alternator Seat Exeo 2013 Owner's manual

Page 67 of 319

65
Cockpit
Warning and indicator lamps General description
The warning and indicator lamps indicate a number of dif-
ferent functions and possible faults.
Fig. 45 Instrument panel with warning and indicator lamps
Exhaust emission control system⇒ page 66
Airbag system⇒ page 66
Tyre pressure too low⇒ page 67
Cruise speed (Cruise control)⇒ page 67
Trailer turn signals⇒ page 67
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)⇒ page 68
Seat belt warning⇒ page 68
If it stays lit: ASR switched off⇒ page 69
⇒ page 69
⇒ page 165
Left turn signals⇒ page 69

If flashing: the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) is working or the ASR is working
If the following remain lit: ESC or ASR
faulty⇒ page 69
⇒ page 69
⇒ page 165
Alternator⇒ page 70
Main beam headlights⇒ page 70
Handbrake on⇒ page 70
⇒ page 77
Engine management (alternative to )⇒ page 70
Glow plug system (alternative to )⇒ page 70
Fault in brake system⇒ page 71
Right turn signals⇒ page 69 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

Page 72 of 319

70Cockpit
Alternator 
The warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator or in the
vehicle's electrical system.
The control lamp  lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should
switch off after the engine has started.
The alternator is disconnected at very low temperatures and when the en-
gine is cold in order to facilitate starting.
Depending on the external temperature, the warning lamp  might remain
on for up to 5 seconds after the engine has been started. This does not
therefore indicate a fault.
If the warning lamp  lights up when you are driving, you can normally
continue as far as the nearest specialised workshop. However, given that
the battery will be running down, any electrical consumption not absolutely
vital should be switched off.
CAUTION
If the coolant warning lamp  in the instrument panel lights up as well as
the alternator waning lamp while driving ⇒  page 79, stop the vehicle im-
mediately and switch off the engine. In this case the coolant pump is no
longer working, and there is a risk of engine damage. 
Main beam headlights 
The indicator lamp  lights up when the main beams are on or when the
headlight flasher is operated.
For further information on the main beam headlights, see ⇒  page 122.Handbrake 
This lamp lights up when the handbrake is applied.
If you drive faster than 5 km/h (4 mph) with the handbrake on, the following
message will appear on the instrument panel display 1)
: HANDBRAKE ON. You
will also hear an acoustic warning signal ⇒ page 77.
Engine management 
This warning lamp monitors the engine management sys-
tem for petrol engines.
The control lamp  (Electronic Power Control) lights up while the function
is being checked.
Note
If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indicates a
fault in the engine management system. The vehicle must be taken immedi-
ately to a specialised workshop to have the engine serviced. 
Glow plug system 
The control lamp lights up while the glow plugs are preheat-
ing the diesel engine. The control lamp  lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When
the indicator lamp goes out the engine should be started straight away. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.

Page 81 of 319

79
Cockpit
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, ob-
serve the warning information in ⇒ page 227, Work in the engine com-
partment.
● If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this could result in
an accident. Do not drive on! Obtain technical assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp, this can mean that there is a fault in the ABS control function. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. Under cer-
tain circumstances, the rear of the vehicle could suddenly sway from side
to side, with the subsequent danger of skidding. Drive carefully to the
nearest specialised workshop and have the fault repaired.

Fault in the cooling system 
Faults in the cooling system must be repaired immediately.
If the  symbol flashes in the display, this means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. The
following message will appear in the display together with the
symbol:
Switch off engine and check coolant level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Check the coolant level ⇒ page 233.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒ page 234.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on. –
Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunc-
tion of the radiator fan.
If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well ⇒ page 70, it is possible that
the drive belt has broken.
CAUTION
Do not drive on if the symbol  has come on to indicate a fault in the cool-
ing system, otherwise there is a risk of engine damage. 
Engine oil pressure too low 
If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be re-
paired immediately.
If the  symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure is too low.
The following message will appear in the display together with the
symbol:
Switch off engine, check oil level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒ page 231.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
Engine oil level too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒ page 232.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

