The essentials
switch off when the engine starts running, or
whi l
e driv
ing.
When certain control and warning lamps are
lit, an audible warning is also heard.
Handbrake applied.
›››
page
137 Do not continue driving!
The brake fluid level is too low or
there is a fault in the brake system.
it lights up:
Do not continue
driving!
The liquid coolant level is too low,
the engine liquid coolant tempera-
ture is too high or
there is a fault in the liquid coolant
system.
››› page
191
flashes: engine coolant system
faulty.››› page
191
Do not continue driving!
Engine oil pressure too low.››› page
188
lights up or flashes:
Do not con-
tinue driving!
Fault in the steering.››› page
133
On the instrument panel: driver or
passenger has not fastened seat
belt.›››
page
52
Faulty generator.›››
page
196
Vehicles with the Start-Stop sys-
tem: it is necessary to start the en-
gine manually.››› page
161
it lights up:
ESC* faulty or switched
off by the system. ALTERNATIVELY:
flashes: ESC* or ASR regulating.
››› page
137 it lights up:
Traction Control* faulty
or switched off by the system. AL-
TERNATIVELY:
flashes: Traction Control* regulator
operating.
ABS faulty or does not work.
Rear fog light switched on.›››
page
103
lights up or flashes:
fault in the
emission control system.››› page
151
Fault in engine management.
lights up or flashes:
fault in the
steering system.››› page
133
Fuel tank almost empty.›››
page
182
The natural gas tank is almost
empty.›››
page
182
Fault in airbag system and seat
belt tensioners.›››
page
59
Tyre pressure* too low›››
page
205
Left or right turn signal.›››
page
103
Hazard warning lights on.››› page
70
Cruise control operating.›››
page
155
Main beam on or flasher on.›››
page
103
The natural gas engine coolant
temperature is too low.›››
page
192
Lamps on the instrument panel display
A passenger in the rear seats
has fastened their seatbelt.›››
page
52
A passenger in the rear seats
has not fastened their seat
belt.›››
page
52
flashes quickly:
the City Safety
Assist system function* brakes
automatically or has braked au-
tomatically. Or:
flashes slowly: City Safety As-
sist function is not currently
available.
››› page
156
The City Safety Assist* function
has been connected manually.
It switches off after 5 seconds.›››
page
156
flashes: The City Safety Assist*
function has been manually
disconnected.›››
page
156
after the ignition is switched
on: indication that the end of
the period for an inspection to
be performed is approaching.›››
page
88» 25
Operation
outside temperature as a result of heat com-
in g fr
om the en
gine.
The temperatures measured range from
-40 °C to +50 °C (-40 °F to +122 °F).
Selector lever position
The range of engaged gears of the selector
lever is shown on the side of the lever, and
on the instrument panel display. In positions
D and M, and with the Tiptronic, the corre-
sponding gear is also indicated on the dis-
play.
Recommended gear* (manual gearbox)
The recommended gear to save fuel can be
displayed on the instrument panel display
while you are driving ››› page 143.
Seat belt status display for the rear seats*
The seat belt status display on the instru-
ment panel display informs the driver, when
the ignition is switched on, whether any pas-
sengers in the rear seats have fastened their
seat belts ››› page 52.
Start-Stop system status display
The instrument panel display shows informa-
tion on the current status ››› page 161. WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle
ma y
stall in traffic, or may cause accidents
and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of acci-
dent for the driv
er and for other road users. If
necessary, switch on the hazard warning
lamps and put out the warning triangle to ad-
vise other drivers.
● Park the vehicle away from traffic and en-
sure th
at no highly flammable materials are
under the vehicle that could come into con-
tact with the exhaust system (e.g. dry grass,
fuel). WARNING
Even though outside temperatures are above
freez in
g, some roads and bridges may be icy.
● At outside temperatures above +4°C
(+39°F), even when the “ice c
rystal symbol”
is not visible, there may still be patches of ice
on the road.
● Do not rely on the outside temperature in-
dicator! CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they
appe ar m
ay result in faults in the vehicle. Note
● Differ ent
versions of the instrument panel
are available and therefore the versions and
instructions on the display may vary.
● When several warnings are active at the
same time, the symbol
s are shown succes-
sively for a few seconds and will stay on until
the fault is rectified. Service interval display
The inspection message appears on the in-
s
trument
p
anel display ›››
Fig. 95 2 .
