engine overheat Seat Mii 2013 Owner's manual

117
Practical equipment
Electrical power socket* Introduction
Electrical equipment can be connected to the socket in the vehicle.
All connected appliances should be in perfect working order without any
faults.
Additional information and warnings:
● Cigarette lighter ⇒ page 115
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
Improper use of the socket or electrical devices could lead to a fire and
cause serious injuries.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The socket and
equipment connected to it can be used when the ignition is switched on.
● Should a connected electrical device overheat, switch it off and un-
plug it immediately.
CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the vehicle's electrical system, never connect equip-
ment that generates electrical current, such as solar panels or battery charg-
ers, to the 12 Volt power sockets in order to charge the vehicle's battery.
● Only use accessories with approved electromagnetic compatibility ac-
cording to current regulations. ●
To avoid damage due to voltage variations, switch off all appliances con-
nected to the 12 V socket before switching the ignition on or off and before
starting the engine.
● Never connect an appliance to the 12 Volt power socket that consumes
more than the power indicated in watts. Exceeding the maximum power ab-
sorption could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
For the sake of the environment
Do not leave the engine running when the vehicle is at a standstill.
Note
Using electrical appliances with the engine stopped and the ignition switch-
ed on will drain the battery.
Note
Unshielded equipment can cause interference on the radio equipment and
the vehicle's electrical system.
Note
If electrical equipment is used near an aerial, you may observe interference
in the reception of AM stations. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications

122Starting, changing gears, parking
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start driving immediately if the visi-
bility is OK. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and
reduces emissions.
Note
Electrical components with a high power consumption are switched off tem-
porarily when the engine starts.
Note
When the engine is started cold, there may be strong vibrations for a few
moments for technical reasons. This is quite normal, and no cause for con-
cern.
Note
Natural gas engines always start up with petrol, as a certain operating tem-
perature is required for running with gas. Once the required operating tem-
perature is reached, the engine will change to operate with natural gas. 
Stopping the engine
Complete operations only in the sequence given.1.Stopping the vehicle completely ⇒ .
2.Press the brake pedal and keep pressed until step 4 has been
completed.
3.In automatic gearboxes, put the selector lever in position P4.Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ page 134.5.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ Fig. 86 0.6.With a manual gearbox, put the vehicle in first or reverse gear.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is moving. You may lose
control of the vehicle and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not work when the ignition is
switched off.
● The brake servo does not work with the engine off. To stop, the brake
pedal must be pressed with more force.
● As the power steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than normally.
● If the key is removed from the ignition, the steering may lock and it
will not be possible to steer the vehicle.
CAUTION
If the engine has been driven at high speed for a prolonged period of time,
it may overheat when turned off. To avoid engine damage, allow the engine
to run for approximately 2 minutes in neutral before switching it off.
Note
● In vehicles with automatic gearbox, the key can only be removed when
the selector lever is in position P.
● After stopping the engine, the engine compartment fan may continue
running for a few minutes, even when the ignition has been switched off or
the key removed. The radiator fan is automatically switched off. 
Electronic immobiliser
The gear lock prevents the engine from being started with an unauthorised
key and the vehicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a built-in chip. It automatically deactivates the electron-
ic immobiliser when the key is inserted into the ignition lock. 

124Starting, changing gears, parking
Changing gear
Introduction
When reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is switched on the following
takes place:
● Reverse lights light up.
● The rear wiper blade performs one movement when the windscreen wip-
er is activated.
● If necessary, connect the parking distance warning system.
Additional information and warnings:
● Detail of the centre console ⇒ page 12
● Instruments ⇒ page 17
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒  page 134
● Parking sensor system ⇒  page 149
● Electronic power control and exhaust gases purification system
⇒ page 237
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 244
WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, especially on
slippery ground. This could cause loss of control of the vehicle resulting
in an accident and considerable damage.
● Use rapid acceleration only when visibility, weather, road conditions
and traffic permit.
WARNING
Do not allow the brakes to “rub” for a prolonged period of time, or brake
frequently or for long periods of time. Continuous braking heats up the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking
distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
CAUTION
● Never make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. This will increase wear.
● Reduce speed or reduce the gear when faced with steep and long
slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and to reduce the
strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may overheat and fail.
Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop. 

125
Starting, changing gears, parking
Warning and control lamps
If lit upPossible causeSolution

(red)Fault in the automatic gear-
box.
 Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice. Fail-
ure to do so could result in
considerable damage to the
transmission ⇒ page 132.

(yellow)
In the automatic gearbox
the gears can engage incor-
rectly.
Switch the ignition on and off.
When the control lamp does
not light up, find the nearest
specialised workshop and
have the automatic gearbox
checked.
The automatic gearbox
overheats temporarily.
Let the transmission cool with
the gearbox lever in the posi-
tion . When the control lamp
does not light up, find the
nearest specialised workshop
and have the automatic gear-
box checked.
If lit upPossible causeSolution

Place the automatic gear-
box lever in the position 
and do not press the brake
pedal.Press the brake pedal to select
a gear range.
Together with the yellow
control lamp for the temper-
ature of the transmission
: the automatic gearbox
overheats.
Press brake pedal and let the
transmission cool. Avoid
pressing the accelerator.
When the control lamp does
not light up, find the nearest
specialised workshop and
have the automatic gearbox
checked.
Together with the turn sig-
nal display in the instru-
ment panel display: the au-
tomatic gearbox lever is not
in the position , indication
to start the engine.
Move the gearbox lever to the
position  and start the en-
gine. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications

131
Starting, changing gears, parking
Using Tiptronic
● Place the lever in the position D to the left on the Tiptronic shift gate M
⇒ 
in Automatic gearbox: engaging a gear on page 130.
● Press the lever forwards + or backwards – to move up or down a gear
⇒ Fig. 92.
● Place the lever back to the position M to the left on the Tiptronic shift
gate, to leave Tiptronic mode ⇒ 
in Automatic gearbox: engaging a gear
on page 130.
With the lever in the position D, and pressing forwards +
or backwards –the Tiptronic programme can be selected
M.
CAUTION
● When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the next
gear shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.
● When reducing speed manually, the gear box only shifts gear when the
engine can no longer exceed the maximum engine speed. 
Driving with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatically as the vehicle moves.
Driving down hills
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need to select. The low-
est gears increase the engine braking work. Never go down hills with the se-
lector lever in neutral N.
● You should reduce speed accordingly.
● Place the lever in the position D to the left on the Tiptronic shift gate M
⇒  page 130.
● Gently pull the selector lever back –
to change down a gear. Starting when going up a slope
The steeper the gradient, the lower the gear you will need.
When stopping on a slope with a gear range engaged, the vehicle must be
prevented from rolling backwards by always pressing the brake pedal or
pulling the handbrake lever up. When starting, release the brake pedal or
the handbrake ⇒ 
.
Kick-down
The kickdown system provides maximum acceleration when the gear selec-
tor lever is in the position D, or in the Tiptronic position M.
When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down, the automatic gearbox
will shift down to a lower gear, depending on road speed and engine speed.
This takes advantage of the maximum acceleration of the vehicle ⇒ 
.
When the accelerator is pressed to the floor, the automatic gearbox shifts to
the next gear only after the engine reaches the specified maximum engine
speed.
WARNING
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, especially on
slippery ground. This could cause loss of control of the vehicle resulting
in an accident and serious injury.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the flow of traffic.
● Only use the kick-down function or rapid acceleration if visibility,
weather, road and traffic conditions so permit.
● Never put other road users in danger by accelerating or with your
driving style.
CAUTION
If you stop on a hill with a gear range engaged, do not try to prevent the
vehicle from rolling back by pressing on the accelerator. Otherwise, the au-
tomatic gearbox may overheat causing damage. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications

132Starting, changing gears, parking
Automatic gearbox malfunction
Back-up programme
When automatic gearbox warning and control lamps light up on the instru-
ment panel, there may be a system malfunction ⇒ page 124. In the event of
some faults the automatic gearbox functions using a backup programme.
When the backup programme is activated, it is possible to drive the vehicle,
however, at low speeds and within a selected range of gears.
With the manual gearbox, in some cases it is not possible to drive with all
the gears.
In all cases the automatic gearbox must be checked at a specialised work-
shop.
Automatic gearbox overheating
The automatic gearbox can overheat with a prolonged start up, or when
stopping and starting continuously. This overheating is displayed with a
warning lamp  in the instrument panel. Additionally, an audible warning
can be heard. Stop and let the gearbox cool ⇒ 
.
The vehicle moves forward or back despite having selected a gear range
When the vehicle does not move in the required direction, the system may
not have the gear range correctly engaged. Press the brake pedal and en-
gage the gear range again. If the vehicle still does not move in the required
direction, there is a system malfunction. Seek specialist assistance and
have the system checked.
CAUTION
● When the gearbox is displayed as overheating for the first time, the vehi-
cle must be parked safely or must be driven at a speed of more than 20 km/
h (12 mph).
● When the warning lamp lights up and the audible warning is sounded,
the vehicle must be parked safely and the engine switched off. Let the gear-
box cool down.
● To prevent damage to the gearbox, driving must only be continued when
the warning lamps are no longer lit up. While the gearbox is overheated,
starting up and driving at walking speed should be avoided. 
Recommended gear display
In some vehicles, the recommended gear for reducing fuel consumption is
displayed on the instrument panel:
displayMeaning
Optimum gear.
Recommendation to change up a gear.
Recommendation to change down a gear.
WARNING
The recommended gear display is intended as a guideline only; it should
never replace the driver's attention to driving carefully.
● Responsibility for selecting the correct gear for each situation contin-
ues to lie with the driver, for example when overtaking or climbing a hill. 

136Starting, changing gears, parking
WARNING (Continued)
your speed and drive carefully to a specialised workshop close by to
check the brake system. During the following journey, avoid sudden brak-
ing and manoeuvres.
● If the ABS warning lamp  does not go out or if it lights while driv-
ing, the ABS is malfunctioning. The vehicle can only be stopped using
normal braking without ABS. The protection provided by the ABS is not
available. Visit a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they appear may result in faults in
the vehicle. 
Handbrake
Fig. 93 Between the
front seats: Handbrake Using the handbrake
●
Pull firmly in an upwards direction on the handbrake lever while press-
ing the button.
● The handbrake is applied when the control lamp  lights up on the in-
strument panel ⇒ page 135 when the ignition is switched on.
Releasing the handbrake
● Pull gently in an upwards direction on the handbrake lever and press the
lock button ⇒ Fig. 93 (arrow).
● Move the handbrake lever downwards keeping the lock button pressed.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the handbrake may result in a serious accident.
● Never use the handbrake to brake the vehicle except in an emergency.
The braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only ap-
plied to the rear wheels. Always use the foot brake.
● Never drive with the handbrake gently applied. This can overheat the
brake, affecting the brakes system. This also causes premature wear on
the rear brake pads.
● Never accelerate from the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning and a gear engaged. The vehicle could move, even if the handbrake
is applied.
Note
If the vehicle moves at a speed superior to 6 km/h (4 mph) with the hand-
brake applied, an audible warning is sounded. 
Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal requirements should be observed. 

138Starting, changing gears, parking
A layer of salt on the discs and brake pads will reduce the effectiveness of
the brakes and increase braking distance. If you drive for a prolonged peri-
od on salted roads without braking then brake carefully several times to
eliminate the layer of salt on the brakes ⇒ 
.
If the vehicle remains parked for considerable lengths of time, is used little,
or if the brakes are not used, there may be corrosion on the brake discs and
a build up of dirt on the brake pads. If the brakes are not used frequently, or
if rust has formed on the discs, SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and
discs by braking firmly a few times at a moderately high speed. Only do this
without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users ⇒ 
.
Faults in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle does not react as usual (that
the braking distance has increased suddenly) it may be possible that there
is a fault in the braking system. This is indicated by the warning lamp .
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop immediately and have the fault
repaired. Drive at a moderate speed and be prepared to use more pressure
on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping distances.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the engine is running and the pressure
applied by the driver on the brake pedal increases.
If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then the
brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the braking
distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate ⇒ 
.
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficiency.
● For the first 320 km (200 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached
their maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in” first. For this, to
compensate for reduced braking efficiency the brake pedal will have to
be pressed with more force.
WARNING (Continued)
● To avoid losing control of the vehicle and causing serious accidents,
always take great care when driving with new brake pads.
● When running in new brake pads, always respect the safety distances
between you and other vehicles and do not cause situations requiring ex-
treme braking performance.
WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less efficient and braking distances in-
crease.
● When driving on slopes, brakes can be overloaded and overheat
quickly.
● Reduce speed or reduce the gear when faced with steep and long
slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and to reduce
the strain on the brake system.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to
the brakes and cause them to overheat.
WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take time to brake and this increases
braking distances.
● Test the brakes carefully.
● Dry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by braking gently several
times, when visibility, weather, and road and traffic conditions permit. 

139
Starting, changing gears, parking
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
distance and result in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
● If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed,
then the brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that
the braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not op-
erate.
CAUTION
● Never make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake pedal will heat the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking dis-
tance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
● Reduce speed or reduce the gear when faced with steep and long
slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and to reduce the
strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may overheat and fail.
Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop.
Note
Make use, when having the front brake pads checked, and have the rear
pads checked also. The thickness of the brake pads should be checked vis-
ually and regularly, by looking through the openings in the wheel rims or
from underneath the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to check them
thoroughly. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. Brake assist systems
The assisted braking systems ESC*, ABS, EBV, BAS, ASR, TC and EDL only
operate when the ignition is switched on. They contribute significantly to in-
creasing active safety.
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*
ESC* reduces the risk of skidding and increases the vehicle stability by
braking individual wheels under specific driving conditions. ESC* detects
critical handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin on
the driven wheels. The system stabilises the vehicle by braking individual
wheels or by reducing the engine torque.
The ESC* has limits. It is important to realise that the ESC* is also subject to
the laws of physics. ESC* will not be able to deal with all situations with
which drivers may be faced. For example, if the road surface changes sud-
denly then ESC* will not be useful in all cases. If the vehicle suddenly enters
a section covered by water, mud or snow then ESC* will not provide assis-
tance in the same way as on dry ground. If the vehicle loses its grip on the
ground and moves on a film of water (“aquaplaning”), the ESC* will not be
able to assist the driver to control the vehicle due to the loss of adherence
with the road surface preventing braking and steering. If the vehicle is driv-
en through series of bends at high speed, the ESC* will not always be as
effective: the vehicle reaction to aggressive driving is not the same as at re-
duced speeds.
Adjust your speed and driving style to suit visibility, and weather, road and
traffic conditions. ESC* cannot push the limits of the laws of physics; im-
prove the transmission available or maintain the vehicle on the road if a
lack of driver attention creates an inevitable situation. Otherwise, ESC* as-
sists in maintaining vehicle control in extreme situations and uses the
movements of the steering made by the driver to maintain the vehicle mov-
ing in the desired direction. If the vehicle is driven at such a speed that it
will leave the road before ESC* can intervene then the system cannot pro-
vide assistance.

Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications

140Starting, changing gears, parking
The ABS, BAS, ASR and EDL systems are incorporated into the ESC*. The
ESC* is always on 1)
.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS can prevent the wheels from locking during braking until just before
the vehicle stops thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle and maintain
control. This means that, even during full braking, the risk of skidding is re-
duced:
● Press and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not remove your foot from the
brake pedal or reduce braking force!
● Do not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce braking force!
● Maintain vehicle direction when braking fully.
● When the brake pedal is released or when the brake force is reduced,
ABS is turned off.
ABS control can be observed by vibration of the brake pedal and noise. You
should never expect the ABS to reduce the braking distance under any cir-
cumstances. Braking distances will increase when driving on gravel, recent
snow or on icy and slippery ground.
Brake assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the required braking distance. The
brake assist system boosts the braking force if you press the brake pedal
quickly in an emergency. As a result, the braking pressure increases rapidly,
the braking force is multiplied and the braking distance is reduced. This en-
ables the ABS to be activated more quickly and effectively.
!Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal! When the brake pedal is released
or when the brake force is reduced, braking assist automatically turns off
the brake servo. Traction control system (ASR) or Traction Control (TC)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system ASR or TC reduces the
engine torque to match the amount of grip available. The ASR or TC makes
some situations easier, for example, when starting, accelerating or going
uphill, even in unfavourable road conditions.
Electronic differential lock system (EDL)
EDL is available when driving in straight lines under normal conditions.
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs
the power to the other driven wheel. To prevent the disc brake of the braked
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to ex-
cessive loads. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake
has cooled down.
WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet ground can result in loss of ve-
hicle control and serious injury to the driver and passengers.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. Even though the braking assist systems, ABS, BAS,
EDL, ASR, TC and ESC*, provide more security, do not take unnecessary
risks while driving.
● Brake assist systems can not overcome the laws of physics. Even with
ESC* and other systems, slippery and wet roads will always be danger-
ous.
● Driving to quickly on wet ground can result in the wheels losing con-
tact with the ground in an effect known as aquaplaning. Without adher-
ence, it is impossible to brake, steer or control the vehicle.
● Brake assist systems cannot avoid accidents if, for example, the driv-
er does not respect safety distances or drives to quickly in difficult condi-
tions. 
1)
According to version