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
Operation
Note
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
spondin g t
ext messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle. Information relating to different vehi-
cl
e pr
ocesses. In order to make the vehicle more difficult to
st
e
al, you should always lock the steering be-
fore leaving the vehicle.
Mechanical steering lock
The steering column is locked when the key
is removed from the ignition lock and the ve-
hicle is stationary.
Activating the steering lock
● Park the vehicle ››
›
page 174.
● Remove the ignition key.
● Turn the steering wheel slightly until the
steerin
g lock has engaged.
Deactivating the steering lock
● Turn the steering wheel slightly to release
the lock.
● Inser
t the key in the ignition lock.
● Hold the steering wheel in this position
and switc
h on the ignition. Electromechanical steering
In vehic
les 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.
You should take into account that you will
need considerably more power than normal
to steer the vehicle if the power steering is
not working correctly or at all.
Power-assisted steering
Power-assisted steering helps the driver in
critical situations. In counter-steering, it as-
sists by applying additional torque ››› .
WARNING
Power-assisted steering, together with the
ESC, help s
the driver to control vehicle steer-
ing in critical situations. However, the driver
is ultimately responsible for steering the ve-
hicle at all times. Power-assisted steering
does not remove this responsibility. Starting and stopping the en-
gine
Ignition k ey
po
sitions Fig. 173
Ignition key positions. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 30
Ignition switched off, steering lock 1 In this position
››
›
Fig. 173, the ignition and
the engine are OFF and the steering may be
locked.
For the Steering lock to operate without the
ignition key, turn the steering wheel until it
locks with an audible sound. You should al-
ways lock the steering wheel when you leave
your vehicle. This will help prevent vehicle
theft ››› .
168
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
start it using the battery of another vehicle.
Ple
a
se observe and follow the notes on the
››› page 67, How to jump start. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
en gine w ith the
vehicle stationary. You
should drive off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This helps the engine reach operating
temperature faster and reduces emissions. Switching off the engine
–
Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position ››
›
Fig. 173
1 .
Af t
er sw
itching the engine off, the radiator
fan may run on for up to 10 minutes. It is also
possible that the fan turns itself on once
more if the coolant temperature increases
due to the heat accumulated in the engine
compartment or due to its prolonged expo-
sure to solar radiation. WARNING
● Never sw it
ch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is completely stationary.
● The brake servo works only when the en-
gine is ru
nning. With the engine switched off,
more strength is needed to brake. As normal brake operation cannot be performed, risk of
acc
ident
s and serious injury may exist.
● The steering lock can be immediately
block
ed once the key is removed from the ig-
nition. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of
accident.
● Power-assisted steering does not work
when the engine is
off, and more strength is
needed to turn the wheel.
● If the key is removed from the ignition lock
the steerin
g lock could be engaged and vehi-
cle steering would not work. CAUTION
● When the engine h a
s been running under a
heavy load for a long period, heat can accu-
mulate in the engine compartment and cause
engine damage. For this reason, idle the en-
gine for approximately 2 minutes before
switching it off.
● If the vehicle is stopped and the Start-Stop
syst
em* switches off the engine, the ignition
remains switched on. Make sure that the igni-
tion is switched off before leaving the vehi-
cle, otherwise the battery could discharge. Starter button*
Fig. 174
In the lower part of the centre con-
so l
e: s
tarter button. Fig. 175
On the right of the steering column:
emer gency
start. The vehicle engine can be started with a
s
t
ar
ter button (Press & Drive). To do so, there
must be a valid key inside the vehicle in the
area of the front or rear seats. »
171
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Opening the driver's door when ex
itin g the
vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
steering column if the ignition is disabled.
Switching the ignition on/off manually
Briefly push the starter button without touch-
ing the brake or clutch pedal ››› .
F or
v
ehicles with both manual and automatic
transmission, the starter button text START ENGINE STOP flashes like a heartbeat
when the sy s
t
em is preset for switching the
ignition on and off.
Automatic ignition switch-off
If the driver leaves the vehicle, taking the ve-
hicle key with them but leaving the ignition
on, the ignition is not switched off automati-
cally. The ignition is switched off automati-
cally by pressing the lock button on the re-
mote control or manually by pressing the
sensor surface on the door lever ››› Fig. 141
Emergency starting function
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,
an emergency start-up will be required. The
relevant message will appear in the dash
panel display. This may happen when, for ex-
ample, the battery of the vehicle key button
is very low or flat:
● Immediately after pushing the starter but-
ton, k eep the
vehicle key next to the right trim of the steering column
›››
Fig. 175, as
close as possible to the Kessy logo.
● The ignition connects and the engine starts
automatic
ally.
Emergency disconnection
If the engine does not switch off after briefly
pressing the starter button, an emergency
disconnect will be required:
● Press the starter button twice within 3 sec-
onds or pr
ess it once for more than 1 sec-
ond ››› .
● The engine turns off automatically.
En gine r
e
start feature
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle
after the engine stops, you will only have 5
seconds to restart it. A warning will display
on the dash panel screen.
After this interval, it will not be possible to
start the engine without a valid key inside
the vehicle.
Automatic deactivation of the ignition on ve-
hicles with the Start-Stop system
The ignition is switched off automatically
when the vehicle is stopped and the auto-
matic engine shutdown is active, if:
● The driver's seat belt is not fastened,
● the driver does not step on any pedal, ●
the driver door is
opened.
After automatically turning off the ignition, if
the dipped beam is on, the side light re-
mains on for approx. 30 minutes (if the bat-
tery is sufficiently charged). If the driver locks
the vehicle or manually turns off the light, the
side light goes out. WARNING
Any accidental movement of the vehicle could
re s
ult in serious injury.
