trailer Seat Toledo 2013 User Guide

166Driving the vehicle with a trailer
WARNING
● Adjust your speed to suit the road and traffic conditions.
● An electrical installation that is connected incorrectly or by non-spe-
cialised personnel can prevent the connection of the current to the trailer
and cause faults in the electrical system operation throughout the entire
vehicle, leading to accidents and serious injury.
● All electrical work must be carried out only by the specialised serv-
ices.
● Never directly connect the trailer electrical device to the electrical
sockets of the reverse driving lights or other sources of electrical current.
CAUTION
● Avoid corners, and sudden and sharp braking.
● Once the trailing arm has been removed, place the corresponding cover
on the hole of the fastening point. This prevents dirt from entering the hole
– see the trailer system assembly manual.
Note
● In the event of frequent journeys with a trailer, we recommend also hav-
ing the vehicle inspected in-between the service intervals.
● When connecting and disconnecting the trailer, the handbrake must be
applied.
● For technical reasons, trailers with LED reverse lights cannot be incorpo-
rated into the vehicle anti-theft alarm system. 

167
Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Towing bracket device Introduction
If the vehicle is equipped with a towing bracket device from the factory or
consisting of genuine SEAT accessories, it meets all the national technical
and legal requirements for towing.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle. If the towing bracket is equipped with a
7-pin connector, the corresponding available adaptor may be used as a
genuine SEAT accessory.
The towing device has a maximum vertical load of 50 kg.
WARNING
● Before driving with the ball-headed bar fitted, verify its correct as-
sembly and placement in the clamping bush.
● Do not use the ball-headed bar if it is not correctly placed and fixed in
the clamping bush.
● Do not use the towing device for towing if it is damaged or missing
parts.
● Do not modify or adapt the towing device for towing.
● Never disengage the ball-headed bar with the trailer still hitched.
CAUTION
Be careful not to damage the paint on the bumper when handling the ball-
headed bar. Description
Fig. 114 Towing bracket device support for hitching/ball-headed bar
The ball-headed bar is detachable. It is located in the spare wheel space or
in the spare wheel compartment in the luggage compartment ⇒ page 207,
Vehicle tool kit*.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 114
13-pin socket
Safety flange
Clamping bush
Clamping bush cap
Ball head cover
Ball-headed bar
Locking balls
Centred
Red marking on the manual regulator
Manual regulator
Key
Key slot cover 
1
23456789101112
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

168Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Red marking on the manual regulator
White marking on the ball-headed bar
Note
Contact an Authorised Service Partner if you lose your key. 
Placing in service position
Fig. 115 Placing in service position
Fig. 116 Service position 13
14Before assembling, place the ball-headed bar in service position.
–
Turn key A
fully in the direction of arrow 1 ⇒ Fig. 115.
– Hold the ball-headed bar with your left hand.
– Pull manual regulator B
outwards in the direction of arrow 2and turn it fully in the direction of arrow 3.
The manual regulator will remain in this position.
Service position ⇒  Fig. 116
● Key C
is in an open position – the key arrow points to the “unlocked”
symbol. The key cannot be removed from the key slot.
● The D
locking balls may be completely inserted into the body of the
ball-headed bar with some pressure.
● The red E
marking on the manual regulator points towards the white
marking on the ball-headed bar.
● Between the manual regulator and the body of the ball-headed bar there
is a clearly visible space of approx. 4 mm F
.
Once the ball-headed bar has been positioned like this, it will be ready to
be placed in the clamping bush.
WARNING
Do not use the ball-headed bar if it cannot be correctly placed in the serv-
ice position.
CAUTION
The key cannot be removed from the manual regulator key slot when it is in
the service position. 

169
Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Assembling the ball-headed bar
Fig. 117 Placing the ball-headed bar/locking and removing the key
Fig. 118 Placing the key
slot cover
– Remove the cap from the clamp-type bulb holder 4
⇒ Fig. 114
by pulling downwards.
– Place the ball-headed bar in service position ⇒ page 168.
– Hold the ball-headed bar from underneath ⇒ Fig. 117 and place
it in the clamping bush as far as possible until you hear it click
into place ⇒ 
. The manual regulator
A
automatically turns in the opposite direc-
tion, adjusting to the ball-headed bar ⇒ .
– Switch off the manual regulator lock with key B
by turning the
key fully to the right in the direction of arrow 1 – the arrow in
the key represents the “locked” symbol.
– Remove the key in the direction of arrow 2
.
– Place cover C
over the manual regulator lock in the direction of
arrow 3 ⇒ Fig. 118.
– Verify the correct placement of the ball-headed bar
⇒ page 170.
WARNING
● Do not hold the manual regulator with your hand when fitting the
ball-headed bar since you could sustain injuries to your fingers.
● When mounting the ball-headed bar, always lock it with a key and re-
move the key from the slot.
● The ball-headed bar must not be in service position with the key in
the key slot.
● If the ball-headed bar is not placed in service position you will not be
able to place it in the clamping bush.
CAUTION
When removing the key, always place the cover over the key slot of the man-
ual regulator to prevent dirt from entering.
Note
Once removed, place the clamping bush cap in an appropriate location in
the luggage compartment. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

170Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Verification of correct placement
Fig. 119 Correct place-
ment of the ball-headed
bar
Before using the ball-headed bar, ensure it is correctly fitted.
Ensure that:
● The ball-headed bar does not come out of the clamping bush with a
strong “shake”.
● The red mark A
⇒ Fig. 119 on the manual regulator signals towards the
white mark on the ball-headed bar.
● The manual regulator is adjusted to the ball-headed bar, with no space
between them.
● The regulator is locked and the key has been removed.
● Cover B
has been placed over the manual regulator lock.
WARNING
Only use the towing bracket device when the ball-headed bar is properly
fitted!
 Disassembly of the ball-headed bar
Fig. 120 Remove the key slot cover/unlock
Fig. 121 Unblock the
ball-headed bar
– Remove cover A
from over the regulator key slot in the direc-
tion of arrow 1 ⇒ Fig. 120.
– Insert key B
in the key slot.
– Open the manual regulator lock by turning key B
fully to the
left in the direction of arrow 2. The arrow on the key points to
the “unlocked” symbol. 

171
Driving the vehicle with a trailer
– Hold the ball-headed bar from underneath ⇒ Fig. 121 and re-
move manual regulator C
with your other hand in the direction
of arrow 3.
– Turn the removed regulator fully in the direction of arrow 4
and
firmly hold it in this position.
– Remove the ball-headed bar from the clamping bush, pulling
downwards in the direction of arrow 5
.
The ball-headed bar should be placed in service position so that it
is ready to be inserted in the clamping bush ⇒ 
.
– Place the cover over the clamping bush 4
⇒ Fig. 114.
WARNING
● Never leave the ball-headed bar unsecured in the luggage compart-
ment. It could be damaged in the event of sudden braking, putting the
safety of passengers at risk!
● Never disassemble the ball-headed bar with the trailer still hitched.
CAUTION
● If you do not turn the manual regulator fully, it will return to its original
position when the ball-headed bar is removed. The manual regulator will be
stuck to the ball-headed bar and you will not be able to put it in the service
position. Therefore, before you assemble it again, you must place the ball-
headed bar in this position.
● When disassembling, place the cap on the clamp-type bulb holder’s key
slot. You will thus prevent dirt from entering the key slot.
Note
● Before disassembling the ball-headed bar, we recommend placing the
cover on the ball head.
● Clean the ball-headed bar thoroughly before returning it to the on-board
toolbox. 
Use and maintenance
Cover the clamping bush with the cap to prevent dirt from entering.
Before hooking on the trailer, check the ball head and, if necessary, lubri-
cate it with adequate lubricant.
Place the protective cover over the ball head when storing the bar. This way,
you will avoid getting the luggage compartment dirty.
If it gets dirty, clean and dry the clamping bush thoroughly with an appro-
priate product.
CAUTION
The top part of the clamping bush opening is lubricated. Be careful not to
remove this lubrication. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

186Checking and refilling levels
Checking the engine oil level
Fig. 125 Engine oil dip-
sticks
The dipstick shows the engine oil level. ⇒ Fig. 125.
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle on a level surface and ensure the engine is at
operating temperature.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Open the bonnet.
– Wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back to the sump
and remove the dipstick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again as far as
it will go.
– Then pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level. Oil level in area
A
–
Do not top up oil.
Oil level in area B
–
Oil can be topped up. After topping up the oil level could be in
area A.
Oil level in area C
–
Oil must be topped up. After topping up the oil level should be
in area B.
It is normal for the engine to consume a certain amount of oil. Depending
on how you drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is used, oil con-
sumption can be up to 0.5 litres per 1000 km (621 miles). Oil consumption
can also be higher for the first 5000 km (3000 miles).
You should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, ideally every
time you fill the tank or before setting off on a long trip.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained motorway
cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or caravan or climbing on moun-
tain passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area A
, but no
higher.
A warning lamp will appear on the instrument panel ⇒ page 71, Engine oil
 if the oil level is too low. In this case, check the oil level as soon as pos-
sible. Top up with the required amount of oil.
CAUTION
● The oil level must never exceed area A ⇒ Fig. 125. Risk of damage to
the exhaust system!
● If the engine oil cannot be topped up under the given conditions,  do
not drive on! Stop the engine and seek the professional assistance of an Of-
ficial Service, as this could cause serious damage to the engine. 

208Self-help
WARNING (Continued)
● Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
● Never place parts of your body, e.g. arms and legs, underneath the
vehicle when supported only by the jack.
● Secure the base of the jack with suitable supports so that it cannot
slip. The jack could slide if the ground below it is soft and slippery and
the vehicle could slip off it. Therefore, place the jack on a firm surface or
use a large, stable base. On a slippery surface, e.g. tiles, use a non-slip
base such as a rubber mat.
● Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. Risk of injury.
● The jack should only be used in the correct jacking points.
CAUTION
● The prescribed tightening torque for wheel bolts on steel and alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.
● If the anti-theft wheel bolt is overly tightened, this could damage the
bolt and the adapter
Note
● The set of anti-theft wheel bolts or the adapter are available from au-
thorised SEAT dealers.
● Please observe the relevant local legal regulations when changing the
wheel. 
Preparation work
Some preparation is required before changing a wheel:
– If you have a flat tyre, stop the vehicle as far away as possible
from moving traffic. The surface must be horizontal.–
All vehicle occupants should leave the vehicle . Vehicle occu-
pants should waiting in a safe place, e.g. behind the roadside
crash barrier) while the wheel is being changed.
– Switch off the ignition and engage neutral or move the selector
lever on the automatic gearbox to position P.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– If towing a trailer, unhitch it.
– Take the vehicle tool kit ⇒ page 207 and the spare wheel
⇒ page 207 out of the luggage compartment. 
Changing a wheel
If possible, change the wheel on a level surface.
– Pull off the hub cap ⇒ page 200 or the wheel bolt covers
⇒ page 200.
– First loosen the anti-theft wheel bolts and then the other wheel
bolts ⇒ page 209.
– Raise the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is no longer
touching the ground ⇒ page 210.
– Remove the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface
(cloth, paper, etc.).
– Take off the wheel.
– Lift the spare wheel into position and tighten the wheel bolts
lightly. 

213
Self-help
Before using the tyre repair kit
The following jobs must be performed before using the tyre repair
kit:
– If you have a flat tyre, stop the vehicle well away from moving
traffic. Stop on flat, solid ground.
– All vehicle occupants should leave the vehicle. Vehicle occu-
pants should waiting in a safe place, e.g. behind the roadside
crash barrier) while the wheel is being changed.
– Switch off the ignition and engage neutral or move the selector
lever on the automatic gearbox to position P.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Check whether the tyre can be repaired using the tyre repair kit
⇒ page 211.
– If towing a trailer, unhitch it.
– Take the tyre repair kit out of the luggage compartment.
– Fix the sticker 2
⇒ Fig. 142 ⇒ 
page 212 onto the dash panel
where the driver will see it.
– Do not remove the foreign body, e.g. bolts or nails, from the
tyre.
– Unscrew the tyre valve cap.
– Using the valve extractor 1
, unscrew the valve insert and place
it onto a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.) Filling and inflating the tyre
Filling the tyre
–
Shake the tyre sealant can 10
⇒ Fig. 142 ⇒ page 212 thorough-
ly several times.
– Attach the flexible filling hose 3
onto the can 10. The foil seal-
ing the can will be automatically pierced.
– Remove the cap from the flexible filling hose 3
and insert the
open end as far as it will go into the tyre valve.
– Hold the can 10
upside down and fill the complete contents of
the can into the tyre.
– Remove the empty can from the tyre.
– Screw the valve insert back into the tyre valve using the valve
extractor 1
.
Inflating the tyre
– Screw the tyre filling hose 5
⇒ Fig. 142 ⇒ page 212 firmly onto
the tyre valve.
– Make sure that the bleed screw 7
is closed.
– Start the vehicle engine and leave it running.
– Plug the connector 9
into the 12-volt power socket.
– Turn the air compressor on with the switch 8
.
– Leave the air compressor running until the tyre pressure has
reached 2.0-2.5 bar (29-36 psi / 200-250 kPa). Max. operating
time for the compressor is 8 minutes ⇒ 
!
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

217
Self-help
road. If the vehicle is towed with the rear wheels lifted off the road
the automatic gearbox will be damaged!
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a towbar. A towrope
should only be used if you do not have a towbar.
Follow the instructions below when towing a vehicle:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Engage the clutch very gently when starting to move or on vehi-
cles with automatic gearbox press the accelerator carefully.
– On vehicles with manual gearbox, the towrope must be taut be-
fore driving off.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h (31 mph).
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– The ignition should be switched on so that the steering wheel
lock is not engaged and the turn signals, horn and windscreen
wipers and washers can be used.
– Put the gear lever in neutral or move the selector lever to posi-
tion N (automatic gearbox).
The brake servo and power steering only work when the engine is
running. Considerably more effort is required on the brake pedal
and steering wheel when the engine is switched off.
Ensure the towrope remains taut at all times when towing.
CAUTION
● Do not tow-start the engine. Risk of engine damage! In vehicles with a
catalytic converter, unburnt fuel could reach the catalytic converter and
catch fire in it. This could damage and destroy the catalytic converter. Use
the battery from another vehicle for help in starting the engine ⇒ page 215,
Starting the engine.
● If, due to a fault, there is no oil in the gearbox, the car may only be tow-
ed with the driven wheels lifted clear of the road and transported on a spe-
cial vehicle transporter or trailer.
● If normal towing is not possible or if the vehicle is to be towed for further
than 50 km (31 miles), the vehicle must be transported on a special vehicle
transporter or trailer.
● The towrope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both ve-
hicles during towing. It is advisable to use a towrope made of synthetic fibre
or similar material only.
● Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and always take care to
avoid jerking the towrope. When towing on a loose surface there is always a
risk of overloading and damaging the anchorage points.
● Attach the towrope or towbar only to the towline anchorages or to the
removable towing bracket ⇒  page 164, or ⇒ page 218.
Note
● We recommend you use the towrope or towbar available in the SEAT
Original Accessories programme from authorised SEAT dealers.
● Towing a vehicle requires some experience. Both drivers should be fa-
miliar with the technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should
not attempt to tow away another vehicle or to have their vehicle towed.
● Note the legal regulations concerning towing, particularly those regard-
ing the signalling of the towed and towing vehicle.
● The towrope must not be twisted, as under certain circumstances this
could unscrew the front towline anchorage. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications