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
Driving
The selector lever lock is released as follows: – Switch the ignition on.
– Press the brake pedal and
, at the same
time, hold the lock button in the direction
of the arrow ››› Fig. 178.
Automatic selector lever lock
With the ignition switched on, the selector
lever is locked in the positions P and N. The
brake pedal must be pressed to release the
lever while pressing the release button if the
selector lever is in the position P. As a re-
minder for the driver, with the lever in posi-
tions P or N the following message will be
shown on the display: When stationary, apply footbrake
while selecting a gear.
Level lock only engages with the vehicle sta-
tionary and at speeds of up to 5 km/h
(3 mph). At speeds of over 5 km/h (3 mph)
the lever lock is automatically deactivated in
position N.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the
selector lever is moved quickly through posi-
tion N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This
makes it possible, for instance, to rock the
vehicle “backwards and forwards” if it is
stuck. The selector lever lock engages auto-
matically if the brake pedal is not depressed
and the lever is in position N for more than
about two seconds. Interlock button
The interlock
button on the selector lever
handle prevents the driver from inadvertently
engaging certain gears. Press the button in
to disengage the selector lever lock.
Safety interlock for ignition key
Once the ignition has been turned off, the
key may be removed only if the gear selector
is in position P. While the key is not in the ig-
nition, the selector lever is locked in position
P. Note
● If the sel ect
or lever lock does not engage,
there is a fault. The transmission is interrup-
ted to prevent the vehicle from accidentally
moving. Follow the procedure below in order
for the selector lever lock to engage again:
–With a 6-speed gearbox: press the brake
pedal and release it again.
– With a 7-speed gearbox: press the brake
pedal. Move the selector lever to posi-
tion P or N and subsequently engage a
gear.
● Despite a gear being engaged, the vehicle
does not
move forwards or back. Proceed to
the next mode:
– When the vehicle does not move in the
required direction, the system may not
have the gear range correctly engaged.
Press the brake pedal and engage the
gear range again. –
If the v
ehicle still does not move in the
required direction, there is a system mal-
function. Seek specialist assistance and
have the system checked. Changing gears in tiptronic mode*
Fig. 179
Centre console: changing gear with
tiptr onic Fig. 180
Steering wheel: automatic gearbox
l ev
er
s » 185
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Starting off uphill – Apply the handbrake.
– Once you have engaged a gear press the
ac c
el
erator carefully and disengage the
handbrake.
Driving down hills: in some situations (on
mountain roads or when towing a trailer or
caravan) it can be advantageous to switch
temporarily to the manual gearbox pro-
gramme so that the gear ratios can be selec-
ted manually to suit the driving conditions
››› .
On l ev
el
ground it is sufficient to move the
selector lever to position P. On slopes, first
engage the parking brake and then put the
selection lever into the P position. This
avoids overloading the locking mechanism
and it will be easier to move the selector lev-
er from position P. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Selector
lev er po
sitions on page 184.
● Never allow the brake to rub and do not use
the brake ped
al too often or for long periods.
Constant braking causes overheating in the
brakes. This could significantly reduce brak-
ing power, increase braking distance or even
result in the total failure of the brake system.
● To avoid rolling back on gradients always
hold the
vehicle with the footbrake or hand-
brake if you have to stop. CAUTION
● If y
ou stop the vehicle on a gradient, do not
attempt to stop it from rolling by depressing
the accelerator when a gear has been selec-
ted. This could cause overheating and dam-
age the automatic gearbox. Apply the hand-
brake firmly or press the brake pedal in order
to prevent the vehicle from rolling back.
● If you allow the car to roll with the selector
lever in po
sition N with the engine switched
off, the automatic gearbox will be damaged
as it will not be lubricated.
● In certain driving situations or traffic condi-
tions, suc
h as frequently starting, prolonged
“creeping” of the vehicle or traffic jams with
continuous stoppages, the gearbox could
overheat causing damage! If the warning
lamp lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and wait for the gearbox to cool
››› page 190. Kick-down feature
The kick-down feature allows maximum ac-
c
el
er
ation to be reached.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right
down past the point of resistance at full throt-
tle, the gearbox will shift down to a lower
gear, depending on road speed and engine
speed. The upshift to the next higher gear is
delayed until the engine reaches maximum
rpm. WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slip-
pery or w
et, the kick-down feature could
cause the driving wheels to spin, which could
result in skidding. Launch control programme
3 Valid for vehicles: with Launch-Control/6-Speed
D SG w
ith diesel engines superior to 125 kW and pet-
rol engines superior to 140 kW.
The Launch control programme enables maxi-
mum acceleration.
Important: the engine must have reached op-
erating temperature and the steering wheel
must not be turned.
The engine speed for launch-control is differ-
ent on petrol and diesel engines. To use the
launch-control you must disconnect the anti-
slip regulation (ASR) through the Easy Con-
nect system menu ›››
page 118. The warning
lamp will stay switched on or will flash
slowly depending on whether or not the vehi-
cle has a driver information system*.
