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Seat Altea Freetrack. Service Manual - part 12

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182

Intelligent technology

Anti-lock brake system and traction control

WARNING (continued)

M-ABS (ABS and TCS)

• The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted

⇒ page 233.

• If the running gear or brakes are modified, the effectiveness of the ABS

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

could be severely limited.

The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking

during braking.

Traction control system (TCS)

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle's active

safety system.

The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from

How the ABS works

spinning when the car is accelerating.

If one of the wheels is turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is

Description and operation of the traction control system during acceleration

close to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel.

(TCS)

The driver is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake

pedal and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one or

TCS reduces engine power to help prevent the drive wheels of front-wheel

more of the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has inter-

drive vehicles losing traction during acceleration. The system works in the

vened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully depressed

entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a malfunction should occur in

so the ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump”.

the ABS, the TCS will also be out of action.

If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is

TCS helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-

retained as the wheels do not lock.

pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.

However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in all

The TCS is switched on automatically when the engine is started. If necessary,

conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel

it may be turned on or off pushing the button on the centre console.

or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.

When the TCS is off, the warning lamp is lit. The TCS should normally be left

switched on at all times. Only in exceptional circumstances, when slipping of

the wheels is required, should it be disconnected for example

WARNING

• With compact temporary spare wheel.

• The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery

and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is

• When using the snow chains.

working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you should reduce

• When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces

speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the

• When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by “rocking.”

extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.

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183

The TCS should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.

Electronic Stabilising Program (ESP)*

ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually.

WARNING

The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the

changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them

• It must be remembered that TCS cannot defy the laws of physics. This

with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If the desired course is not being

should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when

maintained (for instance, if the car is starting to skid), then the ESP compen-

towing a trailer.

sates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.

• Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and

the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by TCS tempt you

The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable

into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.

condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front

wheel on the outside of the turn.

Caution

Steering manoeuvre recommendations

• In order to ensure that TCS function correctly, all four wheels must be

This is a complementary safety function included in the ESP This function aids

fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can

the driver to better stabilize the vehicle in a critical situation. For example, in

cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.

case of sudden braking surface with varied adherence, the vehicle will tend

to destabilize its trajectory to the right to or to the left. In this case the ESP

• Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running

recognizes the situation and helps the driver with a counter steering

gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-

manoeuvre from the power steering.

ciency of the ABS and TCS.

This function simply provides the driver with a recommended manoeuvre in

critical situations.

The vehicle doesn't steer itself with this function, the driver has full control of

Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*

the vehicle at all times.

General notes

WARNING

The electronic stabilisation programme increases the

• It must be remembered that ESP cannot defy the laws of physics. This

should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when

vehicle's stability on the road.

towing a trailer.

The electronic stabilisation programme helps to reduce the danger of skid-

• Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and

ding.

the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you

into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.

The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL, TCS and

Steering manoeuvre recommendations.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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184

Intelligent technology

a slippery road surface on one side of the vehicle. It does this by braking the

Caution

wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the other

• In order to ensure that ESP functions correctly, all four wheels must be

driven wheel via the differential.

fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can

To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts

cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.

out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle will continue to

• Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running

function normally without EDL. For this reason, the driver is not informed that

gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-

the EDL has been switched off.

ciency of the ABS, EDL, ESP and TCS.

The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.

Note

WARNING

To disconnect using the ESP button ⇒ page 162.

• When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow,

press the accelerator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven wheels may start to

spin. This could impair the vehicle's stability.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

• Always adapt your driving style to suit road conditions and the traffic

situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by EDL tempt you into taking

The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking during braking

any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.

⇒ page 182.

Caution

Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running

Electronic differential lock (EDL)*

gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-

ciency of the EDL ⇒ page 210.

The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-

tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.

EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-

The traction control system (TCS)

pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.

The system will control the revolutions of the drive wheels using the ABS

The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from spinning when the

sensors (in case of an EDL fault the warning lamp for ABS lights up)

car is accelerating ⇒ page 182.

⇒ page 78.

At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differ-

ences in the speed of the driven wheels of approximately 100 rpm caused by

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185

Four-wheel drive

WARNING (continued)

On quattro models the engine power is distributed to all four

• The braking capability of your vehicle is limited by the tyres' grip. It is

wheels

therefore no different from a car without four-wheel drive. So do not be

tempted to drive too fast on icy or slippery roads just because the car still

General notes

has good acceleration in these conditions. Failure to do so could result in

The four-wheel drive system operates automatically. The engine power is

an accident.

distributed to all four wheels. It automatically adjusts to driving style and

• On wet roads bear in mind that the front wheels may start to “aqua-

road conditions.

plane” and lose contact with the road if the car is driven too fast. If this

should happen, there will be no sudden increase in engine speed to warn

The four-wheel drive is specially designed to complement the superior engine

the driver, as with a front-wheel drive car. Therefore, you should adjust

power of your SEAT. This combination gives the car exceptional handling and

your speed to the road conditions. Failure to do so could result in an

performance capabilities - both on normal roads and in more difficult condi-

accident.

tions, such as snow and ice.

Winter tyres

Thanks to its four-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction in winter

Brakes

conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, we still recommend

that winter tyres or all-season tyres should be fitted on all four wheels when

What factors can have a negative effect on the brakes?

winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a better

braking response.

New brake pads

Snow chains

New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first 400 km,

they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking capacity may be

On roads where snow chains are mandatory, this also applies to cars with

compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid over-

four-wheel drive.

loading the brakes during run-in.

Changing tyres

Wear

On vehicles with four-wheel drive, all four tyres must have the same rolling

The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive and

circumference ⇒ page 237.

the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for

instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard driving with abrupt starts

WARNING

and stops.

• Even with four-wheel drive, you should always adjust your speed to suit

Wet roads; road salt

the conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking

When the velocity is over 80 km/h, and the windscreen wipers are on, the

any risks when driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.

brake system moves the pads towards the brake discs for a few seconds. This

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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187

Braking effect and braking distance

WARNING (continued)

The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by

• Never let the brakes “rub” by applying light pressure. Continuous

driving situations and road conditions.

braking will cause the brakes to overheat and will increase the braking

distance. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.

The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The rate

• Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. The braking

of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under

distance is increased considerably as the brake servo does not function.

which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often

• Very heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid

drive in town, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we recom-

is left in the system for too long. This impairs the braking effect.

mend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an Approved

Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Maintenance

• Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the

Programme.

brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions

before purchasing accessories ⇒ page 210, “Modifications”.

If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in

• If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-

heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-

ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary

ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter): The brakes should

journeys.

be dried by pressing the pedal to restore full braking effect.

WARNING

Power steering (servotronic*)

Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk

of accidents.

The power steering assists the driver when turning the

• New brake pads must be run in and do not have the correct friction

steering wheel (with the engine running).

during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be

compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also

The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the

applies when new brake pads are fitted.

steering wheel. In cars equipped with servotronic* power steering the degree

of power assistance is regulated electronically according to road speed.

• If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have

been gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal.

If a fault should occur in the servotronic system the power steering* will still

• On steep descents if the brakes are excessively used they will over

operate. The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to

heat. Before driving down a long steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce

different speeds. If the electronic regulating system is not working properly,

speed and change to a lower gear (or move the selector lever to a lower gear

this is most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for

if your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine

instance when parking) - more effort will be required than usual. The fault

braking and relieves the brakes.

should be corrected by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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Driving and the environment

189

Driving and the environment

Running-in

Running in tyres and brake pads

New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New

Running in a new engine

brake pads should be run-in carefully for the first 200 km.

The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.

During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect

by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. If you need to make an emer-

Up to 1,000 kilometres

gency stop, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with

brake pads which have been run-in.

- Do not drive faster than three quarters of top speed.

- Do not accelerate hard.

WARNING

- Avoid high engine revolutions.

• New tyres do not give maximum grip to start with, and require running-

in. This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first 500

- Do not tow a trailer.

km.

• New brake pads must be “run in” and do not have the correct friction

From 1,000 to 1,500 km

properties during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity

- Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed

may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder.

or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).

During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is

greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded in.

Exhaust gas emission control system

For the sake of the environment

Catalytic converter*

If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and its oil

consumption reduced.

To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter

- Always use unleaded petrol.

- Do not run the fuel tank dry.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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190

Driving and the environment

– For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil

Diesel engine particulate filter*

⇒ page 221, “Topping up engine oil ”.

The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates soot produced

- Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary

by burning diesel.

⇒ page 268.

The diesel engine dust filter eliminates most of the soot from the exhaust gas

system. Under normal driving conditions, the filter cleans itself. If the driving

If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is

conditions do not allow the filter to clean itself (for example, multiple short

moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the

trips) the filter will be obstructed by dust and pollen and the indicator for the

nearest qualified workshop. In general, the exhaust warning lamp will light

diesel engine particulate filter indicator will light ⇒ page 79.

up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒ page 72. If this happens,

unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the environment.

The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.

WARNING

• The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-

WARNING

tures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-

The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! Fire hazard!

neath the vehicle. Failure to comply could result in fire.

• Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with

dry grass or inflammable materials under the vehicle.

Caution

• Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the

Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine particulate filter must not be refueled

exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust

using biodiesel (RME), given that the fuel system may be damaged.

system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is driven.

Caution

Driving abroad

Never fully drain the fuel tank, in this case, the irregularity of the fuel supply

may cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust

system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic converter.

Notes

For the sake of the environment

For driving abroad, the following must be taken into consideration:

Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a

• For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter ensure that unleaded petrol is

smell of sulphur from the exhaust under some conditions. This depends on

available for the journey. See the chapter “Refuelling”. Automobile organisa-

the sulphur content of the fuel used. Quite often the problem can be reme-

tions will have information about service station networks selling unleaded

died by changing to another brand of fuel.

fuel.

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Driving and the environment

191

• In some countries it is possible that a vehicle model is sold under condi-

Adjusting headlights for driving on the left

tions where some spare parts are not available or that the Authorised Service

Centres may only carry out limited repairs.

SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the

technical preparation of your vehicle in addition to necessary maintenance

and repair possibilities.

Adhesive strips for headlights

If you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or

vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights will dazzle oncoming

traffic.

To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight

Fig. 152 Right headlight

lenses. Further information is available from your Authorised Service Centre.

In vehicles with self-directing headlights, the rotation system must previ-

ously be disconnected. To do this please go to a specialist workshop.

Fig. 153 Left headlight

On the right hand side headlight, if you are changing from driving on the

right-hand side to the left-hand side ⇒ fig. 152.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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192

Driving and the environment

On the left hand side headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-

On the right headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side

hand side to the right-hand side ⇒ page 191, fig. 153.

to the right-hand side.

On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side to

the right-hand side.

Covering headlights for driving on the right

Fig. 154 Right headlight

Fig. 155 Left headlight

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Driving and the environment

193

Covering simple headlights for driving on the right

On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side to

the right-hand side.

Adjustments for Bixenon headlights for driving on the left

Fig. 156 Right headlight

Fig. 158 Right headlight

Fig. 157 Left headlight

On the right headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side

to the right-hand side.

Fig. 159 Left headlight

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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