Operation
●
Stop the v
ehicle safely as soon as possible.
● Park the vehicle away from traffic and en-
sure th
at there are no highly flammable ma-
terials under the vehicle that could come into
contact with the exhaust system (e.g. dry
grass, fuel).
● 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.
● Before opening the bonnet, switch off the
engine and al
low it to cool.
● In any vehicle, the engine compartment is a
hazar
dous area and could cause severe inju-
ries ››› page 267. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and text
mes s
ages when they appear may result in
faults in the vehicle. Introduction to the Easy
C
onnect
sy
stem*
System settings (CAR)* CAR menu Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 33
To select the settings menus, depending on
the version, press the Easy Connect button and the
S
ET
TINGS function button, OR
pr e
s
s the button and then SETTINGS .
The act ual
number of
menus available and
the name of the various options in these me-
nus will depend on the vehicle’s electronics
and equipment.
Pressing the menu button will always take
you to the last menu used.
When the function button check box is activa-
ted , the function is active.
Pressing the menu button will always take
y ou t
o the l
ast menu used.
Any changes made using the settings menus
are automatically saved on closing those me-
nus.
Function buttons in the vehicle settings
menuPage
ESC system››› page 177
Tyres››› page 282
Driver assistance››› table on page 33
Parking and manoeuvring››› page 236
Vehicle lights››› table on page 33
Mirrors and windscreen wipers››› table on page 33
Opening and closing››› table on page 33
Multifunction display››› table on page 33
Date and time››› table on page 33
Units››› table on page 33
Service››› page 114
Factory settings››› table on page 33 WARNING
Any distraction may lead to an accident, with
the risk of
injury. Operating the Easy Connect
system while driving could distract you from
traffic. 118
Driving
Driving Ad dr
e
ss
Introduction The power steering is not hydraulic but elec-
tromec
h
anical. The advantage of this steer-
ing is that it foes not need flexible hydraulic
pipes, hydraulic oil, pump, filter or other
parts. The electromechanical system saves
fuel. Whereas a hydraulic system needs con-
tinuous oil pressure, electromechanical
steering only needs power when it is used.
In vehicles with electromechanical steering,
the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to vehicle speed, steering
wheel torque and wheel orientation. The
power steering only works when the engine
is running. WARNING
If the power steering does not work, you will
need much mor e s
trength to turn the wheel.
This has a considerable effect on vehicle
safety.
● 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
while the
vehicle is moving. The steering lock could be engaged and vehicle steering would
not w
ork. Note
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must
be sw itc
hed on to prevent the steering wheel
from locking and also to allow the use of the
turn signals, horn, windscreen wipers and
washers. Control lamp
The control lamp should light up for a few
sec
ond
s
when the ignition is switched on. It
should go out once the engine is started.
It lights up red
The electromechani-
cal steering is dam-
aged.Have the steering checked im-
mediately by a specialised work-
shop.
It lights up yellow
Electromechanical
steering operation
is limited.See a specialised workshop im-
mediately and have the steering
checked.
If the yellow warning lamp does
not light up again after the en-
gine is restarted and the vehicle
has travelled a short distance,
you do not need to take it to a
specialised workshop.
It lights up yellow
The 12-volt battery
was disconnected
and has been recon-
nected.Take the vehicle for a short run
at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph).
It flashes yellow
The steering column
is tight.Turn the wheel a little to both
sides.
The steering column
does not unlock or
lock.Remove the key from the ignition
and switch the ignition back on.
If necessary, check the messag-
es displayed on the instrument
panel display.
Do not drive on if
the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
Seek specialist assistance. WARNING
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
mes s
ages 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
vehicle at the next opportunity
and in a safe p
lace. » 167
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Switching the ignition or the glow plug sys-
t em on 2 Turn the ignition key to this position and re-
l
e
a
se it. If the key cannot be turned or it is
difficult to turn from position 1 to position
2 , move the steering wheel from one side to
the other; thi s
w
ill release it.
Starting 3The engine is started when the key is in this
po
s
ition. El
ectrical devices with high power
consumption are switched off temporarily at
the same time.
Each time that the vehicle is restarted, the ig-
nition key must be turned to position 1 . The
r epetitiv
e s
tart prevention lock of the igni-
tion prevents possible damage to the starter
motor if the engine is already running. WARNING
● The ignition key mu
st NOT be removed from
the lock until the vehicle comes to a stand-
still. Otherwise, the steering could be imme-
diately blocked- Risk of accident!
