wheel Seat Exeo ST 2009 Owner's Guide

Driving
170DrivingAddressAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the stee ring wheel can be adjusted as
required to suit the driver.–Push the lever ⇒ fig. 145 down ⇒.
– Move the steering wheel to the desired position.
– Then push the lever back up against the steering column until it engages in position.
WARNING
•Never adjust the position of the steering wheel when the vehicle is
moving, as this could cause an accident.•For safety reasons, the lever must always be securely engaged when
the vehicle is moving, so that the position of the steering wheel cannot
shift unexpectedly. Otherwise this could cause an accident.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.
Fig. 145 Lever beneath
steering column
Fig. 146 Detail of the
centre console: ESP
button
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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
A1
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Driving
172Switching on the ignition/pre-heating glow plugs
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
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 by itself.
The ignition key has to be turned back to position 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
Turn the ignition key to this position.
WARNING
•Never remove the ignition key until the vehicle is stationary! Otherwise
the steering lock could engage suddenly, which could cause an accident.•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 car, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine or
use power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could
lead to injuries.Note
•If the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, it will be
necessary to leave the key in position for about 5 seconds before starting
the engine.•Vehicles with automatic gearbox: After switching off the ignition, you can
only remove the ignition key if the gear selector lever is in position “P” (parking lock). The gear selector lever is locked after the ignition key has been
removed.
Starting and stopping the engineStarting the engine
The engine can only be started with an original SEAT key.Vehicles with a petrol 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) ⇒.
A2
A3
A2
A1
A1
A2
Fig. 148 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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Driving183
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
This avoids overloading the locking mechanism and it will be easier to move
the selector lever from position P.
Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: Your vehicle is equipped with the
hill
hold assist function which makes it easier to start off on a slope. The system
is activated when you press and hold the brake pedal for a few seconds.
When you release the brake pedal the braking force will be maintained for a
moment in order to prevent the vehicle rolling back when you drive away.
WARNING
•While you are selecting a gear and the vehicle is stopped with the
engine running, do not accelerate. Failure to do so could result in an acci-
dent.•Please note that some power will still be transmitted when you stop
temporarily with the selector lever in position D, S or R. To do this, when
stopping you will need to press the brake with the force required to hold
the vehicle still. Failure to do so could result in an accident.•N e v e r m ov e t h e s e l e c t o r l e v e r t o R o r P w h e n d r i v i n g , a s t h i s co u l d ca u s e
an accident.•Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: Please note that some power will
still be transmitted when you stop temporarily with the selector lever in
position D, S or R. To do this, when stopping you will need to press the
brake with the force required to hold the vehicle still. Failure to do so could
result in an accident.
Selector lever positions
This section covers all th e selector lever positions.The current selector lever position is shown in the dash panel.
P - parking lock
This locks the driving wheels mechanically. The parking brake should only be
used when the vehicle has already stopped ⇒ .
The interlock button (the button in the selector lever handle) must be pressed
in and the brake pedal must be depressed before moving the selector lever
either in or out of position P. This is only possible when the ignition is on.
R - Reverse gear
When reverse gear is engaged the gearbox automatically selects the lowest
gear ratio.
The reverse gear may be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is idling ⇒.
Fig. 155 Display:
Selector lever positions
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Driving
186Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of resistance
at full throttle, the gearbox will shift down to a lower gear, depending on road
speed and engine speed. The upshift to the next higher gear is delayed until
the engine reaches maximum rpm.
WARNING
P l eas e n o te t ha t i f t h e road s u r fa ce is s l i pp e r y o r w e t , t h e k ick- d ow n fe at u re
could cause the driving wheels to spin, which could result in skidding.Dynamic gear control program (DCP)
The automatic gearbox is controlled electronically.The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled gearbox. The gear
ratios are selected automatically according to preset gearshift programmes.
When you drive at moderate speeds the gearbox will select the most econom-
ical shift programme. It will then change up early and delay the downshifts to
give better fuel economy.
If you drive at higher speeds with heavy acceleration, if you open the throttle
quickly, or if you use the kick-down or the car's maximum speed, the gearbox
will automatically select the more sporty shift programmes.
The gearbox is self-adapting, and continuously selects the most suitable shift
programme. At the same time, the driver can also make the gearbox switch to
a more sporty programme by pressing the accelerator quickly. Depending on
road speed, this makes the gearbox shift down early into a lower gear ratio
for more rapid acceleration (for instance to pass another vehicle), without
having to press the accelerator all the way down into the kick-down position.
After the gearbox has shifted back up it returns to the original programme,
depending on your style of driving. Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: the gearbox continuously adapts the
gear ratios to gradients. If the brake
pedal is pressed on a downhill gradient
the gearbox automatically shifts to a lower gear ratio. This increases the
engine braking effect.
Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox: in mountainous areas, the gearbox adapts
the gearshifts for uphill and downhill gradients. This prevents the gearbox
from shifting up and down unnecessarily on uphill gradients.
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Driving
188Back-up programme
A back-up system is in place if a fault should occur in the
control system.The automatic gearbox switches to the back-up programme if a fault should
occur in the control system. This is indicated by a gear-wheel symbol which
lights up on the dash panel display (the symbol represents a gear pinion).
It is still possible to move the selector lever to all positions. The manual shift
programme (Tiptronic) is not available when the back-up programme is
active.
Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox: When the selector lever is in position D or S
or in the manual shift programme, the gearbox will remain in 3rd gear if 1st,
2nd or 3rd gears were engaged when the fault occurred. The gearbox will
remain in 5th gear if 4th, 5th or 6th gears were engaged. The gearbox will
then engage 3rd gear when you drive away from a standstill or after the
engine is restarted.
It will still be possible to use reverse gear in the normal way. However, the
electronic lock for reverse gear will be switched off.
Caution
Should the gearbox ever switch into the back-up programme, you should take
the vehicle to a technical service or qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Steering wheel with paddle levers
The paddle levers on the steering wheel enable the driver to
manually select pre-programmed ratios or gears.– Briefly pull the left-hand paddle lever to change down to a
lower gear.
– Briefly pull the right-hand paddle lever to change up to a higher gear.The paddle levers are activated when the selector lever is in position D or S,
or the position for the manual shift programme (tiptronic).
The manual shift programme can, of course, still be operated using the
selector lever in the centre console.
Fig. 159 Steering wheel:
Tiptronic controls
A–A+
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Intelligent technology189
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Practical tipsIntelligent technologyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)General notes
The electronic stabilisation programme increases the
vehicle's stability on the road.The ESP is designed to increase the degree of control in situations where the
car 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 stabili-
sation 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 car is starting to skid), then the ESP compen-
sates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the car back to a stable condi-
tion. 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 190. If a malfunction
should occur in the ABS, the ESP will also be out of action.
Disabling
The ESP is enabled automatically when the engine is started and performs a
self-test routine.
Fig. 160 Centre console
with ESP switch
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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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Intelligent technology191
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 190. 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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