wheel Seat Exeo 2008 Owner's Guide

Driving
164Switching on the ignition/pre-heating glow plugs
If the key is difficult to turn in the lock, move the steering wheel (to take the
load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key turns freely. In the case of
vehicles with a diesel engine, the key is turned to this position to preheat the
glow plugs.
Starting the engine
The engine is started in this position . Electrical components with a high
power consumption are switched off temporarily.
After the engine has started, the ignition key returns to position by itself.
The ignition key has to be turned back to position before re-starting the
engine. The starter inhibitor in the ignition lock prevents the starter motor
from engaging when the engine is running, as this could cause damage.
Switching off the ignition
Turn the ignition key to this position.
WARNING
•
Never remove the ignition key until the vehicle is stationary! Otherwise
the steering lock could engage suddenly, which could cause an accident.
•
Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle, even if you only
intend to be gone for a short time. This is particularly important if there are
children in the car, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine or
use power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could
lead to injuries.Note
•
If the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, it will be
necessary to leave the key in position for about 5 seconds before starting
the engine.
Starting and stopping the engineStarting the engine
The engine can only be started with an original SEAT key.Vehicles with a petrol engine:
– Use the foot brake.
– Manual gearbox: Push the clutch pedal all the way down.
– Move the gear lever into the neutral position ⇒.
– Turn the ignition key to position without pressing the acceler- ator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts (the starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine).
A1
A2
A1
A0
A0
A1
Fig. 140 Ignition key
positions
A2
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Driving167
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
If you drive by mistake with the handbrake still applied, you will hear a
warning buzzer and the display will show the message:
Handbrake applied
The handbrake warning is enabled after driving for 3 seconds at a speed
above 5 km/h.
The handbrake warning lamp
 lights up when the handbrake is applied
with the ignition on.
WARNING
Please note that the handbrake should be released all the way. If it is only
partially released, this will cause rear brakes overheating, which can
impair the function of the brake system and could lead to an accident.
Caution
After the vehicle has been stopped, always apply the hand brake and engage
a gear.Parking
The following points will ensure there is no risk of the car
rolling away accidentally after it is parked.– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Apply handbrake firmly.
– Switch the engine off.
– Engage the first gear ⇒.
When parking on slopes:
Turn the steering wheel so that the, if the vehicle moves, it will do so towards
the curb.
WARNING
•
Do not leave anyone (especially chil dren) in the vehicle when it is
locked. Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially
putting lives at risk.
•
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could release
e.g. the handbrake or gear lever, moving the vehicle and causing an
accident.
Parking aidGeneral notesVarious systems are available to help you when parking or manoeuvring in
tight spaces, dependi ng on the equipment fitted on your vehicle.
The SEAT parking system gives an acoustic warning if there are any obstacles
behind your car ⇒ page 168.
When you are parking, SEAT parking system plus warns you acoustically and
optically about obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle ⇒ page 168.
Note
To ensure the acoustic parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept
clean and free of snow and ice.
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Intelligent technology175
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Practical tipsIntelligent technologyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)General notes
The electronic stabilisation programme increases the
vehicle?s stability on the road.The ESP is designed to increase the degree of control in situations where the
car approaches the limits of adhesion, especially when accelerating and
cornering. It reduces the risk of skidding and improves stability in all road
conditions. The system is active across the entire speed range. The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock (EDL) and
the traction control system (TCS) are all
integrated into the electronic stabili-
sation programme.
How it works
The ESP control unit processes data from the three integrated systems. It also
processes additional inputs provided by other high-precision sensors. These
register the vehicle's rotation about the vertical axis (yaw rate), lateral accel-
eration, brake pressure and steering wheel angle.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehi cle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the car is starting to skid), then the ESP compen-
sates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the car back to a stable condi-
tion. If the vehicle over swerves (tendency of the rear to leave the road), the
brakes will act on the front wheel facing the outside of the bend. If the vehicle
under swerves (tendency to leave the bend), the braking force is applied to
the rear wheel facing th e inside of the bend.
The ESP works in conjunction with the ABS ⇒page 176. If a malfunction
should occur in the ABS, the ESP will also be out of action.
Disabling
The ESP is enabled automatically when the engine is started and performs a
self-test routine.
Fig. 146 Centre console
with ESP switch
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Intelligent technology
176If required, the ESP can also be enab led and disabled manually by briefly
pressing the switch ⇒ page 175, fig. 146. The ESP warning lamp lights
up when the system is switched off, see ⇒page 68.
In general, the ESP should be left switched on at all times. In particular
circumstances where a certain amount of wheel slip is desirable, it may be
advisable to switch off the ESP. Examples:•
when driving with snow chains
•
when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
•
when rocking the car backwards and forwards to free it.
The ESP should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
WARNING
The ESP is not able to overcome the physical limits of adhesion. Even with
ESP, you should always adjust your speed to suit the co nditions. Please
bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery road surfaces. Do not let the
extra safety features tempt you into ta king any risks when driving. Failure
to do so could result in an accident.Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking.The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an im portant part of the car's active safety
system. However, the ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter stopping
distances in all conditions. For instance, on loose gravel or fresh snow on top
of an icy surface (conditions which anyway require extreme care and reduced
speed), the stopping distance with ABS may even be slightly longer. How the ABS works
The system runs an automatic self-check when the car reaches a road speed
of about 6 km/h. This may be accompanied by a noise from the ABS pump.
When one of the wheels is turning very slowly in relation to the road speed
and is close to locking up, the system will reduce the pressure in the brake
line to this wheel. The driver is made aware of this adjustment process by a
vibration of the brake pedal
and an audible noise. This is a deliberate
warning to the driver that one or more of the wheels is tending to lock up and
the ABS control function has intervened. In this situation it is important to
keep the brake pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regulate the brake appli-
cation, but do not “pump” the brake pedal.
WARNING
The grip provided by ABS is still subj ect to the physical limits of adhesion.
Always bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery roads. If you notice
that the ABS is working (to countera ct locked wheels under braking), you
should reduce speed immediately to su it the road and traffic conditions. Do
not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when
driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Note
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, this is indicated by a warning lamp
⇒ page 67.Brake assist system
The brake assist system helps the driver to achieve optimum
braking effect.The brake assist system helps to increase braking power and thus to achieve
a shorter stopping distance. If the driver presses the brake pedal very quickly,
ESP
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Intelligent technology177
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
the brake assist system automatically boosts the braking force to the
maximum level, up to the point where the anti-lock brake function (ABS) inter-
venes to stop the wheels from locking. You should then keep the brake pedal
pressed until the vehicle has braked to the required speed. The brake assist
system switches itself off as soon as you release the brake pedal.
The brake assist system will not be operative if there is a malfunction in the
ABS.or in the ESP.
WARNING
Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you drive too
fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow too close
behind the vehicle in front of you. An increased accident risk cannot be
compensated even by the brake assist system. Risk of accident.Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The electronic differential lock prevents the loss of traction
caused if one wheel starts spinning.General notes
The electronic differential lock (EDL) helps the car to start moving, accelerate
and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may otherwise be diffi-
cult or even impossible.
How it works
The EDL works automatically, i.e. without the driver's involvement. With the
aid of the ABS sensors, the system monitors the rotational speed of the
driven wheels
⇒page 176. If a considerable difference in revs is detected
(approx. 100 rpm) in the speed of the driven wheels, e.g. when only one part
of the surface supporting the wheels is slippery, the system applies the brake
to slow down the skidding wheel so that more of the power is directed to the other wheels. The systems works up to a speed of approx. 80 km/h. The
system will make noises while it is working.
Moving away from a standstill
If one wheel has less grip and starts spinning (for instance, if one of the
driven wheels is on ice), keep pressing the accelerator gradually until the car
starts moving.
Overheating of the brakes
To prevent the brake disk of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts
out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. In this case, the vehicle will
continue to run and will have the same
running properties as those of another
without EDL.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
WARNING
•
When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance all four
wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and carefully.
Despite EDL, the driven wheels may otherwise start to spin. This could
impair the car's stability. Risk of accident.
•
Even with EDL, you should always ad just your speed to suit the condi-
tions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks
when driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.Note
If the ABS warning lamp lights up, this can also mean there is a fault in the
EDL. Please take the vehicle to a specialist garage as soon as possible.
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Intelligent technology
178(TCS)Traction control system
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from
spinning when the car is accelerating.General notes
The traction control system (TCS) is one of the functions incorporated in the
electronic stabilisation programme (ESP).
The traction control system (TCS) helps the car to start moving, accelerate and
climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult
or even impossible.
How it works
The TCS acts automatically, i.e. without the driver's intervention. With the aid
of the ABS sensors ⇒page 176, the TCS monitors the speed of the driven
wheels. If the wheels start to spin, the engine power is reduced automatically
to match the amount of grip available. The system is active across the entire
speed range.
The TCS works in conjunction with the ABS. If a malfunction should occur in
the ABS, the TCS will also be out of action.
Note
To ensure that the TCS works properly, all four wheels must be fitted with
identical tyres. The difference in size of the wheels may lead to an undesired
reduction in engine power. Also see ⇒page 233.
BrakesGeneral notesNew brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first 400 km
they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking capacity may be
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid over-
loading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive and
the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for
instance, city traffic, frequent short trip s or hard driving with abrupt starts
and stops.
Wet roads; road salt
In certain conditions, such as in heavy ra in, or after washing the car or driving
through water, the full braking effect ca n be delayed by moisture (or in winter
by ice) on the discs and brake pads. The brakes should be “dried” by pressing
the pedal to restore full braking effect.
When the velocity is over 80 km/h windscreen wipers are on, the brake
system moves the pads towards the brake discs for a few seconds. This
occurs - without warning to the driver - at regular intervals and requires a
more rapid response from the brakes when driving on wet roads.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the car is
driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot of salt
on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs and pads
has to wear off before braking.
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Intelligent technology179
Safety First
Operating instructions
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Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for dirt to build up on the brake pads and corrosion
to form on the discs if the car is used
infrequently, or if you only drive low
mileages without using the brakes very much.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times from a
moderately high speed ⇒.
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may mean that
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest qual-
ified workshop and have the fault rectified. On the way to the dealer, be
prepared to use more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stop-
ping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too low.
The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
WARNING
When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and discs,
select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or endanger other
road users. Risk of accident.
Caution
•
Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when you do
not really intend to brake. This overhe ats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.
•
Before driving down a long, steep slope, it is advisable to reduce speed
and change into a lower gear. This makes use of engine braking and prolongs
the service life of the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes, it is better to
brake firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.
Note
If you wish to equip the car with accessories such as a front spoiler or wheel
covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not obstructed,
otherwise the brakes can overheat.Brake servo
The brake servo assists the driver when brakingThe brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. The
brake servo works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
Ensure the vehicle does not move whil e in neutral, when the motor is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Note
If the brake servo is not working, e.g. because the vehicle has to be towed or
because it is broken, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance.Power steeringThe power steering assists the driver when turning the
steering wheel (with the engine running).The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the
steering wheel.
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Intelligent technology
180The power steering does not work if the engine is off. In this case the steering
wheel is very hard to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the car is stationary, this will
place an excessive load on the power steering system. Turning the steering
wheel to its limit places a load on the sy stem, which causes noise. It will also
reduce the idling speed of the engine.
Caution
When the engine is running, do not tu rn the steering wheel to its limit for
more than 15 seconds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the power
steering.
Note
•
If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off
(for instance when being towed), the ca r can still be steered. However, more
effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
•
If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the car to a quali-
fied workshop as soon as possible.
•
The power steering requires a special hydraulic fluid. The fluid reservoir is
located at the front of the engine compartment on the left ⇒page 282. The
correct fluid level in the reservoir is important for the power steering to func-
tion properly. The hydraulic fluid level is checked at the Inspection Service.
ServotronicThe servotronic system electronically adjusts the degree of
power assistanceIn cars equipped with servotronic power steering the degree of power assist-
ance ⇒page 179 is adjusted electronically according to road speed. If a fault should occur in the
servotronic system, the power steering will still
operate. The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to
different speeds. If the el ectronic regulating system is not working properly,
this is most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for
instance when parking) – more effort will be required than usual. The fault
should be corrected by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
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Trailer towing187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted
draw bar
weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your car, and adjust for “full load” conditions
(refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the door pillar). It may also be
necessary to adjust the tyre pressures on the trailer according to the recom-
mendations of the trailer manufacturer.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. The two exterior mi rrors should be fitted on folding arms. Adjust the
mirrors to give sufficient rear vision.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, check the headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. If necessary, alter the height of the headlight beams by means of
the headlight range control. See ⇒page 116.
Power supply
When you remove the ignition key, the power supply to the trailer is inter-
rupted.
Removable ball joint coupling
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a removable
ball joint coupling. This is stored in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment together with the necessary fitting instructions.
Note
If you frequently tow, we recommend you also have vehicle serviced between
services.
Notes on towing
Towing a trailer involves additi onal attention by the driver.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced we ight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. Therefore,
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in an unfavour-
able road, weather or wind conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of swaying. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Anticipate hazards and brake in good time. If towing a trailer with an inertia
brake , first brake gently and then more severely. This will prevent brake
tapping by the trailer wheels when they lock. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine
braking to slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recommend
having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a high trailer load.
They can be purchased and installed at a Dealer.
Reheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather wi th the engine running fast in low
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 60.
Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to the right end of the scale.
If the temperature warning light
 in the instrument cluster should start
flashing, stop the car and let the engine cool down by running it at idling
speed for a few minutes.
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Trailer towing189
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Removable towing bracketIntroduction
Special care is required when fitting and removing the towing
bracket.The removable ball joint attachment for the towing bracket is stored under the
floor panel in the luggage compartment.•
On vehicles with a spare wheel ⇒fig. 148 .
The ball joint can be fitted and removed by hand.
Equipment / Accessories mounted on the towing bracket
Please note that the ball joint attach ment can be damaged by using unsuit-
able equipment that is mounted onto the towing bracket (e.g. bicycle rack).
Due to the material construction, such damage to the towing bracket dramat-
ically increases safety risks and in extreme cases could lead to breakage of
the towing bracket while towing ⇒ . Therefore, before buying
such equipment, ensure that it is suitable for
mounting onto the vehicle's towing bracket and that it is approved for this
purpose. To prevent damage to the ball joint from unsuitable equipment, we
recommend that equipment for the to wing bracket be purchased through
your SEAT Dealer. Also refer to ⇒page 206.
WARNING
•
Only mount equipment on the towing bracket of your vehicle if you are
certain it will not damage the bracket. The use of unsuitable accessory
equipment can result in severe damage to the towing bracket, and it could
then break while pulling a trailer - Risk of accident.
•
Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball joint.
This would damage the locking device, no longer guaranteeing the correct
working order of the bracket. This could lead to an accident.Note
•
Do not attempt to modify or repair the ball joint or other towing bracket
components.
•
Should you have any difficulties when using the towing bracket, or
suspect that it is not fitted properly, contact a specialist garage.
•
Before setting off, always check that the ball joint is secured properly
⇒ page 192.
•
Never disengage the ball joint with the caravan / trailer still hitched or
with a bicycle rack or similar accessory still attached.
•
It is advisable to remove the ball joint when you are not towing a trailer.
Make sure that the cover piece is proper ly fitted on the mounting fixture on
the vehicle.
•
Remove the ball joint before washing the vehicle with pressurised steam
equipment. Make sure the cover piece is fitted correctly onto the mounting
fixture.
Fig. 148 Luggage
compartment: Spare
wheel with towing bracket
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