heating Seat Exeo 2009 Owner's Guide

Driving167
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
– 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).
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
– Use the foot brake.
– Manual gearbox: Push the clutch pedal all the way down.
– Move the gear lever into neutral (automatic gearbox: gear selector lever to P or N) ⇒.
– Turn the ignition key to position . The pre-heating indicator light
 comes on while the glow plugs are preheating.
– When the indicator light
 goes out, turn the ignition key to
position . Do not press the accelerator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts (the starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine).
When starting a very cold engine, it 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 the engine fails to start straight-away, switch off the starter after about 10
seconds and try again after about half a minute.
Glow plug system*
To assist starting at low temperatures, diesel engines are equipped with a
glow plug preheating system. The preheating time depends on the coolant
temperature and the outside temperature. Start the engine as soon as the
glow plug indicator light
 goes out. When the engine is warm or at outside temperatures above +8°C, the glow
plug indicator light will only come on for about one second. This means that
the engine can be started
immediately.
If the engine will not start...
•⇒ page 279•⇒page 282•⇒page 216, “Refuelling”WARNING
Never run the engine in confined spaces, as the exhaust gases are
poisonous.
Caution
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions until the
engine has reached its normal operating temperature, otherwise this can
damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.
Start immediately. This will help avoid unnecessary exhaust emissions.Stopping the engine– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 166, fig. 139 .
WARNING
•Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary.
A3A2
A3
A1
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Driving169
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
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
Once the vehicle has come to a standstill, always apply the handbrake firmly
and then, on a manual gearbox, engage a gear, or select P on an automatic.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.
– On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear or on an automatic move the selector lever to P ⇒ .
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 children) 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 aid acoustic systemGeneral notesVarious systems are available to help you when parking or manoeuvring in
tight spaces, depending on the equipment fitted on your vehicle.
The SEAT parking system gives an acoustic warning if there are any obstacles
behind your car ⇒ page 170.
When you are parking, SEAT parking system plus warns you acoustically and
optically about obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle ⇒page 170.
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 technology185
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
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 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 184. 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 adjust 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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Driving and the environment
190your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine
braking and relieves the brakes.•Never let the brakes “slip” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.•Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.•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 214, “Technical modifications”.•If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary
journeys.
Exhaust gas purification systemCatalytic converter*To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Always use unleaded petrol.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil ⇒page 224. – Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary
⇒page 279.
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 66. 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
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 being driven.Caution
Never fully drain the fuel tank because the irregularity of the fuel supply may
cause ignition problems. This allows 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 under some conditions. This depends on
the sulphur content of the fuel used. Quite often the problem can be solved
by changing to another brand of fuel.
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment
192Periodic 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 maximum
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 gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture .
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not regularise until having
driven some four kilometres. This is the reason why we recommend avoiding
short trips wherever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the
tyre pressures are just 1 bar too low, this can put the fuel consumption up 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: they will increase fuel consumption by
up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no unnec-
essary loads are being transported.
A roof carrier 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 your car will use about 12%
more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof carrier
even when it is not in use. Saving electrical energy
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the need
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always
turn off electrical equipment when you do not need them. Examples of equip-
ment that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear window
heating or the seat heaters*.
Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials
and production of your new Seat.
Design measures for economical recycling•Joints and connections designed for ease of dismantling•Modular construction to facilitate dismantling•Increased use of single-grade materials•Plastic parts and elastomers are labelled in accordance with ISO 1043,
ISO 11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials•Nearly all materials used can be recycled•Similar types of plastics grouped together for easy recycling•Recycled materials used in manufacture•Reduction of volatile compounds in plastics•CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioning
Compliance with prohibited materials laws : cadmium, lead, mercury, chrome
VI.
Manufacturing methods•Use of recycled material for manufacturing plastic parts•Solvent-free cavity sealing
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Trailer towing195
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
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 mirrors 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 119.
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 ser viced between
services.
Notes on towing
Towing a trailer involves additional 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 weight 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 with 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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Your vehicle maintenance and cleaning209
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
to the windscreen washer fluid prevents wiper blades from juddering. Wax
deposits are not removed.
Caution
•Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and
mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack!•The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of the
window. To prevent damage, do not put stickers on the heating elements
inside the window.Cleaning windscreen wiper bladesClean wiper blades are essent ial to provide clear vision.
1. Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the windscreen wiper blades.
2. Use window cleanser to clean the windscreen wiper blades. Use
a sponge or a cloth to remove stubborn stains.Rubber seals maintenance
If rubber seals are well looked after, they will not freeze so
quickly.1. Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.
2. Apply a specialist care product to the rubber seals.
The strips on the doors, windows, bonnet and rear lid will remain pliable and
last longer if they are treated with a suitable care product (for example sili-
cone spray).
Caring for rubber seals will also prevent premature ageing and leaks. The
doors will be easier to open. If rubber seals are well looked after, they will not
freeze so quickly in winter.Door lock cylinders
The door lock cylinders can freeze up in winter.To de-ice the lock cylinders you should only use spray with lubricating and
anti-corrosive properties.Cleaning chrome parts1. Clean chrome parts with a damp cloth.
2. Polish chrome parts with a soft, dry cloth.If this does not provide satisfying results, use a specialist chrome cleaning
product . Chrome cleaning products will remove stains and coatings from the
surface.
Caution
To prevent scratching chrome surfaces:•Never use an abrasive care product on chrome.•Do not clean or polish chrome parts in a sandy or dusty environment.
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Checking and refilling levels219
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Your Authorised Service Centre can also be consulted to know if the vehicle
has been prepared for biodiesel use.
Things to note about RME fuel (biodiesel)
•The performance of a vehicle using biodiesel maybe somewhat reduced.•Fuel consumption of a vehicle using biodiesel may be slightly higher.•RME fuel is resistant to the cold down to approx. -10°C.•At temperatures below -10°C, we recommend using winter diesel fuel.•Your vehicle is designed to be refuelled with up to a maximum of 7%
biodiesel blend, in accordance with the DIN 51628 standard.Caution
•RME fuel can damage the fuel system in vehicles which are not suitably
adjusted.•If you decide to use biodiesel in your vehicle, please use only RME fuel
which is DIN E 14.214 compliant.•If you use biodiesel that does not meet the required standard, the fuel
filter could become clogged.Note
•In case of low exterior temperatures and a fuel biodiesel percentage of
higher than 50%, an increase in gas emission may occur during operation of
the independent heating.•The fuel filter may become clogged when fuel is changed to biodiesel. For
this reason, we recommend you that, when having run 300 or 400 km after a
fuel change, the fuel filter change must also be done. Also note the instruc-
tions in the Inspection and Maintenance plan.•If the vehicle is to remain parked for more than about two weeks, we
recommend filling the fuel tank with biodiesel and driving about 50 km in
order to avoid damage to the injection system.
Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using summer-grade diesel fuel, difficulties may be experienced at
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel thickens due to wax separation.
Therefore, winter-grade diesel fuel is available in some countries during the
cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22°C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel generally sold
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel
fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater, making it well equipped for
operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains operational to
approx. -24°C, provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15°C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start
at temperatures of under -24°C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
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Checking and refilling levels227
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Liquid coolant losses
Any loss of liquid coolant normally indicates a
leak in the cooling system. In
this case the cooling system should be inspected by a specialist garage
without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the liquid coolant.
If there are no leaks in the system, a loss of liquid coolant can only occur if
the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of overheating.
Caution
Radiator sealants must not be added to the liquid coolant. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system.Topping up the liquid coolant
Be careful when topping up with liquid coolant.– Switch the engine off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank ⇒page 226, fig. 172 with a
cloth, and carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒.
– Add liquid coolant.
– Screw on the cap tightly.Make sure that the liquid coolant meets the required specifications
⇒page 225, “Liquid coolant”. Do not use a different type of anti-freeze if
anti-freeze G12++ is not available. In this case, use only water and bring the
anti-freeze concentration back up to the correct level as soon as possible.
Always top up with new liquid coolant. Do not fill above the “max” mark. Excess liquid coolant is forced out of the
system through the valve in the filler cap when the engine gets hot.
If a lot of liquid coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to
cool down before
putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in serious engine
damage.
WARNING
•The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap on the
expansion tank when the engine is hot. Failure to comply could result in
burns.•The anti-freeze and liquid coolant can be a health hazard. Therefore,
the anti-freeze should be stored in the original container in a safe place out
of reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used coolant into
a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper manner (observe environ-
mental regulations).Radiator fan
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously.The auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as 10 minutes after stopping
the engine – even after the ignition is switched off. It may also start running
suddenly ⇒ after some while if•stored heat raises the coolant temperature, or•the hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the sun.
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Wheels and tyres
236
2. The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres are cold. The slightly raised pressu res of warm tyres must not be
reduced.
3. Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.Tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure is especially important at high speeds. The pressure
should therefore be checked at least once a month and before starting a
journey.
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given are for cold tyres. Do not reduce the
slightly raised pressures of warm tyres ⇒.
WARNING
•Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking tyre pressure
value is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, there is
an increased danger of accidents - particularly at high speeds.•A tyre can easily burst if the pressure is too low, causing an accident!•At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. In this way it becomes too hot, and this can cause tread separation
and tyre blow-out. Always observe the recommended tyre pressures.•If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prema-
turely and the vehicle will not handle well. Risk of accident!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.
Tyre pressure monitoring*
The tyre pressure monitoring system constantly checks the
pressure of the tyres.The system warns the driver in the event of a loss of pressure by means of
symbols and messages in the instrument cluster display.
Note that tyre pressure also depends on tyre temperature. Tyre pressure
increases about 0.1 bar for each 10°C in tyre temperature increase. The tyre
heats up while the vehicle is being driven and the tyre pressure will rise
accordingly. For this reason, you should only adjust the tyre pressures when
they are cold (i.e. approximately at ambient temperature).
To ensure that the tyre pressure monitoring system works reliably, you should
check and, if necessary, adjust the tyre pressures at regular intervals and
store the correct pressures (reference values) in the system.
A tyre pressure information label is attached to the inside of the fuel tank flap.
WARNING
•Never adjust tyre pressure when the tyres are hot. This may damage or
even burst the tyres. Risk of accident!•An insufficiently inflated tyre flexes a lot more at high speeds and
causes significant heating of the tyre. Under these conditions, the tyre
bead may be released or the tyre may burst. Risk of accident!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre wear.
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