S EA
T di
stinguishes between services with en-
gine oil change (Oil change Service) and
services without engine oil change (Inspec-
tion Service). The service interval display only
gives information for service dates which in-
volve an engine oil change. The dates of the
remaining services (e.g. the next Inspection
Service or change of brake fluid) are listed on
the label attached to the door strut, or in the
Maintenance Programme.
The set service intervals have been specified
with the service dependent on time/distance
travelled.
Inspection reminder
If the inspection period is due to expire
shortly, Inspection reminder appears when
starting the ignition abbreviated to
and a
90
Driving
Recommended settings in case of heating
and fr e
sh air sy
stem, and manual air condi-
tioning.
● Disconnect the air recirculation.
● Select speed o from the blo
wer.
● Put the temperature control in the inter-
mediate po
sition.
● Open and direct all of the air outlets on the
dash p
anel .
● Turn the air distribution regulator to the de-
sired po
sition.
● Manual air conditioning: pres
s the button
on the control panel to connect the cool-
in g.
The air i
s dehumidified in the cooling
mode.
Recommended settings in case of Climatron-
ic
● Press the button on the control panel.
● Set the temperature to +22 °C (+72 °F).
● Open the air vents on the dash panel and
dir ect
them.
M
aximum cooling or heating output in case
of Climatronic
While in gear, the maximum cooling and
heating output is set by pressing button 1or
2 several times
›
››
Fig. 144. The tempera-
ture is not regulated. ●
Maximum coo
ling output: set the cooling
below +16 °C (+60 °F). The following appears
on the screen LO.
● Maximum heating output: set the coo
ling
above +29 °C (+84 °F). The following appears
on the screen HI .
Dust and pollen filter
The dirt and pollen filter must be changed
regularly so that the air conditioning output
does not decrease.
If the vehicle is used frequently in areas
where the outside air is very contaminated, it
is possible that you may have to change the
filter prior to the next suggested service.
Water under the vehicle
When the outside humidity and ambient tem-
perature are high, it is possible that conden-
sation water may drip from the cooling evap-
orator and a puddle may from below the vehi-
cle. This is normal and does not indicate a
leak! Driving
St eerin
g
Intr
oduction The power steering* is not hydraulic but elec-
tromec
h
anical. The advantage of this steer-
ing system is that it disposes of hydraulic
tubes, hydraulic oil, the pump, filter and oth-
er components. The electromechanical sys-
tem saves fuel. While a hydraulic system re-
quires oil pressure to be maintained, electro-
mechanical steering only requires energy
when the steering wheel is turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted
steering function automatically adjusts ac-
cording to the vehicle speed, the steering tor-
que and the wheel turning angle. The power
steering only works when the engine is run-
ning. WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the
st eerin
g wheel is much more difficult to turn
and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the
engine is
running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the
engine is
switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehic
le is in motion. The steering may » 133
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometres, gr adu-
a l
ly increase power until reaching the maxi-
mum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of wheel rims and new tyres
›››
page 199
● Notes on the brakes ›››
page 137 For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the
engine w i
ll be increased and the engine oil
consumption reduced. Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection is a top priority in
the de
s
ign, c
hoice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage recy-
cling
● Joints and connections designed for easy
dismantlin
g
● Modular construction to facilitate disman-
tling
● Incr
eased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in
accor
dance 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 c
omponents are not easily separated.
● Use of recycled materials and/or materials
originating fr
om renewable sources.
● Reduction of volatile components, includ-
ing odour, in p
lastic 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-
valent chromium.
Manufacturing methods
● Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the
protectiv
e wax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during ve-
hicle tr
ansport.
● Use of solvent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-
tems.
● Recy
cling and energy recovery from resi-
dues (RDF).
● Impr
ovement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual
heat (therm
al recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints. Economical and environmentally
friendly drivin
g Fig. 150
Fuel consumption in litres per
100 km at 2 diff
er
ent outside temperatures Fuel consumption, environmental impact and
en
gine, br
ak
e and tyre wear depend largely
on three factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Saving
s of up to 25% in fuel consumption
are possible with an appropriate driving style
and the adoption of certain simple tips.
Changing gear early
General instructions: The highest gear is al-
ways the most economical. As a guide, for
most vehicles at a speed of 30 km/h
(19 mph), drive in third gear, at 40 km/h »
149
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in
s ummer
, ev
en when other conditions are the
same.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. In addition, mechanical
wear and pollutant emissions are also espe-
cially high during this initial warm-up phase.
