sensor Seat Exeo 2011 User Guide

128Lights and visibility
Note
● An overload cut-out may be triggered if the sun blind for the rear window
is operated repeatedly. There will then be a short delay before the blind can
be operated again.
● As the material of the sun blind is less flexible at low temperatures, the
electric actuator is switched off when the outside temperature is below
-5 °C. The sun blind can only be operated when the temperature inside the
car rises above this level. 
Windscreen wipers
Windscreen wipers 
The windscreen wiper lever controls the windscreen wipers
and the automatic wash and wipe.
Fig. 101 Windscreen
wiper lever
The windscreen wiper lever ⇒ fig. 101 has the following settings: Short wipe
–
Move the lever down to position 1
to give the windscreen a
short wipe.
Intermittent wipe  / Rain sensor* (activate)
– Move the lever up to position 2
.
– Move the switch A
up or down to set the wiper intervals.
– In vehicles equipped with a rain sensor*, you can move the
switch A
up and down to set the sensitivity of the rain sensor.
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up to position 3
.
Continuous wipe
– Move the lever up to position 4
.
Automatic wash and wipe
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel, 5
, to activate the
windscreen washer.
– Release the lever. The washer will stop and the wipers will keep
running for approximately 4 seconds.
Deactivating the windscreen wiper
– Pull the lever to basic position 0
.
General notes
The washers and wipers will work only when the ignition is switched on. 

129
Lights and visibility
If you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights, the wiper speed will automatically be
reduced. The rain sensor* will automatically be set to the intermittent wipe
function.
The windscreen washer jets are heated when the ignition is switched on.
The wiper intervals in the intermittent wipe setting are also varied automati-
cally according to the road speed (in addition to the manual delay setting).
When the lights are switched on you should only pull the lever briefly to
wash the windscreen, otherwise the headlight washers* will also be ena-
bled. This will use an unnecessary amount of fluid from the reservoir.
Rain sensor
The rain sensor* will only function in the intermittent wipe position. The in-
termittent wipe function is enabled automatically when it starts to rain.
If the windscreen wiper lever was in the intermittent wipe position when the
ignition was off, the rain sensor will not activate until you reach a speed of 6
km/h.
Use switch A
to set the sensitivity of the rain sensor*.
If you have selected a high sensitivity level for the rain sensor the wind-
screen wipers will react sooner to any moisture on the windscreen.
The wiper intervals in the intermittent wipe setting are also varied automati-
cally according to the road speed (in addition to the sensitivity setting).
WARNING
● For correct visibility and safe driving, the wiper must be in perfect
condition ⇒ page 210. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
● The rain sensor* is only intended to assist the driver. The driver is
still obliged to manually operate the windscreen wipers as required de-
pending on visibility.
● Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad visibili-
ty conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at night, these
coatings can cause increased dazzle, which is a serious safety hazard.
Such coatings can also cause the wiper blades to make noise.
CAUTION
● In the event of frost, check that the wiper blade has not frozen before
activating the windscreen wipers. Should the windscreen wiper system be
enabled when the blade is frozen, this could damage it or even the wind-
screen wiper system motor.
● Make sure you switch off the windscreen wiper system (lever in position
0) before you use an automatic car wash. This will avoid inadvertent trigger-
ing of the wipers and possible damage to the wiper system.
Note
● Check that the washer fluid reservoir is full before starting a long jour-
ney. Fill the reservoir ⇒ page 228.
● Worn or dirty wiper blades can cause smearing on the glass which can
also impair the effectiveness of the rain sensor*. Check the condition of
windscreen wiper blades at regular intervals. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

131
Lights and visibility
Switching off the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ fig. 103. Indicator lamp B goes off.
Switching on the anti-dazzle function
– Press button A
⇒ fig. 103. Indicator lamp B turns on.
Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is switched on.
The green indicator lamp lights up in the mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is enabled, the interior mirror will darken au-
tomatically according to the amount of light it receives. The anti-dazzle
function is disabled if:
● the interior lighting is switched on
● reverse gear is engaged
Sensors for automatic headlights*
When the light switch is set to the AUTO position, the dipped beam head-
lights are switched on and off automatically according to the ambient light
level with the aid of the sensors located in the interior mirror ⇒ page 116.
WARNING
Electrolyte fluid can leak from a broken mirror. This fluid can cause irrita-
tion to the skin, eyes and respiratory organs. Wash thoroughly with clean
water should you come into contact with this fluid. Seek medical assis-
tance if needed!
CAUTION
Electrolyte fluid leaking from a broken mirror can cause damage to plastic
surfaces. Use a sponge or similar to remove the fluid as soon as possible.
Note
● The interior mirror automatic anti-dazzle function* will only work proper-
ly if the sun blind* for the rear window is retracted and if there are no other
objects preventing light from reaching the mirror.
● If you have to stick any type of sticker on the windscreen, do not do so in
front of the sensors. Doing so could prevent the automatic headlight or anti-
dazzle function from working correctly or even from working at all. 
Exterior mirrors
The exterior mirrors are adjusted electrically.
Fig. 104 Detailed view of
the armrest: Adjuster
knob
Adjusting the exterior mirrors
– Turn the adjuster knob to position ⇒ fig. 104 L
(left exterior
mirror) or position R (right exterior mirror).
– Move the knob as required to adjust the exterior mirror for a
good view behind you. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

157
Air conditioning
Controls
This overview will help you become quickly familiar with the controls for the air conditioner.
Fig. 130 Air conditioner controls
The left-hand display shows the temperature selected for the left-hand side
and the right-hand display the temperature for the right-hand side.
The functions can be switched on or off by briefly pressing the buttons. The
diode on the buttons lights up when the function is enabled.
The grille between buttons 
and  must be kept clear, as the tempera-
ture sensors are located behind the grille.
● Do not cover the grille.
● Do not clean the grille with a vacuum cleaner, as this could damage the
temperature sensors located behind the grille.
Button(s)Meaning
Automatic mode
 (left and right)Temperature selection for driver and passenger
sides
Defrost
Manual air recirculation mode
Switches off air cooling
Switches off air conditioner (instead of )
Automatic air recirculation mode (instead of OFF)

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

160Air conditioning
Note
If the diode on the ECON button continues to light up when the ECON mode
has been switched off (i.e. the air conditioner has been switched on) this is
due to a defect in one of the air conditioner components. If a malfunction
should occur, please contact a specialised workshop. 
Air recirculation: automatic activation* 
If the outside air is polluted by diesel and petrol emissions,
an air quality sensor in the vehicle will automatically switch
on the air recirculation.
Fig. 131 Button for auto-
matic air recirculation
Activating air recirculation mode
– Press the button 
⇒ fig. 131.
Deactivating air recirculation mode
– Press the 
button again or –
Press the AUTO
button or
– Press button 
.
The automatic air recirculation mode should normally be left switched on at
all times.
The system is ready to operate approx. 30 seconds after the engine ignition
key has been turned. During this initial period, fresh air is fed into the vehi-
cle.
If the air purity sensor in the air conditioner detects a certain concentration
of fumes in the outside air, the control unit will either pass the incoming air
through the pollution filter or automatically switch on the air recirculation. If
there is a high concentration of pollution in the outside air, the air condi-
tioner automatically switches to air recirculation and the supply of air from
the outside is cut off. As soon as the level of pollution decreases, air is fed
into the vehicle from the outside again.
The automatic air recirculation operates for a maximum period of 12 mi-
nutes. If the windows mist up when the automatic air recirculation is on,
press the 
button immediately.
The automatic air recirculation switches itself off under certain circumstan-
ces (for instance if 
or  is selected). In “ECON” and at temperatures
lower than approx. 8 °C below zero, the automatic air recirculation mode is
limited to 12 seconds. 

170Driving
Handbrake on
The handbrake warning switches on after driving for 3 seconds at speeds
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 on-
ly 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 firm-
ly and then, on a manual gearbox, engage a gear, or select P on an auto-
matic. 
Parking
The following points will ensure there is no risk of the vehi-
cle rolling away accidentally after it is parked:
– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the 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 to-
wards 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 acci-
dent.

Parking aid acoustic system General notes
Various 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 obsta-
cles behind your vehicle ⇒ page 171.
When you are parking, SEAT Parking System Plus warns you acoustically
and optically about obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle
⇒ page 171.
Note
To ensure the acoustic parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept
clean and free of snow and ice. 

171
Driving
SEAT Parking System*
SEAT Parking System is an acoustic parking aid.
Sensors are located in the rear bumper. When the sensors detect an obsta-
cle, you are alerted by acoustic signals. The measuring range of the sensors
starts at approximately:
RearSide0.60 mCentre1.60 m
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you approach the
obstacle. When the vehicle is less than 0.30 m away from the obstacle, the
warning tone will sound continuously. Do not drive on!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after about 4
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected obsta-
cle (it does not affect the permanent acoustic signal).
The parking aid is switched on automatically when reverse gear is engaged.
You will hear a brief confirmation tone.
WARNING
● The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver
is personally responsible for safe parking and other manoeuvres.
● The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not registered.
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will
not always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid ac-
cidents.
● Always keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and make full
use of the rear view mirrors.
CAUTION
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be
registered by the sensors as the vehicle moves closer, so the system will not
give any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences,
chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw bars, etc) may not always be de-
tected by the system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
● Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒ page 172. 
SEAT Parking System Plus*
SEAT Parking System Plus is an acoustic parking aid.
Sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers. When the sensors detect
an obstacle, you are alerted by acoustic signals. The measuring range of the
sensors starts at approximately:
FrontSide0.90 mCentre1.20 m
RearSide0.60 mCentre1.60 m
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you approach the
obstacle. When the vehicle is less than 0.30 m from the obstacle the warn-
ing tone will sound continuously. Stop moving immediately!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after about 4
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected obsta-
cle (it does not affect the permanent acoustic signal). 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

172Driving
Activating/Deactivating
Fig. 139 Centre console:
switch for parking aid
Activating
– Engage reverse gear or
– Press the button  on the centre console ⇒ fig. 139 or on the
gear selector gate. You will hear a brief confirmation tone and
the LED on the switch will light up.
Deactivating
– Drive forward faster than 10 km/h, or
– Press the  button or
– Switch off the ignition or
– Disengage the reverse gear.
WARNING
● The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver
is personally responsible for safe parking and other manoeuvres.
● The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not registered.
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will
not always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid ac-
cidents.
● Always keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and make full
use of the rear view mirrors.
CAUTION
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be
registered by the sensors as the vehicle moves closer, so the system will not
give any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences,
chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw bars, etc) may not always be de-
tected by the system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
● Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒ page 172.
● There is a slight delay in the picture display. 
Towing bracket*
In towing mode, the rear parking aid sensors are not enabled when you se-
lect reverse gear or press the switch . This function may not be guaran-
teed on towing brackets that are not factory fitted. This results in the follow-
ing restrictions:
SEAT Parking System*
There is no distance warning. 

184Intelligent technology
Practical Tips
Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) General notes
The Electronic Stability Programme increases the vehicle's
stability on the road.
Fig. 149 Centre console
with ESP switch
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 Stabil-
ity Programme.
How it works
The ESP control unit processes data from the three integrated systems. It al-
so processes additional inputs provided by other high-precision sensors.
These register the vehicle's rotation about the vertical axis (yaw rate), later-
al acceleration, 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 185. 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. 

186Intelligent technology
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 ach-
ieve 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)
intervenes 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, ac-
celerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may other-
wise 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 185. 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 ve-
hicle 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 vehi-
cle 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 careful-
ly. 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. 