Operation
●
If an y
of both turn signals fails, the warning
lamp will start flashing twice faster than nor-
mal.
● The main beam headligh
ts can only be
switched on if the dipped beam headlights
are already on. Hazard warning lights
Fig. 110
Dash panel: Button for switching the
h az
ar
d lights warning system on and off. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 22
Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a
broken down vehicle. In a number of coun-
tries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn
on the hazard warning lights and use a re-
flective safety vest ››› page 70.
If your vehicle breaks down: Park the vehicle a safe distance from
traffic and on s
uitable ground ››› .
T urn on the h
az
ard warning lights with
the button ››› Fig. 110.
Apply the handbrake firmly
››› page 135.
Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the
selector lever in position N ››› page 142.
Switch off the engine and remove the
key from the ignition.
Have all occupants leave the vehicle and
move to safety, for example behind a
guard rail.
When leaving the vehicle, take all keys
with you.
Place an emergency warning triangle to
indicate the position of your vehicle to
other road users.
Allow the engine to cool and check if a
specialist is required.
When being towed with the hazard warning
lights on, a change in direction or traffic lane
can be indicated as usual using the turn sig-
nal lever. The hazard lights will be interrup-
ted temporarily.
If the hazard warning lights are not working,
you must use an alternative method of draw-
ing attention to your vehicle. This method
must comply with traffic legislation. 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. WARNING
A faulty vehicle in traffic represents a risk of
acc ident
for the driver and for other road
users.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Park the
vehicle a safe distance from sur-
rounding traffic to lock all the doors in case of
an emergency. Turn on the hazard warning
lights to warn other road users.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the v
ehicle if the doors are to be
locked. In case of an emergency, passengers
will be trapped inside the vehicle. Individuals
locked in the vehicle can be exposed to very
high or very low temperatures. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass or
fuel). Note
● The v ehic
le battery will discharge and run
down if the hazard warning lights remain on
for too long (even with the ignition turned
off). 106
Operation
Visibility S u
n
visors Fig. 112
Sun visor Options for adjusting driver and front pas-
sen
g
er s
un visors:
● Lower the sun visor towards the wind-
scr
een.
● The sun visor can be pulled out of its
mounting and t
urned towards the door.
● Swing the sun visor towards the door, lon-
gitudinal
ly backwards.
Vanity mirror*
There may be a vanity mirror in the folded
sun visor on the passenger side and a card-
holder in the driver sun visor. WARNING
Folded sun blinds can reduce visibility.
● Always roll or fold sun blinds and visors
aw a
y when not in use. Heat-insulating glass windscreen
Fig. 113
Windscreen with reflective infrared
and met al
c
oating and small window (red sur-
face) The heat-insulating windscreens include a re-
fl
ectiv
e infr
ared coating. The section above
the rear vision mirror has been left uncoated
(communication window) to allow electric
components from the accessories shop to
operate correctly ›››
Fig. 113. CAUTION
When the uncoated surface is covered or has
a stic k
er on the interior or exterior, malfunc- tions in the electronic components may oc-
cur
. Nev
er cover the uncoated surface on the
interior or exterior. Windscreen wiper and window
wiper sy
s
tems
Window wiper lever Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 22 WARNING
Water from the windscreen washer water bot-
tle m a
y freeze on the windscreen if it does
not contain enough anti-freeze, reducing for-
ward visibility.
● In winter, ensure the windscreen washer
contain
s enough anti-freeze.
● In cold conditions, you should not use the
wash/w
ipe system unless you have warmed
the windscreen with the ventilation system.
The antifreeze could freeze on the windscreen
and reduce visibility. WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility
and incr e
ase the risk of accident and serious
injury. 108
Lights and visibility
The driver should always adjust the rear vi-
s ion mirr
or t
o permit adequate visibility
through the rear window.
Manual anti-dazzle function for interior rear
vision mirror
● Basic position: point the lever at the bot-
tom of the mirr
or forwards.
● Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-
dazzl
e function ››› Fig. 116.
Exterior mirrors Fig. 117
In the front doors: button to adjust
the mec h
anic
al exterior rear vision mirror Fig. 118
In the driver door: rotary control for
the ext erior el
ectric mirrors Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 13
Adjust the exterior mirrors by pressing the
adjust button ››› Fig. 117 or the rotary con-
trol* ››› Fig. 118.
Folding in the exterior mirrors and returning
them to their original position is possible
through a mechanical system. Carefully fold
the exterior rear vision mirror casing towards
the side window or pull it away from the win-
dow until it clicks into place. WARNING
Fold and unfold the exterior mirror, taking
car e t
o avoid injuries.
● Only fold or unfold the exterior mirror when
there is
no-one in the way of the mirror. ●
When mov in
g the mirror, take care not to
trap fingers between the mirror and the mir-
ror bracket. WARNING
Failure to correctly estimate the distance of
the vehic
le behind could lead to serious acci-
dent.
● Rear-view convex or aspheric mirrors in-
cre
ase the field of vision, however objects ap-
pear smaller and further away in the mirrors.
● The use of these mirrors to estimate the
dist
ance to the next vehicle when changing
lane is imprecise and could result in serious
accident.
● If possible, use the rear vision mirror to es-
timate di
stances to vehicles behind you or in
other circumstances.
● Make sure that the rear visibility is ade-
quate. For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switch-
ed off when it i
s no longer needed. Other-
wise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste. Note
In the event of a fault, the electric exterior
mirror s
can be adjusted manually by pressing
the edge of the mirror surface. 111
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Maximum cooling power or heating power in
the c a
se of
Climatronic
When driving, the maximum cooling power or
heating power can be adjusted by pressing
the 1 or
2
› ››
Fig. 144
b
utton repeatedly.
The temperature is not regulated.
● Maximum cooling power: adjus
t the tem-
perature below +16°C (+60°F). The display
then shows LO.
● Maximum heating power: adjus
t the tem-
perature above +29°C (+84°F). The display
then shows HI.
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter should be changed
regularly in order to maintain air conditioner
performance.
If the vehicle is used frequently in areas
where the outside air is highly polluted, it
may be necessary to change the filter before
the next scheduled service.
Water under the vehicle
If the humidity and temperature outside the
vehicle are high, condensation can drip off
the evaporator in the cooling system and
form a small pool underneath the vehicle.
This is normal and does not indicate a leak! Driving
St op
pin
g and starting the en-
gine
Switching on the ignition and starting
the engine Fig. 145
Vehicle key positions Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 20
Immobiliser display
When an invalid key is used or in the event of
a system fault, is displayed on the instru-
ment panel. The engine cannot be started.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not
be push- or tow-started. Jump starting is pref-
erable. Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key
which is not authorised for this vehi-
cle is inserted in the ignition lock, it can be
removed as follows:
● Automatic gearbox : the key c
annot be re-
moved from the ignition lock. Press and re-
lease the selector lever locking button. Key
can be removed from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox: Remov
e the key from the
ignition. WARNING
Switching off the engine while driving makes
st op
ping the vehicle difficult. As a conse-
quence you may lose control of the vehicle
and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The assisted braking and steering systems,
the airbag sys
tem, seat belts and certain
safety equipment are only active while the
engine is running.
● The engine should only be switched off
when the vehic
le is at a standstill. WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it
cou l
d help reduce the risk of serious injury.
● Never start or leave the engine running in
poorly v
entilated or closed spaces. Exhaust
gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, col-
ourless and odourless gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It
can also cause death. » 133
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
●
Never l e
ave the vehicle unattended if the
engine is running. The vehicle could move off
suddenly or something unexpected could
happen resulting in damage and serious in-
jury.
● Never use start boosters. Cold start sprays
coul
d explode or increase the engine speed
unexpectedly. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
v er y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood, leaves,
spilled fuel, dried grass, etc).
● Never apply additional underseal or anti-
corro
sion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter or the heat shields on the ex-
haust system. WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key
cou l
d result in serious injury.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever
you le
ave the vehicle. If not, the engine could
accidentally be started and electrical equip-
ment such as the windows could accidentally
be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the car
. Passengers could be trapped in the car in an emergency and not be able to
get
themselv
es to safety. For example, de-
pending on the time of the year, tempera-
tures inside a locked and closed vehicle can
be extremely high or extremely low resulting
in serious injuries and illness or even death,
particularly for young children.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehic
le is in motion. The steering may
lock and it will not be possible to turn the
steering wheel. CAUTION
● An attempt t
o start the engine while driving
or starting the engine immediately after turn-
ing it off can cause damage to the engine or
starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs
and heavy ac
celeration and do not make the
engine work hard.
