Operation
Gearbox malfunctions Gearbox: Fault! Stop the ve-
hicle and place the lever in the
position P.
Ther e is
a fault in the gearbox. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place and do not continue driv-
ing. Seek specialist assistance.
Gearbox: System fault! You
may continue driving.
Have the fault corrected by a specialised
workshop without delay. Gearbox: System fault! You
can continue driving with re-
strictions. Reverse gear disa‐
bled
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop
and have the fault repaired without delay. Gearbox: System fault! You
can continue driving in D until
switching off the engine
Stop the vehicle in a safe place well away
from moving traffic. Seek specialist assis-
tance. Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your
driving accordingly
Continue driving at moderate speeds. When
the warning lamp switches off, you can con-
tinue driving in a normal manner. Gearbox: press the brake and
engage a gear again.
If the fau
lt was caused by a gearbox with a
high temperature, this driver message will be
displayed when the gearbox has cooled
again.
Gear-change indicator Selecting the optim
al gear While driving, and depending on vehicle
equipment, the in
s
trument
panel display may
show a recommendation with the gear num-
ber that would be advisable to save fuel.
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, the
selector lever must be in the Tiptronic posi-
tion ››› page 185.
No recommendation will appear if the opti-
mal gear is already engaged. The current
gear will be displayed.
DisplayMeaning
The optimal gear is selected.
Changing to a higher gear is recom-
mended.
Changing to a lower gear is recom-
mended. Information regarding the “cleanliness” of
the die
sel
p
articulate filter
The exhaust system manager detects that the
diesel particulate filter is nearly saturated
and contributes to self-cleaning by recom-
mending the optimal gear. For this reason, it
might be necessary to drive for a short time
at a high rpm. WARNING
The gear change indicator is only an auxiliary
fu nction and in no c
ase should be a substi-
tute for careful driving.
● The responsibility of choosing the correct
gear dependin
g on the situation (e.g. over-
taking, driving up or down a slope or towing a
trailer) lies with the driver. For the sake of the environment
Selecting the correct gear can help to save
fuel . Note
The recommended gear indication turns off
when the clut c
h pedal is pressed in vehicles
with manual gearbox or when the selector
lever is removed from the Tiptronic position
in vehicles with an automatic gearbox. 190
Operation
● Use of
so
lvent-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
gFuel consumption, environmental pollution
and w
e
ar t
o the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends in large part on your driving style. By
adopting an economical driving style and an-
ticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can
easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
Some tips on how to help you reduce pollu-
tion while saving money are listed below.
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating.
When you anticipate situations, you have to
brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If
it is possible, let the vehicle roll with a gear
engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this
way helps to reduce the wear of brakes and tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are
reduced t
o zero (disconnection due to iner-
tia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change
up quickly through the gears. Running the
engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses
an unnecessary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. We recommend
that, whenever possible, you change to a
higher gear upon reaching 2000 rpm. Follow
the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel ››› page 190.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed
permitted by the vehicle. Fuel consumption,
exhaust emissions and noise levels all in-
crease very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving
at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine
when waiting in a traffic jam, at level cross-
ings or at traffic lights with a long red phase.
The fuel saved after only 30 - 40 seconds is
greater than the amount of fuel needed to re-
start the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu- tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this
initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that,
before beginning a journey, you will not con-
sume more than the required amount of fuel.
A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit
of improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale val-
ue.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to
10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of
polluting exhaust gases, the engine and the
exhaust gas filtration systems should reach
the optimum operating temperature.
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is
proportionally higher. The engine does not
warm up and fuel consumption does not nor-
malise until having driven approximately four
kilometres (2.5 miles). This is why we recom-
mend avoiding short trips whenever possi-
ble.
192
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
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
Note
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, if the
select or l
ever is placed in position D, N or S
after engaging reverse gear, the vehicle must
be driven at a speed faster than 10 km/h (6
mph) for the system to return to conditions in
which the engine can be stopped. Manually switching on/off the Start-
Stop sy
s
tem Fig. 182
Centre console: Start-Stop system
b utt
on. If you do not wish to use the system, you can
sw
it
c
h it off manually.
– To manually switch on/off the Start-Stop
syst
em, press the button . The button
symbo l
r
emains lit up yellow when the sys-
tem is switched off. Note
The system is automatically switched on each
time the engine i s
deliberately stopped dur-
ing a stopping phase. The engine will start
automatically. Driver messages on the instrument
panel
di
splay Start-Stop system deactivated.
Start the engine manually
This driv
er message is displayed when cer-
tain conditions are not met during the stop-
ping phase and the Start-Stop system cannot
restart the engine. The engine must be star-
ted manually.
Start-Stop system: Fault! Func-
tion not available There is a fault in the Start-Stop system. Take
the vehicle to a workshop to have the fault
repaired. Cruise control system (CCS)*
Operation Fig. 183
Instrument panel display: CCS status
indic ation
s. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 42
The cruise control system (CCS) is able to
maintain the set speed from 20 km/h (15
mph).
The CSS only reduces vehicle speed by ceas-
ing to accelerate, not by actively braking the
vehicle ››› .
198
Operation
● If the g
e
ar lever of the DSG ®
dual clutch
gearbox is removed from the D/S position.WARNING
After use, always switch off the speed limiter
to pr ev
ent the speed being regulated against
your wishes.
● The speed limiter does not relieve the driv-
er of their re
sponsibility to drive at the appro-
priate speed. Do not drive at high speed if not
necessary.
● Using the speed limiter with adverse
weather c
onditions is dangerous and can
cause serious accidents, e.g. because of
aquaplaning, snow, ice, leaves, etc. You
should use the speed limiter function only
when traffic, road and weather conditions al-
low it to be used safely.
● When driving downhill, the speed limiter
cannot limit
the vehicle speed. Its speed will
increase due to its own weight. In this case,
select a lower gear or use the foot brake to
slow the vehicle. Speed limiter
Di s
p
lay messages and warning and
control lamp Fig. 184
On the instrument panel display:
me s
s
ages on the status of the speed limiter. The speed limiter helps avoid exceeding a
s peed indiv
idual
ly programmed upwards of
approximately 30 km/h (19 mph) driving in
forwards gears ››› Display messages on the speed limiter
St
at
u
s ››› Fig. 184:
The speed limiter is active. The last
speed set is displayed in large figures.
The speed limiter is not active. The last
speed set is displayed in small or dark-
ened figures.
The speed limiter is switched off. The to-
tal mileage is displayed.
A B
C Warning and control lamp
Lights up green
The speed limiter is switched on and active.
Flashes green
The speed set by the speed limiter has been exceeded.
Lights up
The adaptive cruise control (ACC) and the speed limiter
are active.
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. WARNING
After use, always switch off the speed limiter
to pr ev
ent the speed being regulated against
your wishes.
● The speed limiter does not relieve the driv-
er of their re
sponsibility to drive at the appro-
priate speed. Do not drive at high speed if not
necessary.
● Using the speed limiter with adverse
weather c
onditions is dangerous and can
cause serious accidents, e.g. because of
aquaplaning, snow, ice, leaves, etc. You
should use the speed limiter function only
when traffic, road and weather conditions al-
low it to be used safely. 200
Operation
Connecting and activating the ACC
T o c
onnect
and activate the ACC, the position
of the gearbox selector lever, the vehicle
speed and the position of the third level of
the ACC must all be taken into account.
● With a manual gearbox, the gearbox selec-
tor lev
er must be in any gear except first, and
speed must be greater than approximately 30
km/h. With an automatic gearbox, the gear-
box selector lever must be in position D or S.
● To activate the ACC, press the button or
mo
ve the third lever of the ACC to position 2›››
Fig. 196. At thi s
point, the image of the
ACC on the instrument panel display will
switch from Inactive (Standby) to Active mode
››› Fig. 194.
When the ACC function is active, the vehicle
travels at a set speed and distance from the
vehicle ahead. Both speed and distance can
be changed at any time.
Disconnecting and deactivating the ACC
To disconnect the ACC move the lever to the 0 position
››
› Fig. 196
(engaged). An ACC
deactivated message appears and the
function is totally deactivated.
If you do not wish to disconnect the ACC, just
to switch it temporarily to inactive mode
(Standby), move the third lever to position 3›››
Fig. 196 or pre s
s the brake pedal. It will also switch to inactive mode (Standby)
if the
v
ehicle is stopped and the driver door
is opened.
Adjusting the default distance level at the
start of your journey.
In wet road conditions, you should always set
a larger distance with regard to the vehicle in
front than when driving in dry conditions.
The following distances can be preselected:
● Very short
● Short
● Media
● Long
● Very long
In the Easy
Connect system you can adjust
the distance level that will be applied when
the ACC is connected using the button
and the S
ET
TINGS and
Driv
er a
s
sistance function
b utt
on
s ›››
page 33.
Changing the driving profile
In vehicles with SEAT Drive Profile , the driving
profile selected can have an influence on the
ACC’s acceleration and braking behaviour
››› page 225.
In vehicles without SEAT Drive Profile , the be-
haviour of the ACC can also be affected by se-
lecting any of the following drive profiles in
the Easy Connect system: ●
Normal
● Spor
t
● Eco
● Convenience
In this c
ase, you should access the ACC set-
tings using the button and the
S
ET
TINGS >
Driv er a
s
sistance >
A
C
C function buttons
› ›
›
page 33.
The following conditions may lead the ACC
not to react:
● If the accelerator is pressed.
● If there is no gear engaged.
● If the ESC is controlling.
● If the driver is not wearing his/her seat
belt.
● If sev
eral brake lights of the vehicle or elec-
trically
connected trailer are damaged.
● If the vehicle is reversing.
● Driving faster than 210 km/h (150 mph). WARNING
There is a danger of rear collision when the
minimum dis t
ance to the vehicle in front is
exceeded and the speed difference between
both vehicles is so great that a speed reduc-
tion by the ACC will not suffice. In this case
the brake pedal should be applied immedi-
ately. 214