On vehicles with the driver information sys-
tem, the ESC lamp lights up permanently and
the corresponding text message Stability
control deactivated (temporary) ap-
pears on the instrument panel to indicate the
deactivation status. »
187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Driver assistance systems
St ar
t
-Stop System*
Related video Fig. 181
Convenience Description and operation
The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duc
e C
O
2 emi
ssions.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automati-
cally switch off when the vehicle stops or is
stopping; for example when stopping at traf-
fic lights. The ignition remains switched on
during the stopping phase. The engine auto-
matically switches back on when required. In
this situation, the light of the START ENGINE STOP button stays on
1)
.
As soon a
s
the ignition is switched on, the
Start-Stop function is automatically activa-
ted. Further information about the Start-Stop sys-
tem can be f
ound in the Easy Connect sys-
tem: by pressing the button in the Vehi-
cle status menu.
B a
s
ic requirements for the Start-Stop mode
● The driver door must be closed.
● The driver must have their seat belt fas-
tened.
● The bonnet mu
st be closed.
● The engine must have reached a minimum
servic
e temperature.
● The reverse gear must not be engaged.
● The vehicle must not be on a very steep
slope. WARNING
● Never sw it
ch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is stationary. The brake servo and power
steering functions will not be completely cov-
ered under warranty. More force may also be
needed to turn the steering wheel or to brake.
As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents
and serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehic
le is in motion. Otherwise, the steer-
ing could lock making it impossible to steer
the vehicle. ●
To av oid injur
y, make sure that the Start-
Stop system is switched off when working in
the engine compartment ››› page 198. CAUTION
The Start-Stop system must always be
sw itc
hed off when driving through flooded
areas ››› page 198. Stopping/Starting the engine
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– Before stopping the vehicle or when it is
st
op
ped, put it into neutral and release the
clutch pedal. The engine will switch off. The
warning lamp will appear on the instru-
ment panel display. The engine may stop
before the vehicle comes to a halt in the
deceleration phase (at 7 km/h).
– When the clutch pedal is pressed the en-
gine wil
l 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 k
eep the brake pedal pressed
down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp will appear in the1)
Only in vehicles with Keyless Access.
196
Driver assistance systems
display. The engine may stop before the ve-
hic l
e c
omes to a halt in the deceleration
phase (at 7 km/h or 2 km/h, depending on
the vehicle’s gearbox).
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal
the engine wi
ll start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off.
Additional information related to the auto-
matic gearbox
The engine stops when the selector lever is in
the positions P, D, N and S, in addition to
when in manual mode. With the selector lev-
er in position P, the engine will also remain
switched off when you take your foot off the
brake pedal. In order to start the engine up
again the accelerator must be pressed, or an-
other gear engaged or the brake released.
If the selector lever is placed in position R
during the stopping phase, the engine will
start up again.
Change from position D to P to prevent the
engine from accidentally starting when
changing and passing by position R.
Additional information about vehicles with
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox and
the ACC function, if the vehicle ahead drives
off again, the engine will start up again in
certain operating conditions. Note
● In v ehic
les with an automatic gearbox, you
can control whether the engine should switch
off or not by reducing or increasing the brake
force applied. While the vehicle remains stop-
ped, the engine will not stop if the brake ped-
al is slightly pressed, in traffic jams with fre-
quent stopping and starting for example. As
soon as strong pressure is applied to the
brake pedal, the engine will stop.
● In vehicles with manual gearbox, during
the stop
ping phases the brake pedal must re-
main depressed to prevent the vehicle from
moving.
● If the engine “stalls” in vehicles with man-
ual g
earbox, it can be directly started up
again by immediately pressing the clutch
pedal. General notes
The system can interrupt the Start-Stop mode
fr
equently
f
or different reasons.
The engine does not switch off
Before the stopping phase, the system veri-
fies whether certain conditions are met. The
engine does not switch off, in the following
situations for example:
● The engine has not yet reached the mini-
mum required t
emperature for the Start-Stop
mode. ●
The interior temper
ature selected for the air
conditioner has not yet been reached.
● The interior temperature is very high/low.
● Defrost function button activated
›››
page 48.
● The parking aid* is switched on.
● The battery is very low.
● The steering wheel is overly turned or is be-
ing turned.
● If
there is a danger of misting.
● After engaging reverse gear.
● In case of a very steep gradient.
The indication is
shown on the instrument
panel display, and in addition, the driver in-
formation system* shows, .
The engine starts by itself
During a stopping phase the normal Start-
Stop mode can be interrupted in the follow-
ing situations: The engine restarts by itself
without involvement from the driver.
● The interior temperature differs from the
value select
ed on the air conditioner.
● Defrost function button activated
›››
page 48.
● The brake has been pressed several times
consec
utively.
● The battery is too low.
● High power consumption. »
197
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Blind spot detector (BSD) with
p ark
in
g assistance (RCTA)*
Introduction The blind spot detector (BSD) helps to detect
the traffic
s
ituation behind the vehicle.
The integrated parking assistant (RCTA) helps
the driver when backing out of a parallel
parking spot and in manoeuvring.