● Do not push or tow start the engine. Un-
burnt f
uel could damage the catalytic con-
verter. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start
drivin g immedi
ately if the visibility is OK.
This helps the engine reach operating tem-
perature faster and reduces emissions. Note
● If the k ey
is left in the ignition lock with the
engine off for long periods, the vehicle bat-
tery will run flat.
● In automatic gearbox vehicles, the key can
only be r
emoved from the ignition lock if the
gear selector lever is in position N. In this
case, press and release the selector lever
locking button.
● Electrical devices with a high power con-
sumption are sw
itched off temporarily when
the engine starts.
● When the engine is started cold, there may
be stron
g vibrations for a few moments for
technical reasons. This is quite normal, and
no cause for concern.
● Natural gas engines always start up with
petrol, a
s a certain operating temperature is
required for running with gas. Once the re-
quired operating temperature is reached, the
engine will change to operate with natural
gas. Stopping the engine
Switching off the engine
– Stop the vehicle ››
›
.
– Turn the ignition key to position 1 ›››
Fig. 145.
134
Operation
Parking When parking your vehicle, all legal require-
ments shou
l
d be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence
given. ● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ›››
.
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the ve-
hicl e c
omes to a standstill.
● Apply the handbrake firmly ›››
page 139.
● For an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lev
er to position N.
● Switch off the engine and release the brake
pedal.
● R
emove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slight-
ly to loc
k the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage 1st gear on
flat gr
ound and slopes, or even reverse gear
on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehi-
cle, e
specially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with
you.
● Loc
k the vehicle. Additional information for steep slopes and
hill
s
Before switching off the engine, rotate the
steering wheel so that if the vehicle should
move, it will be held by the kerb.
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that
they are ag
ainst the edge of the kerb.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre
of the ro
ad. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
ver y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood,
leaves,dried grass, or spilled fuel). CAUTION
● Spec i
al care should be taken when parking
in areas with high kerbs or fixed barriers. Ob-
jects protruding from the ground may dam-
age the bumper or other parts of the vehicle
during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touch the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving
through entranc
es, over ramps, kerbs or oth-
er objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers,
mudguards and running gear, and the engine
and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. Information on the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km, the new brak
e
p
ads have not yet reached their maximum
braking capacity, and need to be “run in”
first ››› . The slightly reduced braking effect
can be c ompen
sated for by increasing pres-
sure on the brake pedal. While running in,
the full braking distance or emergency brak-
ing distance is larger then when the brake
pads have been run in. While running in,
avoid full power braking or situations requir-
ing braking performance. For example, in
heavy traffic.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends
to a great extent on the conditions in which
the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is
driven. If the vehicle is used frequently in city
traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialised workshop regularly, more
frequently than advised in the Maintenance
Programme, to have the brake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, af-
ter crossing areas of water, in heavy rainfall
or even after washing the car, the effect of
the brakes is lessened as the brake discs are
wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher
speed, “dry” the brakes as quickly as possi-
ble by braking gently several times. Only do
this without endangering vehicles behind
you or any other road users ››› .
A l ay
er of salt on the discs and brake pads
will reduce the effectiveness of the brakes
140
Driving
and increase braking distance. If you drive for
a pr o
lon
ged period on salted roads without
braking then brake carefully several times to
eliminate the layer of salt on the brakes ››› .
If the
v
ehicle remains parked for considera-
ble lengths of time, is used little, or if the
brakes are not used, there may be corrosion
on the brake discs and a build up of dirt on
the brake pads. If the brakes are not used fre-
quently, or if rust has formed on the discs,
SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and
discs by braking firmly a few times at a mod-
erately high speed. Only do this without en-
dangering vehicles behind you or any other
road users ››› .
