Driving
displayed when the gearbox has cooled
ag ain.
R u
n-in and economical driving
The first
1,500 kmOver the first 1,500 kilometres the engine
mus
t
be run in.
Up to 1000 kilometres
– Do not drive at more than 3/4 of the maxi-
mum speed c orr
esponding to the engaged
gear, i.e. up to 3/4 of the maximum permit-
ted engine speed.
– Do not drive at full speed.
– Avoid high engine speeds.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 k
ilometres (600 to 900
miles)
– Slowly increase the engine speed until
re
aching the maximum permitted speed of
the engaged gear, i.e. the maximum per-
mitted engine speed.
During its first few hours of running, the in-
ternal friction in the engine is greater than
later on, when all the moving parts have bed-
ded in. How the vehicle is driven over approx-
imately the first 1,500 kilometres (900 miles), determines the success of the proc-
ess
of running in the engine.
Even after running in, the vehicle should not
be unnecessarily driven at high engine
speeds. The maximum permitted engine
speed is marked at the start of the red zone
on the rev counter dial. The gear must be
changed up when the red area is reached in
vehicles with a manual gearbox. Extremely
high engine speeds when accelerating are
automatically limited, however the engine is
not protected against high engine speeds
produced by incorrectly changing to a lower
gear, which could cause the engine to run at
revs above the maximum permitted amount,
and consequently result in damage to the en-
gine.
Additionally, vehicles with a manual gearbox
must also bear the following in mind: do not
drive with the engine speed too low. Change
down to a lower gear when the engine no
longer runs smoothly. Observe the recom-
mendations for changing gear
››› page 29.
New tyres
New tyres must be submitted to “running in”,
given that initially their grip is not yet at the
maximum level. During the first 500 km (120
miles) drive very carefully. New brake pads
New brake p
ads do not yet provide maximum
friction capacity. First they must be “run in”.
During the first 200 km (120 miles) drive very
carefully. CAUTION
All the information for speed and engine
speed r ef
ers to an engine that operates at op-
erating temperature. Do not run the engine at
high engine speeds, neither when stopped or
while driving. For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine
speed s; c
hanging to a higher gear sooner
contributes to saving fuel, reduces operating
noise and protects the environment. Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection is a top priority in
the de
s
ign, c
hoice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.
Constructive measures to encourage recy-
cling
● Joints and connections designed for easy
dismantlin
g.
● Modular construction to facilitate disman-
tling. »
165
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Periodic maintenance
P eriodic
m
aintenance 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.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an ad-
equate pressure saves fuel. If the tyre pres-
sure is just one bar (14.5 psi/100 kPa) too
low, fuel consumption can increase by as
much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resist-
ance, under-inflation also increases tyre wear
wear and impairs handling. The tyre pressures should always be checked
when the tyre
s are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Given that every kilo of extra weight will in-
crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake
of convenience, even when it is no longer
needed. At a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph)
and 120 km/h (75 mph) your vehicle will use
about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra
wind resistance caused by the roof rack even
when it is not in use.
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which
produces electricity. With the need for elec-
tricity, fuel consumption also increases. Be-
cause of this, always turn off electrical devi-
ces when you do not need them. Examples of
devices that use a lot of electricity are: the
fan at high speeds, the rear window heating
and the seat heaters*. Note
● If y
ou vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not rec-
ommended to switch this function off. ●
It i s
recommended that you close the win-
dows when driving at more than 60 km/h
(37 mph).
● Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutc
h pedal,, as the pressure can make the
plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can
burn the clutch plate lining, causing a serious
fault.
● Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the
clutc
h, use the foot brake or hand brake, us-
ing the latter to start. The fuel consumption
will be lower and you will prevent the clutch
plate from being damaged.
● On descents, use the engine brake, chang-
ing to the g
ear that is more suitable for the
slope. Fuel consumption will be “zero” and
the brakes will not suffer. Engine management and emis-
s
ion c
ontr
ol system
Introduction WARNING
● Bec au
se of the high temperatures which
can occur in the exhaust purification system
(catalytic converter or diesel particulate fil-
ter), do not park the vehicle where the ex-
haust can come into contact with flammable
materials under the car (e.g. on grass or at
the forest edge). Fire hazard! » 167
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
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. Engine pre-heating/fault system* The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glow p
lug
s are preheating the diesel engine.
The control lamp lights up
If the control lamp lights up when the en-
gine is started it means that the glow plugs
are preheating. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.
Control lamp flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management
system while you are driving, the glow plug
system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked. Driving tips
Drivin g thr
ough flooded roads Fig. 181
Driving through water. To prevent the vehicle from being damaged
when driv
in
g thr
ough water (i.e. flooded
roads), please observe the following:
● Determine the depth of the water before
entering.
Water can reach a maximum height
of below the door sill ››› Fig. 181.
● Drive at a maximum pace of walking speed.
Driving at
a higher speed can cause a wave
in front of the vehicle, which can cause water
to enter the engine air intake system or other
parts of the vehicle.
● Never stop in the water, never reverse and
never st
op the engine.
● Before driving through water deactivate the
Start
-Stop system ››› page 183. »
169
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driver assistance systems
● If the r
a
dar sensor is covered temporarily
with some kind of accessory, such as an ad-
ditional headlight or the like.
● When the vehicle is to be loaded on a lorry,
ferry
or train.
System limitations The Front Assist has certain physical limita-
tions
inher
ent to the system. Thus, in certain
circumstances, some of the system's reac-
tions may be inopportune from the driver's
standpoint. So pay attention in order to inter-
vene if necessary.
The following conditions may cause the Front
Assist not to react or to do so too late:
● In the first few instants of driving after
swit c
hing on the ignition, due to the system’s
initial auto-calibration.
● On taking tight bends or complex paths.
● Pressing the accelerator all the way down.
● If the Front Assist is switched off or dam-
aged.
● If the ASR h
as been disconnected or the
ESC activ
ated in Sport mode manually
››› page 158.
● If the ESC is controlling.
● If several brake lights of the vehicle or elec-
trical ly
connected trailer are damaged. ●
If the r a
dar sensor is dirty or covered.
● If there are metal objects, e.g. rails on the
roa
d or sheets used in road works.
● If the vehicle is reversing.
● If the vehicle over-accelerates.
● In case of snow or heavy rain.
● In case of narrow vehicles, such as motor-
bike
s.
● Misaligned vehicles.
● Vehicles crossing the other's path.
● Vehicles approaching in the opposite direc-
tion.
● Special loads and accessories of other ve-
hicle
s that jut out over the sides, backwards
or over the top. Start-Stop System*
Operating Fig. 192
Instrument panel: Start-Stop system
b utt
on. The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duc
e h
armf
ul and CO2 emissions.
The system is automatically switched on ev-
ery time the ignition is switched on.
The system automatically switches off the en-
gine when the vehicle is stationary, e.g. wait-
ing at traffic lights.
The current status of the Start-Stop system is
displayed on the general instrument panel
display.
Automatic engine shut down (Stop phase)
– Stop the vehicle (if necessary using the
handbrak
e). »
183
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
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
Checking and refilling levels
– Open the b att
er
y cover in the direction indi-
cated by the arrow ››› Fig. 210.
– The positive terminal (+) of the battery is
connected in r
everse order.
Checking the battery electrolyte level Fig. 211
Battery: Electrolyte level indicator. We recommend you have the acid level regu-
l
arly
c
hecked at an official technical service,
particularly in the following cases.
● At high outside temperatures.
● On long daily trips.
● Whenever the vehicle is loaded
›››
page 215, Charging the battery.
In vehicles equipped with a battery with col-
our indicator, the so-called magic eye
››› Fig. 211 changes colour to indicate the
acid level. Air bubbles can influence the colour of the in-
dicator
. Therefore, carefully knock the indica-
tor before checking the acid level.
● Black – the acid level is correct.
● Colourless or light yellow – acid level too
low, b
attery must be changed. Note
● The batt er
y acid level is also regularly
checked during servicing at authorised SEAT
dealers.
● The electrolyte level on “AGM” batteries
cannot be c
hecked for technical reasons.
● Vehicles equipped with the “Start-Stop”
syst
em include a battery control unit to con-
trol the battery level for repeated engine
starting. Winter service
At low temperatures the battery provides only
a fr
action of
the s
tarting power it has at nor-
mal temperatures.
A flat battery can also freeze at temperatures
slightly below 0°C (+32°F).
We therefore recommend you have the bat-
tery checked and, if necessary, charged at an
official SEAT technical service before the start
of winter. Charging the battery A fully-charged battery is essential for relia-
bl
e s
tarting.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical
equipment.
– For “f
ast-charging” only: disconnect both
batter
y connection cables (first the “nega-
tive” terminal and then the “positive”).
– Connect the charger cables to the battery
terminal
s (red = “positive”, black = “nega-
tive”).
– Plug in the battery charger and switch on.
– After charging the battery: Switch off the
batt er
y charger and disconnect the cable.
– Remove the charger cables.
– If necessary, reconnect both battery cables
to the batt
ery (first the “positive” cable,
then the “negative” cable).
When charging with a low current (e.g. with a
small battery charger ), the battery does not
normally have to be disconnected. The in-
structions of the battery charger manufactur-
er must be followed.
Use a current equivalent to or lower than
10% of the battery capacity to fully charge
the battery.
Before “fast-charging” the battery however,
both battery cables must be disconnected. »
215
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety