Seat Ateca. Service Manual - part 12

Driving

smooth, uninterrupted acceleration of the
vehicle.

The 

tiptronic system allows the driver to

change gears manually if desired

››› 

page 183, Changing gears in tiptronic

mode*

.

Selector lever positions

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 42

The selector lever position engaged is high-
lighted on the display in the instrument clus-
ter. With the selector lever in the manual
gearbox positions G, D, E and S, the engaged
gear is also indicated on the display.

P – Parking lock
When the selector lever is in this position,
the driven wheels are locked mechanically.
The parking lock must be engaged only when
the vehicle is stationary 

››› 

.

The interlock button (the button on the selec-
tor lever handle) must be pressed in and si-
multaneously the brake pedal must be de-
pressed before moving the selector lever ei-
ther in or out of position P.

R – Reverse gear
Reverse gear must be engaged only when the
vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling

››› 

.

To move the selector lever to position R, the
interlock button must be pressed in and at
the same time the brake pedal must be de-
pressed. The reverse lights come on when
the selector lever is in the R position with the
ignition on.

N – Neutral (idling)
With the selector lever in this position, the
gear is in neutral.

D/S – Permanent drive (forward) position
The selector lever in the D/S position enables
the gears to be controlled in normal mode (D)
or Sport (S). To select Sport mode (S), move
the selector lever backwards. Moving the lev-
er again will select normal mode (D). The se-
lected driving mode is shown on the instru-
ment panel display.

In 

normal mode (D), the gearbox automatical-

ly selects the best gear ratio. This depends
on the engine load, the road speed and the
dynamic gear control programme (DCP).

Sport mode (S) must be selected for a sporty
driving style. This setting makes use of the
engine's maximum power output. When ac-
celerating the gear shifts will be noticeable.

Press the brake pedal to move the selector
lever from N to D/S when the vehicle is sta-
tionary or at speeds below 3 km/h (2 mph)

››› 

.

Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driv-
ing in mountains) it can be advantageous to
switch temporarily to tiptronic mode

››› 

page 183

, in order to manually select gear

ratios to suit the driving conditions.

WARNING

●

Take care not to accidentally press the ac-

celerator pedal when the vehicle is stopped.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving im-
mediately (in some cases even if the parking
brake is engaged) resulting in the risk of an
accident.

●

Never move the selector lever to R or P

when driving. Failure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident.

●

With selector lever in any position (except

P) the vehicle must always be held with the
foot brake when the engine is running. This is
because an automatic gearbox still transmits
power even at idling speed, and the vehicle
tends to “creep”. The accelerator pedal must
on no account be pressed inadvertently when
a gear is engaged with the vehicle stationary.
The vehicle could otherwise start moving im-
mediately (in some cases even if the parking
brake is engaged) resulting in the risk of an
accident.

»

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●

While you are selecting a gear and the vehi-

cle is stopped with the engine running, do
not accelerate. Failure to follow this instruc-
tion could result in an accident.

●

As a driver you should never leave your ve-

hicle if the engine is running and a gear is en-
gaged. If you have to leave your vehicle while
the engine is running, you must apply the
handbrake and engage the parking lock (P).

●

To avoid accidents, apply the handbrake

and put the selector lever in position P before
opening the bonnet and working on the vehi-
cle with the engine running. Please always
observe the important safety warnings

››› 

page 286, Work in the engine compart-

ment

.

Note

●

If the selector lever is moved accidentally

to N when driving, release the accelerator and
let the engine speed drop to idling before se-
lecting gear range D or S again.

●

Should the power supply to the selector

lever be interrupted in position P, the selector
lever will be locked. If this should happen the
manual release can be used 

››› 



page 42

.

Selector lever lock

Fig. 168 

Selector lever lock.

The selector lever lock prevents gears from
being engaged inadvertently, so that the ve-
hicle is not set in motion unintentionally.

The selector lever lock is released as follows:

–

Switch the ignition on.

–

Press the brake pedal and, at the same
time, hold the lock button in the direction
of the arrow 

››› 

Fig. 168

.

Automatic selector lever lock
With the ignition switched on, the selector
lever is locked in the positions P and N. The
brake pedal must be pressed to release the
lever while pressing the release button if the
selector lever is in the position P. As a re-
minder for the driver, with the lever in posi-
tions P or N the following message will be
shown on the display:

When stationary, apply footbrake
while selecting a gear.

Level lock only engages with the vehicle sta-
tionary and at speeds of up to 5 km/h
(3 mph). At speeds of over 5 km/h (3 mph)
the lever lock is automatically deactivated in
position N.

The selector lever lock is not engaged if the
selector lever is moved quickly through posi-
tion N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This
makes it possible, for instance, to rock the
vehicle “backwards and forwards” if it is
stuck. The selector lever lock engages auto-
matically if the brake pedal is not depressed
and the lever is in position N for more than
about two seconds.

Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever
handle prevents the driver from inadvertently
engaging certain gears. Press the button in
to disengage the selector lever lock.

Safety interlock for ignition key
Once the ignition has been turned off, the
key may be removed only if the gear selector
is in position P. While the key is not in the ig-
nition, the selector lever is locked in position
P.

182

Driving

Note

●

If the selector lever lock does not engage,

there is a fault. The transmission is interrup-
ted to prevent the vehicle from accidentally
moving. Follow the procedure below in order
for the selector lever lock to engage again:

–

With a 6-speed gearbox: press the brake
pedal and release it again.

–

With a 7-speed gearbox: press the brake
pedal. Move the selector lever to posi-
tion P or N and subsequently engage a
gear.

●

Despite a gear being engaged, the vehicle

does not move forwards or back. Proceed to
the next mode:

–

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 engage the
gear range again.

–

If the vehicle still does not move in the
required direction, there is a system mal-
function. Seek specialist assistance and
have the system checked.

Changing gears in tiptronic mode*

Fig. 169 

Centre console: changing gear with

tiptronic

Fig. 170 

Steering wheel: automatic gearbox

levers

The tiptronic gives the driver the option to
change gears manually.

Changing gear manually with the selector
lever
It is possible to change to tiptronic mode,
both when the vehicle is stopped and while
driving.

–

To switch to tiptronic mode, move the se-
lector lever from position D/S to the right.
As soon as the change is made the selector
level will be shown in the position 

M

 on the

instrument panel display (for example 

M4

means that the fourth gear is engaged).

–

Move the selector lever forwards 

+

 to se-

lect a higher gear 

››› 

Fig. 169

.

–

Move the selector lever backwards 

–

 to

select a lower gear.

Changing gear manually with the gearshift
paddles*
The gearshift paddles can be used when the
selector lever is in the position D/S or 

M

.

–

Press the gearshift paddle 

+

 to select a

higher gear 

››› 

Fig. 170

.

–

Press the gearshift paddle 

–

 to select a

lower gear.

–

With the selector lever in position D/S, if no
paddle is operated during a short period of
time, the gearbox control system switches
back to automatic mode. To switch to per-
manent manual gear change using the
gearshift paddles, move the selector lever
from position D/S to the right.

»

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When accelerating, the gearbox automatical-
ly shifts up into the next gear shortly before
the maximum engine speed is reached.

If you select a lower gear, the automatic gear-
box will not shift down until there is no risk of
over-revving the engine.

When the kick-down feature is used, the
gearbox shifts down to a lower gear, depend-
ing on road speed and engine speed.

Driving tips

The gearbox changes gear ratios automatical-
ly as the vehicle moves.

The engine can only start with the selector
lever in position P or N. At low temperatures,
below -10°C (50°F), the engine can only start
with the selector lever in position P.

Starting the vehicle

–

Press and hold the brake pedal.

–

Press and hold the interlock button (the
button on the selector lever handle), move
the selector lever to the desired position,
for instance 

D 

››› 

page 181

, and release the

interlock button.

–

Wait for the gearbox to engage the gear (a
slight movement can be felt).

–

Release the brake and press the accelerator

››› 

.

Stopping briefly

–

Apply the foot brake to hold the vehicle
briefly when stationary (for instance at traf-
fic lights). Do not press the accelerator.

Stopping/Parking
If the driver door is opened and the selector
lever is not in position P, the vehicle could
move. The driver message will be: 



 Gear

change: selector lever in the
drive position!

. Additionally, a buzzer

will sound.

–

Press and hold the brake pedal 

››› 

.

–

Apply the handbrake.

–

Move the selector lever to position P.

Holding the car on a hill

–

Always apply the brake pedal firmly to pre-
vent the vehicle from “moving backwards;
if necessary, apply the handbrake” 

››› 

.

Do 

not try to stop the vehicle “rolling back”

by increasing the engine speed when a
gear is engaged (pressing the accelerator)

››› 

.

Starting off uphill

–

Apply the handbrake.

–

Once you have engaged a gear press the
accelerator carefully and disengage the
handbrake.

Driving down hills: in some situations (on
mountain roads or when towing a trailer or
caravan) it can be advantageous to switch
temporarily to the manual gearbox pro-
gramme so that the gear ratios can be selec-
ted manually to suit the driving conditions

››› 

.

On level ground it is sufficient to move the
selector lever to position P. On slopes, first
engage the parking brake and then put the
selection lever into the P position. This
avoids overloading the locking mechanism
and it will be easier to move the selector lev-
er from position P.

WARNING

Observe the safety warnings 

››› 

 in Selector

lever positions on page 181

.

●

Never allow the brake to rub and do not use

the brake pedal too often or for long periods.
Constant braking causes overheating in the
brakes. This could significantly reduce brak-
ing power, increase braking distance or even
result in the total failure of the brake system.

●

To avoid rolling back on gradients always

hold the vehicle with the footbrake or hand-
brake if you have to stop.

CAUTION

●

If you stop the vehicle on a gradient, do not

attempt to stop it from rolling by depressing
the accelerator when a gear has been selec-
ted. This could cause overheating and

184

Driving

damage the automatic gearbox. Apply the
handbrake firmly or press the brake pedal in
order to prevent the vehicle from rolling back.

●

If you allow the car to roll with the selector

lever in position N with the engine switched
off, the automatic gearbox will be damaged
as it will not be lubricated.

●

In certain driving situations or traffic condi-

tions, such as frequently starting, prolonged
“creeping” of the vehicle or traffic jams with
continuous stoppages, the gearbox could
overheat causing damage! If the warning
lamp  lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and wait for the gearbox to cool

››› 

page 187

.

Kick-down feature

The kick-down feature allows maximum ac-
celeration to be reached.

When the accelerator pedal is pressed right
down past the point of resistance at full throt-
tle, 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

Please note that if the road surface is slip-
pery or wet, the kick-down feature could
cause the driving wheels to spin, which could
result in skidding.

Launch control programme

3

 Valid for vehicles: with Launch-Control/6-Speed

DSG with diesel engines superior to 125 kW and pet-
rol engines superior to 140 kW.

The Launch control programme enables maxi-
mum acceleration.

Important: the engine must have reached op-
erating temperature and the steering wheel
must not be turned.

The engine speed for launch-control is differ-
ent on petrol and diesel engines. To use the
launch-control you must disconnect the anti-
slip regulation (ASR) through the Easy Con-
nect system menu 

››› 

page 112

. The warning

lamp  will stay switched on or will flash
slowly depending on whether or not the vehi-
cle has a driver information system*.

On vehicles with the driver information sys-
tem, the ESC lamp lights up permanently and
the corresponding text message 

Stability

control deactivated

 (temporary) ap-

pears on the instrument panel to indicate the
deactivation status.

–

When the engine is running, switch off the
traction control (ASR)

1)

.

–

Turn the selector lever to the position “S”
or tiptronic, or else select the 

sport

 driv-

ing mode from the SEAT Drive Profile*

››› 

page 229

.

–

Press the brake pedal firmly with your left
foot and hold it down for at least one sec-
ond.

–

With your right foot, press the accelerator
down to the full throttle or kick-down posi-
tion. The engine speed will stabilise at
about 

3,200 rpm (petrol engine) or about

2,000 rpm (diesel engine).

–

Take your left foot off the brake pedal.

WARNING

●

Always adapt your driving style to the traf-

fic conditions.

●

Only use the launch control programme

when road and traffic conditions permit, and
make sure your manner of driving and accel-
erating the vehicle does not inconvenience or
endanger other road users.

»

1)

Vehicles without driver information system: the

warning lamp flashes slowly/Vehicles with driver in-
formation system: the warning lamp stays on.

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●

Make sure that the ESC remains switched

on. Please note that when the ASR and ESC
are deactivated, the wheels may start to spin,
causing the vehicle to lose grip. Risk of acci-
dent!

●

After putting the vehicle into gear, the

“sport” mode of the ESC should be deactiva-
ted again by briefly pressing the 



OFF

 but-

ton.

Note

●

After using the Launch control programme,

the temperature in the gearbox may have in-
creased considerably. In this case, the pro-
gramme could be disabled for several mi-
nutes. The programme can be used again af-
ter the cooling phase.

●

Accelerating with the Launch control pro-

gramme places a heavy load on all parts of
the vehicle. This can result in increased wear
and tear.

Downhill speed control*

The downhill speed control function helps
the driver when driving down steep gradi-
ents.

Downhill speed control is activated when the
selector lever is in D/S and the driver applies
the foot brake. The automatic gearbox auto-
matically engages a lower gear that is suita-
ble for the slope. The downhill speed control

function attempts to maintain the speed at
which the vehicle was travelling when the
foot brake was applied (subject to the laws of
physics and technical drive limitations). It
may be necessary to adjust the speed again
using the foot brake in certain situations. Giv-
en that the downhill speed control can only
change down to 3rd gear, on very steep de-
scents the tiptronic mode may be required. In
this case, manually reduce the tiptronic to
2nd or 1st gear to use the engine brake and
reduce the charge on the brakes.

Downhill speed control is deactivated as
soon as the road levels out again or you
press the accelerator pedal.

On vehicles with cruise control system*

››› 

page 197

, downhill speed control is acti-

vated when you set a cruising speed.

WARNING

The downhill speed control cannot defy the
laws of physics. Therefore, speed cannot be
maintained constant in all situations. Always
be prepared to use the brakes!

Inertia mode

The inertia mode enables the kinetic energy
of the vehicle to be harnessed enabling cer-
tain stretches to be driven without using the
accelerator. This enables fuel to be saved.

Use the inertia mode to “let the vehicle roll”
before, for example, arriving in a town.

Switching on inertia mode
Important: selector lever must be in position
D, gradients below 12 %.

–

Select, in SEAT Drive Profile*, 

Eco

 mode

››› 

page 229

.

–

Take your foot off the accelerator.

The driver message 

Inertia

 will be dis-

played. At speeds higher than 20 km/h (12
mph), the gearbox will automatically disen-
gage and the vehicle will roll freely, without
the effect of the engine brake. While the vehi-
cle rolls, the engine runs at idling speed.

Stopping inertia mode

–

Press the brake or the accelerator pedal.

To make use of the braking force and switch
off the engine again, simply press the brake
pedal briefly.

Applying both the 

inertia mode (= prolonged

section with less energy) and the 

switching

off using inertia (= shorter section without
the need for fuel) facilitates improved fuel
consumption and emission balance.

186

Driving

WARNING

●

If the inertia mode has been switched on,

take into account, when approaching an ob-
stacle and releasing the accelerator pedal,
that the vehicle will not decelerate in the usu-
al manner: risk of accident!

●

When using inertia mode while travelling

down hills, the vehicle can increase speed:
risk of accident!

●

If other users drive your vehicle, warn them

about inertia mode.

Note

●

Inertia mode is only available in eco (SEAT

Drive Profile*) driving mode.

●

The driver message Inertia is only dis-

played with the current consumption. In iner-
tia mode the gear will no longer be displayed
(for example “E” will appear instead of “E7”).

●

On downhill sections with gradients above

15 %, the inertia mode will automatically be
switched off temporarily.

Backup programme

A backup programme is in place if a fault
should occur in the control system.

If all the positions of the selector lever are
shown over a light background on the instru-
ment panel display, there is a system fault
and the automatic gearbox will operate in

with the backup programme. When the back-
up programme is activated, it is possible to
drive the vehicle, however, at low speeds and
within a selected range of gears. In some ca-
ses 

driving in reverse gear may not be possi-

ble.

CAUTION

If the gearbox operates with the backup pro-
gramme, take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop and have the fault repaired without
delay.

Clutch



 Clutch overheating! Please

stop!

The clutch has overheated and could be dam-
aged. Stop the vehicle and wait for the gear-
box to cool with the engine at idling speed
and the selector lever in position P. When the
warning lamp and the driver message switch
off, have the fault corrected by a specialised
workshop without delay. If the warning lamp
and the driver message do not switch off, do
not continue driving. Seek specialist assis-
tance.

Gearbox malfunctions



 Gearbox: Fault! Stop the ve-

hicle and place the lever in the
position P.

There is a fault in the gearbox. Stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place and do not continue driv-
ing. Seek specialist assistance.



 Gearbox: System fault! You

may continue driving.

Have the fault corrected by a specialised
workshop without delay.



 Gearbox: System fault! You

can continue driving with re-
strictions. Reverse gear disa‐
bled

Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop
and have the fault repaired without delay.



 Gearbox: System fault! You

can continue driving in D until
switching off the engine

Stop the vehicle in a safe place well away
from moving traffic. Seek specialist assis-
tance.



 Gearbox: too hot. Adapt your

driving accordingly

Continue driving at moderate speeds. When
the warning lamp switches off, you can con-
tinue driving in a normal manner.

»

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

 Gearbox: press the brake and

engage a gear again.

If the fault was caused by a gearbox with a
high temperature, this driver message will be
displayed when the gearbox has cooled
again.

Run-in and economical driving

Running-in the engine

A new vehicle should be run in over a dis-
tance of 1500 km (1000 miles). For the first
1,000 km the engine speed should not ex-
ceed 2/3 of the maximum permissible engine
speed. In doing so, do not accelerate at full
throttle and do not drive with a trailer! From
1000 to 1500 km (600 to 1000 miles) you
can gradually increase the engine rpm and
road speed.

During its first few hours of running, the in-
ternal friction in the engine is greater than
later on when all the moving parts have bed-
ded down.

How the vehicle is driven for the first 1,500
km influences the future engine perform-
ance. Subsequently, also drive at a moderate
rate, especially when the engine is still cold:
this will lead to less engine wear and tear
and will prolong its useful life.

You should also avoid driving with the engine
speed too low. Change down to a lower gear
when the engine no longer runs “smoothly”.
If the engine revs too much, cut fuel injection
to protect the engine.

Environmental compatibility

Environmental protection is a top priority in
the design, choice of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT.

Constructive measures to encourage recy-
cling

●

Joints and connections designed for easy

dismantling

●

Modular construction to facilitate disman-

tling

●

Increased use of single-grade materials.

●

Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in

accordance with ISO 1043, ISO 11469 and
ISO 1629.

Choice of materials

●

Use of recycled materials.

●

Use of compatible plastics in the same part

if its components are not easily separated.

●

Use of recycled materials and/or materials

originating from renewable sources.

●

Reduction of volatile components, includ-

ing odour, in plastic materials.

●

Use of CFC-free coolants.

Ban on heavy metals, with the exceptions
dictated by law (Annex II of ELV Directive
2000/53/EC): cadmium, lead, mercury, hexa-
valent chromium.

Manufacturing methods

●

Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the

protective wax for cavities.

●

Use of plastic film as protection during ve-

hicle transport.

●

Use of solvent-free adhesives.

●

Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-

tems.

●

Recycling and energy recovery from resi-

dues (RDF).

●

Improvement in the quality of waste water.

●

Use of systems for the recovery of residual

heat (thermal recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).

●

The use of water-soluble paints.

188

Driving

Economical and environmentally-
friendly driving

Fuel consumption, environmental pollution
and wear to the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends largely on driving style. Fuel consump-
tion can be reduced by 10-15% with an eco-
nomical driving style and proper anticipation
of traffic conditions. The following section
gives you some tips on lessening the impact
on the environment and reducing your oper-
ating costs at the same time.

Active cylinder management (ACT

®

)*display

Depending on vehicle equipment, the active
cylinder management (ACT

®

) may automati-

cally deactivate some of the engine cylinders
if the driving situation does not require too
much power. When it is switched off, no fuel
is injected into these cylinders, hence total
fuel consumption may be reduced. The num-
ber of active cylinders can be seen on the in-
strument panel display 

››› 



page 31

.

Foresight when driving
Acceleration causes the vehicle to consume
more fuel. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus acceler-
ate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll
slowly to a stop, with a 

gear engaged (for in-

stance when you can see that the next traffic
lights are red). This takes advantage of the
engine braking effect, reducing wear on the

brakes and tyres. Emissions and fuel con-
sumption will drop to zero due to the overrun
fuel cut-off.

Changing gear to save energy
An effective way of saving is to change in ad-
vance to a higher gear. Running the engine at
high rpm in the lower gears uses an unneces-
sary amount of fuel.

Manual gearbox: shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. In any case, we rec-
ommend that you change to a higher gear
upon reaching 2,000 rpm. Choosing the right
gear enables fuel savings. Select the highest
possible gear appropriate for the driving sit-
uation (the engine should continue function-
ing with cyclical regularity).

Automatic gearbox: accelerate gradually and
without reaching the “kick-down” position.

Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed, whenever pos-
sible. Fuel consumption, emission of harmful
gases and noise pollution multiply dispropor-
tionately as speed is increased. Driving at
moderate speeds will help to save fuel.

Reduce idling time
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system idling
is automatically reduced. In vehicles without
the Start-Stop system it is worth switching off
the engine, for example, at level crossings

and at traffic lights that remain red for long
periods of time. When an engine has reached
operating temperature, and depending on
the cylinder capacity, keeping it switched off
for a minimum of about 5 seconds already
saves more than the amount of fuel necessa-
ry for restarting.

The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.

Regular maintenance
Regular servicing helps in saving fuel even
before the engine is started. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of 

improved fuel

efficiency as well as maximum reliability and
an enhanced resale value. A badly serviced
engine can consume up to 10% more fuel
than necessary.

Avoid short journeys
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their optimal 

operating temperature in

order to minimise fuel consumption and
emissions.

A cold engine consumes a disproportionate
amount of fuel. The engine reaches its work-
ing temperature after about four kilometres

»

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(2.5 miles), when fuel consumption will re-
turn to a normal level.

Check tyre pressure
Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the
correct pressures 

››› 

page 296

 to save fuel. If

the pressure is below half bar, fuel consump-
tion may increase by 5%. Due to the greater
rolling resistance, under-inflation 

also increa-

ses tyre wear and impairs handling.

Do not use 

winter tyres all year round as they

increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.

Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
Given that every kilo of 

extra weight will in-

crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing transported.

Since the luggage rack increases the 

aerody-

namic drag of the vehicle, you should remove
it when not needed. At speeds of 100-120
km/h (62-75 mph), this will save 12% of fuel.

Save electrical energy
The engine drives the alternator, thereby gen-
erating electricity. This implies that any in-
crease in power consumption also increases
fuel consumption! For this reason, switch off
any unneeded electrical devices. Devices that
use a lot of electricity includes the blower at

a high setting, the rear window heating or
the seat heating*.

Engine management and ex-
haust gas purification system

Introduction

WARNING

●

Because of the high temperatures which

can occur in the exhaust purification system
(catalytic converter or diesel particulate fil-
ter), do not park the vehicle where the ex-
haust can come into contact with flammable
materials under the car (e.g. on grass or at
the forest edge). Fire hazard!

●

Do not apply wax underneath the vehicle

around the area of the exhaust system: Fire
hazard!

Note

While the control lamps , ,  or  re-
main lit, there may be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power.

Catalytic converter

3

 Applies to vehicles with petrol engine

The vehicle must only be used with unleaded
petrol, otherwise the catalytic converter will
be irreparably damaged.

Never drive until the tank is empty; an irregu-
lar supply of fuel can cause faulty combus-
tion. In these cases, unburned fuel reaches
the exhaust system, which can overheat and
damage the catalytic converter.

Diesel particulate filter

3

 Applies to vehicles with diesel engine

The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates
most of the soot from the exhaust gas sys-
tem. Under normal driving conditions, the fil-
ter cleans itself. The diesel particulate filter is
cleaned automatically without need for indi-
cation by the warning lamp . This may be
noticed because the engine idle speed in-
creases and an odour may be detected.

If automatic filter purification cannot be car-
ried out (because only short trips are taken,
for example), soot will accumulate on the fil-
ter and the Diesel particulate filter warning
lamp will  switch on.

Facilitate the automatic filter cleaning proc-
ess by driving in the following manner: drive
for approximately 15 minutes at a minimum
speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) in 4th or 5th gear

190

Driving

(automatic gearbox: gear S). Maintain the en-
gine speed at approximately 2,000 rpm. The
rise in temperature causes the soot on the fil-
ter to burn. On completion of the cleaning
the warning lamp will switch off. If the warn-
ing lamp does not switch off, go immediately
to a specialised workshop to rectify the prob-
lem.

Engine management* 

This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
agement system for petrol engines.

The warning lamp  (Electronic Power Con-
trol) lights up when the ignition is switched
on while system operation is being verified. It
should go out once the engine is started.

If there is a fault in the electronic engine
management system while you are driving,
this warning lamp will light up. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the engine checked.

Emission control system* 

Control lamp  flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed and drive
carefully to the nearest specialised workshop
to have the engine checked.

The control lamp  lights up:
If a fault has developed during driving which
has reduced the quality of the exhaust gas
(e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and
drive carefully to the nearest specialised
workshop to have the engine checked.

Engine pre-heating/fault system* 

The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glow plugs are preheating the diesel engine.

The control lamp  lights up
If the control lamp  lights up when the en-
gine is started it means that the glow plugs
are preheating. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.

Control lamp  flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management
system while you are driving, the glow plug
system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.

Driving tips

Driving on flooded roads

To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
ing through water, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:

●

The water should never come above the

lower edge of the bodywork.

●

Drive at pedestrian speed.

WARNING

After driving through water, mud, sludge,
etc., the braking effect can be delayed slight-
ly due to moisture build-up on the discs and
brake pads. Applying the brakes carefully
several times will remove the moisture and
restore the full braking effect.

CAUTION

●

Driving through flooded areas may severely

damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, running gear or electrical
system.

●

Whenever driving through water, the Start-

Stop system* must be switched off

››› 

page 192

.

Note

●

Check the depth of the water before enter-

ing the flooded zone.

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●

Do not stop in the water, drive in reverse, or

stop the engine in any situation.

●

Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite

direction may splash water that could exceed
the maximum permitted water height for your
vehicle.

●

Avoid driving through salt water (corro-

sion).

Driver assistance systems

Start-Stop System*

Description and operation

The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duce CO

2

 emissions.

In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automati-
cally switch off when the vehicle stops, when
stopping at traffic lights for example. The ig-
nition remains switched on during the stop-
ping phase. The engine automatically
switches back on when required. In this sit-
uation the light of the 

START ENGINE STOP

 but-

ton stays on.

As soon as the ignition is switched on, the
Start-Stop function is automatically activa-
ted.

Basic requirements for the Start-Stop mode

●

The driver door must be closed.

●

The driver must have their seat belt fas-

tened.

●

The bonnet must be closed.

●

The engine must have reached a minimum

service temperature.

●

The reverse gear must not be engaged.

●

The vehicle must not be on a very steep

slope.

WARNING

●

Never switch the engine off until the vehi-

cle is stationary. The brake servo and power
steering functions will not be completely cov-
ered under warranty. More force may also be
needed to turn the steering wheel or to brake.
As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents
and serious injury.

●

Never remove the key from the ignition if

the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise, the steer-
ing could lock making it impossible to steer
the vehicle.

●

To avoid injury, make sure that the Start-

Stop system is switched off when working in
the engine compartment 

››› 

page 194

.

CAUTION

The Start-Stop system must always be
switched off when driving through flooded
areas 

››› 

page 194

.

Stopping/Starting the engine

Vehicles with a manual gearbox

–

When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutral and release the clutch pedal. The
engine will switch off. The warning lamp 
will appear on the instrument panel dis-
play.

