible to start the vehi-
cle again. To start the vehicle, straighten the
steering wheel so that it is turned less than
270°.
● There are different versions of the dash
panel; the disp
lay of indications on the
screen may differ. 173
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Activating and deactivating the Start-
St op f
unction Fig. 174
The Start-Stop function button. Every time the ignition is switched on, the
St
ar
t-
Stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
Manually deactivating the Start-Stop func-
tion
– Press the
› ›
› Fig. 174 b
utton located on
the centre console. When the Start-Stop
function is switched off, the warning lamp
comes on.
– If the Start-Stop function is operating then
the engine star
ts immediately. Switching the Start-Stop function on manual-
ly
– Press the
› ››
Fig. 174
butt
on located on
the centre console. The warning lamp will
switch off.
Fatigue detection (break rec-
ommendation)* Introduction
››› t
able on page 2
The Fatigue detection informs the driver
when their driving behaviour shows signs of
fatigue. WARNING
Do not let the comfort afforded by the Fatigue
detection sys t
em tempt you into taking any
risks when driving. Take regular breaks, suffi-
cient in length when making long journeys.
● The driver always assumes the responsibil-
ity of drivin
g to their full capacity.
● Never drive if you are tired.
● The system does not detect the tiredness of
the driver in all
circumstances. Consult the in-
formation in the section ››› page 175, System
limitations. ●
In some situation s, the sy
stem may incor-
rectly interpret an intended driving manoeu-
vre as driver tiredness.
● No warning is given in the event of the ef-
fect ca
lled microsleep!
● Please observe the indications on the in-
strument panel
and act as is necessary. Note
● Fatigue detection h a
s been developed for
driving on motorways and well paved roads
only.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it
checked b
y a specialised workshop. Function and operation
Fig. 175
On the instrument panel display: fa-
tigue det ection symbo
l. Fatigue detection determines the driving be-
h
av
iour of the driv
er when starting a journey,
174
Driver assistance systems
The “SEAT Drive Profile” system modifies the
s u
spen
sion system's characteristics and
power steering behaviour.
you can choose between 2 different settings
with different characteristics.
CONVEN-
IENCEBalanced setting, suitable, e.g. for day-to-
day use.
SPORTThis gives the vehicle sporty characteristics
and is suitable for a sporty driving style. Settings can be changed when the vehicle is
station
ar
y or in movement. When a “SEAT
Drive Profile” setting is changed it is activa-
ted immediately.
Selecting the system setting
● If necessary, switch on the ignition.
● To select SPORT mode, press the
›››
Fig. 183 button u nti
l it lights up.
The CONVENIENCE mode is active when the button is not lit. The set mode remains
sel ect
ed af t
er the ignition is switched off.
CUPRA vehicle version
The modes of operation for the CUPRA are
Normal and Sport rather than Comfort and
Sport. The vehicle always starts up in Nor-
mal. The last selection does not remain once
the vehicle is turned off. WARNING
Adjusting the “SEAT Drive Profile” modifies
driving pr oper
ties. The “SEAT Drive Profile”
system should never encourage you to take
risks.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times to s
uit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions. WARNING
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
mess ag
es 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.
● Stop the v
ehicle at the next opportunity
and in a safe pl
ace. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
sponding t e
xt messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle. Note
If the “SEAT Drive Profile” system presents a
fault, the
symbol appears on the instrument
panel, with the message Fault: Damping
setting . Indication on the display and warning
l
amp
There is a fault in the “SEAT Drive Pro-
file” suspension.
See a specialised workshop immediately and have the
“SEAT Drive Profile” suspension checked.
If the yellow warning lamp does not light up again after
the engine is restarted and the vehicle has travelled a
short distance, you do not need to take it to a special-
ised workshop. Some warning and control lamps will light up
briefly
when the ignition i
s sw
itched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds. WARNING
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
mess ag
es 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. WARNING
Changing the “SEAT Drive Profile” settings
while the v
ehicle is in motion can distract you
from the road and lead to accidents. » 185
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps when they
light up and the corr e
sponding messages
may result in damage to the vehicle. Note
If the “SEAT Drive Profile” system does not
work a s
described in this chapter, have it
checked immediately by a specialised work-
shop. Towing bracket device and
tr
ai
ler
T
railer mode
What do you need to bear in mind
when towing a trailer? Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer
when fitted with the c
orr
ect equipment.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted tow-
ing bracket it will already have the necessary
technical modifications and meet the statuto-
ry requirements for towing a trailer. If you
wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult
››› page 188.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector
for the electrical connection between the
trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to
use an adapter cable. It is available at any
Technical Service.
Trailer weight/drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If
you do not load the trailer up to the maxi-
mum permitted trailer weight, you can then
climb correspondingly steeper slopes. The maximum trailer weights listed are only
applic
ab
le for altitudes up to 1000 m above
sea level. With increasing altitude the engine
power and therefore the vehicle climbing
ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has
to be reduced accordingly. The weight of the
vehicle and trailer combination must be re-
duced by 10% for every further 1000 m (or
part thereof). The gross combination weight
is the actual weight of the laden vehicle plus
the actual weight of the laden trailer. When
possible, operate the trailer with the maxi-
mum permitted drawbar load on the ball joint
of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the
specified limit.
The figures for trailer weights and drawbar
loads that are given on the data plate of the
towing bracket are for certification purposes
only. The correct figures for your specific
model, which may be lower than these fig-
ures for the towing bracket, are given in the
vehicle documentation or in ››› chapter Tech-
nical Data .
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as near to the axle as possible.
Loads carried in the trailer must be secured
to prevent them moving.
186
Towing bracket device and trailer
Tyre pressure
Set ty
re pr
essure to the maximum permissi-
ble pressure shown on the sticker on the in-
side of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pres-
sure of the trailer tyres in accordance with the
trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
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.
Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on
hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors
to give sufficient vision to the rear. WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could
res u
lt in fatal accidents. Note
● Tow in
g a trailer places additional demands
on the vehicle. We recommend additional
services between the normal inspection inter-
vals if the vehicle is used frequently for tow-
ing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply
to tow
ing a trailer in your country. Ball coupling of towing bracket*
The ball coupling is provided with instruc-
tions on fittin
g and r
emoving the ball cou-
pling of the towing bracket. WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be
stor ed sec
urely in the luggage compartment
to prevent them being flung through the vehi-
cle and causing injury. Note
● By l a
w, the ball coupling must be removed
if a trailer is not being towed if it obscures
the number plate. Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra
c
ar
e.
W eight
distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer
with an unladen vehicle is very unfavourable.
However, if this cannot be avoided, drive ex-
tra slowly to allow for the unbalanced weight
distribution. Speed
The stabi
lity of the vehicle and trailer is re-
duced with increasing speed. For this reason,
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum
permissible speed in an unfavourable road,
weather or wind conditions. This applies es-
pecially when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately
if the trailer shows the slightest sign of snak-
ing. Never try to stop the “snaking” by in-
creasing speed.
Always brake in due course. 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 locking of trail-
er wheels. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This en-
ables you to use the engine braking to slow
down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during pro-
longed slopes, driving with a low gear and
high engine speed; always monitor whether
the excessive coolant temperature gauge is
activated ››› page 207.
187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety