warning Seat Cordoba 2008 Owners Manual

Driving
128•
Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of at
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your breast bone ⇒page 127,
fig. 94. If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.
•
If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The
Authorised Service Centre will help you decide if special specific modifica-
tions are necessary.
•
If you adjust the steering wheel so tha t it points towards your face, the
driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•
When driving, always hold the steer ing wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock positi on, or in any other manner (e.g. in
the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In such cases,
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP ) contains the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the traction control syst em (TCS). The ESP function works in
conjunction with the ABS. Both warning lamps will light up if the ESP or ABS
systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
In specific circumstances where you require less traction, you can switch off
the ESP by pressing button ⇒fig. 95 .
For example:•
When driving with snow chains,
•
when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 95 Detail of the
centre console: ESP
button

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Driving129
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
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 programme (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 driving, this can cause accidents.
•
Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in ⇒page 143,
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock
In the position ⇒fig. 96 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the steering
may be locked.
For the Steering lock to operate without the ignition key, turn 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
Tu rn the ignition key to this position and let go of the key. If the key canno t b e
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. 96 Ignition key posi-
tions
A0
A1
A0
A12
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Driving
130Starting
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 star ted, the ignition key must be turned to
the position . The repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents
possible damage to the starter moto r if 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 ignition 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 el ectric 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 deac tivates 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 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 position ⇒ page 129 to start the engine.
A2A0
A2
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Driving131
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
– 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 e ngine, you may need to pres s 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 immediatel y, 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 205, “Fuses”.
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 221, “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 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.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 129, fig. 96 . 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 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 there are problems starting the engine, see ⇒page 221.
A1
A2
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Driving
132Glow 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 run dry, it may take longer than normal
(up to one minute) to start the engine afte r refuelling with diesel fuel. This is
because the system must eliminate air first.
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 221, “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 129, fig. 96 .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.
A0
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Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Caution
If 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 minutes 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.
The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When
the engine is running, before engaging this gear wait about 6 seconds with
the clutch pressed in fully 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. 97 Centre Console:
gear shift pattern of a 5-
speed manual gearbox
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Driving
136N - 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 automatically change up or down depending on the
engine load and vehicle speed. 4th gear is blocked. This increases the engine
braking effect when 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 vehicle 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 positions 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 rev olutions 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 feature 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 130.
Selecting a range
When the car is at a standstill and the 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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Driving137
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
If, while driving, the selector lever accidentally moves to position
N, first
release the accelerator pedal and wait un til 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 light, it is not neces-
sary to move to position N , it is sufficient 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 of the locking mechanism, making the subsequent
deactivation easier ⇒.
Emergency start
in vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox the engine can not be started by
towing or pushing the vehicle ⇒page 224.
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 ⇒page 130.
To w i n g
If the vehicle requires towing at any time, observe the instructions of
⇒ page 224, “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 changed 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 reverse gear are avail-
able 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 Authorised 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 vehi cle is at a standstill. In addition
move the selector lever to position P.
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Driving
138HandbrakeUsing the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒fig. 101.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the locking knob in the direc- tion of the arrow ⇒fig. 101 and guide the handbrake lever down
fully ⇒ .
Always apply the handbrake firmly. This prevents you driving with the hand-
brake applied ⇒.
The handbrake warning lamp
 lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp goes out when the hand-
brake is released.
WARNING
•
Never use the handbrake to slow down the vehicle when it is in motion.
The braking distance is considerably longer, as braking is only applied to
the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
•
If it is only partially released this will cause overheating of the rear
brakes, which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead
to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads/linings.Caution
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected.Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
–Apply the handbrake.
– The first gear should also be selected.
Fig. 101 Handbrake
between the front seats
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Driving139
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
– 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 re main 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 constant 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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