192

Driver assistance systems

–

When the clutch pedal is pressed the en-
gine will start up again. The warning lamp
will switch off.

Vehicles with an automatic gearbox

–

Use the foot brake to bring the vehicle to a
stop and keep the brake pedal pressed
down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp  will appear in the
display.

–

When you take your foot off the brake pedal
the engine will start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off.

Additional information related to the auto-
matic gearbox
The engine stops when the selector lever is in
the positions P, D, N and S, in addition to
when in manual mode. With the selector lev-
er in position P, the engine will also remain
switched off when you take your foot off the
brake pedal. In order to start the engine up
again the accelerator must be pressed, or an-
other gear engaged or the brake released.

If the selector lever is placed in position R
during the stopping phase, the engine will
start up again.

Change from position D to P to prevent the
engine from accidentally starting when
changing and passing by position R.

Note

●

You can control whether the engine should

switch off or not by reducing or increasing the
brake force applied. While the vehicle re-
mains stopped, the engine will not stop if the
brake pedal is slightly pressed, in traffic jams
with frequent stopping and starting for exam-
ple. As soon as strong pressure is applied to
the brake pedal, the engine will stop.

●

In vehicles with manual gearbox, during

the stopping phases the brake pedal must re-
main depressed to prevent the vehicle from
moving.

●

If the engine “stalls” in vehicles with man-

ual gearbox, it can be directly started up
again by immediately pressing the clutch
pedal.

General notes

The system can interrupt the Start-Stop mode
frequently for different reasons.

The engine does not switch off
Before the stopping phase, the system veri-
fies whether certain conditions are met. The
engine 

does not switch off, in the following

situations for example:

●

The engine has not yet reached the mini-

mum required temperature for the Start-Stop
mode.

●

The interior temperature selected for the air

conditioner has not yet been reached.

●

The interior temperature is very high/low.

●

Defrost function button activated

››› 



page 44

.

●

The parking aid* is switched on.

●

The battery is very low.

●

The steering wheel is overly turned or is be-

ing turned.

●

If there is a danger of misting.

●

After engaging reverse gear.

●

In case of a very steep gradient.

The indication  is shown on the instrument
panel display, and in addition, the driver in-
formation system* shows, .

The engine starts by itself
During a stopping phase the normal Start-
Stop mode can be interrupted in the follow-
ing situations: The engine restarts by itself
without involvement from the driver.

●

The interior temperature differs from the

value selected on the air conditioner.

●

Defrost function button activated

››› 



page 44

.

●

The brake has been pressed several times

consecutively.

●

The battery is too low.

●

High power consumption.

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Note

In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, if the
selector lever is placed in position D, N or S
after engaging reverse gear, the vehicle must
be driven at a speed faster than 10 km/h (6
mph) for the system to return to conditions in
which the engine can be stopped.

Manually switching on/off the Start-
Stop system

Fig. 171 

Centre console: Start-Stop system

button

If you do not wish to use the system, you can
switch it off manually.

–

To manually switch on/off the Start-Stop
system, press the button 



. The button

symbol remains lit up yellow when the sys-
tem is switched off.

Note

The system is automatically switched on each
time the engine is deliberately stopped dur-
ing a stopping phase. The engine will start
automatically.

Driver messages on the instrument
panel display

Start-Stop system deactivated.
Start the engine manually

This driver message is displayed when cer-
tain conditions are not met during the stop-
ping phase and the Start-Stop system 

cannot

restart the engine. The engine must be star-
ted manually.

Start-Stop system: Fault! Func-
tion not available

There is a fault in the Start-Stop system. Take
the vehicle to a workshop to have the fault
repaired.

Hill Descent Control (HDC)

Description and operation

3

 Valid for vehicles: 4Drive

Hill Descent Control limits the speed on steep
descents by automatically braking all four

wheels, both when moving forward and in re-
verse. As the anti-lock brake system remains
active, it prevents the wheels from locking. In
vehicles with manual transmission, the Hill
Descent Control adapts the theoretical speed
without slowing the engine below its idling
speed.

After starting the descent of a slope below
30 km/h (18 mph), speed is limited to a min-
imum of 2 km/h (1 mph) and a maximum of
30 km/h (18 mph). When appropriate, the
driver may increase or decrease the speed
within the limit by pressing the accelerator or
the brake. At this point the function is inter-
rupted and, if necessary, it is then reactiva-
ted.

Even so, it is imperative that the surface
guarantees sufficient adhesion. For this rea-
son, the Hill Descent Control 

will not fulfil its

function when, for example, descending a
slope with a frozen or slippery surface.

Hill Descent Control is available when the
dash panel display shows the message .

Hill Descent Control automatically intervenes
if the following conditions are met:

●

The vehicle engine is running.

●

The 

Offroad driving profile has been selec-

ted 

››› 

page 229

. Driving at a speed below 30

km/h (18 mph) (the message  is shown on
the dash panel display).

194

Driver assistance systems

●

The slope of the descent is at least 10%

when driving forward and 9% when driving in
reverse.

●

The brake and the accelerator are not

pressed.

Hill Descent Control is deactivated on press-
ing the brake and the accelerator or if the
slope is below 5%. The function may be dis-
connected manually in the Easy Connect sys-
tem by pressing the 



 button and the 

HDC

function button 

››› 



Fig. 41

.

Control lamps

››› 

 in Warning and control lamps on

page 111

.



It lights up white

Hill Descent Control is active.



It lights up grey

Hill Descent Control is not active. The system is switched
on, but is not adjusting.

Some warning and control lamps will light up
briefly when the ignition is switched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds.

WARNING

Observe the safety warnings 

››› 

 in Warning

and control lamps on page 111

.

WARNING

Always be ready to brake. Otherwise, an acci-
dent could occur and cause injury.

●

Hill Descent Control is only an auxiliary

system that in some situations may not suffi-
ciently brake the vehicle when going down a
slope.

●

The speed of the vehicle may increase de-

spite the intervention of Hill Descent Control.

Auto Hold Function

Description and operation

Fig. 172 

In the lower part of the centre con-

sole: Auto Hold function button.

The control light of the  

››› 

Fig. 172

 button

remains on when the Auto Hold function is
connected.

Once connected, the Auto Hold function as-
sists the driver in keeping the vehicle station-
ary at repeated intervals or for a certain peri-
od of time with the engine running, for exam-
ple, when going up a slope, when stopped at
traffic lights or in heavy traffic with intermit-
tent stops.

When connected, the Auto Hold function au-
tomatically prevents the vehicle from rolling
when stationary without pressing the brake
pedal.

After detecting that the vehicle is stationary
and the brake pedal has been released, the
Auto Hold function holds the vehicle. The
driver can lift their foot off the brake pedal.

When the driver touches the accelerator ped-
al or accelerates slightly to continue driving,
the Auto Hold function releases the brake.
The vehicle moves according to the slope of
the road.

If the vehicle is stationary and one of the con-
ditions required by the Auto Hold function is
impaired, it disconnects itself and the but-
ton's control light goes out 

››› 

Fig. 172

. The

electronic parking brake connects automati-
cally, if necessary, to park the vehicle safe-
ly 

››› 

.

Conditions for keeping the vehicle stationary
with the Auto Hold function

●

The driver door must be closed.

●

The driver's seat belt must be fastened.

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●

The engine is running.

Switching the Auto Hold function on and off
Press the button  

››› 

. The control lamp on

the button goes out when the Auto Hold func-
tion is switched off.

Automatically engaging and disengaging the
Auto Hold function
If the Auto Hold function was switched on
with the  button before disengaging the ig-
nition, the function will remain on after the
ignition is re-engaged.

If the Auto Hold function was not switched
on, it will automatically remain off next time
the ignition is engaged.

The Auto Hold function is automatically
switched on if the following conditions are
met:

All conditions must be met at the same time

››› 

:

 

Manual gearbox

Automatic gearbox

1.

The vehicle is kept 

stationary with the brake ped-

al on a flat surface or on a slope.

2.

The engine rotates “correctly”.

All conditions must be met at the same time

››› 

:

 

Manual gearbox

Automatic gearbox

 

Upon pressing the
clutch and accelerating
at the same time, the
brake releases gradu-
ally.

Upon accelerating, the
brake releases gradu-
ally.

The Auto Hold function is automatically
turned off if the following conditions are
met:

 

Manual gearbox

Automatic gearbox

1.

If any of the conditions mentioned on

››› 

page 195, Conditions for keeping the vehicle

stationary with the Auto Hold function

 are no lon-

ger met.

2.

If the engine is running irregularly or an anomaly

is detected.

3.

If the engine is turned

off or stalls.

If the engine is switch-

ed off.

4.

The clutch and the ac-

celerator are pressed at

the same time.

If the accelerator is

pressed.

5.

 

If any of the tyres has

only minimal contact

with the ground, e.g. in

the case of axle articu-

lation.

WARNING

The smart technology incorporated into the
Auto Hold function cannot defy the laws of
physics; it only works within the limits of the
system. The greater convenience provided by
the Auto Hold function should never tempt
you to take any risk that may compromise
safety.

●

Never leave the vehicle running and with

the Auto Hold function switched on.

●

The Auto Hold function cannot always keep

the vehicle stationary uphill or downhill or
stop it sufficiently, for example, on slippery
or frozen surfaces.

Note

Before entering a car wash, always switch off
the Auto Hold function, because if the elec-
tronic parking brake is automatically connec-
ted, it may cause damage.

196