engine Seat Cordoba 2006 Owner's Guide

Driving
124•
when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for
example.
You should press the button to switch the ESP back on when you no longer
need wheel spin.
The TCS and EDL are also switched off if the ESP is switched off. That is to say,
these systems are not available while ESP is not activated.
When does the button light up or flash?
•
It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out again after
about 2 seconds.
•
It will start flashing to indicate that ESP is counteracting an unstable
driving condition.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
WARNING
•
The electronic stabilisation program (ESP) cannot 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 driv ing, this can cause accidents.
•
Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in ⇒page 139,
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock
In the position ⇒fig. 92 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the steering
may be locked.
For the Steering lock without the ignition key, tu rn the steering wheel until it
locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the steering wheel when
you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent theft of the vehicle ⇒ .
Switching on the ignition or glow plug system
Turn the ignition key to this position an d let go of the key. If the key cannot be
turned or is difficult to turn from position to position , move the
steering wheel (to take the load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key
turns freely.

Fig. 92 Ignition key posi-
tions
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A1
A0
A12
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Driving125
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Starting
The engine is started when the key is in
this position. Electrical components
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Each time that the vehicle must be started, the ignition key must be turned to
the position . The repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents
possible damage to the starter motor is the engine is already running.
WARNING
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the ignition
key from the lock. The steering lock could be activated immediately - Risk
of accident!
•
Always remove the key from the ignit ion lock when leaving the vehicle,
even if you only intend to be gone for a short period. This is especially
important if you must leave children or disabled people in the vehicle, they
could accidentally start the engine or work electrical equipment such as
the windows possibly resulting in an accident.
•
Unsupervised use of the keys could result in the engine being started
or electrical systems, such as the electric windows, being used. This can
result in serious injury.Caution
The starter motor will only work when the engine is stopped (ignition key
position ).
Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driving
the vehicle.Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the
key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with the correct
code.
Note
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine SEAT
key.Starting and stopping the engineStarting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with
the correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the clutch pedal fully and hold it in this position, the starter will then
only have to turn the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position ⇒page 124.
A2A0
A2
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Driving
126
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.After starting a very hot engine, you may need to press the accelerator briefly.
When starting from cold, the engine ma y be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about
10 seconds and try again after about half a minute. If the engine still does not
start, the fuel pump fuse should be checked ⇒page 197, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in un ventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon mono xide, an odourless and colourless
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should av oid high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow the instruc-
tions ⇒page 214, “Jump-starting”.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running th e engine with the vehicle stationary.
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with
the correct code.– Move the gear lever to the ne utral position and depress the
clutch pedal fully and hold it in this position, the starter will then
only have to turn the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 124, fig. 92 . The
indication lamp

will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp goes out, turn the key to position to start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see ⇒page 214.
A1
A2
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Driving127
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary load on the battery, do not use any other major elec-
trical equipment while the
glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp ⇒page 63 goes out.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely ru n dry, it may take longer than normal
(up to one minute) to start the engine af ter refuelling with diesel fuel. This is
because the system must eliminate air first.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should avo id high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over-loading th e engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow the instruc-
tions ⇒ page 214, “Jump-starting”.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running th e engine with the vehicle stationary.
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Switching off the engine– Stopping the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 124, fig. 92 .After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10
minutes, even if the ignition is switched of f. It is also possible that it will turn
itself on once more if the temperature of the coolant increases due to the
elimination of built up heat in the engine compartment or if this is heated due
to prolonged exposure to the heat of the sun.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo works only when the engine is running. You will need
more strength to brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. As you
cannot brake in the normal manner, there is a greater risk of accidents and
serious injury.
•
The steering lock can engage immediately when the key is removed
from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.
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Driving
128
CautionIf the engine has been driven hard for a long period, the engine could over-
heat when it is switched off. Risk of engine damage. For this reason, you
should idle the engine for approx. 2 m inutes before you switch it off.Manual gearboxDriving a car with a manual gearboxSelecting the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the
clutch right down.
– Place the gear lever into neutral gate and push the lever all the way down. – Slide the gearstick to the left, and then into the reverse position
shown on the gearstick.
Certain versions of the model may include a 6-speed manual gearbox, the
diagram is shown on the gearstick.
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the car is at a standstill. With the
engine running, wait approx. 6 seconds with the clutch depressed before
engaging this gear, in order to protect the gearbox.
The reversing lights come on when the reverse gear is selected and the igni-
tion is on.
WARNING
•
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a
gear is engaged and the clutch released.
•
Never select the reverse gear when the vehicle is in motion. Risk of acci-
dent.Note
•
Do not rest your hand on the gear lever when driving. The pressure of your
hand could cause premature wear on the selector forks in the gearbox.
•
When changing gear, you should always depress the clutch fully to avoid
unnecessary wear and damage.
•
Do not hold the car “on the clutch” on hills. This causes premature wear
and damage to the clutch.
Fig. 93 Central Console:
diagram of 5-speed
manual gearbox
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Driving
130Selector lever lock functions
The selector lever lock in positi on P or N prevents gears from
being engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle
to move.
The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch on the ignition.
– Press and hold the brake pedal and press the selector lever lock
on the left of the selector lever at the same time.A delay device prevents the lever form blocking, on gently passing through
positi on N (f or example,
from R to
D). This ma k
es it possible, if the ca r is
stuck, to remove it “by swinging it”. Only when the lever is in position N for
more than 1 second, without pressing th e brake, does the lever block come
into operation.
At speeds of over 5 km/h the selector lever lock is automatically blocked in
position N
Selector lever positionsP - parking lock
This is the correct pos ition
for parking the veh icle. To engage and di s
engage P
pre

ss th

e button on the gearstick knob and depress the brake pedal, while
the car is running.
If the car is not running, it can be unlocked by pressing the knob button.
R - reverse gear
This should only be engaged when the vehicle is at a standstill and the
engine idling. Before engaging position R, starting from position P or N,
depress the brake pedal and press the button on the gearstick knob.
In position R and with the ignition on, th e reversing lights come on.
Fig. 95 Section of centre
console: selector lever on
cars with an automatic
gearboxFig. 96 Instrument panel
display: selector lever
locked in position P
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Driving131
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
N - neutral (idling)
To take the lever out of position
N at speeds of below 5 km/h or when the car
is at a standstill but the ignition is switched on, depress the brake pedal and
press the lock button on the gearstick knob.
D - Drive (forwards)
The four gears automatically change up or down, depending on engine load
and vehicle speed.
In certain conditions it is preferable to place the selector lever provisionally in
one of the positions described below:
3 - Position for uneven surfaces
Gears 1st, 2nd and 3rd aut
omatically change up or down depending on the
engine load and vehicle speed. 4th gear is blocked. This increases the engine
braking effect wh en decelerating.
This position is recommended when in position D and under certain driving
conditions, there are frequent changes between 3rd and 4th.
2 - Position for hilly roads
Position recommended for long slopes.
1st and 2nd gear change automatically depending on engine load and
vehicle speed. 3rd and 4th do not operate.
1 - Position for very steep slopes or manoeuvres
Recommended position for extreme slopes.
The ve hicle only travels in 1st gear. 2nd , 3rd and 4th are blocked.
The cruise control* can not be used in position 1.
Caution
Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. This could damage the
gearbox. Risk of accident!
Note
The selector lever can be placed in po sitions 3, 2 and 1 when the change is
made manually, but the automatic gearbox does not change to a lower gear
until the number of revolutions is appropriate.Kick-down featureThis system allows maximum acceleration. When the accelerator is
depressed to full throttle, and depending on the vehicle speed and engine
speed, the lowest gear is engaged. As soon as the maximum engine speed
for that gear is reached, the next gear up is engaged.
WARNING
Remember that the drive wheels may skid if the kick-down featue is acti-
vated when driving on icy or slippery roads. Danger of skidding!Instructions for drivingStarting
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is at N or
P ⇒ page 125.
Selecting a range
When the car is at a standstill and th e engine is running, always depress the
brake pedal before selecting a range.
Do not accelerate on selecting a range when the engine is at a standstill
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Driving
132If, while driving, the selector lever accidentally moves to position N, first
release the accelerator pedal and wait until the engine slows to idling before
selecting a forwards gear ⇒ .
Starting
Select a range ( R, D, 3, 2, 1). Wait until the change has taken place and the
power transmission of the drive wheels has stabilised (slight pressure is
noticeable). Then depress the accelerator.
Stopping
In the case of a temporary stop, for example at a traffic lights, it is not neces-
sary to move to position N , it is sufficent to brake using the brake pedal. The
engine should only run at idle speed.
Parking
On slopes, first pull handbrake on firmly and then connect block. This
prevents overloading the blocking mechanism, making the subsequent
disconnect ion easier ⇒ .
Emergency start
in vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox the engine can not be started by
towing or pushing the vehicle ⇒ page 217.
If the vehicle battery is flat, a battery from another car can be used to jump-
start the car using a set of jump leads ⇒ pa ge 125.
To w i n g
If the vehicle requires towing at any time, observe the instructions of
⇒ page 217, “Towing and tow-starting”
Back-up programme
In the event of a malfunction of the gearbox electronics, emergency
programmes are activated, according to the type of fault.•
The gearbox continues to connect gears automatically, but the operations
are jerky. Consult the Authorised Service Centre.
•
The gearbox does not automatically engage gears.
In this case they can be change d manually. 3rd gear is only available in posi-
tions D, 3 and 2 of the selector lever.
In positions 1 and R of the selector lever 1st gear and reve rse gear are available
respectively as normal
As the torque converter is required to work more, especially due to the lack of
2nd gear, it is possible that the gearbox oil may overheat. In this case,
consult the Auth orised Service Centre as soon as possible.
WARNING
•
In all the ranges the vehicle must always be held with the foot brake
when the engine is running. This is because an automatic gearbox still
transmits power even at idling speed , and the vehicle tends to “creep”.
•
If, when the car is at a standstill and the engine is idling, a range is
connected, take care not to accelerate accidentally (for example, when
working in the engine compartment), as the car will start to move immedi-
ately.
•
Before working on a running engine, place the selector lever in position
P and apply the handbrake.
•
To prevent the vehicle from moving out of control, the handbrake
should always be applied when the vehicle is at a standstill. In addition
move the selector lever to position P.
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Driving
134
– Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition lock. Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ .Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle would roll against the kerb if it did
start to roll.•
If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point
towards the kerb.
•
If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away
from the kerb .
•
Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and
selecting first gear.
WARNING
•
Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle
unattended.
•
Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
•
Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.
•
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could set the
vehicle in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear
lever / selector lever.
•
Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
Cruise control system (CCS)*Description
The cruise control system is able to maintain the set speed in
the range from approx. 30 km/h to 180 km/h.Once the speed setting has been saved, you may take your foot off the accel-
erator.
WARNING
It could be dangerous to use the cruise control system if it is not possible
to drive at constant speed.•
For safety reasons the cruise control system should not be used in
dense traffic, in sections with bends or where roads conditions are poor
(e.g. aquaplaning, loose chippings, slippery surfaces, snow). Risk of acci-
dent.
•
Always switch off the CCS when you have finished using it. This will
prevent you using it by mistake.
•
It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,
traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a co nstant speed when descending gradi-
ents. The vehicle will accelerate under its own weight. Use the foot brake to
slow the vehicle.
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Intelligent technology139
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Tips and MaintenanceIntelligent technologyBrakesBrake servoThe brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. It works
only when the engine is running .
If the brake servo is not functioning due to a malfunction, or if the vehicle has
to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder to
make up for the lack of servo assistance.
WARNING
The braking distance can also be affected by external factors.•
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. Failure to do so
could result in an accident. The braking distance is increased considerably
as the brake servo does not function.
•
If the brake servo is not functioning, for example if the vehicle is being
towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder than
normal.
Brake assist system (BAS)*In an emergency, most drivers brake in time, but not with maximum force.
This results in unnecessarily long braking distances. The brake assist system intervenes here, if you press the brake pedal very
quickly, the brake assist system registers an emergency situation. It then very
quickly builds up the full brake pressure so that the ABS can be activated
more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the braking distance.
Do not reduce the pressure on the br
ake pedal. The brake assist system
switches off automatically as soon as you release the brake.
WARNING
•
The risk of accident is higher if yo u drive too fast, if you do not keep
your distance to the vehicle in front, and when the road surface is slippery
or wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake assist
system.
•
The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery and
wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system! Therefore, it is
essential that you adjust your speed to suit the road and traffic conditions.
Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when
driving.
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