Seat Ateca XL 2006 Owner's Manual
Manufacturer: SEAT, Model Year: 2006, Model line: Ateca XL, Model: Seat Ateca XL 2006Pages: 288, PDF Size: 9.08 MB
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Intelligent technology179
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
The TCS should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
WARNING
•
It must be remembered that TCS cann
ot defy the laws of physics. This 
should be kept in mind, particular ly on slippery and wet roads and when 
towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to  suit the condition of the roads and 
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by TCS tempt you 
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
•
In order to ensure that TCS function correctly, all four wheels must be 
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can 
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
•
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to  the engine, the brake system, running 
gear or any components affecting the wh eels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS and TCS.
Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)*General notes
The electronic stabilisation program increases the vehicle’s 
stability on the road.The electronic stabilisation program helps to reduce the danger of skidding.
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL, TCS and 
Steering manoeuvre recommendations. Electronic Stabilising Program (ESP)*
ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually.
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 vehicle back to a stable 
condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front 
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Steering manoeuvre recommendations
This is a complementary safety function  included in the ESP This function aids 
the driver to better stabilize the vehicle in a critical situation. For example, in 
case of sudden braking surface with varied adherence, the vehicle will tend 
to destabilize its trajectory to the right to or to the left. In this case the ESP 
recognizes the situation and helps the driver with a counter steering 
manoeuvre from the power steering.
This function simply provides the dr iver with a recommended manoeuvre in 
critical situations.
The vehicle doesn’t steer itself with this  function, the driver has full control of 
the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
•
It must be remembered that ESP cann ot defy the laws of physics. This 
should be kept in mind, particularly  on slippery and wet roads and when 
towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to  suit the condition of the roads and 
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you 
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
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Intelligent technology
180
Caution•
In order to ensure that ESP functions correctly, all four wheels must be 
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can 
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
•
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running 
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS, EDL, ESP and TCS.Note
To disconnect using the ESP button  ⇒page 160.Anti-lock brake system (ABS)The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking during braking 
⇒page 178.Electronic differential lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
The system will control the revolutions of the drive wheels using the ABS 
sensors (in case of an EDL fault the warning lamp for ABS lights up) 
⇒page 78.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differ-
ences in the speed of the driven wheel s of approximately 100 rpm caused by  a slippery road surface on 
one side of the vehicle. It does this by braking the 
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the other 
driven wheel via the differential.
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts 
out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle will continue to 
function normally without EDL. For this  reason, the driver is not informed that 
the EDL has been switched off.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
WARNING
•
When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, 
press the accelerator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven wheels may start to 
spin. This could impair the vehicle’s stability.
•
Always adapt your driving style to su it road conditions and the traffic 
situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by EDL tempt you into taking 
any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
Modifications to the vehi cle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running 
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the EDL  ⇒page 199.The traction control system (TCS)The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from spinning when the 
car is accelerating  ⇒page 178.
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Driving and the environment181
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Driving and the environmentRunning-inRunning in a new engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.Up to 1,000 kilometres
– Do not drive faster than three quarters of top speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 km
–Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed 
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).During its first few hours of running, the internal fric tion in the engine is 
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life  of the engine will be increased and its oil 
consumption reduced.
Running in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New 
brake pads should be run-in carefully for the first 200 km.During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect 
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. If you need to make an emer-
gency stop, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with 
brake pads that have been run-in.
WARNING
•
New tyres do not give maximum grip  to start with, and require running-
in. This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first 500 
km.
•
New brake pads must be “run in” and do not have the correct friction 
properties during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity 
may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder.
Braking effect and braking distance
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by 
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the  brake pad wear. The rate 
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under 
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often 
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we 
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an 
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Driving and the environment
182Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Service 
Schedule.
If you drive with  wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after 
heavy rainfall or after washing the car,  the braking effect will be reduced as 
the brake discs will be wet, or possibly frozen (in winter): the brakes must be 
“dried” through careful braking.
The brake fluid  must be changed every two years at the latest. Heavy use of 
the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system for 
too long. This prevents the brakes developing their full braking effect.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk 
of accidents.•
New brake pads must be run in and  do not have the correct friction 
during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be 
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also 
applies when new brake pads are fitted.
•
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have 
been gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal.
•
On steep descents if the brakes are excessively used they will over 
heat. Before driving down a long steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce 
speed and change to a lower gear (or mo ve the selector lever to a lower gear 
if your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine 
braking and relieves the brakes.
•
Never let the brakes “rub” by applying light pressure. Continuous 
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and will increase the braking 
distance. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
•
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. The braking 
distance is increased considerably as the brake servo does not function.
•
Very heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid 
is left in the system for too long. This impairs the braking effect.
•
Non-standard or damaged front spoilers  could restrict the airflow to the 
brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions 
before purchasing accessories  ⇒page 199, “Modifications”.
•
If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary 
journeys.
Emission control systemCatalytic converter*To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Always use unleaded petrol.
– Do not run the fuel tank dry.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil  ⇒page 212, “Topping up engine oil  ”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary  ⇒page 256.If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is 
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the 
nearest qualified workshop. In general,  the exhaust warning lamp will light 
up when any of the described symptoms occur  ⇒page 72. If this happens, 
unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the environment. 
The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! Fire hazard!•
Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with 
dry grass or inflammable materials under the vehicle.
•
Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the 
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust 
system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is driven.Caution
Never fully drain the fuel tank, in this case, the irregularity of the fuel supply 
may cause ignition problems. This allow s unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust 
system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a 
smell of sulphur from the exhaust unde r some conditions. This depends on 
the sulphur content of the fuel used.  Quite often the problem can be reme-
died by changing to another brand of fuel.Diesel engine particulate filter*
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates soot produced 
by burning diesel.The diesel engine dust filter eliminates  most of the soot from the exhaust gas 
system. The soot particulates accumulate in the filter where they are regularly 
burned. In order to facilitate this process, occasional journeys at speeds of  more than 60 kmh should be made. If the vehicle is only used for short trips 
then the soot will build up in the particulate filter.
WARNING
•
The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Failure to comply could result in fire.Caution
Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine particulate filter must not be refuelled 
using biodiesel (RME), given that the fuel system may be damaged.Driving abroadNotesFor driving abroad, the following must be taken into consideration:•
For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter ensure that unleaded petrol is 
available for the journey. See the chap ter “Refuelling”. Automobile organisa-
tions will have information about service station networks selling unleaded 
fuel.
•
In some countries it is possible that a vehicle model is sold under condi-
tions where some spare parts are not available or that the Authorised Service 
Centres may only carr y out limited repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the 
technical preparation of your vehicle in addition to necessary maintenance 
and repair possibilities.
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment
184Adhesive strips for headlightsIf you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or 
vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights will dazzle oncoming 
traffic.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight 
lenses. Further information is available from your Authorised Service 
Centre.Adjusting headlights for driving on the left
On the right hand side headlight, if  you are changing from driving on the 
right-hand side to the left-hand side ⇒ fig. 145.
On the left hand side headlight, if y ou are changing from driving on the right-
hand side to the left-hand side  ⇒fig. 146 .
Fig. 145  Right headlight
Fig. 146  Left headlight
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Driving and the environment185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Covering headlights for driving on the rightOn the right headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side 
to the right-hand side. On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side to 
the right-hand side.
Covering simple headlights for driving on the right
Fig. 147  Right headlightFig. 148  Left headlight
Fig. 149  Right headlightFig. 150  Left headlight
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Driving and the environment
186On the right headlight, if you are chan ging from driving on the left-hand side 
to the right-hand side.
On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side to 
the right-hand side.Adjusting bi-xenon headlights for driving on the left
On the right hand side headlight, if  you are changing from driving on the 
right-hand side to the left-hand side ⇒ fig. 151.
On the left hand side headlight, if y ou are changing from driving on the right-
hand side to the left-hand side  ⇒fig. 152 .Trailer towingWhat do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the car is supplied with a  factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have 
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements 
for towing a trailer. For the after-market fitting  of a trailer towing bracket see 
⇒ page 201.
Fig. 151  Right headlight
Fig. 152  Left headlight
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Driving and the environment187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin co
nnector for the electrical connection 
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a  7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is 
available from any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to 
the maximum permitted trailer weight , you can then climb correspondingly 
steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for  altitudes up to 
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and 
therefore the vehicle’s climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced 
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The 
weight of the vehicle and trailer co mbination must be reduced by 10% for 
every further 1,000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination  weight is the 
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer. 
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.
The figures for  trailer weights and draw bar weights  that are given on the 
data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The 
correct figures for your sp ecific model, which may be  lower than these figures 
for the towing bracket, are give n in the registration documents  ⇒Section 
“Technical data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as 
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them 
moving. Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker 
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in 
accordance with the trailer manufacturer’s recommendations.
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. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension 
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the 
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your 
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket*Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook may 
be stored in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with in structions on fitting and removing the 
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
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Driving and the environment
188
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage 
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing 
injury.
Note
•
By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed 
and it obscures the number plate.
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.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 weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For 
this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in 
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when 
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest 
sign of  snaking . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an  overrun brake, apply the 
brakes  gently at first  and then firmly. This will pr event the jerking that can be 
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear in good time before 
going down a steep descent. This enables you to use the engine braking to 
slow down the vehicle. Heating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear 
and high engine speed, always moni
tor the temperature indicator for the 
coolant  ⇒page 55.
Electronic Stabilisation Program*
Do not switch off the ESP* when towing a trailer. The ESP* makes it easier to 
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.
Driving economically and with respect for the 
environmentGeneral notes
Fuel consumption depends largely on your personal driving 
style.Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and 
tyres depend largely on three factors:•
Personal driving style
•
Conditions of use (weather, road surface)
•
Technical requirements
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation 
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. This section 
suggests methods of lessening the impact on the environment and reducing 
your operating costs at the same time.
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