2017 Seat Ateca Owner's Manual

Towing bracket device*
Towing bracket device* T r
ailer mode
Introduction Take into account country-specific regula-
tion
s

about driving with a trailer and the use
of a towing bracket.
The vehicle has been developed primarily for
carrying people, although it can also be used
to tow a trailer if fitted with the correspond-
ing technical equipment. This additional load
has an effect on the useful life, fuel con-
sumption and vehicle performance and in
some cases can reduce the service intervals.
Driving with a trailer requires more force from
the vehicle, and thus more concentration
from the driver.
In winter, winter tyres should be fitted on
both the vehicle and the trailer.
Maximum vertical load technically permissi-
ble on the coupling
The maximum vertical load technically per-
mitted from the trailer draw bar on the towing
bracket's tow hitch is 85 kg.
Vehicles with the Start-Stop system
If the vehicle has a factory-fitted towing
bracket or one that is retrofitted by SEAT, the Start-Stop system operates as normal. No
s
pec

ial characteristics need to be taken into
account.
If the system does not recognise the trailer or
the trailer bracket has not been retrofitted by
SEAT, the Start-Stop system must be discon-
nected by pressing the corresponding button
in the lower part of the centre console before
driving with the trailer, and it should remain
off for the rest of the journey ››› .
V ehic

les with driving profile selection
If you are going to be towing a trailer, the use
of the Eco driving profile is not recommen-
ded. You are advised to select another of the
available driving profiles before beginning to
drive with a trailer. WARNING
Never use the trailer to transport people,
s inc

e it would put their life in danger and is
also prohibited. WARNING
Undue use of the towing bracket may cause
injur y

and accidents.
● Only use the towing bracket if it is in a per-
fect
state of repair and is properly secured.
● Never modify or repair the towing bracket
in any
way.
● In order to reduce the danger of injury in
the event
of rear-end collisions and to avoid injury to pedestrians and cyclists when park-
in
g the

vehicle, cover or remove the tow hitch
when you are not using a trailer.
● Never fit a towing bracket “with weight dis-
tribution” or “lo
ad compensation”. The vehi-
cle has not been designed for this type of
towing bracket. The towing bracket could fail
and the trailer could be released from the ve-
hicle. WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy
or l ar

ge objects can affect driving properties
and even cause an accident.
● Always secure the load properly using belts
or str
aps that are suitable and in good condi-
tion.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times
to suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity are
more lik
ely to overturn than those with a low
one.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Take great care when overtaking.
● Reduce speed immediately if you notice
that
the trailer is swaying, however slightly.
● Never drive at more than 80 km/h (50 mph)
when to
wing a trailer (or at more than
100 km/h (60 mph) in exceptional circum-
stances). This also applies in countries where
driving at higher speeds is permitted. Take » 255
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
into account the speed limit for vehicles with
tr
ai
lers in the corresponding country, as it
could be less than the speed limit for vehi-
cles without a trailer.
● Never attempt to “straighten” the towing
vehic
le and trailer while accelerating. WARNING
If the towing bracket has been retrofitted by a
non- S

EAT workshop, the Start-Stop system
must be disconnected manually whenever
driving with a trailer. Otherwise the brake
system could be damaged and could conse-
quently cause a serious accident or injury.
● Always disconnect the Start-Stop system
manua
lly when using a towing bracket that
has not been fitted by a SEAT workshop. Note
● Bef

ore hitching or unhitching a trailer, al-
ways deactivate the anti-theft alarm
››› page 112. Otherwise, the tilt sensor could
cause the alarm to go off.
● Do not drive with a trailer for the engine's
firs
t 1000 km ››› page 184.
● SEAT recommends that, if possible, the tow
hitc
h be disassembled or covered when it is
not going to be used. In the event of a rear-
end collision, the damage to the vehicle
could be greater if the bracket is fitted.
● Some retrofitted towing brackets cover the
re

ar towing eye. In these cases, the towing eye should not be used for tow-starting or for
t
o

wing other vehicles. For this reason, if the
vehicle has been retrofitted with a towing
bracket, always keep the tow hitch in the ve-
hicle when you disassemble it. Control lamp

The tow hitch is not securely locked in
position.
Check that the towing bracket is locked
››› page 257. 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
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
me s

sages 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.
● St

op the vehicle at the next opportunity
and in a saf
e place. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
s pondin

g text messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle. Technical requirements
Vehicles that are
fact
ory-equipped with a
towing bracket fulfil all the technical and le-
gal requirements for driving with a trailer.
If the vehicle is retrofitted with a towing
bracket, only a bracket that is authorised for
the maximum authorised load of the trailer
that is to be towed may be fitted. The towing
bracket must be suitable for the vehicle and
the trailer and must be properly secured to
the vehicle's chassis. Only use a towing
bracket that has been authorised by SEAT for
this vehicle. Always check and take into ac-
count the towing bracket manufacturer's in-
structions. Never fit a towing bracket “with
weight distribution” or “load compensation”.
Towing bracket fitted on the bumper
Never fit a towing bracket to the bumper or to
the area where the bumper is mounted. The
towing bracket should not impair the bum-
per's function. Do not make modifications or
repairs to the exhaust system or the brake
system. Make regular checks to ensure that
the towing bracket is secure.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer increases the load on
the engine and cooling system. The cooling
system should have sufficient coolant and be
prepared for the additional effort involved in
driving with a trailer.
256

Towing bracket device*
Trailer brakes
If the tr
ailer has its own brake system, please
take the relevant legal requirements into ac-
count. Never connect the trailer's brake sys-
tem to the vehicle's brake system.
Tow rope
Always use a cable between the vehicle and
the trailer ››› page 259.
Trailer rear lights
The trailer's rear lights should comply with
the statutory safety regulations ››› page 259.
Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly
to the vehicle's electric system. If you are not
sure that the trailer's electrical connection is
correct, have it checked by a specialised
workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT
dealership for this.
Exterior mirrors
If you cannot see the area behind the trailer
with the exterior mirrors of the towing vehi-
cle, additional mirrors will have to be instal-
led in accordance with the regulations of the
country in question. The exterior mirrors
should be adjusted before you start driving
and must provide a sufficient field of vision
at the rear. Trailer maximum electricity consumption
ConsumersEurope, Asia,
Africa, South America and
Central AmericaAustralia
Brake lights (total)84 Watts108 Watts
Turn signal (on each
side)42 Watts54 Watts
Side lights (on each
side)50 Watts100 Watts
Reverse lights (on
each side)42 Watts54 Watts
Rear fog light42 Watts54 Watts
Never exceed the values indicated! WARNING
If the towing bracket is wrongly fitted or is
not the right

one, the trailer could become
detached from the vehicle and cause serious
injury. CAUTION
● If the r

ear lights of the trailer are not cor-
rectly connected, the vehicle's electronic sys-
tem may be damaged.
● If the trailer absorbs excessive electric cur-
rent, the
vehicle's electronic system may be
damaged. ●
Nev er c

onnect the trailer's electric system
directly to the electrical connections of the
tail lights or any other power sources. Only
use the connections intended for providing
electric current to the trailer. Electrical unlocking tow hitch
Fig. 217
On the right side of the luggage
c omp

artment: button for unlocking the tow
hitch. 

› ›
›
table on page 2
The tow hitch is located in the bumper. The
electrical unlocking tow hitch cannot be dis-
assembled.
There should be no person, animal or object
in the path of the tow hitch ››› .
»
257
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Unlock the tow hitch and remove it
● Stop the vehicle and connect the electronic
p ark
ing brake ››› page 170.
● Switch off the engine.
● Open the rear lid.
● Pull the ››› Fig. 217
button briefly. The tow
hitch unlocks electrically and automatically
turns outwards. The control lamp in the but-
ton will flash ››› Fig. 217.
● Remove the tow hitch with your hand until
you f
eel and see that it has engaged and the
control lamp on the button stays on.
● Close the tailgate.
Co
ver the tow hitch
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electronic
park
ing brake.
● Switch off the engine.
● Unhook the trailer and interrupt the electri-
cal
connection between it and the vehicle. If
you are using an adapter, remove it from the
trailer's power socket.
● Open the rear lid.
● Pull the ››
› Fig. 217 button briefly. The tow
hitch unlocks electrically.
● Turn the tow hitch under the bumper with
your h
and until you feel and see that it en-
gages and the control lamp on the ››› Fig. 217
button stays on.
● Close the tailgate. Meaning of control lamp
●
If the warning light of the button ››
› Fig. 217
is flashing , this means that the tow hitch has
not been attached properly or is damaged
››› .
● If the warning lamp st

ays on with the rear
lid open, the tow hitch is correctly in place
both when engaged and when covered.
● The control lamp of the button will go off
appr
ox. 1 minute after closing the rear lid. WARNING
Undue use of the towing bracket may cause
injur y

and accidents.
● Only use the tow hitch if it is properly en-
gag
ed.
● Always ensure that no person, animal or
ob
ject is to be found in the path of the tow
hitch.
● Never use a tool or instrument while the
to

w hitch is moving.
● Never press the ››
› Fig. 217 button when
there is a trailer hooked to the vehicle or
when a carrier system or other accessories
are mounted on the tow hitch.
● If the tow hitch is not attached properly, do
not u
se it. Instead, go to a specialised work-
shop and have the towing bracket checked.
● If you detect any fault in the electrical sys-
tem or in the t
owing bracket, contact a speci-
alised workshop and ask them to check it. ●
If the b

all has a diameter of less than 49
mm at any one point, do not use the towing
bracket under any circumstances. CAUTION
If you clean the vehicle with high-pressure or
s t

eam devices, do not point the jet directly
towards the retractable tow hitch or the trail-
er power socket, as this may damage the
joints or remove the grease necessary for lu-
brication. Note
At extremely low temperatures, the tow hitch
m a

y be impossible to use. In this case, place
the vehicle in a warmer location (for example,
a garage). Fitting a bicycle carrier on the retract-
ab
l

e tow hitch The maximum allowed weight of the carrier
sy
s

tem, including the load, is 75 kg. The car-
rier system should not protrude more than
700 mm backwards from the spherical head.
Only carrier systems on which up to 3 bikes
can be mounted are allowed. Heavier bicy-
cles must be mounted as close to the vehicle
as possible (tow hitch).
258

Towing bracket device*
WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch with a bicy-
c l
e rack mounted on the tow hitch can cause
accidents and injury.
● Never exceed the maximum weight or the
limits
indicated above.
● The bicycle rack may not be mounted to the
neck
of the hitch below the ball because, due
to the shape of the neck and depending on
the rack model, the rack could be incorrectly
mounted on the vehicle.
● Always read and take the manufacturer as-
sembly
instructions into account. CAUTION
If the maximum weight and limits indicated
abo v

e are exceeded, the vehicle may suffer
considerable damage.
● Never exceed the values indicated! Note
SEAT recommends removing, as far as possi-
b l

e, all removable parts of the bicycles before
setting off. These parts include, for example,
baskets and saddlebags, child seats or bat-
teries. This improves aerodynamics and the
centre of gravity of the rack system. Hooking up and connecting a trailer
Fig. 218
Schematic diagram: assignment of
the pins

of the trailer's power socket.
Key to the Fig. 218:
PinMeaning
1Left turn signal
2Rear fog light
3Table of pins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
4Right turn signal
5Rear light, right
6Brake lights
7Rear light, left
8Reverse lights
9Permanent live
10Live charge cable
11Table for pin 10
Key to the Fig. 218:
PinMeaning
12Unassigned
13Table for pin 9 Trailer power socket
The
v

ehicle is fitted with a 13-pole power
socket for the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle. With the engine
running, electrical devices on the trailer re-
ceive power from the electrical connection
(pin 9 and pin 10 of the trailer power socket).
If the system detects that a trailer has been
connected electrically, the electrical equip-
ment on the trailer will receive voltage
through this connection (pins 9 and 10). Pin
9 has a permanent live. This powers, for ex-
ample, the trailer's interior lighting. Electrical
devices such as a fridge in a caravan only re-
ceive electrical power if the engine is running
(through pin 10).
To avoid overloading the electrical system,
you cannot connect the ground wires of pin
3, pin 11 or pin 13.
If the trailer has a 7-contact connector , you
will need to use an adapter cable. In this case
the function corresponding to pin 10 will not
be available. »
259
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Tow rope
The t o
w rope must always be securely fixed
to the towing vehicle and loose enough so
that the vehicle can handle turns smoothly.
However, make sure that the cable does not
rub on the ground while driving.
Trailer rear lights
Always check the trailer's rear lights to en-
sure they are working correctly and that they
comply with the relevant safety regulations.
Make sure that the maximum permissible
power that can be absorbed by the trailer is
not exceeded ››› page 257.
Connection to the anti-theft system
The trailer is included in the anti-theft system
if the following conditions are met: ● If the vehicle is factory-equipped with an
anti-theft
alarm and towing bracket.
● If the trailer is electrically connected to the
to
wing vehicle through the trailer power
socket.
● If the electrical systems of the vehicle and
trai
ler are in perfect condition and have no
faults or damage.
● If the vehicle is locked with the key and the
anti-theft
alarm is activated.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is trig-
gered if the electrical connection with the
trailer is cut off. Before hitching or unhitching a trailer, always
turn off

the anti-theft alarm. Otherwise, the
tilt sensor could cause the alarm to go off.
Trailers with LED rear lights
For technical reasons, trailers fitted with LED
rear lights cannot be connected to the anti-
theft alarm system.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm does
not go off when the electrical connection with
the trailer is cut if it has rear lights with light-
emitting diodes.
If the Eco driving profile was selected when
hitching the trailer, this will automatically
switch to the Normal profile. If the system
cannot detect the attached trailer or if the
towing bracket has been retrofitted by an au-
to repair shop other than SEAT, you must
manually select the Normal profile before you
start driving with a trailer attached. To recon-
nect the Eco profile once the trailer has been
unhitched, switch the ignition off and back
on once. WARNING
If the cables are improperly or incorrectly
c onnect

ed, it may lead to an excessive
amount of current supplied to the trailer,
which can cause abnormalities in the entire
vehicle electronic system, as well as acci-
dents and serious injuries. ●
En s

ure that any repairs that need to be car-
ried out on the electrical system are carried
out by a specialised workshop.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
directly
to the electrical connections of the
tail lights or any other power sources. WARNING
Contact between the pins of the trailer power
soc k

et can cause short circuits, overloading
of the electrical system or failure of the light-
ing system, and consequently can cause acci-
dents and serious injuries.
● Never connect the pins of the trailer power
sock
et to each other.
● Make sure any work on bent pins is carried
out b
y a specialised workshop. CAUTION
Do not leave the trailer connected to the vehi-
c l

e when parked; place it on its support
wheel or its supports. If the vehicle rises or
falls due, for example, to a variation of the
load or a burst tyre, increased pressure will
be placed on the towing bracket and the trail-
er, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. Note
● In c a

se of malfunctioning of the electrical
systems of the vehicle or trailer, as well as of 260

Towing bracket device*
the anti-theft system, have these checked out
b
y
a specialised workshop.
● If the trailer accessories consume energy
through the po
wer socket to the trailer and
the engine is turned off, the battery will dis-
charge.
● If the vehicle battery is running low, the
electric
al connection with the trailer will be
automatically cut. Loading a trailer
Technically permissible maximum trailer
w
eight

and vertical load on the coupling de-
vice
The technically permissible maximum trailer
weight is the weight that the vehicle can tow
››› . The vertical load on the coupling load
i s

exerted vertically from above on the tow
hitch of the towing bracket ››› page 303.
The information on the maximum trailer
weight and vertical load on the coupling de-
vice contained in the type plate of the towing
bracket are experimental values only. The
correct figures for your specific model, which
may be lower than these figures, are given in
the vehicle documentation. The information
in the vehicle documentation takes prece-
dence at all times.
To promote safety while driving, SEAT recom-
mends making the most of the maximum ver-tical load
technically permissible on the cou-
p
ling device ››› page 255. An insufficient ver-
tical load has a negative influence on the be-
haviour of both the vehicle and trailer.
The vertical load increases the weight on the
rear axle, reducing the vehicle's carrying ca-
pacity.
Gross combination weight of the towing ve-
hicle and trailer
The gross combination weight is the actual
weight of the loaded vehicle plus the actual
weight of the loaded trailer.
In some countries trailers are classified into
distinct categories. SEAT recommends ob-
taining information from a specialised work-
shop regarding which type of trailer is most
suitable for your vehicle.
Trailer loading
The weight of the towing vehicle and trailer
must be balanced. In order to do this, the
load must be as close as possible to the max-
imum vertical load technically permissible on
the coupling point, and it must be evenly dis-
tributed between the back and front of the
trailer:
● Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
ob
jects are as near to the axle as possible or
above it.
● Secure the trailer load properly. Tyre pressure
Set the ty