F au
lt
s in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle
does not react as usual (that the braking dis-
tance has increased suddenly) it may be pos-
sible that there is a fault in the braking sys-
tem. This is indicated by the warning lamp
. Take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop immediately and have the fault re-
paired. Drive at a moderate speed and be
prepared to use more pressure on the brake
pedal, and allow for longer stopping distan-
ces.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the en-
gine is running and the pressure applied by
the driver on the brake pedal increases. If the brake servo does not operate or the ve-
hicle mu
st be towed, then the brake pedal
will have to be pressed with more force given
that the braking distance will be increased
when the brake servo does not operate ››› .
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficien-
cy.
● For the fir
st 320 km, new brake pads have
not y
et reached their maximum braking ca-
pacity, and need to be “run in” first. For this,
to compensate for reduced braking efficiency
the brake pedal will have to be pressed with
more force.
● To avoid losing control of the vehicle and
caus
ing serious accidents, always take great
care when driving with new brake pads.
● When running in new brake pads, always
res
pect the safety distances between you and
other vehicles and do not cause situations re-
quiring extreme braking performance. WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less effi-
cient and br
aking distances increase.
● When driving on slopes, brakes can be
overlo
aded and overheat quickly.
● Reduce speed or change down a gear when
faced w
ith steep and long slopes. This allows
you to use the engine braking effect and to
reduce the strain on the brake system. ●
Non-s t
andard or damaged front spoilers
could restrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take lon-
g er t o en
gage and this increases braking dis-
tances.
● Test the brakes carefully.
● Dry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by
brakin
g gently several times, when visibility,
weather, and road and traffic conditions per-
mit. WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may signifi-
cantly inc
rease the braking distance and re-
sult in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards
when the engine is
switched off.
● If the brake servo does not operate or the
vehicl
e must be towed, then the brake pedal
will have to be pressed with more force given
that the braking distance will be increased
when the brake servo does not operate. CAUTION
● Never m ak
e the brakes “slip” by pressing
the pedal gently, if it is not really necessary
to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake
pedal will heat the brakes. This could signifi-
cantly reduce braking power, increase » 141
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Catalytic converter The catalytic converter permits the subse-
quent tr
e
atment of the exhaust gases thus
reducing contaminating gas emissions. To
ensure a longer working life for the exhaust
system and catalytic converter in a petrol en-
gine:
● Always use unleaded petrol.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil
›››
page 189.
● Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter
cab l
es ›››
page 43.
If you should notice misfiring, uneven run-
ning or loss of power when the car is moving,
reduce speed immediately. Have the car in-
spected by a specialised workshop. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust
system and escape into the atmosphere. The
catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating. For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is
work in
g perfectly, there may be a smell of
sulphur under certain conditions. This de-
pends on the sulphur content of the fuel
used. Driving tips
Driv in
g abr
oad In some countries, certain safety regulations
and requir
ements
are in force relating to ex-
haust gas emissions, which differ from the
technical characteristics of the vehicle. Be-
fore travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you
consult a technical service about the legal re-
quirements and the following points:
● Does the vehicle need technical modifica-
tions f
or driving abroad, for example, adjust-
ment of the headlamps?
● Does the vehicle have all the tools, diag-
nostic
s equipment and spare parts required
for inspections and repairs?
● Are there any SEAT dealers in the destina-
tion countr
y?
● For petrol vehicles: Is unleaded petrol avail-
able at
the right octane rating?
● For diesel engines: is diesel fuel available
with a low s
ulphur content?
● Are a suitable engine oil ( ›››
page 189) and
other engine fluids complying with SEAT
specifications available in the destination
country?
● Are special tyres required in the destination
countr
y? CAUTION
SEAT does not accept liability for any damage
to the v
ehicle due to the use of a lower quali-
ty fuel, an inadequate service or the non-
availability of genuine spare parts. Driving through flooded roadways
To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
ing thr
ough w
ater, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● Check the depth of the water before enter-
ing the flooded z
one. The water should never
come above the lower edge of the bodywork
››› .
● Do not drive faster than a pedestrian.
● Do not stop in the water, use reverse gear
or sw it
c
h off the engine.
● Oncoming traffic will cause waves which
raise the l
evel of the water, making it difficult
to cross the water.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system whenever
cro
ssing water. WARNING
When driving through water, mud, melted
sno w
, etc., please remember that due to
damp or frozen brake discs and shoes in win-
ter, the braking effect may be delayed, there-
fore the required braking distance is greater. 152