It is therefore best to drive off immediately af-
ter starting the engine. Doing this avoids run-
ning the engine at a high speed.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres
helps to reduce rolling resistance and, as a
result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing
the tyre pressure slightly (+0.2
bar/+3 psi/+200 kPa) can help to save fuel.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are
optimised for minimum rolling resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils,
known as low friction engine oil, helps to re-
duce fuel consumption. These oils reduce the
resistance caused by friction in the engine,
they flow around the engine more quickly
and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The
effect is particularly noticeable in vehicles
frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and ob-
serve service intervals (engine oil change in-
tervals). When purchasing engine oil, always observe
leg
al requirements and ensure that the oil is
approved by SEAT.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical
and ecological the driving style. For example,
an additional weight of 100 kg will increase
fuel consumption up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads
from the vehicle.
Remove optional equipment and unnecessa-
ry accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower
the fuel consumption. Optional equipment
and accessories (such as roof racks or bike
carriers) reduce the aerodynamic benefits of
the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all op-
tional and unnecessary equipment and racks,
especially if you intend to drive at high
speeds.
Other factors which increase fuel consump-
tion (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills. WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to
the v ehic
les ahead in line with visibility,
weather conditions, the condition of the road
and the traffic situation. Engine management and ex-
hau
s
t gas purification system
Introduction WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Never apply additional underseal or anti-
corro
sion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter or the heat shields on the ex-
haust system. Control and warning lamps
It lights up
fault in the pet-
rol engine man-
agement.Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible and
have the engine checked.
»
151
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Care and maintenance
waste. Observe information provided by the
manuf
act
urer. Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird
drop
pin
gs, 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.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at
the automatic car wash. The standard pre-
cautionary measures prior to entering the car
wash should be taken to avoid damage to
the vehicle (close all windows, fold in exterior
mirrors). If the vehicle is fitted with additional
components (spoiler, roof-rack, aerial, etc.),
check with the car wash supervisor whether
these can enter the car wash ››› .
The v
ehic
le paintwork is so durable that the
vehicle can normally be washed without
problems in an automatic car wash tunnel.
However, wear and damage to the paintwork
will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT recommends the use of car washes
without bru
shes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to
prevent wiper blades from scratching, please
observe the following ››› page 172, Cleaning
windows and exterior mirrors .
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.
Start at the roof and work downwards. Spe-
cial car shampoo 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
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause
injury .
● Pr
otect arms and hands from sharp edges
when cle
aning the vehicle undercarriage or
the interior of the wheel hubs. WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the brak-
ing eff ect
will be reduced (and the braking
distance increased) due to moisture (and ice
in winter) on the brakes.
● “Dry the brakes and remove ice” by braking
caref
ully. Ensure that you are not endanger-
ing other road-users or breaking traffic regu-
lations in the process. CAUTION
● The wat er t
emperature should not exceed
+60 °C (+140 °F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not
wash the
vehicle in full sun.
● Do not use rough sponges or similar which
coul
d damage the surface to clean away the
traces of insects.
● Never wipe the headlights with a dry cloth
or spong
e, always moisten first. It is best to
use soapy water.
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures:
When washin
g the vehicle with a hose, do
not direct water into the lock cylinders or the
gaps around the doors or roof. Locks and
seals could freeze! CAUTION
To avoid any risk of damage to the vehicle,
pl e
ase check the following points before us-
ing an automatic car wash: » 171
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
●
Comp ar
e the distance between the vehicle
wheels and the distance between the guide-
rails of the car wash to prevent damage to the
wheels and tyres!
● Switch off the rain sensor before taking the
vehicl
e to an automatic car wash.
● Compare the height and width of your vehi-
cle w
ith the available height and width when
entering and driving through the car wash.
● Fold in exterior mirrors Electrically retracta-
ble e
xterior mirrors must not be folded in or
out by hand. Always use the electrical power
control.
● To avoid damaging the bonnet paintwork,
res
t the windscreen wipers on the windscreen
after drying the wiper blades. Do not let them
fall!
● Lock the rear lid to prevent it from opening
unexpect
edly while inside the car wash. Washing the vehicle with a high pres-
s
ur
e c
leaner When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pres-
s
ur
e c
leaner, always follow the operating in-
structions for the equipment. Pay special at-
tention to the required pressure of the jet
and the distance between the jet and the ve-
hicle ››› .
