2017 Seat Ateca trailer

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

Towing bracket device*
If the system detects that the trailer is sway-
in g, it
intervenes automatically with the driv-
er steering recommendation to reduce the
swaying of the trailer.
Requirements for the stabilisation of the
towing vehicle and trailer
● The vehicle is factory-equipped with a tow-
ing br
acket or has been retro-fitted with a
compatible towing bracket.
● The ESC and ASR are active. The control
lamp
 or  is not lit up on the instrument
panel.
● The trailer is electrically connected to the
to
wing vehicle through the trailer power
socket.
● The vehicle is travelling at over 60 km/h
(appr
ox. 37 mph).
● The maximum vertical load technically per-
mis
sible is being utilised on the coupling de-
vice.
● The trailer has a rigid draw bar.
● If the trailer has brakes, it must be equip-
ped with a mec
hanical overrun brake. WARNING
The enhanced security provided by the elec-
tric s

tability control of the towing vehicle and
trailer should not lead you to take any risks
that could compromise your safety. ●
Ad apt

your speed and driving style at all
times to suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions.
● Accelerate with caution when the road is
slip
pery.
● When adjusting any settings, stop acceler-
ating. WARNING
The electric stability control for the towing
v ehic

le and trailer may not correctly detect all
driving conditions.
● When the ESC is switched off, the stabilisa-
tion of the t
owing vehicle and trailer is also
switched off.
● The stability system does not always detect
light and u
nstable trailers, so it may not sta-
bilise these correctly.
● When driving on slippery surfaces with
poor grip, the tr
ailer can even interfere with
the stability system.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity can tip
even w
ithout having previously swayed.
● If a trailer is not attached, but the trailer
pow
er socket is connected (e.g. installation
of a bicycle rack with lights), repeated auto-
matic braking may occur in extreme driving
conditions. Retrofitting a towing bracket
Fig. 219
Limits and attachment points for ret-
r ofittin

g a towing bracket. » 263
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
SEAT recommends that towing brackets be
r etr
ofitted at a specialised workshop. For ex-
ample, it may very well be necessary to ad-
just the cooling system or mount thermal pro-
tection plates. SEAT recommends visiting a
SEAT dealership for this.
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the distance
specifications should always be kept in
mind. The distance between the centre of the
spherical head and the road ››› Fig. 219 D must never be less than that indicated. This
al
so ap

plies when the vehicle is fully loaded,
including the technically permissible maxi-
mum vertical load on the coupling device.
Distance specifications ››› Fig. 219:
Attachment points
932.5 mm
65 mm min.
350-420 mm
220 mm
615.5 mm
1,043 mm WARNING
If the cables are improperly or incorrectly
c onnect

ed, this may lead to malfunctions in
the entire vehicle electronic system, as well
as to accidents and serious injuries.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
to the el
ectrical connections of the tail lights A
B
C
D
E
F
G or any other unsuitable power sources. Only
u
se s

uitable connectors to connect the trail-
er.
● The towing bracket should be retrofitted
only
at a specialised workshop. WARNING
If the towing bracket is badly fitted or unsuit-
ab l

e, the trailer may separate from the vehi-
cle while driving. This could cause serious ac-
cidents and fatal injuries. Note
Only use towing brackets that have been ap-
pr o

ved by SEAT for the model in question.264

Technical specifications
Trailer mode Tr
ailer weights Trailer weight
The tr
ai

ler weights and drawbar loads ap-
proved are selected in intensive trials accord-
ing to precisely defined criteria. The ap-
proved trailer weights are valid for vehicles in
the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (50
mph) (in certain circumstances up to 100
km/h (62 mph)). The figures may be different
in other countries. All data in the official vehi-
cle documentation takes precedence over
these data at all times ››› .
Dr a

wbar loads
The maximum permitted drawbar load on the
ball joint of the towing bracket must not ex-
ceed 80 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend
that you always tow approaching the maxi-
mum drawbar load. The response of the trail-
er on the road will be poor, if the drawbar
load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load
cannot be met (e.g. with small, empty and
light-weight single axle trailers or tandem
axle trailers with a wheelbase of less than 1
metre), a minimum of 4% of the actual trailer
weight is legally required for the drawbar
load. WARNING
● For s

afety reasons, you should not drive at
speeds above 80 km/h (50 mph) when towing
a trailer. This also applies in countries where
higher speeds are permitted.
● Never exceed the maximum trailer weights
or the dra
wbar load. If the permissible axle
load or the permissible total weight is excee-
ded, the driving characteristics of the vehicle
may change, leading to accidents, injuries
and damage to the vehicle. Wheels
Ty

re pressure, snow chains, wheel
bolts Tyre pressures
The s
tic

ker with the tyre pressure values can
be found on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
The tyre pressure values given there are for
cold tyres. The slightly raised pressures of
warm tyres must not be reduced. ››› The pressure for win
t

er tyres is 0.2 bar
(2.9 psi / 20 kPa) higher than that of summer
tyres.
Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front
wheels, and only for the following tyres:
215/60 R16Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
215/55 R17Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
215/50 R18Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
Other dimensions do not allow chains Wheel bolts
Af
t

er the wheels have been changed, the
tightening torque of the wheel bolts should
be checked as soon as possible with a torque
wrench ››› . The tightening torque for steel
and al lo

y wheels is 140 Nm. WARNING
● Chec k

the tyre pressure at least once per
month. Checking the tyre pressure is very im-
portant. If the tyre pressure is too high or too
low, there is an increased danger of accidents
- particularly at high speeds.
● If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
is

too low, they could loosen while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tight-
ening torque is too high, the wheel bolts and
threads can be damaged. Note
We recommend that you ask your Technical
Ser v

ice for information about appropriate
wheel, tyre and snow chain size. 303
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety