check engine light Seat Exeo ST 2011 User Guide

74Cockpit
Door and tailgate warning
Fig. 51 Display: Door
and tailgate warning
The door and tailgate warning symbol lights up if one or more of the doors,
or the bonnet or tailgate are not properly closed when the ignition is on. The
symbol also indicates which of these is not properly closed. The display in
the illustration ⇒ fig. 51 shows that the driver door is open.
The corresponding part of the pictogram will flash if either the bonnet or
tailgate are open. The warning symbol goes out when the bonnet, tailgate
and all the doors are closed.
In vehicles with a driver information system and an onboard computer* the
door catches/tailgate warning symbol can be switched off by briefly press-
ing one of the control switches for the onboard computer ⇒ page 86. How-
ever, the warning symbol will appear again if any of the doors or the bonnet
or tailgate is opened or closed. Service indicator
This display reminds the driver when the next routine serv-
ice is due.
Fig. 52 Detailed view of
the instrument panel:
Service indicator
Displaying distance to next service
When you press the service button 1
briefly with the ignition switched on,
the display will show how far the vehicle can be driven before the next serv-
ice is due. This check can be carried out with the engine stopped or running
up to 5 km/h. Before the first 500 km and after the ignition cycle, the kilo-
metres and days before the service inspection are not displayed.
If the service button 1
is pressed before the first 500 km the following indi-
cation appears on screen:
Service in ----- km --- days
This is only valid for vehicles with “LongLife Service Intervals”*. 

75
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Service reminder
The instrument panel controls the distance travelled every day. It calculates
the average of these distances travelled and activates the service reminder
sufficiently in advance.
The display reverts back to the standard display after about 5 seconds. The
remaining distance to the next service is updated every time the ignition is
switched on, until the service becomes due.
Service due
When a service is due, SERVICE! will appear in the display immediately after
you switch on the ignition. The display reverts back to the standard display
after about 5 seconds.
Resetting the display
The display is reset by the workshop after the service has been carried out.
The service interval will be set to a LongLife Service (flexible service inter-
val) or Inspection Service (fixed service interval), depending on which en-
gine oil is used. It is only possible to reset the display via the instrument
panel when an oil change is performed; in this case the display can only be
reset to a fixed service interval of 15 000 km. Proceed as follows:
● Switch the ignition off.
● Press the service button ⇒ fig. 52 1
and hold while switching on the
ignition. The display will show one of these messages: Service in ----- km or
Service!
● Now press and hold the reset button 2
until the display shows
Service
in ----- km --- days or Service!
The display switches out of the reset mode if you do not press the reset but-
ton within 5 seconds.
CAUTION
The system cannot calculate the figures for the service interval display if the
battery is disconnected from the vehicle, so no service reminder can be dis-
played during this time. Please remember that it is essential to service the
vehicle within the established time limits to prevent its deterioration and to
extend its useful life (particularly that of the engine). The period between
two services must never be longer than the time specified in the Mainte-
nance Programme, even if you only cover a low mileage during this time.
Note
● Do not reset the service indicator between services, otherwise the dis-
play will be incorrect.
● The information in the service indicator remains intact if the battery is
disconnected.
● The distance to the next service cannot be called up if the system has
detected a Priority 1 fault (red symbol). 
Auto-check system Introduction
The auto-check system checks important components and vehicle systems.
These background checks are run constantly, as long as the ignition is
switched on.
A message is displayed on the instrument panel if a fault should occur or if
any maintenance or repairs are urgently required. This is accompanied by
an audible warning signal. Depending on the priority of the fault, a red or
yellow warning symbol lights up on the display. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

77
Cockpit
Red symbols
A red symbol warns of a danger.
Fig. 54 Display: Coolant
level warning
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the fault. Obtain professional assistance if necessary.

BRAKESFault in brake system⇒ page 77

COOLANTCoolant level too low / coolant tem-
perature too high⇒ page 78

OIL PRES- SUREEngine oil pressure too low⇒ page 78
The red symbols are used to indicate a Priority 1 fault (serious malfunction). A red symbol is accompanied by
three warning chimes. The symbols will
keep flashing until the faults are corrected. If several Priority 1 faults are de-
tected at the same time, the symbols are displayed one after the other for
about 2 seconds. 
Fault in the brake system 
A fault in the brake system should be repaired as soon as
possible.
If the symbol  flashes in the display, there is a fault in the brake
system. One of the following messages will appear in the display
together with the symbol:
Stop vehicle, check brake fluid and hydraulic fluid levels
Warning! Fault in brake system (ABS) Take vehicle to workshop
– Stop the vehicle.
– Check the brake fluid level ⇒ page 236.
If the ABS fails, the ABS warning lamp  will light up together with the
brake system fault symbol  ⇒ 
. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

78Cockpit
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, ob-
serve the warning information in ⇒ page 226, Work in the engine com-
partment.
● If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this could result in
an accident. Do not drive on! Obtain technical assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp, this can mean that there is a fault in the ABS control function. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. Under cer-
tain circumstances, the rear of the vehicle could suddenly sway from side
to side, with the subsequent danger of skidding. Drive carefully to the
nearest specialised workshop and have the fault repaired.

Fault in the cooling system 
Faults in the cooling system must be repaired immediately.
If the  symbol flashes in the display, this means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. The
following message will appear in the display together with the
symbol:
Switch off engine and check coolant level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the coolant level ⇒ page 231.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒ page 232.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on. –
Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunc-
tion of the radiator fan.
If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well ⇒ page 69, it is possible that
the drive belt has broken.
CAUTION
Do not drive on if the symbol  has come on to indicate a fault in the cool-
ing system, otherwise there is a risk of engine damage. 
Engine oil pressure too low 
If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be re-
paired immediately.
If the  symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure is too low.
The following message will appear in the display together with the
symbol:
Switch off engine, check oil level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒ page 229.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
Engine oil level too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒ page 230.


79
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Engine oil level correct
If the  symbol flashes and the engine oil level is correct, obtain profes-
sional assistance. Do not drive on! Do not continue to run the engine, even
at idle speed .
Note
The oil pressure warning lamp  is not an indicator for the oil level. The oil
level should therefore be checked regularly, preferably every time you fill
the tank. 
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol indicates a warning.
Fig. 55 Display: Fuel lev-
el low
Brake light failure warning light⇒ page 80
Fuel level low⇒ page 80
Engine speed governing⇒ page 80
Check engine oil level⇒ page 80
Engine oil sensor faulty*⇒ page 80
Diesel particulate filter* obstructed⇒ page 80
Photosensor/rain sensor faulty⇒ page 81
Brake pad worn⇒ page 81
Speed warning 1⇒ page 81
Dynamic headlight range control* faulty⇒ page 81
Adaptive headlights* faulty⇒ page 81
Washer fluid level low*⇒ page 81
Speed warning 2*⇒ page 81
Battery voltage too high or too low*⇒ page 81
Bulb monitor*⇒ page 82
Tyre pressure monitoring system*
Loss of pressure⇒ page 89
Tyre pressure monitoring system*
System not available⇒ page 66
Yellow symbols are used to indicate a Priority 2 fault (warning). 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

80Cockpit
Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning buzzer. The function indi-
cated should be checked as soon as possible. If several Priority 2 faults are
detected at the same time, the symbols are displayed one after the other for
about 2 seconds at a time. 
Brake light failure 
This warning light will appear on the upper part of the display if any of the
brake lights has failed. A text message in the central part of the display indi-
cates which brake light has failed (left or right). 
Fuel level low 
When this symbol  comes on for the first time, there are about 8 to 10 li-
tres of fuel left in the tank. You should fill up as soon as possible
⇒  page 222. 
Engine speed governing 
Max. engine speed XXXX rpm
There is a fault in the engine management. In addition, the warning lamp 
on the instrument panel will light up. The engine speed will be governed to
the speed displayed in the driver information system. Please ensure that
the engine speed does not exceed the speed shown (for example, when
changing down a gear).
Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop immediately to have the fault re-
paired. Checking the engine oil level

If the  symbol lights up, please check the engine oil level as soon as pos-
sible ⇒ page 229. Top up the oil at the next opportunity ⇒ page 230.
Engine oil sensor defective* 
If the  symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop and
have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to check the oil
level every time you fill up with fuel ⇒ page 229. 
Diesel particulate filter obstructed 
If the symbol  lights up, you can contribute towards automatic filter
cleaning by driving in the right manner. To do this, drive about 15 minutes
in 4th or 5th gear (automatic gearbox: S gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h,
with the engine running at approximately 2000 rpm. The increase in temper-
ature will burn off any soot in the filter. When cleaning is successful, the
symbol switches off.
If the symbol  does not turn off, or the three lamps turn on (particulate
filter , emission control system fault  and heaters ), take the vehicle
to a qualified workshop to repair the fault.
For further information on the diesel particulate filter, see ⇒ page 198.
WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the weather, road, ter-
rain and traffic conditions. The recommended driving speed must never
lead to the driver disregarding the traffic regulations.


199
Driving and the environment
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at lev-
el crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after
only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart
the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up when it is idling. 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 maxi-
mum 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 one 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 un-
necessary 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 100-120 km/h your vehicle will use about
12% more 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, al-
ways 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
● Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, as the pressure
can make the plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can burn the clutch
plate lining, causing a serious fault.
● Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch, use the foot brake or
hand brake, using the latter to start. The fuel consumption will be lower and
you will prevent the clutch plate from being damaged.
● On descents, use the engine brake, changing to the gear that is more
suitable for the slope. The fuel consumption will be lower and the brakes
will not suffer. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

202Trailer towing
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” condi-
tions (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
recommendations 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 be-
tween 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.
Therefore, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This especially applies
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slight-
est 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 go-
ing 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  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. 

226Checking and refilling levels
Opening the bonnet
Fig. 176 Release catch
under the bonnet
Before opening the bonnet make sure that the windscreen wiper
arms are not lifted away from the glass. Otherwise the paint may
be damaged.
– Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒ 
.
– Press the release catch under the bonnet upwards ⇒ fig. 176.
This will release the arrester hook under the bonnet.
– Open the bonnet.
The bonnet is held in position by a gas-filled strut.
WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or drips of coolant being re-
leased from the engine compartment. Failure to comply could result in
burns. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the
bonnet.
 Work in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components in
the engine compartment.
Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or even fire when working in the engine compartment (e.g. when
checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warnings listed below
and follow all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of the
vehicle is a potentially hazardous area ⇒ 
WARNING
● Switch the engine off.
● Remove the ignition key.
● Apply the handbrake firmly.
● If your vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox, place the gear lev-
er in neutral. If you are driving an automatic vehicle, place the selector
lever in position P.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● Children should not be allowed to approach the engine compartment.
● Never spill liquids used for vehicle operation on the engine compart-
ment, as these may catch fire (e.g. coolant).
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especial-
ly when working on the battery.
● Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is hot, as the fan could
start up suddenly.
● Never open the expansion tank when the engine is hot. The cooling
system is under pressure.
● Protect face, hands and arms from any hot steam or hot coolant fluid
released by covering the cap with a large, thick rag when opening the ex-
pansion tank. 

232Checking and refilling levels
–Check the coolant level on coolant fluid expansion tank
⇒ fig. 179. When the engine is cold, it should be between the
“min” and “max” marks. When the engine is hot, it may be
slightly above the “max” mark.
Its location is shown in the corresponding general overview of the engine
compartment.
The coolant level should be checked with the engine switched off.
The coolant level is monitored by a warning lamp on the instrument panel
display ⇒ page 78. However, we recommend that it should be checked oc-
casionally.
Coolant fluid loss
Any loss of coolant fluid normally indicates a leak in the cooling system. In
this case the cooling system should be inspected by a qualified workshop
without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the coolant fluid.
If there are no leaks in the system, a loss of coolant fluid can only occur if
the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of overheating.
CAUTION
Radiator sealants must not be added to the coolant fluid. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system. 
Topping up the coolant fluid
Be careful when topping up with coolant fluid. – Switch the engine off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down. –
Cover the cap on the expansion tank ⇒ fig. 179 with a cloth,
and carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒ 
.
– Add coolant fluid.
– Screw on the cap tightly.
Make sure that the coolant fluid meets the required specifications
⇒  page 230, Coolant fluid. Do not use a different type of antifreeze if G12+
+ antifreeze is not available. In this case, use only water and bring the anti-
freeze concentration back up to the correct level as soon as possible.
Always top up with new coolant fluid.
Do not fill above the “max” mark. Excess coolant fluid is forced out of the
system through the valve in the filler cap when the engine gets hot.
If a lot of coolant fluid has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down before
putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in serious engine dam-
age.
WARNING
● The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap on the
expansion tank when the engine is hot. Failure to comply could result in
burns.
● The antifreeze and coolant fluid can be a health hazard. Therefore,
the antifreeze should be stored in the original container in a safe place
out of reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.
For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used coolant in-
to a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper manner (observe envi-
ronmental regulations). 