● Always remove the key from the ignition
when leav
ing the vehicle, even if only for a
short period. This is especially important if
children or disabled people are left alone in
the vehicle. They could accidentally start the
engine or work electrical equipment such as
the electric windows, resulting in an acci-
dent. ●
Uns uper
vised use of the key could start the
engine or any electrical system, such as the
electric windows. This could result in serious
injury. CAUTION
The starter motor will only work when the en-
gine i s s
topped (ignition key position 3 ).
Electronic immobiliser “SAFE”
The electronic immobiliser prevents unau-
thori
sed per
son
s from driving the vehicle.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates
the electronic immobiliser automatically
when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The electronic immobiliser will be activated
again automatically as soon as you pull the
key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
If the following message* is shown on the in-
strument panel display: SAFE, the vehicle
cannot be started.
The engine can, however, be started if the
appropriate coded SEAT genuine key is used. Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured
if g enuine
SEAT keys are used. Starting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine S
EA
T key with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral posi-
tion and depres
s the clutch pedal thor-
oughly and hold it in this position for the
starter to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting posi-
tion ››
›
page 168.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine star
ts; the starter motor must not run
on with the engine.
After starting a very hot engine, you may
need to slightly press down the accelerator.
When starting a cold engine, it may be a little
noisy for the first few seconds until oil pres-
sure has built up in the hydraulic valve com-
pensators. This is quite normal, and no cause
for concern.
If the engine does not start immediately,
switch the starter off after 10 seconds and try
again after half a minute. If the engine still
does not start, the fuel pump fuse should be
checked ›››
page 100, Fuses. »
169
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
a great extent on the conditions under which
the v
ehic
le is operated and the way the vehi-
cle is driven. If you often drive in town, drive
short distances or have a sporty driving style,
we recommend that you have the thickness
of your brake pads checked by technical serv-
ices more frequently than recommended in
the Maintenance Programme.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, af-
ter crossing areas of water, on days of heavy
rainfall or even after washing the car, the ef-
fect of the brakes is reduced as the brake
discs are wet or even frozen (in winter): in
this case, the brakes should be “dried” by
pressing the brake pedal several times. WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the
brak e sy
stem increase the risk of accidents.
● New brake pads must be run in and do not
have the c
orrect friction during the first
200 km. This reduced braking capacity may
be compensated for by pressing on the brake
pedal a little harder, which also applies when
the brake pads have to be changed further
on.
● If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are
driving on r
oads which have been salted,
braking power may be lower than normal.
● On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively
used, they w
ill overheat. Before driving down
a long steep slope, it is advisable to reduce
speed and change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of transmis-
sion).
Thu
s, make use of engine braking and
relieve the brakes.
● Never let the brakes “drag” by applying
light pre
ssure. Continuous braking will cause
the brakes to overheat and the braking dis-
tance will increase. Apply and then release
the brakes alternately.
● Never let the vehicle run with the engine
switc
hed off. The braking distance is in-
creased considerably when the brake servo is
not active.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is
subj
ected to heavy use, vapour bubbles can
form in the brake system. This reduces the ef-
ficiency of the brakes.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers
coul
d restrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. Before purchasing
accessories please observe the relevant in-
structions ››› page 255, Modifications.
● If a brake system circuit fails, the braking
dist
ance will be increased considerably. Con-
tact a specialised workshop immediately and
avoid unnecessary journeys. Control lamp
Situations in which the warning lamp lights
up *
●
the brake fluid level is too low
› ›
›
page 275. ●
there is
a fault in the brake system.
This warning lamp can light up together with
the ABS system warning lamp. WARNING
● If the br ak
e warning lamp does not go out
or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low so there is a
risk of an accident ››› page 275, Brake fluid.
Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up to-
gether w
ith the ABS lamp this could be
due to an ABS fault. This could cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This
could cause the rear to break away. Risk of
skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance. Handbrake
Fig. 176
Handbrake between the front seats. » 175
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Braking and stability systems El ectr
onic
Stability Control (ESC)*This Electronic Stability System reduces the
risk
of
skidding and improves the vehicle's
stability and ability to hold the road.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) contains
the electronic differential lock (EDL) and the
traction control system (ASR). The ESC works
together with the ABS. Both control lamps
will light up if the ESC or ABS systems are
faulty.
The ESC system is started automatically
when the engine is started.
The ESC system is always active and cannot
be switched off. With the Easy Connect sys-
tem it is only possible to deactivate the ASR
or else select Sport mode.
The ASR can be deactivated when wheel spin
is desirable ›››
page 178.
For example:
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose sur-
fac e
s.
● When the vehicle is stuck, to rock it back-
ward
s and forwards.
Press the button to switch the ASR back on
when you no longer need wheel spin. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC r
educes the risk of skidding by brak-
ing the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle
and road speed to calculate the changes of
direction desired by the driver, and constant-
ly compares them with the actual behaviour
of the vehicle. When irregularities occur, for
example, if the vehicle begins to skid, the
ESC brakes the appropriate wheel automati-
cally.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring
the vehicle back to a stable condition. If the
vehicle tends to oversteer (the rear end
slides out), the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Control lamp
There are two control lamps for the electronic
stability control. The lamp provides infor-
mation concerning function and disconnec-
tion status.
Both control lamps light up together when
the ignition is switched on and should turn
off after approximately 2 seconds. This is the
time taken for the function check.
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and
ASR. It also includes emergency braking as-
sistance (BAS). The control lamp
has the following func-
tions:
● It flashes whilst driving when the ASR/ESC
is activ
ated.
● It will light up if there is a fault in the ESC.
● As the ESC operates in conjunction with the
ABS, the ESC light
will also come on if a fault
should occur in the ABS.
If the ESC control lamp lights up and stays
on after the engine is started, this may mean
that the control system has temporarily
switched off the ESC. In this case the ESC can
be reactivated by switching the ignition off
and then on again. If the control lamp goes
out, this means the system is fully functional.
The lamp provides information about the
disconnection status of the system:
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected or
if y
ou select ESC Sport mode, only by means
of Easy Connect. WARNING
● Do not f or
get that the electronic stability
control ESC cannot defy the laws of physics.
This should be kept in mind, particularly on
slippery and wet roads and when towing a
trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the
condition of the r
oads and the traffic situa-
tion. The greater safety provided by the ESC
should not encourage you to run any risks. » 177
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
CAUTION
● To en s
ure that the ESC works correctly, all
four wheels must be fitted with the same
tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of
the tyres can cause the system to reduce en-
gine power when this is not desired.
● Any modifications made to the vehicle (for
examp
le, to the engine, brake system, run-
ning gear or to the combination of wheels
and tyres) may affect the operation of the
ABS, EDL, ESC and ASR. Traction control system (ASR)
The traction control system prevents the driv-
en wheel
s
fr
om spinning when the vehicle is
accelerating.
Description and operation of the traction
control system during acceleration (ASR)
The ASR system intervenes by reducing en-
gine power and preventing the driven wheels
from slipping during acceleration.
TCS helps the car to start moving, accelerate
and climb a gradient in slippery conditions
where this may otherwise be difficult or even
impossible.
The ASR automatically switches on when the
engine is started. If necessary, it could be
switched on or off using the Easy Connect
system*. When the ASR is off, the warning lamp lights
up . The ASR shoul
d normally be left on.
Only in exceptional circumstances, when
wheel spin is required, it can be turned off
using the Easy Connect system menu, for ex-
ample:
● With compact temporary spare wheel.
● When using the snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on soft ter-
rain.
● When the v
ehicle is bogged-down, to free it
“by r
ocking it.”
The ASR should be switched on again as
soon as possible.
Control lamp
There are three control lamps for the traction
control system: (for vehicles equipped
with M-ABS), (for vehicles equipped with
ESC) and . Both control lamps light up to-
gether when the ignition is switched on and
should turn off after approximately 2 sec-
onds, which is the time taken for the function
check.
The or lamp has the following function:
● It flashes when the ASR is working if the ve-
hicle i
s moving.
If the system is deactivated or if it has any
fault, the warning lamp will remain lit. The warning lamp will also light up if a fault
should oc
cur in the ABS because the ASR op-
erates in conjunction with the ABS. For fur-
ther information, see ››› page 178.
The lamp provides information about the
disconnection status of the system:*
● It stays lit when the ASR is disconnected
via E
asy Connect.
By means of Easy Connect, the ASR function
is reactivated and the warning lamp switched
off. WARNING
● Remember th at
not even the ASR can defy
the laws of physics. This should be kept in
mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads
and when towing a trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the
condition of the r
oads and the traffic situa-
tion. The greater safety provided by the ASR
should not encourage you to run any risks. CAUTION
● To en s
ure that the ASR works correctly,
identical tyres should be fitted on all four
wheels. Any differences in the rolling radius
of the tyres can cause the system to reduce
engine power when this is not desired.
● Any modifications made to the vehicle (for
examp
le, to the engine, brake system, run-
ning gear or to the combination of wheels 178
Driving
a deliberate warning to the driver that one or
mor e of
the wheel
s is tending to lock and the
ABS control function has intervened. In this
situation it is important to keep the brake
pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regu-
late the brake application. Do not “pump”.
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface,
the best possible control is retained as the
wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee
shorter braking distances in all conditions.
Braking distance could even be further if you
brake on gravel or on fresh snow on a slip-
pery surface.
Control lamp
The control lamp lights up for a few sec-
onds when the ignition is switched on. It
goes out again after the system has run
through an automatic test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
● The control lamp does not
light up when
the ignition is switched on.
● The control lamp does not go out again af-
ter a few sec
onds.
● The control lamp lights up when the vehicle
is mo
ving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal
way, without the ABS function. Take the vehi- cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
poss
ible.
If there is a fault in the ABS, the ESC* and the
tyre pressure control lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp lights up together
with the brake warning lamp , there is a
fault in the ABS function and in the brake
system ››› .
WARNING
● The anti-lock br
ake system cannot defy the
laws of physics. Slippery and wet roads are
dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that
the ABS is working (to counteract locked
wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety fea-
tures tempt you into taking any risks when
driving.
● The effectiveness of ABS is also determined
by the ty
res fitted ››› page 278.
● If the running gear or brake system is modi-
fied, the effectivene
ss of the ABS could be se-
verely limited. WARNING
● Bef or
e opening the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the warnings ››› page 267, Working in
the engine compartment. ●
If the br ak
e system warning lamp should
light up together with the ABS warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check
the brake fluid level in the reservoir
››› page 275, Brake fluid. If the brake fluid
level has dropped below the “MIN” mark you
must not drive on. Risk of accident. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in
the brake sy
stem may have been caused by a
failure of the ABS system. This could cause
the rear wheels to lock quickly when you
brake. This could cause the rear to break
away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and
seek technical assistance. Electronic differential lock (XDS)*
When taking a curve, the driveshaft differen-
ti
al
mec
hanism allows the outer wheel to turn
at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In
this way, the wheel that is turning faster (out-
er wheel) receives less drive torque than the
inner wheel. This may mean that in certain
situations the torque delivered to the inner
wheel is 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. »
181
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
– For en
gine oi
l changes, do not replenish
with too much engine oil ››› page 272, Top-
ping up engine oil.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump
lea
ds if necessary ›››
page 67.
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 117. 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-
cau se the irr
egularity 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
work in
g perfectly, 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 particulate filter
3 Applies to vehicles with diesel engine
The die sel
engine particulate filter eliminates
most of the soot from the exhaust gas sys-
tem. Under normal driving conditions, the fil-
ter cleans itself. The diesel particulate filter is
cleaned automatically without need for indi-
cation by the warning lamp . This may be
noticed because the engine idle speed in-
creases and an odour may be detected.
If automatic filter purification cannot be car-
ried out (because only short trips are taken,
for example), soot will accumulate on the fil-
ter and the Diesel particulate filter warning
lamp will switch on.
Facilitate the automatic filter cleaning proc-
ess by driving in the following manner: drive
for approximately 15 minutes at a minimum
speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) in 4th or 5th gear
(automatic gearbox: gear S). Maintain the en-
gine speed at approximately 2,000 rpm. The
rise in temperature causes the soot on the fil-
ter to burn. On completion of the cleaning
the warning lamp will switch off. If the warn-
ing lamp does not switch off, go immediately
to a specialised workshop to rectify the prob-
lem. Engine management* This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
agement
sy
stem 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
fla
she
s:
When there 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.
194