technical specifications Seat Exeo 2010 Owners Manual
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Driving183
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Manual gear selection (tiptronic mode)
With the manual shift programm e (tiptronic) the driver can 
manually select pre-programmed gears.
Switching over to the manual programme
– Move the selector lever from the position D to the right-hand 
side. As soon as the selector lever has entered the tiptronic rail, 
the gear engaged is displayed on the screen.
Shifting up a gear
– Briefly push the selector lever forwards (in the tiptronic gate)  ⇒fig. 146   .
Shifting down a gear
– Briefly pull the selector lever  backwards (in the tiptronic gate) 
.With the tiptronic system, the driver can manually choose between eight (in 
vehicles with multitronic) or seven (in vehicles with tiptronic) different gear 
programmes. The manual programme can be selected either with the vehicle 
stationary or on the move.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the next gear 
shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.
If you select a gear which is lower than the gear shown on the instrument 
panel display ⇒ fig. 147, the gearbox will only shift down when there is no 
longer a risk of over-revving the engine.
When the vehicle slows down (for instance when braking), the gearbox auto-
matically shifts down into the next gear when the minimum engine speed is 
reached.
Changing down to a lower gear increases the engine braking effect on down-
hill gradients.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of resistance 
at full throttle, the gearbox will select  a lower gear ratio, depending on road 
speed and engine speed.
Fig. 146  Centre console: 
Manual gear selection 
(tiptronic mode)Fig. 147  Display: Manual 
gear selection (tiptronic 
mode)
A+
A-
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Intelligent technology185
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Practical TipsIntelligent technologyElectronic Stability Programme (ESP)General notes
The Electronic Stability Programme increases the vehicle’s 
stability on the road.The ESP is designed to increase the degree of control in situations where the 
vehicle approaches the limits of adhesion, especially when accelerating and 
cornering. It reduces the risk of skidding and improves stability in all road 
conditions. The system is active across the entire speed range. The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock (EDL) and 
the traction control system (TCS) are all integrated into the Electronic Stability 
Programme.
How it works
The ESP control unit processes data from the three integrated systems. It also 
processes additional inputs provided by other high-precision sensors. These 
register the vehicle’s rotation about the vertical axis (yaw rate), lateral accel-
eration, brake pressure and steering wheel angle.
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 vehicle. If the desired course is not being 
maintained (for instance, if the vehicle is starting to skid), then the ESP 
compensates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable 
condition. If the vehicle over
 swerves (tendency of the rear to leave the road), 
the brakes will act on the front wheel facing the outside of the bend. If the 
vehicle  under swerves (tendency to leave the bend), the braking force is 
applied to the rear wheel facing the inside of the bend.
The ESP works in conjunction with the ABS  ⇒page 186. If a malfunction 
should occur in the ABS, the ESP will also stop working.
Deactivating
The ESP is activated automatically when the engine is started and performs a 
self-test routine.
Fig. 149  Centre console 
with ESP switch
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Intelligent technology187
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Brake assist system
The brake assist system helps the driver to achieve optimum 
braking effect.The brake assist system helps to increase braking power and thus to achieve 
a shorter stopping distance. If the driver presses the brake pedal very quickly, 
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 vehicle to start moving, accel-
erate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may otherwise be 
difficult or even impossible. How it works
The EDL works automatically, without the driver’s involvement. With the aid 
of the ABS sensors, the system monitors the rotational speed of the drive 
wheels 
⇒page 186. If a considerable difference in revs  is detected (approx. 
100 rpm) in the speed of the drive 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 noise while it is working.
Starting the vehicle
If one wheel has less grip and starts spinning (for instance, if one of the drive 
wheels is on ice), keep pressing the accelerator gradually until the vehicle 
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 drive wheels may otherwise start to spin. This could 
impair the vehicle’s stability. Risk of accident.•Even with EDL, you should always 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. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
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Page 191 of 319

Intelligent technology189
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
BrakesGeneral notesNew brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first 200 km; 
first they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking capacity may be 
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid over-
loading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive and 
the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for 
instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard driving with abrupt starts 
and stops.
Wet roads or road salt
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the vehicle or 
driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by moisture (or 
in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. In this case the brakes should 
be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
When the speed is  over 80 km/h and the windscreen wipers are  on, the brake 
system moves the pads towards the brake discs for a few seconds. This 
occurs - without the driver knowing - at regular intervals and allows a faster 
response from the brakes when driving on wet roads.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the vehicle 
is driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot of salt 
on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs and pads 
has to wear off before braking. Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build 
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are not 
used very often.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is 
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times at a 
moderately high speed 
⇒.
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase  suddenly, this may mean that 
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest 
specialised workshop and have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly and 
remember that you will have to apply more pressure on the brake pedal and 
allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too low. 
The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
WARNING
When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and discs, 
select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or endanger other 
road users. Risk of accident.
Caution
•Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when it is 
not necessary to brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce speed 
and change to a lower gear (or move the gear lever to a lower gear position if 
your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine braking 
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Intelligent technology191
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Servotronic*The servotronic system electronically adjusts the power 
assisted steering.In vehicles equipped with servotronic power steering the degree of power 
assistance ⇒page 190 is adjusted  electronically according to road speed.
If a fault should occur in the  servotronic system, the power steering will still 
operate. The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to 
different speeds. If the electronic regulating system is not working properly, 
this is most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for 
instance when parking), as more effort will be required than usual. The fault 
should be corrected by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
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Page 195 of 319

Driving and the environment193
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of trans-
mission). This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes.
•Never let the brakes “drag” 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.•If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is subjected to heavy use, 
vapour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency of 
the brakes.•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the 
brakes and cause them to overheat. Before purchasing accessories please 
observe the relevant instructions  ⇒page 218, “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 maintain the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol engines, as lead damages  the catalytic converter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank. – For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil 
⇒page 226.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary  ⇒page 284.
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 gas 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 envi-
ronment. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! There is a risk of 
fire.•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with 
dry grass or flammable 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 run the fuel tank completely dry 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 gas  under some conditions. This depends 
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment195
Safety First
Operating Instructions
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Technical Specifications
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel 
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly at 
higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at level 
crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after only 
30 - 40seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart the 
engine.
The engine takes a very long time to warm up when it is running at idling 
speed. Mechanical wear and pollutant emissions are also especially high 
during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately 
after starting the engine. Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey, you 
will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced 
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as 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 normalise until having 
driven approximately four  kilometres. This is why we recommend avoiding 
short trips whenever possible. Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the 
tyre pressure is just 1 bar too low, fuel consumption can increase by as much 
as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also increases 
tyre wear
 and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are  cold.
Do not use  winter tyres  all year round as they increase fuel consumption by 
up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
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 rack is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is 
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120km/h your vehicle will use about 
12% m ore fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof rack 
even when it is not in use.
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the need 
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always 
turn off electrical components when you do not need them. Examples of 
components that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear 
window heating or the seat heaters*.
Note
•If you vehicle has  Start-Stop, it is not recommended to disconnect this 
function.•It is recommended to  close the windows when driving at more than 60 
km/h 
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Driving and the environment197
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Operating Instructions
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Technical Specifications
Adhesive 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 at your Authorised Service Centre.
In vehicles with adaptive headlights, the rotation system must previously be 
disconnected. To do this, please go to a specialised workshop.
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Page 201 of 319

Trailer towing199
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted 
drawbar 
load  on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified 
limit.
Tyre  pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your vehicle, 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 the vehicle serviced 
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 slow to allow for 
the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. There-
fore, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in unfa-
vourable road, weather or wind condit ions. This especially applies when 
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest 
sign of swaying . Never try to stabilise the trailer by accelerating.
Anticipate hazards and brake in good time. If towing a trailer with an  inertia 
brake , first brake gently  and then harder. 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 weight. 
They can be purchased and installed at a Technical Service.
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 lamp 
 v in the instrument panel should start 
flashing, stop the vehicle and let the engine cool down by running it  at idling 
speed  for a few minutes.
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Trailer towing201
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Removable towing bracketIntroduction
Special care is required when fitting and removing the towing 
bracket.The removable ball joint attachment for the towing bracket is stored under the 
floor panel in the luggage compartment.•Vehicles with a spare wheel ⇒ fig. 151.
The ball joint can be fitted and removed by hand.
Accessories mounted on the towing bracket
Please note that the ball joint attachment can be damaged by using unsuit-
able equipment that is mounted onto the towing bracket (e.g. bicycle rack). 
Due to the material construction, such damage to the towing bracket dramat-
ically increases safety risks and in extreme cases could lead to breakage of 
the towing bracket while towing  ⇒. Therefore, 
before buying  such equipment, ensure that it is suitable for 
mounting onto the vehicle’s towing bracket and that it is approved for this 
purpose. To prevent damage to the ball joint from unsuitable equipment, we 
recommend that equipment for the towing bracket be purchased through 
your SEAT Dealer. Also see  ⇒page 218.
WARNING
•Only mount equipment on the towing bracket of your vehicle if you are 
certain it will not damage the bracket. The use of unsuitable accessories 
can result in severe damage to the towing bracket, which could break while 
pulling a trailer. Risk of accident.•Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball joint. 
This would damage the locking device, no longer guaranteeing the correct 
working order of the bracket. This could lead to an accident.Note
•Do not attempt to modify or repair the ball joint or other towing bracket 
components.•Should you have any difficulties when using the towing bracket, or 
suspect that it is not fitted properly, contact a qualified workshop.•Before setting off, always check that the ball joint is secured properly 
⇒ page 204.•Never disengage the ball joint with the caravan / trailer still hitched or 
with a bicycle rack or similar accessory still attached.•It is advisable to remove the ball joint when you are not towing a trailer. 
Make sure that the cover piece is properly fitted on the mounting fixture on 
the vehicle.•Remove the ball joint before washing the vehicle with pressurised steam 
equipment. Make sure the cover piece is fitted correctly onto the mounting 
fixture.
Fig. 151  Luggage 
compartment: Spare 
wheel with towing bracket
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