● When switching on the ignition, do not
pre
ss the brake or clutch pedal, otherwise
the engine could start immediately. WARNING
If vehicle keys are used negligently or with-
out due c ar
e, this may cause accidents and
serious injury.
● Never leave any key inside the vehicle
when exitin
g. Otherwise, a child or unauthor-
ised person could lock the vehicle, start the
engine or connect the ignition and, in this
way, operate electronic equipment (e.g. the
windows). Note
● Bef or
e leaving the vehicle, always discon-
nect the ignition manually and, if appropri-
ate, take into account the instructions on the
screen of the dash panel. 172
Operation
Stopping the engine 3 Valid for vehicles: with starter buttonStepSwitch off the engine with the starter
button
››› page 171.
1.Stop the vehicle completely ››› .
2.Press and hold the brake pedal until the step
4 is performed.
3.If you are driving an automatic vehicle, place
the selector lever in position P.
4.Apply the handbrake ››› page 174.
5.
Briefly press the start-up button ››› Fig. 174.
The START ENGINE STOP button blinks again. If
the engine fails to switch off, perform an
emergency disconnect ››› page 172.
6.If the vehicle is equipped with a manual
gearbox, put it into 1st or reverse. WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle
is mo
ving. This could cause loss of control of
the vehicle, accidents and serious injury.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not
work when the ignition i
s switched off.
● The brake servo does not work with the en-
gine off. Ther
efore, you need to press the
break pedal harder to brake the vehicle.
● Power steering does not work when the en-
gine is not
running. You need more strength
to steer when the engine is switched off. ●
If the ignition i s
switched off, the steering
column could be locked, making it impossible
to control the vehicle. CAUTION
If the engine is made to work hard for a long
time, it ma
y overheat after being switched
off. To prevent damage to the engine before
switching it off, leave it idle for approx. 2 mi-
nutes in neutral. Note
After switching off the engine, the cooling fan
ma y
continue to operate in the engine com-
partment for a few more minutes, even with
the ignition off. The radiator fan is automati-
cally switched off. “My Beat” Function
For vehicles with a convenience key there is
the “M
y
B
eat” function. This feature provides
an additional indication of the vehicle igni-
tion system.
When accessing the vehicle, e.g. by opening
the doors with the remote control, the START ENGINE STOP button flashes, calling at-
t ention t
o the r
elevant starter system button.
Upon switching the ignition on/off, the light
of the START ENGINE STOP button flashes. With
the en gine sw
it
ched off, after a few seconds, the
STOP ENGINE
START button stops flashing
and g oe
s
out.
With the engine running, the START ENGINE STOP button light stays on, indi-
c atin
g th
at the engine is running. The time
that lapses between the moment the user
starts the engine with the START ENGINE STOP button and the lighting changes from flash-
in
g t
o fi
xed will depend on specific engine
size characteristics. Upon switching the igni-
tion off with the START ENGINE STOP button, it
s t
ar
ts flashing again.
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system , the
“My Beat” function also offers additional in-
formation:
● When the engine stops during the Stop
phase, the light
of the START ENGINE STOP but-
t on s
t
ays on, since, even though the engine
is off, the Start-Stop system is active.
● When the engine cannot be stated again
with the St
art-Stop system, ››› page 196, and
needs to be started manually, the START ENGINE STOP button flashes to indicate
thi s
f
act.
Braking and parking Brakin
g capacity and braking distance The efficiency of the brakes depends directly
on the br
ak
e p
ad wear. This wear depends to
174
Operation
The handbrake should be applied firmly to
pr ev
ent
the vehicle from accidentally rolling
away. Always apply the handbrake when you
leave your vehicle and when you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
›››
Fig. 176.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lea
se knob in the direction of the arrow
››› Fig. 176 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ››› .
A lw
a
ys pull the handbrake all the way up, so
there is less risk of driving off with it still en-
gaged ››› .
The h andbr
ak
e warning lamp lights up
when the handbrake is applied and the igni-
tion switched on. The warning lamp turns off
when the handbrake is released. WARNING
● Never u se the h
andbrake to stop the vehi-
cle when it is in motion. The braking distance
is considerably longer, because braking is
only applied to the rear wheels. Risk of acci-
dent!
● If the handbrake is only partially released,
this w
ill cause the rear brakes to overheat,
which can impair the function of the brake
system and could lead to an accident. This al- so causes premature wear on the rear brake
pa
d
s. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the vehic
le. Put it in 1st gear as well. In vehi-
cles with an automatic gearbox, place the
gear lever in position P. Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly ap-
p
lied when the
v
ehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle: – Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Put it in 1st gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key
from the ignition. T
urn the steering wheel
slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you
leav
e the vehicle ››› .
Ad dition
a
l notes on parking the vehicle on
gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle
rolls against the kerb if it started to roll. ●
If the v
ehicle is parked facing downhill,
turn the front wheels so that they point to-
wards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill
, turn
the front wheels so that they point away from
the kerb.
● Secure the vehicle as usual by applying the
handbrak
e firmly and putting it in 1st gear. WARNING
● Tak e me
asures to reduce the risk of injury
when you leave your vehicle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system
coul
d ignite inflammable materials, such as
dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in
the vehic
le when it is locked. They would be
unable to open the vehicle from the inside,
and could become trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. In the event of an emergency,
locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle
occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle.
They cou
ld set the vehicle in motion, for ex-
ample, by releasing the handbrake or the
gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may
become extr
emely hot or cold inside the vehi-
cle. This can be fatal. 176
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