Page 84 of 319

82Cockpit
Photosensor/rain sensor faulty 
 Automatic headlights / automatic wipers faulty
If the  symbol lights up, this means that the photosensor/rain sensor is
not working. For safety reasons, the dipped beam headlights will then be
switched on permanently when the light switch is set to the AUTO position.
However, you can still switch the lights on and off in the normal way with
the light switch. If the rain sensor is faulty, the functions operated via the
windscreen wiper lever will still be available. You should have the photosen-
sor/rain sensor checked by a specialised workshop as soon as possible. 
Worn brake pads 
If the  symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for safety rea-
sons, the rear pads as well) inspected by a specialised workshop. 
Speed warning 1 
If the  symbol lights up, this means you are exceeding the speed that has
been pre-set with the speed warning function. You should reduce your
speed accordingly ⇒ page 83. 
Headlight range control faulty 
This symbol  indicates a malfunction in the dynamic headlight range con-
trol. Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop to have the dynamic head-
light range control function repaired. Adaptive headlights* faulty

 Adaptive headlights faulty
This symbol  indicates that the adaptive headlight system is faulty. Take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop to have the headlights or the adap-
tive headlight control unit repaired. 
Washer fluid level low 
If the  symbol lights up, top up the fluid for the windscreen washer and
headlight washer system* ⇒ page 235. 
Speed warning 2 
If the  symbol lights up, this means you are exceeding the speed that has
been pre-set. You should reduce your speed accordingly ⇒ page 83.
Battery voltage too high or too low 
If the  symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and
have the following items checked:
● Poly V-belt
● Battery condition
It is also advisable to check whether the alternator warning lamp has come
on ⇒ page 70. 

Page 172 of 319

170Driving
● The Start-Stop System is manually deactivated.
● The windscreen de-mist function is turned on.
● The temperature of the passenger compartment exceeds the comfort
limits (button ECON
should not be selected).
● If more than 50% of the airflow that the fan can supply is ordered.
● Temperature setting HI or LO is selected.
● The engine coolant temperature is insufficient.
● The alternator is faulty, for example the V-belt has ruptured.
● If any of the conditions described in the previous section are not fulfil-
led.
WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the engine off for any reason. You
could lose control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and seri-
ous injury.
● Power steering does not work when the engine is not running. That is
why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.
● Turn off the Start-Stop system when driving through water (fording
streams, etc.).
Note
● For vehicles with the Start-Stop function and a manual gearbox, when
the engine is started, the clutch must be pressed.
● When the conditions for the Start-Stop function are not fulfilled, the in-
strument panel displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than 270°, Stop will not function;
however, the angle of steering wheel turn does not affect starting the vehi-
cle. Activating and deactivating the Start-Stop function
Fig. 137 The Start-Stop
function button.
Every time the ignition is switched on, the Start-Stop function is au-
tomatically switched on.
Manually deactivating the Start-Stop function
– Press the  ⇒ Fig. 137 button located on the centre console.
When the Start-Stop function is deactivated, the pushbutton in-
dicator lights.
– If the Start-Stop function is operating then the engine starts im-
mediately.
Switching the Start-Stop function on manually
– Press the  ⇒ Fig. 137 button located on the centre console.
The indicator on the button will go out. 

Page 199 of 319

197
Driving and the environment
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at lev-
el crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after
only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart
the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up when it is idling. Mechanical wear
and pollutant emissions are also especially high during this initial warm-up
phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately after starting the engine.
Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey,
you will not consume 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 value.
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 normalise until having
driven approximately four kilometres (2.5 miles). This is why we recommend
avoiding short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If
the tyre pressure is just one bar too low, fuel consumption can increase by
as much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres 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 increase the fuel consumption, it is
advisable to always check the luggage compartment to make sure that no
unnecessary loads are being 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 100-120 km/h (60-75 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 electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, al-
ways turn off electrical components when you do not need them. Examples
of components that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the
rear window heating or the seat heaters*.
Note
● If you vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not recommended to switch this func-
tion off.
● It is recommended to close the windows when driving at more than
60 km/h (40 mph)
● Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch 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 clutch, use the foot brake or
hand brake, using 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, changing to the gear that is more
suitable for the slope. The fuel consumption will be lower and the brakes
will not suffer. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

Page 230 of 319

228Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Protect face, hands and arms from any hot steam or hot coolant fluid
released by covering the cap with a large, thick rag when opening the ex-
pansion tank.
● If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an
added safety risk from the rotating parts (e.g. drive belts, alternator, ra-
diator fan, etc.) and from the high-voltage ignition system.
● Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system
or the electrical system is necessary:
–Always disconnect the battery from the on-board network.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near open flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.
CAUTION
When topping up fluids, make sure the correct fluid is put into the correct
filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunctions or engine
damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any leaks are
detected at an early stage. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your
vehicle inspected at the workshop.
● When the external temperature and level of humidity are high or when
the engine stops, it is possible for water to drop from the air conditioning
system evaporator potentially forming a small puddle on the ground. This is
normal and does not indicate a leak.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles some of the reservoirs mentioned below are lo-
cated on the other side of the engine compartment. Releasing the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Fig. 168 Detail of foot-
well area on driver side:
lever for unlocking the
bonnet
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dash panel
⇒ Fig. 168 in the direction indicated (arrow).
The bonnet springs out of its lock. 

Page 309 of 319

Index
Numbers and Symbols
230 V socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
A
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Adaptive headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Faulty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Airbag Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Air conditioner 2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Air distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Air purity sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Air recirculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Air recirculation (automatic) . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Automatic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
ECON Mode (economy) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Economical use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Key settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Solar-powered blower/sunroof . . . . . . . . . 163
Temperature selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Air duct Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267, 274
Removing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267, 273
Air purity sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Alcantara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Alternator Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Ambient lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Anti-lock brake system How it works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Interior monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Armrest Storage compartment in front armrest . . . 141
Armrests Adjusting the front armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Ashtray Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
ASR Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
How the system works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Athermic windscreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Auto-check system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Automatic car wash tunnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Automatic gearbox
Dynamic gear control programme . . . . . . . 184
Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
multitronic® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Paddle levers (tiptronic mode) . . . . . . . . . 186
Safety interlock for ignition key . . . . . . . . . 166
Selector lever lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Steering wheel with paddle levers . . . . . . 186
tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
tiptronic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Automatic headlight control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Auxiliary heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
B
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Battery voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Disconnection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Long periods of non-use . . . . . . . . . . 238, 239
Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238, 239
Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Winter operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238, 239
Bicycle rack Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Biodiesel fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
307
Index

Page 316 of 319

Stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Switches on the driver doorElectric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Symbols Red symbols in central display . . . . . . . . . . 78
Yellow symbols on central display . . . . . . . 80
T Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
The danger of not using the seat belt . . . . . . . . 20
The environment Heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Warming up the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Tightening torque of wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . 296
tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
tiptronic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200, 290 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Notes on towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200, 201
Removable towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Technical requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Towing bracket, fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Towing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Towline anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Tow starting General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Traction control system
How the system works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Traction control system (ASR) control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Trailer weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Turn signal lamps Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Trailer turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Tyre mobility system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Tyre Mobility System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tyre pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67, 91, 242 Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Tyre pressure monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Tyre pressure monitoring system . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Tyre pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Tyre repair kit Tyre Mobility System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tyres and wheels Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Tyres tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Tyres useful life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Tyres with directional tread pattern . . . . . . . . 242
U Underbody protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Upholstery Treating your upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 V
Vehicle care Treating your upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Vehicle data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Vehicle identification number . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Vehicle keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Vehicle maintenance electrically adjustable seats . . . . . . . . . . . 218
heated seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
natural leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
non-electrically adjustable seats . . . . . . . 218
seats with airbag components . . . . . . . . . 218
seats without airbag components . . . . . . 218
synthetic leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
trim fabrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
unheated seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Vehicle modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Vehicle paintwork Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Products for vehicle maintenance . . . . . . . 210
Vehicle washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Ventilation slits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
W
Warning lamp Alternator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Warning lamps Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Electronic differential lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
314 Index