warning lights Seat Exeo ST 2009 Owner's Guide

Lights and visibility129
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
– On vehicles equipped with a rain sensor*, you can move the
switch up and down to set the sensitivity of the rain sensor.
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up to position .
Continuous wipe
– Move the lever up to position .
Automatic wash and wipe
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel, , to activate the windscreen washer.
– Release the lever. The washer will stop and the wipers will keep running for approximately 4 seconds.
Disabling the windscreen wiper
– Pull the lever to basic position .General notes
The washers and wipers will work only when the ignition is switched on.
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 enabled. 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 inter-
mittent wipe function is enabled automatically when it starts to rain.
Before you reach a road speed of 6 km/h ,you will have to enable the rain
sensor manually by switching it off and back on again.
Use control to set the sensitivity of the rain sensor*.
If you have selected a high sensitivity level for the rain sensor the windscreen
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 215. 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 depending
on visibility.•Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad visibility
conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at night, these coat-
ings can cause increased dazzle, which is a serious safety hazard. Such
coatings can also cause the wiper blades to judder.Caution
•In the event of frost, check that the wiper blade has not frozen before
enabling 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 trig-
gering of the wipers and possible damage to the wiper system.
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Lights and visibility
130
Note•Check that the washer fluid reservoir is full before starting a long journey.
Fill the reservoir ⇒ page 234.•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 wind-
screen wiper blades at regular intervals.Rear window wiper

The windscreen wiper lever also operates the rear window
wiper and the automatic wash/wipe.The rear window wiper and the automatic wash/wipe system are
switched on as follows: Intermittent wipe
– Push the windscreen wiper lever fo
rwards until it clicks into the
first position ⇒ fig. 102 . The rear window wiper will wipe the
window approximately every 4 seconds.
Automatic wash/wipe

– Push the lever forwards to position . The rear window wiper will work for the time you hold the lever in this position.
– Release the lever. The rear window wiper will keep working for approximately 4 seconds.
Deactivating the interval wipe function
– Pull the lever backwards until it returns to its original position.The rear window wiper will start working automatically if reverse gear is
engaged while the windscreen wipers are switched on.
WARNING
For correct visibility and safe driving, the wiper must be in perfect condition
⇒page 215. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the windscreen wipers/rear window wiper. The windscreen
wiper blades and even the windscreen wiper motor could be damaged if you
start the windscreen wipers/rear window wiper with the blades frozen to the
glass.
Fig. 102 Windscreen
wiper lever
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Lights and visibility
132
Switching off anti-dazzle function
–Press button ⇒page 131, fig. 104 . Warning lamp goes
out:
Switching on anti-dazzle function
–Press button ⇒page 131, fig. 104 . The indicator lamp
will light up.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 rear view mirror will
darken automatically 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 rear view mirror
⇒ page 117.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 assist-
ance 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 rear-view mirror's automatic anti-dazzle function* will only work prop-
erly if the sun blind* for the rear window is retracted and if there are no other
objects preventing light from reaching the interior 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.
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Fig. 105 Detailed view of
the armrest: Adjuster
knob
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Seats and stowage157
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Glove compartment
The glove compartment is equipped with a lock* and a light.Opening the glove compartment
– Pull the handle on the lid in the direction indicated (arrow)
⇒fig. 137 and open the lid.
Closing the glove compartment
– Close the lid and push it in until it engages.If the side lights or headlights are switched on, the light in the glove compart-
ment comes on when it is opened.
The lid has separate holders for a pen and a note pad.
WARNING
For safety reasons, the glove compartment must always be closed when
the vehicle is moving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.Cool box in glove compartment*
The cool box will only work when the climate control is deliv-
ering cooled air.– Open the glove compartment ⇒fig. 137 .
– Open the lid of the cool box ⇒fig. 138 .
– Turn switch to switch cooling on and off.
Fig. 137 Glove compart-
ment
Fig. 138 Glove compart-
ment with cool box open
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Driving171
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) contains the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP function works
together with the ABS. If a fault in the ABS occurs, both warning lamps light
up, but if the ESP fails, only the ESP warning lamp lights up.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESP switch deactivates both TCS and ESP functions. The ESP, in spite of
being deactivated, will always self-connect when necessary if brakes are
being used.
The TCS can be deactivated when in cases where wheel sliding is desirable.
For example:
•When driving with snow chains,•when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,•when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for
example.
Next, the button should be pressed to reactivate the TCS.
When does the warning light switch on or flash ?•On switching the ignition on, it lights up for about two seconds to carry
out a function control.•The warning lamp will start flashing when the vehicle is moving if the ESP
or the TCS is activated.•It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.WARNING
•The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) cannot defy the laws of
physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet
roads and when towing a trailer.•Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
•Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in ⇒page 189,
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockIgnition key positions
The ignition key is used to start and stop the engine.Position
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 ⇒.

WARNING (continued)
Fig. 147 Ignition key
positions
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Driving175
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 176.
When you are parking, SEAT parking system plus warns you acoustically and
optically about obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle ⇒page 176.
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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Driving
178SEAT parking system*
There is no distance warning.
SEAT parking system plus*
There is no rear distance warning. The system will still give a warning when
obstacles are detected while driving forwards.Fault messages*If you hear a long beep for a few seconds and the LED on the switch
* starts
flashing when you switch on the parking aid, a system fault has occurred.
Please have the fault corrected by a Dealer or specialist garage.
Note
If the fault is not corrected before you switch off the ignition, it will only be
indicated by the flashing LED on the switch
* the next time you switch on
the parking aid.
Cruise control (GRA)Introduction
The cruise control system allows you to maintain a constant
speed.Using this equipment, any speed over 30 km/h can be kept constant up to the
power output of the engine. This is subject to power output and braking
ability of the engine. This helps to reduce fatigue, especially on long jour-
neys. The indicator light
 in the instrument panel lights up when the cruise
control system is operating.
WARNING
For safety reasons, the cruise control system should not be used in dense
traffic or poor road conditions (such as slippery surfaces, heavy rain, loose
grit or gravel), as this could cause an accident.
Caution
On vehicles with a manual gearbox: do not go into neutral if the device is
enabled without previously releasing the clutch, as the engine will increase
its revs and, under certain conditions, could break down.
Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when travelling down
steep hills. The vehicle tends to accelerate under its own weight. Change
down to a lower gear in good time or use the foot brake to slow the vehicle.
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Driving181
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Manual gearboxDriving a car with a manual gearboxEngaging the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the
clutch down thoroughly.
– Place the gear lever into neutral and push the lever downwards.
– Slide the gear lever to the left, and then into the reverse position shown on the gear stick.The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When
the engine is running and before engaging this gear, wait about 6 seconds
with the clutch pressed down thoroughly in order to protect the gearbox.
The reverse lights light up when the reverse gear is selected and the ignition
is on.
WARNING
•When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a
gear is engaged and the clutch released.•Never select the reverse gear when the vehicle is in motion. Risk of acci-
dent.Note
•Do not rest your hand on the gear lever while driving. The pressure of your
hand could cause premature wear on the selector forks in the gearbox.•When changing gear, you should always depress the clutch fully to avoid
unnecessary wear and damage.•Do not hold the car “on the clutch” up hills. This causes premature wear
and damage to the clutch.Automatic gearbox*Introduction
multitronic
®, tiptronic (7-speed gearbox)
Applies to vehicles with multitronic
® gearbox
The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled continuously vari-
able transmission (Multitronic
®). Unlike conventional automatics, the gear
ratios are not shifted in fixed steps but are continuously variable. This gives
smoother transmission and makes for better fuel economy.
The gearbox selects the gear ratio and shifts up or down automatically
according to the gear change programmes stored in the control unit
⇒ page 186.
Fig. 153 Detail of the
centre console: gear shift
pattern of a 6-speed
manual gearbox
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Driving
184To move the selector lever to position R, press in the interlock button and at
the same time press the brake pedal. Depending on the model, one or two
reversing lights will come on in selector lever position R (when ignition is
switched on).
N - Neutral (idling)
In this position the gearbox is in neutral ⇒.
D - Drive (forwards)
In this position, the gearbox selects the optimal transmission ratio
depending on the engine load, speed and the dynamic gear regulation
program (DRP).
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to D if the
vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountains or towing a
trailer or caravan) it can be advantageous to switch temporarily to Tiptronic
mode ⇒page 187, so that the gear ratios can be selected manually to suit
the driving conditions.
S - Sport position
To drive in sports mode, select the position S. The engine power reserve is
used to its maximum. When accelerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.
Press the brake pedal when moving the selector lever from N to S if the
vehicle is stationary or at speeds below 5 km/h ⇒.
WARNING
•Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving. Failure to do so
could result in an accident.•In selector position D or S the vehicle must always be held with the foot
brake when the engine is running. This is because an automatic gearbox
still transmits power even at idling speed, and the vehicle tends to “creep”.
The throttle must on no account be opened inadvertently (for instance by hand from the engine compartment) when a gear is engaged with the
vehicle stationary. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately
(in some cases even if the parking brake is engaged) and possibly cause an
accident.
•To avoid accidents, apply the parking brake and put the selector lever
in position P before opening the bonnet and working on the vehicle with
the engine running. Please observe the important safety warnings
⇒ page 227, “Work in the engine compartment”.Note
•Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox:•If the lever is moved accidentally to N when driving, release the acceler-
ator and let the engine speed drop to idling before selecting D or S again.•For the sake of fuel economy (and the environment), the gearbox ratios on
some models are designed so that maximum speed is only obtained when
the selector lever is at position S.WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent technology
190If required, the ESP can also be enabled and disabled manually by briefly
pressing the switch ⇒page 189, fig. 160. The ESP warning lamp lights
up when the system is switched off, see ⇒page 68.
In general, the ESP should be left switched on at all times. In particular
circumstances where a certain amount of wheel slip is desirable, it may be
advisable to switch off the ESP. Examples:•when driving with snow chains•when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces•when rocking the car backwards and forwards to free it.
The ESP should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.WARNING
The ESP is not able to overcome the physical limits of adhesion. Even with
ESP, you should always adjust your speed to suit the conditions. Please
b ea r t h is i n m i n d , e s p e ciall y o n w e t o r s l i pp e r y roa d s u r fa ces . D o n o t l e t t h e
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving. Failure
to do so could result in an accident.Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking.The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the car's active safety
system. However, the ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter stopping
distances in all conditions. For instance, on loose gravel or fresh snow on top
of an icy surface (conditions which anyway require extreme care and reduced
speed), the stopping distance with ABS may even be slightly longer. How the ABS works
The system runs an automatic self-check when the car reaches a road speed
of about 6 km/h. This may be accompanied by a noise from the ABS pump.
When one of the wheels is turning very slowly in relation to the road speed
and is close to locking up, the system will reduce the pressure in the brake
line to this wheel. The driver is made aware of this adjustment process by a
vibration of the brake pedal
and an audible noise. This is a deliberate
warning to the driver that one or more of the wheels is tending to lock up and
the ABS control function has intervened. In this situation it is important to
keep the brake pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regulate the brake appli-
cation, but do not “pump” the brake pedal.
WARNING
The grip provided by ABS is still subjec t to the physical limits of adhesion.
Always bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery roads. If you notice
that the ABS is working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you
should reduce speed immediately 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.
Note
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, this is indicated by a warning lamp
⇒ page 67.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,
ESP
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