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Seat Exeo ST. Service Manual - part 12

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182

Driving

If desired, you can also select the gears manually (tiptronic mode)

Moving away from a standstill

⇒ page 187.

- Press and hold the brake pedal.

Please note that on vehicles with a multitronic® gearbox, torque is trans-

mitted via a multi-plate clutch, and not via a torque converter as on conven-

- Press and hold the interlock button (the button in the selector

tional automatics. This means that the car will not “creep” as much as

lever handle), move the selector lever to the desired position, for

conventional automatics when the engine is idling if you stop temporarily

instance D, and release the interlock button.

with the selector lever in position D, S or R.

- Wait for the gearbox to engage the gear (a slight movement can

Applies to vehicles with tiptronic gearbox

be felt).

The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic

gearbox. The gearbox changes up and down automatically.

- Release the brake and press the accelerator ⇒

If desired, you can also select the gears manually (tiptronic mode)

Stopping briefly

⇒ page 187.

- Apply the foot brake to hold the vehicle when stationary (for

instance at traffic lights).

Driving instructions

- To prevent the vehicle from rolling away, apply the parking brake

before moving off on steep gradients ⇒

The gears are changed automatically.

- As soon as you accelerate as normal, the parking brake will auto-

matically be released and the vehicle will start moving.

Parking the vehicle

- Press and hold the brake pedal ⇒

- Apply the parking brake.

- Press and hold the interlock button, move the selector lever to P

and release the interlock button.

The engine can only be started when the selector lever is at P or N.

Fig. 154 Detail of the

centre console: Selector

On level ground it is sufficient to move the selector lever to P. On slopes, first

lever with lock button

engage the parking brake and then put the selection lever into the P position.

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Driving

183

This avoids overloading the locking mechanism and it will be easier to move

Selector lever positions

the selector lever from position P.

This section covers all the selector lever positions.

Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: Your vehicle is equipped with the hill

hold assist function which makes it easier to start off on a slope. The system

is activated when you press and hold the brake pedal for a few seconds.

When you release the brake pedal the braking force will be maintained for a

moment in order to prevent the vehicle rolling back when you drive away.

WARNING

• While you are selecting a gear and the vehicle is stopped with the

engine running, do not accelerate. Failure to do so could result in an acci-

dent.

• Please note that some power will still be transmitted when you stop

temporarily with the selector lever in position D, S or R. To do this, when

stopping you will need to press the brake with the force required to hold

Fig. 155 Display:

Selector lever positions

the vehicle still. Failure to do so could result in an accident.

• Never move the selector lever to R or P when driving, as this could cause

an accident.

The current selector lever position is shown in the dash panel.

• Vehicles with multitronic® gearbox: Please note that some power will

P - parking lock

still be transmitted when you stop temporarily with the selector lever in

This locks the driving wheels mechanically. The parking brake should only be

position D, S or R. To do this, when stopping you will need to press the

used when the vehicle has already stopped ⇒

brake with the force required to hold the vehicle still. Failure to do so could

result in an accident.

The interlock button (the button in the selector lever handle) must be pressed

in and the brake pedal must be depressed before moving the selector lever

either in or out of position P. This is only possible when the ignition is on.

R - Reverse gear

When reverse gear is engaged the gearbox automatically selects the lowest

gear ratio.

The reverse gear may be engaged only when the vehicle is stationary and the

engine is idling ⇒

Safety First

Controls and equipment

Practical tips

Technical Data

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Driving

185

Selector lever lock

The selector lever lock only works if the vehicle is stationary or driving at

speeds up to 5 km/h. At higher speeds the selector lever lock in the N posi-

The selector lever lock prevents gears from being engaged

tion is disengaged automatically.

inadvertently, so that the vehicle is not set in motion uninten-

The selector lever lock is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly

tionally.

through position 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 in snow

or mud. The selector lever lock engages automatically if the brake pedal is not

depressed and the lever is in position N for more than about a second.

Interlock button

The interlock button on the selector lever handle prevents the driver from

inadvertently engaging particular gears. Press the button in to disengage the

selector lever lock. The selector lever positions in which the lock button has

to be pressed are shown in the illustration, highlighted in colour ⇒ fig. 156.

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 ignition, the selector lever

Fig. 156 Selector lever

is locked in position P.

lock functions

The selector lever lock is released as follows:

Kick-down feature

- Switch the ignition on.

The kickdown feature is designed to give maximum accelera-

- Press the brake pedal and at the same time press in the interlock

tion.

button.

Applies to vehicles with multitronic^® gearbox

Automatic selector lever lock

When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of resistance

at full throttle, the gearbox will select a lower gear ratio, depending on road

With the ignition turned on, the selector lever is locked in the positions P and

speed and engine speed. While you keep the accelerator depressed the

N. To remove it from these positions, press on the brake. The following

engine speed is automatically controlled to give your vehicle maximum accel-

message appears in the instrument display as a reminder for the driver when

eration.

the selector lever is in position P or N:

WHEN STATIONARY APPLY FOOTBRAKE WHILE SELECTING GEAR

Safety First

Controls and equipment

Practical tips

Technical Data

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Driving

187

Manual gear selection (tiptronic mode)

Switching over to the manual programme

- Move the selector lever from the position D to the right-hand

With the manual shift programme (tiptronic) the driver can

side. As soon as the selector lever has entered the tiptronic rail,

manually select pre-programmed gears.

the gear engaged is displayed on the screen.

Shifting up a gear

- Briefly push the selector lever forwards (in the Tiptronic gate)

⇒ fig. 157

+

Shifting down a gear

- Briefly pull the selector lever backwards (in the Tiptronic gate)

-

With the tiptronic system, the driver can manually choose between eight (on

Fig. 157 Centre console:

vehicles with multitronic) or seven (on vehicles with tiptronic) different gear

Manual gear selection

programmes. The manual programme can be selected either with the vehicle

(tiptronic mode)

stationary or on the move.

When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the next gear

shortly before the maximum engine speed is reached.

If you select a gear which is lower than the gear shown in the instrument

display ⇒ fig. 158, the gearbox will only shift down when there is no longer

a risk of overrevving the engine.

When the vehicle slows down (for instance when braking), the gearbox auto-

matically shifts down into the next gear when the minimum engine speed is

reached.

Changing down to a lower gear increases the engine braking effect on down-

hill gradients.

Fig. 158 Display: Manual

gear selection (tiptronic

When the accelerator pedal is pressed right down past the point of resistance

mode)

at full throttle, the gearbox will select a lower gear ratio, depending on road

speed and engine speed.

Safety First

Controls and equipment

Practical tips

Technical Data

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188

Driving

Back-up programme

Steering wheel with paddle levers

A back-up system is in place if a fault should occur in the

The paddle levers on the steering wheel enable the driver to

control system.

manually select pre-programmed ratios or gears.

The automatic gearbox switches to the back-up programme if a fault should

occur in the control system. This is indicated by a gear-wheel symbol which

lights up on the dash panel display (the symbol represents a gear pinion).

It is still possible to move the selector lever to all positions. The manual shift

programme (Tiptronic) is not available when the back-up programme is

active.

Vehicles with tiptronic gearbox: When the selector lever is in position D or S

or in the manual shift programme, the gearbox will remain in 3rd gear if 1st,

2nd or 3rd gears were engaged when the fault occurred. The gearbox will

remain in 5th gear if 4th, 5th or 6th gears were engaged. The gearbox will

then engage 3rd gear when you drive away from a standstill or after the

engine is restarted.

Fig. 159 Steering wheel:

Tiptronic controls

It will still be possible to use reverse gear in the normal way. However, the

electronic lock for reverse gear will be switched off.

-

Briefly pull the left-hand paddle lever

–

to change down to a

lower gear.

Caution

Should the gearbox ever switch into the back-up programme, you should take

-

Briefly pull the right-hand paddle lever

+

to change up to a

the vehicle to a technical service or qualified workshop as soon as possible.

higher gear.

The paddle levers are activated when the selector lever is in position D or S,

or the position for the manual shift programme (tiptronic).

The manual shift programme can, of course, still be operated using the

selector lever in the centre console.

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Intelligent technology

189

Practical tips

Intelligent technology

The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock (EDL) and

Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)

the traction control system (TCS) are all integrated into the electronic stabili-

sation programme.

General notes

How it works

The electronic stabilisation programme increases the

The ESP control unit processes data from the three integrated systems. It also

vehicle's stability on the road.

processes additional inputs provided by other high-precision sensors. These

register the vehicle's rotation about the vertical axis (yaw rate), lateral accel-

eration, brake pressure and steering wheel angle.

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

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

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

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

sates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.

The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the car back to a stable condi-

tion. If the vehicle over swerves (tendency of the rear to leave the road), the

brakes will act on the front wheel facing the outside of the bend. If the vehicle

under swerves (tendency to leave the bend), the braking force is applied to

the rear wheel facing the inside of the bend.

Fig. 160 Centre console

with ESP switch

The ESP works in conjunction with the ABS ⇒ page 190. If a malfunction

should occur in the ABS, the ESP will also be out of action.

The ESP is designed to increase the degree of control in situations where the

Disabling

car approaches the limits of adhesion, especially when accelerating and

The ESP is enabled automatically when the engine is started and performs a

cornering. It reduces the risk of skidding and improves stability in all road

self-test routine.

conditions. The system is active across the entire speed range.

Safety First

Controls and equipment

Practical tips

Technical Data

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190

Intelligent technology

If required, the ESP can also be enabled and disabled manually by briefly

How the ABS works

pressing the

ESP

switch ⇒ page 189, fig. 160. The ESP warning lamp lights

The system runs an automatic self-check when the car reaches a road speed

up when the system is switched off, see ⇒ page 68.

of about 6 km/h. This may be accompanied by a noise from the ABS pump.

In general, the ESP should be left switched on at all times. In particular

When one of the wheels is turning very slowly in relation to the road speed

circumstances where a certain amount of wheel slip is desirable, it may be

and is close to locking up, the system will reduce the pressure in the brake

advisable to switch off the ESP. Examples:

line to this wheel. The driver is made aware of this adjustment process by a

• when driving with snow chains

vibration of the brake pedal and an audible noise. This is a deliberate

warning to the driver that one or more of the wheels is tending to lock up and

• when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces

the ABS control function has intervened. In this situation it is important to

• when rocking the car backwards and forwards to free it.

keep the brake pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regulate the brake appli-

cation, but do not “pump” the brake pedal.

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

WARNING

WARNING

The grip provided by ABS is still subject to the physical limits of adhesion.

The ESP is not able to overcome the physical limits of adhesion. Even with

Always bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery roads. If you notice

ESP, you should always adjust your speed to suit the conditions. Please

that the ABS is working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you

bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery road surfaces. Do not let the

should reduce speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do

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

not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when

to do so could result in an accident.

driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.

Note

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, this is indicated by a warning lamp

ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking.

⇒ page 67.

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

system. However, the ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter stopping

distances in all conditions. For instance, on loose gravel or fresh snow on top

Brake assist system

of an icy surface (conditions which anyway require extreme care and reduced

The brake assist system helps the driver to achieve optimum

speed), the stopping distance with ABS may even be slightly longer.

braking effect.

