
Driving
●
Never l e
ave the vehicle unattended if the
engine is running.
● Never switch the engine off until the vehi-
cle h
as come to a complete stop. Risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
● Turnin g the s
teering wheel fully in either
direction when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine is in gear puts the power steering
under great stress. This could lead to noise.
Never leave the steering wheel turned fully in
either direction for more than 15 seconds.
Risk of damage to the power steering system!
● The starter motor may only be used (key
position 3
››› Fig. 173 ›
›› page 154 in the ig-
nition) if the engine is off. Using the starter
motor when the engine is running could dam-
age it.
● Immediately release the ignition key when
the engine st
arts, otherwise damage could be
caused to the starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, you should avoid
high engine speed
s, driving at full throttle
and over-loading the engine before it reaches
operating temperature. Risk of engine dam-
age!
● Do not tow-start the engine. Risk of engine
damag
e! In vehicles with a catalytic convert-
er, fuel that has not been burned could reach
the catalytic converter and catch fire in it.
This would lead to a fault in the catalytic con-
verter. You may use the battery from another vehicle to help you start your engine
›› ›
page 52.
● After prolonged and demanding operation
of the engine, when the j
ourney has ended,
do not stop the engine immediately. Let the
engine run at idle for about one more minute.
This will stop the engine from overheating. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
i s s
tationary. If possible, move off immediate-
ly after starting the engine. This will help the
engine reach operating temperature more
quickly, reducing the quantity of emissions. Note
● The engine c an on
ly be started with the
original SEAT key.
● Loud running noises may be heard briefly
after c
old-starting the engine. This is normal
and is no cause for concern.
● After the engine has been stopped and the
ignition switc
hed off, the radiator fan may
continue running for around 10 minutes.
● If the engine still does not start after a sec-
ond attempt, the fuel
pump fuse might have
blown. Check it and replace if necessary
››› page 81 or contact your Specialised Serv-
ice.
● You should always engage the steering lock
when you e
xit the vehicle. This will hinder
any attempts at theft. Power steering
The power steering allows you to turn the
st
eerin
g wheel more easily.
If the power steering fails or the engine is off
(towing), it is still possible to turn the vehi-
cle's steering wheel fully. However, you need
more strength to steer the vehicle.
Driver control lamps and warnings (in red) Faulty steering! To
park the vehicle
If the warning lamp remains on and the driver
indication appears, the power steering could
be faulty.
Do not continue driving. Seek specialist as-
sistance. (in yellow) Steering: System
fault! You may continue driving.
If the warning lamp comes on, the steering
could react with more difficultly or more sen-
sitivity than normal. In addition, when driving
in a straight line the steering wheel may be
off-centre.
Drive slowly to a specialised workshop and
have the fault repaired. (in yellow) Steering lock:
fault! Go to an Official Service
The electronic steering lock is malfunction-
ing. »
153
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
Starter button Fig. 174
In the steering column: start-up
p u
sh b
utton for the Keyless Access lock and
start-up system. The layout in right-hand
drive vehicles is symmetrical. Fig. 175
Emergency ignition in vehicles with
K eyl
e
ss Access. The start-up button may only be used if there
i
s a
valid key in the vehicle. Opening the driver's door
when exitin
g the
vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
steering column if the ignition is disabled.
Switching the ignition on/off
● Briefly push the start-up button ›››
Fig. 174
without touching the brake or clutch ped-
al ››› .
Emer g
ency
starting function
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,
an emergency start-up will be required. The
relevant message will appear in the dash
panel display. This may happen when, for ex-
ample, the vehicle key battery is very low or
flat:
● Immediately after pushing the start-up but-
ton, keep the
vehicle key next to the steering
column ››› Fig. 175.
● The ignition connects and the engine starts
automatic
ally.
Emergency disconnection
If the engine does not stop after briefly press-
ing the start-up button, an emergency dis-
connect will be required:
● Press the starter button twice within 1 sec-
ond or pres
s it once for more than 2 seconds
››› .
● The engine turns off automatically. Engine restart feature
If
no
v
alid key is detected inside the vehicle
after the engine stops, you will only have 5
seconds to restart it. A warning will display
on the dash panel screen.
After this interval, it will not be possible to
start the engine without a valid key inside
the vehicle. WARNING
Any accidental movement of the vehicle could
re s
ult in serious injury.
● When pressing the start-up button, do not
pre
ss the brake or clutch pedal, this way the
engine will start immediately. WARNING
If vehicle keys are used negligently or with-
out due c ar
e, this may cause accidents and
serious injury.
● Never leave any key inside the vehicle
when exitin
g. Otherwise, a child or unauthor-
ised person could lock the vehicle, start the
engine or connect the ignition and, in this
way, operate electronic equipment (e.g. the
windows). Note
● In diesel
vehicles with the Keyless Access
system, there may be a delay in the engine
starting if it requires preheating. » 155
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
●
If the v
ehicle is stationary for a long time
with the ignition on, the vehicle battery
might be discharged and it might not be pos-
sible to start the engine. Starting the engine
Vehicles with a
diesel en
gine are equipped
with a glow plug system. When you switch on
the ignition, the glow plug warning lamp
will light up. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.
Do not connect electrical appliances during
preheating so as not the drain the vehicle
battery unnecessarily.
Starting the engine
● Move the gearbox lever into neutral or
mov e the sel
ector lever to position P or N and
pull firmly on the handbrake.
● Press the clutch pedal all the way down
and star
t the engine 3
› ›
› Fig. 173
›
›› page 154, without pressing the accelera-
tor. Keep the clutch pedal pressed down until
the engine starts.
● Release the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine star
ts. The key returns to position 2 .
● If the engine does not start after 10 sec-
ond s, t
urn the k
ey back to position 1 . Re-
pe at
the action af
ter 30 seconds.
● Release the handbrake before moving off. Switching off the engine with the key Stop the engine by turning the ignition key to
pos
ition 1
››› Fig. 173 ›
›› page 154.
Brakes and brake servo sys-
tems Introduction WARNING
● The brak e ser
vo only works when the en-
gine is running. Braking when the engine is
switched off requires applying more strength
to the brake pedal. Risk of accident!
● Press down on the clutch pedal when stop-
ping and brak
ing with a manual gearbox, pet-
rol engine vehicle at low speed. Otherwise,
the brake servo might not work properly. Risk
of accident!
● In the event of damage to the standard
front s
poiler or where a different front spoil-
er, wheel trims, etc. are subsequently fitted,
make sure the air vent to the brakes on the
front wheels is not blocked. Otherwise, brak-
ing operations may be impaired. Risk of acci-
dent!
● Always fully release the handbrake. If it is
only p
artially released, this will cause over-
heating of the rear brakes, which can impair
the function of the brake system. Risk of acci-
dent! ●
Never l e
ave children unsupervised in the
vehicle. They could release the handbrake or
move the gear lever. The vehicle could start
moving. Risk of accident!
● Insufficient fuel can cause the engine to run
irregu
larly or to switch off. Brake assist sys-
tems could be impaired. Risk of accident!
● Always adjust your driving style to suit visi-
bility
, the weather and road and traffic condi-
tions. The best vehicle safety offered by
brake assist systems must never encourage
you to run greater risks. Risk of accident! CAUTION
● Ob ser
ve the information concerning new
brake pads ››› page 165.
● Where braking is not necessary, do not
wear do
wn the brake pads by pressing down
gently on the brake pedal. This causes the
brakes to overheat, increasing their wear and
increasing braking distances.
● To ensure the brake assist systems work
properly, a
ll wheels must be fitted with tyres
approved by the manufacturer. Note
● If y
ou brake suddenly and the brake system
control unit regards the situation as hazard-
ous for the drivers behind you, the brake
lights will begin to flash automatically. After
reducing speed to approximately 10 km/h (6
mph) or stopping the vehicle, the brake lights
will stop flashing and the hazard warning 156

Driving
from the brake pedal and you can use the ac-
c el
er
ator pedal and move away on a hill with-
out having to use the handbrake. The brake
pressure drops as the accelerator pedal is
pressed. If the vehicle cannot be started, it
will start to move backwards after 2 seconds.
The HHC is activated on gradients of over
5%, if the driver door is closed. It only works
for starting on hills, moving both forward and
in reverse. It is not activated during start-up
down hill.
Control lamp
If the control lamp flashes, the ESC is
working.
If the warning lamp illuminates on igni-
tion, the ESC system may have switched off
due to technical reasons. Turn off the ignition
and turn it on again. Upon switching on the
ignition again, if the warning lamp has
switched off, this means the ESC is function-
ing correctly again.
If the warning lamp is illuminated there is
a fault in the ESC.
The informative display indicates:
Report No.: electronic stability
control (ESC)
or Report No.: Traction control
system (ASR) Go to a technical service. Note
If the battery is disconnected and connected
again, the y
ellow warning lamp lights up
when the ignition is switched on. This warn-
ing lamp must switch off after covering a
short distance. Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The ABS system prevents the wheels locking
durin
g br
ak
ing. This helps the driver keep
control of the vehicle.
The driver is made aware of ABS assistance
by the pulsating of the brake pedal and a
characteristic noise.
Keep the brake pedal pressed down while the
ABS is working. The ABS will switch off when
the brake pedal is released. Never brake in-
termittently while the ABS is working!
Control lamp
If the warning lamp is illuminated, there is
a fault in the ABS.
The informative display indicates:
ABS fault
The brake system alone is operational in the
vehicle, without ABS.
Go to a technical service. WARNING
● If the w
arning lamp illuminates together
with the ››› page 157 warning lamp, ,
stop the vehicle! Go to a technical service.
● A fault in the Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
can le
ad to longer braking distances – Risk of
accident! Anti-slip regulation of the driving
wheels
(ASR)
* If the wheels start to slip, the TCS adapts the
en
gine s
peed t
o the driving conditions. Par-
ticularly in unfavourable conditions, the TCS
helps starting, accelerating and hill starts.
If the control lamp flashes, the ASR is
working.
If the warning lamp illuminates on igni-
tion, the TCS system may have switched off
due to technical reasons. Turn off the ignition
and turn it on again. Upon switching on the
ignition again, if the warning lamp has
switched off, this means the TCS is function-
ing correctly again.
If the warning lamp remains illuminated,
there is a fault in the TCS.
The informative display indicates:
Report No.: Traction control
system (ASR) »
159
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
engine power. Depending on the road speed
and en gine s
peed, the aut
omatic gearbox
shifts down and the vehicle accelerates. It
only shifts up after the maximum engine
speed has been reached.
Selector lever positions Fig. 178
Gear selector lever Fig. 179
Informative display: selector lever
po sition
s. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 36
The current position of the selector lever is
shown on the general instrument panel dis-
play 1
› ››
Fig. 179
.
P – Parking position
In thi s
po
sition, the driven wheels are me-
chanically locked.
The parking position can only be selected
when the vehicle is stationary.
If you want to move the selector lever from
this position, press the interlock button on
the selector lever knob while pressing down
on the brake pedal.
If the battery is drained, the selector lever
cannot be moved from position P.
R – Reverse gear
R ev
er
se gear must be engaged only when the
vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling.
To move the selector lever to position R from
positions P or N, press the interlock button
on the selector lever knob and press down on
the brake pedal.
The reverse lights come on when the selector
lever is in position R and the ignition is on.
N – Neutral (idling)
Neutr al
(idlin
g) is engaged in this position. To move the selector lever from position N (if
the lever h
as remained in this position for
more than 2 seconds) to position D or R at
speeds of less than 5 km/h (3 mph) and
when the vehicle is stationary, press down on
the brake pedal.
D – Drive (forwards)
In thi s
po
sition, the gearbox automatically
changes to a lower or higher gear, depending
on engine requirements, the driving speed
and the gear shift programme.
To move the selector lever to position D from
position N at speeds of less than 5 km/h (3
mph) and when the vehicle is stationary,
press down on the brake pedal.
In some situations (e.g. on mountain roads or
when towing a trailer or caravan), it can be
advantageous to switch temporarily to the
manual shift programme ››› page 163 so that
the gear ratios can be selected manually to
suit driving conditions.
S – Sports driving position
Shif tin
g up l
ater than usual makes full use of
the engine power. This shifts down earlier in
relation to position D.
To move the selector lever to position S from
position D, press the interlock button on the
selector lever knob.
162

Operation
– Shif t
t
o neutral.
– Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic
engine start up (Start phase)
– Press the clutch.
Switc
hing the Start-Stop system on and off
The Start-Stop system can be switched on
and off by pressing the button
››› Fig. 192.
The warning lamp in the button will light up
when the system is switched off.
If the vehicle is in Stop phase when the but-
ton is pressed, the engine will start immedi-
ately.
The Start-Stop system works under complex
driving conditions that are difficult to detect
without specialist technology. The set of nec-
essary conditions for the correct operating of
the Start-Stop system are indicated below.
Conditions for automatic engine shut down
(Stop phase) ● Selector lever in neutral.
● Clutch pedal not pressed.
● Driver with seat belt fastened.
● Driver door closed.
● The bonnet closed.
● Vehicle stationary. ●
The factor
y-fitted towing bracket is not elec-
trically connected to a trailer.
● Engine at operating temperature.
● Vehicle's battery sufficiently charged.
● Vehicle not on a very steep slope
● Engine speed below 1,200 rpm.
● Vehicle battery temperature is neither too
high nor too low
.
● Sufficient brake system pressure.
● Difference between outside temperature
and set interior t
emperature not too great
● Vehicle speed since the last time the en-
gine star
ted was above 3 km/h (2 mph).
● Particulate filter not being cleaned
›››
page 168.
● Front wheels not overly turned (steering
wheel turned l
ess than three quarters of a
turn)
Conditions for engine start up (Start phase)
● Clutch pedal pressed.
● Max./min. temperature set.
● Windscreen defrost function switched on.
● High blower speed.
● Start-Stop button pressed. Conditions for automatic engine start up
without driv
er involvement
● Vehicle moving at a speed of over 3 km/h
(2 mph).
● Difference between outside temperature
and interior temper
ature is too great
● Vehicle's battery insufficiently charged.
● Insufficient brake system pressure.
If the driver se
at belt is unfastened for more
than 30 seconds in Stop phase, the engine
must be started using the ignition key.
Please observe the messages on the general
instrument panel display.
Warnings on the instrument panel display
(valid for vehicles not fitted with an informa-
tive display)
FAULT: Start-StopFault in the Start-Stop sys-
tem
START-STOP IMPOSSI-
BLEEngine cannot be auto-
matically shut down
START-STOP ACTIVEAutomatic engine shut
down (Stop phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITIONSwitch the ignition off
START MANUALLYStart the engine manually WARNING
● If the en gine i
s switched off, neither the
brake servo nor the power steering will work. 184

Driver assistance systems
●
Do not mo v
e the vehicle when the engine is
switched off. CAUTION
Switch off the Start-Stop system ›
››
page 169
before driving through a pool of water on the
road. Note
● The batt er
y temperature may reflect
changes in outside temperature after several
hours. If the vehicle has been stopped out-
side at temperatures below zero or in direct
sunlight, for example, the battery tempera-
ture may take several hours to reach the val-
ues required for the correct operating of the
Start-Stop system.
● If the Climatronic system is operating auto-
matica
lly, this could impair automatic engine
shut down under certain conditions. Fatigue detection (break rec-
ommend
ation)*
Intr oduction The Fatigue detection informs the driver
when their driv
in
g beh
aviour shows signs of
fatigue. WARNING
Do not let the comfort afforded by the Fatigue
detection sy s
tem tempt you into taking any
risks when driving. Take regular breaks, suffi-
cient in length when making long journeys.
● The driver always assumes the responsibil-
ity of driv
ing to their full capacity.
● Never drive if you are tired.
● The system does not detect the tiredness of
the driver in al
l circumstances. Consult the in-
formation in the section ››› page 186, System
limitations.
● In some situations, the system may incor-
rectly int
erpret an intended driving manoeu-
vre as driver tiredness.
● No warning is given in the event of the ef-
fect c
alled microsleep!
● Please observe the indications on the in-
strument p
anel and act as is necessary. Note
● Fatigue det ection h
as been developed for
driving on motorways and well paved roads
only.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it
check
ed by a specialised workshop. Function and operation
Fig. 193
On the instrument panel display: fa-
tigue det ection symbo
l
. Fatigue detection determines the driving be-
h
av
iour of
the driver when starting a journey,
making a calculation of tiredness. This is
constantly compared with the current driving
behaviour. If the system detects that the driv-
er is tired, an audible warning is given with a
sound and an optic warning is shown with a
symbol and complementary message on the
instrument panel display ››› Fig. 193. The
message on the instrument panel display is
shown for approximately 5 seconds, and de-
pending on the case, is repeated. The system
stores the last message displayed.
The message on the instrument panel display
can be switched off by pressing the button on the windscreen wiper lever or the
b
utt
on on the multi function steering
wheel
›
›
› page 23. »
185
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
Water in the fuel filter 1)
If
y
our vehicle has a diesel engine and is
equipped with a fuel filter with a water sepa-
rator, the instrument panel may display the
following warning: Water in the
fuel filter. If this is the case, take the
vehicle to a specialised workshop so that
they can drain the fuel filter. CAUTION
● The v ehic
le is not designed for the use of
FAME fuel (biodiesel). The fuel system would
be damaged if you used biodiesel.
● Do not mix fuel additives, the so-called
“thinners”, petro
l or similar additives with
diesel fuel.
● If poor-quality diesel fuel is used, it may be
neces
sary to drain the fuel filter more fre-
quently than is specified in the Maintenance
Programme. We recommend having this done
by a specialised workshop. If water is allowed
to collect in the filter, this can cause engine
performance problems. Engine compartment
Intr oduction Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 11
Always be aware of the danger of injury and
scalding as well as the risk of accident or fire
when working in the engine compartment,
e.g. when checking and refilling fluids.
Therefore, always observe the warnings and
follow all general safety precautions. The en-
gine compartment is a dangerous area . WARNING
● Never open the bonnet if
you see steam,
smoke or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. Risk of scalding! Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before opening
the bonnet.
● Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition.
● Eng
age neutral in vehicles with manual
gearbo
x and move the selector lever to posi-
tion P in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
● Apply the handbrake firmly.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● For safety reasons, the bonnet must always
be closed when the
vehicle is moving. There- fore, after closing the bonnet always check
that
it
is properly secured.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not
safely
secured when the vehicle is moving,
stop the vehicle immediately and close the
bonnet properly. Risk of accident!
● Keep children away from the engine com-
partment
.
● Do not touch hot engine parts. Risk of
burns!
● Nev
er spill fluids on hot engine compart-
ments. The
se fluids can cause a fire (e.g. anti-
freeze in coolant)!
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the
electrica
l system, especially when working
on the battery.
● Never touch the radiator fan when the en-
gine is hot
. The fan may start running sud-
denly!
● Never cover the engine with additional in-
sul
ating materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant ex-
pans
ion tank when the engine is hot. The
cooling system is under pressure!
● Protect face, hands and arms from any hot
ste
am or hot coolant released by covering the
cap with a large, thick rag when opening the
expansion tank.
● Do not leave any objects, such as cloths or
tool
s, in the engine compartment. 1)
Valid for the market: Algeria.
204