re pressure of the trailer tyres in ac-
cordance with the trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendations.
When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres of the
towing vehicle with the maximum allowable
pressure ››› page 292. WARNING
If the maximum permissible axle weight, the
m ax

imum load technically permissible on the
coupling point, the maximum authorised ve-
hicle weight or the gross combination weight
of the towing vehicle and trailer are excee-
ded, accidents and serious injuries may oc-
cur.
● Never exceed the values indicated!
● The actual weight on the front and rear
axl
es must never exceed the maximum per-
missible axle weight. The weight on the front
and rear axles must never exceed the maxi-
mum permissible weight. WARNING
A shift in weight could jeopardize the stabili-
ty and sec

urity of the towing vehicle and
trailer, which could lead to accidents and se-
rious injuries.
● Always load the trailer correctly.
● Always secure the load properly using belts
or str
aps that are suitable and in good condi-
tion. 261
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Driving with a trailer Adjusting the headlights
When t
o
wing a trailer, the front part of the ve-
hicle could lift up, and if the dipped beams
are on, this could dazzle other drivers. Use
the headlight range control to lower the cone
of light. If you do not have headlight range
control, have the headlights adjusted by a
specialised workshop.
Special characteristics of driving with a trail-
er
● If your trailer has an ov
errun brake, brake
gently at first and then rapidly. This will pre-
vent the jerking that can be caused by the
locking of trailer wheels.
● Due to the gross combination weight of the
to
wing vehicle and trailer, the braking dis-
tance increases.
● When going down a slope, go into lower
ge
ar (if using a manual gearbox or the Tip-
tronic automatic gearbox) to take advantage
of the braking power provided by the engine.
Otherwise, the braking system could over-
heat and even fail.
● The trailer weight, as well as the gross com-
bin
ation weight of the towing vehicle and
trailer, change the centre of gravity and the
properties of the vehicle.
● If the towing vehicle is empty and the trail-
er is
loaded, then the load distribution is in- correct. Under these conditions, drive slowly
and with e

xtra caution.
Hill starts with a trailer
Depending on the slope of the hill and the
combination weight of the towing vehicle
and trailer, the vehicle might start rolling
backwards slightly when you first start up.
For hill-starting with a trailer, do the follow-
ing:
● Press and hold the brake pedal.
● Press the  butt
on to disconnect the elec-
tronic parking brake ››› page 170.
● If the vehicle is equipped with a manual
ge
arbox, push the clutch pedal all the way
down.
● Put the vehicle into first gear or turn the se-
lect
or lever to position D/S ››› page 176.
● Pull out the  butt
on and hold it in that
position to stop the towing vehicle and trailer
with the electronic parking brake.
● Release the brake pedal.
● Start driving slowly. To do this, in the case
of a m
anual gearbox, slowly release the
clutch pedal.
● Do not release the  butt
on until the en-
gine has sufficient force to start driving. WARNING
If a trailer is pulled incorrectly, this may lead
t o lo

ss of control of the vehicle and serious
injury.
● Driving with a trailer and transporting
heavy
or large objects will change the vehicle
handling and braking distances.
● Always drive cautiously and carefully.
Brak
e earlier than usual.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times
to suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions. Slow down, especially when
driving down hills or slopes.
● Accelerate with particular care and caution.
Av
oid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Take great care when overtaking. Reduce
speed immedi
ately if you notice that the trail-
er is swaying, however slightly.
● Never attempt to “straighten” the towing
vehic
le and trailer while accelerating.
● Take into account the speed limit for vehi-
cl

es with a trailer, as it could be lower than
for vehicles without a trailer. Stabilisation of the towing vehicle
and tr
ai

ler The stabilisation of the towing vehicle and
tr
ai

ler together is an additional function of
the electronic stability control (ESC).
262