The brake assist system helps to increase braking power and thus to achieve

a shorter stopping distance. If the driver presses the brake pedal very quickly,

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Intelligent technology

191

the brake assist system automatically boosts the braking force to the

other wheels. The systems works up to a speed of approx. 80 km/h. The

maximum level, up to the point where the anti-lock brake function (ABS) inter-

system will make noises while it is working.

venes to stop the wheels from locking. You should then keep the brake pedal

pressed until the vehicle has braked to the required speed. The brake assist

Moving away from a standstill

system switches itself off as soon as you release the brake pedal.

If one wheel has less grip and starts spinning (for instance, if one of the

driven wheels is on ice), keep pressing the accelerator gradually until the car

The brake assist system will not be operative if there is a malfunction in the

starts moving.

ABS or the ESP.

Overheating of the brakes

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

WARNING

out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. In this case, the vehicle will

Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you drive too

continue to run and will have the same running properties as those of another

fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow too close

without EDL.

behind the vehicle in front of you. An increased accident risk cannot be

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

compensated even by the brake assist system. Risk of accident.

WARNING

Electronic differential lock (EDL)

• When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance all four

wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and carefully.

The electronic differential lock prevents the loss of traction

Despite EDL, the driven wheels may otherwise start to spin. This could

caused if one wheel starts spinning.

impair the car's stability. Risk of accident.

• Even with EDL, you should always adjust your speed to suit the condi-

General notes

tions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks

The electronic differential lock (EDL) helps the car to start moving, accelerate

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

and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may otherwise be diffi-

cult or even impossible.

Note

How it works

If the ABS warning lamp lights up, this can also mean there is a fault in the

The EDL works automatically, i.e. without the driver's involvement. With the

EDL. Please take the vehicle to a specialist garage as soon as possible.

aid of the ABS sensors, the system monitors the rotational speed of the

driven wheels ⇒ page 190. If a considerable difference in revs is detected

(approx. 100 rpm) in the speed of the driven wheels, e.g. when only one part

of the surface supporting the wheels is slippery, the system applies the brake

to slow down the skidding wheel so that more of the power is directed to the

Safety First

Controls and equipment

Practical tips

Technical Data

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Intelligent technology

193

Corrosion

and prolongs the service life of the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes,

There may be a tendency for dirt to build up on the brake pads and corrosion

it is better to brake firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.

to form on the discs if the car is used infrequently, or if you only drive low

mileages without using the brakes very much.

Note

If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is

If you wish to equip the car with accessories such as a front spoiler or wheel

advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times from a

covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not obstructed,

moderately high speed ⇒

otherwise the brakes can overheat.

Faults in the brake system

If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may mean that

one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest qual-

Brake servo

ified workshop and have the fault rectified. On the way to the dealer, be

prepared to use more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stop-

The brake servo assists the driver when braking

ping distances.

The brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. The

Low brake fluid level

brake servo works only when the engine is running.

Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too low.

The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.

WARNING

Ensure the vehicle does not move while in neutral, when the motor is

WARNING

stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.

When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and discs,

select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or endanger other

Note

road users. Risk of accident.

If the brake servo is not working, e.g. because the vehicle has to be towed or

because it is broken, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably

Caution

harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance.

• Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when you do

not really intend to brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-

ping distances and greater wear.

• Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce speed

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

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

Safety First

Controls and equipment

Practical tips

Technical Data

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196

Driving and the environment

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

WARNING (continued)

⇒ page 285.

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

braking and relieves the brakes.

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

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

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

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

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

increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.

up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒ page 66. If this happens,

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

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

distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.

The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.

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

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

WARNING

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

brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions

The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! Fire hazard!

before purchasing accessories ⇒ page 220, “Technical modifications”.

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

dry grass or inflammable materials under the vehicle.

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

ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary

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

journeys.

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

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

Caution

Exhaust gas purification system

Never fully drain the fuel tank because the irregularity of the fuel supply may

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

Catalytic converter*

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

To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter

For the sake of the environment

- Always use unleaded petrol.

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

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

- Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank.

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

by changing to another brand of fuel.

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

⇒ page 230.

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