K eep a s uit
able distance from soft materials,
such as rubber hoses or insulating material,
and from the parking distance warning sys- tem sensors. The sensors of the parking dis-
tance w
arning system are situated on the rear
bumper ››› .
Do not u
se a no
zzle that sprays the water out
in a direct stream or one that has a rotating
jet for forcing off dirt ››› .
WARNING
The incorrect use of high pressure cleaning
equipment c ou
ld result in permanent dam-
age, visible or invisible, to the tyres or other
materials. This could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Ensure there is a suitable distance between
the nozzl
e and the tyres.
● Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or
so-cal
led “dirt blasters”. Even at large spray-
ing distances and short cleaning times, you
may damage the tyres. WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the brak-
ing eff ect
will be reduced (and the braking
distance increased) due to moisture (and ice
in winter) on the brakes.
● “Dry the brakes and remove ice” by braking
caref
ully. Ensure that you are not endanger-
ing other road-users or breaking traffic regu-
lations in the process. CAUTION
● The wat er t
emperature should not exceed
+60 °C (+140 °F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not
wash the
vehicle in full sun.
● To ensure that the system functions well,
the sensors
located on the bumper must be
kept clean and free from ice. When cleaning
with pressure hoses and steam cleaners, the
sensors should be sprayed only briefly. A dis-
tance of 10 cm between the sensors and the
steam / hose nozzle must be observed.
● Do not use a high pressure cleaner to re-
move ic
e or snow from windows
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures:
When washin
g the vehicle with a hose, do
not direct water into the lock cylinders or the
gaps around the doors or roof. Locks and
seals could freeze! Cleaning windows and exterior mir-
r
or
s Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
S
pr
a
y windows and exterior windows with a
standard window cleaner containing alcohol.
Dry the windows with a clean chamois leath-
er or a lint-free cloth. The chamois leathers
used on painted surfaces are not suitable for
cleaning windows because they are soiled
172
Care and maintenance
De-icing the door lock cylinder To de-ice the lock cylinders, SEAT recommend
the use of
g
enuine SEAT spray with lubricat-
ing and anti-corrosive properties. CAUTION
The use of products containing degreasing
agent s
to de-ice the locks may rust the lock
cylinder. Protection of vehicle undercarriage
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it
fr
om c
hemic
al and mechanical damage. The
protective coat on the undercarriage may
wear from use while driving. Therefore, SEAT
recommends that the protective coating on
the undercarriage and on the running gear
should be regularly checked, and repaired if
necessary. WARNING
Additional underseal or anti-corrosion prod-
ucts c
ould catch fire due to the high tempera-
tures reached by the exhaust gas system and
other engine components.
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-
corro
sion products to the exhaust pipes, cat-
alytic converters, heat shields or other parts
of the vehicle which reach high temperatures. Cleaning the engine compartment
The engine compartment of any motor vehi-
cl
e i
s a potentially hazardous area
››› page 186.
The engine compartment should only be
cleaned by qualified personnel. If it is not
correctly cleaned, the anti-corrosion coating
and consequently electrical components may
be damaged. Moreover, water may filter di-
rectly into the vehicle interior through the wa-
ter chamber ››› .
If the en gine c
ompartment is very dirty, al-
ways take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop for professional cleaning. SEAT recom-
mends taking your car in for technical serv-
ice.
Water box
The water box is in the engine compartment,
between the windscreen and the engine, and
beneath a perforated cover. Air is taken in
through the water box from outside to the ve-
hicle interior via the heating and air condi-
tioner.
Leaves and other loose objects should be
regularly cleaned away from the water box ei-
ther by hand or with a vacuum. WARNING
When working on the engine or in the engine
comp ar
tment, there is a risk of injury, burns,
accident or fire.
● Before starting work, please ensure you are
famili
ar with the required procedure and the
safety precautions ››› page 186.
● SEAT recommends getting a specialised
workshop t
o do these jobs. CAUTION
If water is manually poured into the water box
(e.g. u s
ing a high pressure cleaning appli-
ance), this could cause significant damage to
the vehicle. For the sake of the environment
Only wash the engine compartment in areas
al loc
ated for this purpose, to prevent dirty
water which may be contaminated by oil,
grease or fuel, from entering the drains. In
some places, even washing this compartment
outside planned areas for this purpose is
banned. 175
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety