power steering Seat Exeo 2011 Owner's manual

Table of Contents
Manual structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Proper sitting position for occupants . . . . . . . . . 10
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Storing objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Knee airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Curtain airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Deactivating airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Brief introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Securing child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Operating Instructions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Warning and indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Driver information system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Auto-check system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Speed warning*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Onboard computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Menu display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Tyre pressure monitoring* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Steering wheel controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Multifunction steering wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Remote control keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Childproof lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Remote control key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Anti-theft alarm system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Sliding/tilting sunroof* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Lights and visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Rear view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Seats and storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . 133
Manual adjustment of the front seats . . . . . . . . . 133
Electric adjustment of front seats* . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Lumbar support* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Driver seat memory* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Armrests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Roof rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Drink holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Ashtray*, cigarette lighter* and electric sockets* . .147
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
2C-Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Starting and stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Parking aid acoustic system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Cruise speed* (Cruise control system) . . . . . . . . 173
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Automatic gearbox* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Practical Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Intelligent technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) . . . . . . . . . 184
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Servotronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Driving and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Running-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Economical and environmentally friendly driving 193
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
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Table of Contents

69
Cockpit
then on again. After this the warning lamp should go out to show that the
system is fully functional.
The warning lamp will light up when the ignition is switched on if the bat-
tery has been disconnected and then reconnected. It should go out again
after driving a short distance if the steering wheel is turned slightly.
For further information on the ESP, see ⇒ page 186. 
Alternator 
The warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator or in the
vehicle's electrical system.
The warning lamp  lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should switch off after the engine has started.
If the warning lamp  lights up when you are driving, you can normally
continue as far as the nearest qualified workshop. However, given that the
battery will be running down, any electrical consumption not absolutely vi-
tal should be switched off.
CAUTION
If the coolant warning lamp  in the instrument panel lights up as well as
the alternator waning lamp while driving ⇒  page 78, stop the vehicle im-
mediately and switch off the engine. In this case the coolant pump is no
longer working, and there is a risk of engine damage. 
Main beam headlights 
The indicator lamp
 lights up when the main beams are on or when the
headlight flasher is operated. For further information on the main beam headlights, see ⇒ 
page 122.
Engine management 
This warning lamp monitors the engine management sys-
tem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp  (Electronic Power Control) lights up while the function
is being checked.
Note
If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indicates a
fault in the engine management system. The vehicle must be taken immedi-
ately to a qualified workshop to have the engine serviced. 
Glow plug system 
The indicator lamp lights up while the glow plugs are pre-
heating.
The indicator lamp  lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When
the indicator lamp goes out the engine should be started straight away.
When the engine is warm, or at outside temperatures above +8 °C, the
warning lamp will only light up very briefly. 
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97
Unlocking and locking
2 remote control keys
In certain European markets, vehicles with alarm are equipped with 2 re-
mote control keys.
WARNING
● Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle, even if you
only intend to be gone for a short time. This is particularly important if
there are children in the vehicle, as they might otherwise be able to start
the engine or use power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows),
which could cause injuries.
● Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the igni-
tion key from the lock! Otherwise, the steering lock could engage sud-
denly, causing an accident.
 Indicator light on the remote control key
The condition of the battery in the remote control key is
monitored by the indicator light.
Fig. 68 LED on the re-
mote control key
Condition of the key battery
The indicator light ⇒ fig. 68 (arrow) flashes when one of the buttons is
pressed. If the indicator light does not light up or flash, this means that the
battery is exhausted and must be replaced.
Replacing the batteries ⇒ page 98. 
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167
Driving
Position 1
The ignition key is inserted in this position. To
engage the steering wheel
lock, take out the key and turn the wheel until you hear the pin engage. You
should always engage the steering lock when you leave the vehicle. This
will help to deter thefts ⇒ 
.
Switching on the ignition/pre-heating glow plugs 2
If the key is difficult to turn in the lock, move the steering wheel (to take the
load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key turns freely. In the case
of vehicles with a diesel engine, the key is turned to this position to preheat
the glow plugs.
Starting the engine 3
The engine is started in this position. Electrical components with a high
power consumption are switched off temporarily.
After the engine has started, the ignition key returns to position 2
by itself.
The ignition key has to be turned back to position 1
before re-starting the
engine. The starter inhibitor in the ignition lock prevents the starter motor
from engaging when the engine is running, as this could cause damage.
Switching off the ignition 1
Turn the ignition key to this position.
WARNING
● Never remove the ignition key until the vehicle is stationary! Other-
wise the steering lock could engage suddenly, which could cause an acci-
dent.
● Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle, even if you
only intend to be gone for a short time. This is particularly important if
there are children in the vehicle, as they might otherwise be able to start
the engine or use power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows),
which could cause injuries.
Note
● If the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, it will be
necessary to leave the key in position 2
for about 5 seconds before start-
ing the engine.
● Vehicles with automatic gearbox: After switching off the ignition, you
can only remove the ignition key if the selector lever is in position “P” (park-
ing lock). The selector lever is locked after the ignition key has been re-
moved. 
Starting and stopping the engine Starting the engine
The engine can only be started with an original SEAT key.
Fig. 137 Ignition key po-
sitions 
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169
Driving
Stopping the engine
– Turn the ignition key to position 1 ⇒ fig. 137.
WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary.
● The brake servo and the power steering system work only when the
engine is running. You need more strength to steer and brake the vehicle
when the engine is switched off. Given that you will be unable to steer
and brake as usual, this could lead to a risk of accidents and injuries.
CAUTION
If the engine has been running under high load for a long time, there is a
risk of heat building up in the engine compartment after the engine has
been switched off; this could cause engine damage. Therefore, you should
let the engine idle for approximately 2 minutes before you switch it off.
Note
After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10 mi-
nutes, even if the ignition is switched off. It may also start running again af-
ter some time if the coolant temperature rises due to a build-up of heat un-
der the bonnet, or if the engine is already warm and the engine compart-
ment is heated up further by direct sunlight. Handbrake
Handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the vehi-
cle from accidentally rolling away.
Fig. 138 Detailed view of
the centre console: Hand-
brake on
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and at the same time press in the re-
lease button ⇒ fig. 138 -arrow-.
– Keep the release button pressed and push the lever all the way
down ⇒ 
.
If you drive by mistake with the handbrake still applied, you will hear a
warning buzzer and the display will show the message: 
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189
Intelligent technology
Note
If you wish to equip the vehicle with accessories such as a front spoiler or
wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not
obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat. 
Brake servo
The brake servo assists the driver when braking
The brake servo increases the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. The
brake servo works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
Ensure the vehicle does not move while in neutral, when the engine is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Note
If the brake servo is not working, e.g. because the vehicle has to be towed
or because it is broken, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance. 
Power steering
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel
when the engine is running. Power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the
steering wheel. Power steering does not work if the engine is off. In this case the steering
wheel requires much more force to turn.
If the steering is held at its
turning limit when the vehicle is stationary, this
will place an excessive load on the power steering system. Turning the
steering wheel to its limit places a load on the system, which causes noise.
It will also reduce the idling speed of the engine.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, do not turn the steering wheel to its limit for
more than 15 seconds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the power
steering.
Note
● If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off
(for instance when being towed), the vehicle can still be steered. However,
more effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
● If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop as soon as possible.
● The power steering system requires a special hydraulic fluid. The fluid
reservoir is located at the front of the engine compartment on the left
⇒ page 290. The correct fluid level in the reservoir is important for the pow-
er steering to function properly. The hydraulic fluid level is checked at the
Inspection Service. 
Servotronic*
The servotronic system electronically adjusts the power as-
sisted steering.
In vehicles equipped with servotronic power steering the degree of power
assistance ⇒ page 189 is adjusted
electronically according to road speed. 
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190Intelligent technology
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 specialised workshop as soon as possible. 

257
If and when
Fuse assignment
This list shows the fuses which can be replaced relatively
easily by the owner.
No.ConsumerAmps1Air conditioner102Footwell lamps53Heated washer jets54Radiator fan55Parking aid, automatic gearbox106Air conditioner (air purity sensor), pressure sensor5
7Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), brake light
switch, clutch pedal switch, steering angle sensor10
8Telephone59Vacant 10Adaptive headlights right5
11Airbag and disconnection of the front passenger air-
bag5
12Diagnostic socket1013Steering column unit1014Brake lights1015Instrument panel1016Vacant 17Tyre pressure control, rain/light sensor1018Adaptive headlights left519Vacant 20Vacant 21Vacant 22Driver door / front passenger door1523Rear doors15
No.ConsumerAmps24Central electrics unit for convenience equipment2025Heater blower3026Rear window heater3027Power socket for trailer (control unit)3028Fuel pump, auxiliary pump for diesel2029Vacant 30Sliding/tilting sunroof20
31Diagnosis connection, automatic anti-dazzle interior
mirror, reverse light, automatic gearbox15
32Towing socket1533Lighter2034Lambda probe heater1035Luggage compartment power socket*2036Wiper system30
37Pump for windscreen washer and headlight washer
system30
38Luggage compartment illumination, alarm1539Radio, Amplifier2040Horn2541230 volt socket3042Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)2543Engine management1544Seat heating35
Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras.
The electric windows and electric seat adjusters are protected by circuit
breakers. These reset automatically after a few seconds when the overload
(caused for example by frozen windows) has been corrected. 
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283
If and when
Towing and tow-starting
Tow-starting
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.
We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-start-
ing is preferable ⇒ page 280.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2nd or the 3rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the
gear lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the
towing vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it. General notes
Please observe the following points if you use a tow-rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
–
Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate
gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto-
matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not
working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake sooner than nor-
mal and pressing the pedal gently.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times when towing.
Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material.
Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a
towing bracket.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexper-
ienced drivers should not attempt to tow. 
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284If and when
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking
the tow-rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of
overloading and damaging the anchorage points.
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the
steering wheel from locking and also to allow the use of the turn signals,
horn, windscreen wipers and washers.
As the brake servo does not work if the engine is not running, you must ap-
ply considerably more pressure to the brake pedal than you normally would.
As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running,
you will need more strength to steer than you normally would.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
● Put the selector lever into position “N”.
● Do not drive faster than 50 km/h.
● Do not tow further than 50 km.
● If a breakdown vehicle is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.
Note
● Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
● Switch on the hazard warning lights of both vehicles. However, observe
any regulations to the contrary.
● For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.
● If damage to your vehicle means that there is no lubricant in the gear-
box, you must raise the drive wheels while the vehicle is being towed.
● If the vehicle has to be towed more than 50 km, the front wheels should
be raised during towing, and towing should be carried out by a qualified
person. ●
The steering wheel is locked when the vehicle has no electrical power.
The vehicle must then be towed with the front wheels raised. Towing should
be carried out by a qualified person.
● The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle. Please refer to the
notes ⇒ page 283, Tow-starting. 
Front towing eyeFig. 227 Fitting the tow-
ing eye to front rear of
the vehicle
Fitting the towing eye
– Take the towing ring from the on-board tool set.
– Remove the front cover by pressing down on the right hand
side.
– Bolt the eye to its limit to the left, in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 227 