The blind spot detector has been developed
for driving on paved roads. WARNING
The smart technology incorporated into the
blind s pot
detector (BSD) with parking assis-
tance (RCTA) included cannot overcome the
limits imposed by the laws of physics; it only
works within the limits of the system. Acci-
dents and severe injury may occur if the blind
spot detection system or the rear cross traffic
alert are used negligently or involuntarily.
The system is not a replacement for driver
awareness.
● Adapt your speed and safe distance to the
vehicl
e in front of you at all times to suit visi-
bility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● Keep your hands on the wheel at all times
to be re
ady to intervene in the steering at any
time.
● Pay attention to the control lamps that may
come on in the ext
ernal rear view mirrors and on the instrument panel, and follow any in-
struction
s
they may give.
● The blind spot assistant could react to any
speci
al constructions that might be present
on the sides of the vehicle: e.g. high or irreg-
ular dividers. This may cause erroneous warn-
ings.
● Never use the blind spot detector with rear
cro
ss traffic alert on unpaved roads. The blind
spot detector with rear cross traffic alert has
been designed for use on paved roads.
● Always pay attention to the vehicle's sur-
roundin
gs.
● Never use the blind spot detector or the
parkin
g assistant if the radar sensors are
dirty.
● The external rear view mirror control lamps
may
have limited functionality due to solar
radiation. CAUTION
● The ra d
ar sensors on the rear bumper may
be damaged or shifted in the event of a colli-
sion, for example, when entering or exiting a
parking space. This may result in the system
disconnecting itself, or at least possibly hav-
ing its functionality diminished.
● In order to ensure that the radar sensors
work pr
operly, keep the rear bumper free of
snow and ice and do not cover it.
● The rear bumper should only be painted
with paint
authorised by SEAT. The blind spot detector's functions may be limited or work
incorr
ectly
if other paints are used. Note
If the blind spot detector with parking assis-
t ant doe
s not work as described in this chap-
ter, do not use it and contact a specialised
workshop. Control lamps
Control lamp in external rear view mirrors:
Lights up
Lights up once briefly: the blind spot detector is activa-
ted and ready to operate.
Lights up: blind spot detector has detected a vehicle in
the blind spot.
Flashes
The blind spot detector has detected a vehicle in the
blind spot and the turn signal has been turned on in the
direction of the detected vehicle
›››
. Some warning and control lamps will light up
briefly
when the ignition i
s
switched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds.
If there are no indications from the control
lamp in the external rear view mirror, this
220
Operation
● in the c a
se of
special constructions to the
side of the vehicle, e.g., high or irregular di-
viders.
Parking assistant (RCTA) Fig. 205
Schematic representation of the rear
c r
o
ss traffic alert: zone monitored around the
vehicle exiting the parking space. The parking assistant uses the radar sensors
on the r
e
ar b
umper ››› Fig. 202 to monitor the
traffic crossing behind the vehicle as it backs
out of a parallel parking space or as it is be-
ing manoeuvred, for example in very low visi-
bility conditions.
If the system detects that someone else on
the road is approaching the rear of the vehi-
cle ››› Fig. 205, an acoustic alarm is heard. In addition to the acoustic alarm, if the vehi-
cle i
s equipped with the park assist system,
the driver is also informed by means of a vis-
ual signal on the radio screen. This signal is
displayed in the form of a red strip at the
back of the image of the vehicle on the radio
screen. This strip displays the side of the ve-
hicle towards which traffic is approaching.
Automatic braking to reduce damages
If the rear cross traffic alert detects that
someone else on the road is approaching the
rear of the vehicle and the driver does not
step on the brake, the system will engage the
brakes automatically.
The parking system helps the driver by auto-
matically engaging the brakes to reduce any
damage. The system will brake automatically
if the vehicle is reversing at a speed of ap-
proximately 1-12 km (1-7 mph). Once it has
detected that the vehicle has stopped, the
system will keep the vehicle stopped for ap-
prox. 2 seconds.
After automatically braking to reduce dam-
age, the system will not be able to automati-
cally brake again for approximately 10 sec-
onds.
You can interrupt the automatic braking by
stepping hard on the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal in order to regain control of the
vehicle. WARNING
The smart technology incorporated into the
re ar c
ross traffic alert cannot overcome the
limits imposed by the laws of physics; it only
works within the limits of the system. The
parking assistant function should not tempt
you into taking any risks. The system is not a
replacement for driver awareness.
● The system should never be used in limited
vis
ibility conditions or complicated traffic,
e.g., in high-traffic areas or when crossing
multiple lanes.
● Be sure to always be aware of the vehicle's
surrou
ndings, since the system often fails to
detect things such as bicycles or pedestrians.
● The rear cross traffic alert itself will not
brake the
vehicle to a complete stop. Using the blind spot detector (BSD)
w
ith p
ark
ing assistant (RCTA) Activating and deactivating the blind spot
det
ect
or (BSD) w
ith parking assistant (RCTA)
The blind spot detector with parking assis-
tant can be switched on and off by accessing
the Assistance systems menu on the
dash panel display using the steering wheel
controls. If the vehicle is equipped with a
multifunction camera, it can also be ac-
cessed by means of the driver assistance sys-
tems key located on the main beam head-
light lever.
224