Seat Toledo. Service Manual - part 10

Driving

It is possible, however, to set the blower
speed to suit requirements.

●

Turn control 

10

 

››› 

Fig. 171

 counter-clock-

wise (to lower the speed) or clockwise (to in-
crease the speed).

Climatronic will switch off when the blower
switches off.

WARNING

Read and observe the safety warnings 

››› 

 in

General notes on page 142

.

Windscreen defrost

Switching on windscreen defrosting

●

Press the button 



 

12

 

››› 

Fig. 171

.

Switching off windscreen defrosting

●

Press button 



 

12

 

››› 

Fig. 171

 several

times or press the 

AUTO

 button.

The temperature is regulated automatically.
The air output is increased from vents 

1

››› 

page 143

 and 

2.

Driving

Starting and stopping the en-
gine

Introduction

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 18

WARNING

●

When moving with the engine switched off,

the ignition key must always remain in posi-
tion 

2

 

››› 

Fig. 172

 

››› 

page 151

 (ignition on).

The control lamps will light up in this posi-
tion. Otherwise, the steering lock could en-
gage suddenly. Risk of accident!

●

Do not remove the key from the ignition un-

til the vehicle has come to a standstill and is
secure (e.g. the handbrake is engaged). Oth-
erwise, the steering lock could suddenly en-
gage. Risk of accident!

●

Always take the ignition key with you when

you leave the vehicle. This is particularly im-
portant if you leave children in the vehicle.
Children could, for example, start the engine
with the subsequent risk of accident.

●

Never leave the engine running in unventi-

lated or closed rooms. The exhaust gases
contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and
colourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal acci-
dents! Carbon monoxide can cause people to
lose consciousness and can cause death.

●

Never leave the vehicle unattended if the

engine is running.

●

Never switch the engine off until the vehi-

cle has come to a complete stop. Risk of acci-
dent!

CAUTION

●

Turning the steering wheel fully in either

direction when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine is in gear puts the power steering
under great stress. This could lead to noise.
Never leave the steering wheel turned fully in
either direction for more than 15 seconds.
Risk of damage to the power steering system!

●

The starter motor may only be used (key

position 

3

 

››› 

Fig. 172

 

››› 

page 151

 in the ig-

nition) if the engine is off. Using the starter
motor when the engine is running could dam-
age it.

●

Immediately release the ignition key when

the engine starts, otherwise damage could be
caused to the starter motor.

●

When the engine is cold, you should avoid

high engine speeds, driving at full throttle
and over-loading the engine before it reaches
operating temperature. Risk of engine dam-
age!

●

Do not tow-start the engine. Risk of engine

damage! In vehicles with a catalytic convert-
er, fuel that has not been burned could reach
the catalytic converter and catch fire in it.
This would lead to a fault in the catalytic con-
verter. You may use the battery from another

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vehicle to help you start your engine

››› 



page 51

.

●

After prolonged and demanding operation

of the engine, when the journey has ended,
do not stop the engine immediately. Let the
engine run at idle for about one more minute.
This will stop the engine from overheating.

For the sake of the environment

Do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary. If possible, move off immediate-
ly after starting the engine. This will help the
engine reach operating temperature more
quickly, reducing the quantity of emissions.

Note

●

The engine can only be started with the

original SEAT key.

●

Loud running noises may be heard briefly

after cold-starting the engine. This is normal
and is no cause for concern.

●

After the engine has been stopped and the

ignition switched off, the radiator fan may
continue running for around 10 minutes.

●

If the engine still does not start after a sec-

ond attempt, the fuel pump fuse might have
blown. Check it and replace if necessary

››› 

page 80

 or contact your Specialised Serv-

ice.

●

You should always engage the steering lock

when you exit the vehicle. This will hinder
any attempts at theft.

Power steering

The power steering allows you to turn the
steering wheel more easily.

If the power steering fails or the engine is off
(towing), it is still possible to turn the vehi-
cle's steering wheel fully. However, you need
more strength to steer the vehicle.

Driver warning lamps and messages



 (in red) Faulty steering! To

park the vehicle

If the warning lamp remains on and the driver
indication appears, the power steering could
be faulty.

Do 

not continue driving. Seek specialist as-

sistance.



 (in yellow) Steering: System

fault! You may continue driving.

If the warning lamp comes on, the steering
could react with more difficultly or more sen-
sitivity than normal. In addition, when driving
in a straight line the steering wheel may be
off-centre.

Drive slowly to a specialised workshop and
have the fault repaired.



 (in yellow) Steering lock:

fault! Go to an Official Service

The electronic steering lock is malfunction-
ing.

Go to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the fault repaired.

WARNING

Take it immediately to a specialised work-
shop and have the fault repaired: risk of acci-
dent!

Note

If the lamp 



 (in red) or else  (in yellow)

lights up briefly, you may continue driving.

Start-up lock security system (immo-
biliser)

There is an electronic chip in the key. The
electronic immobiliser is deactivated when
the key is inserted into the ignition. The elec-
tronic immobiliser is automatically activated
when the key is removed from the ignition.

The engine will not start if an unauthorised
key is used.

The informative display indicates:

Immobiliser active!

150

Driving

Ignition lock

Fig. 172 

Ignition key positions.

Petrol engines

1

 – Ignition switched off, engine stopped,

steering can be locked

2

 – Ignition switched on

3

 – Starting

Diesel engines

1

 – Fuel supply stopped, ignition switched

off, engine stopped, steering can be locked

2

 – Engine pre-heating, ignition switched

on

3

 – Starting

To engage the 

Steering lock without the key

in the ignition, turn the steering wheel slight-
ly until you hear it engage.

If the 

steering lock is engaged and it is diffi-

cult or impossible to turn the key to position

2

, release the lock by turning the steering

wheel slightly in both directions.

Starter button

Fig. 173 

In the steering column: start-up

push button for the Keyless Access lock and
start-up system. The layout in right-hand
drive vehicles is symmetrical.

Fig. 174 

Emergency ignition in vehicles with

Keyless Access.

The start-up button may only be used if there
is a valid key in the vehicle.

Opening the driver's door 

when exiting the

vehicle activates the electronic lock on the
steering column if the ignition is disabled.

Switching the ignition on/off

●

Briefly push the start-up button 

››› 

Fig. 173

without touching the brake or clutch ped-
al 

››› 

.

Emergency starting function
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle,
an emergency start-up will be required. The
relevant message will appear in the dash
panel display. This may happen when, for ex-
ample, the vehicle key battery is very low or
flat:

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●

Immediately after pushing the start-up but-

ton, keep the vehicle key next to the steering
column 

››› 

Fig. 174

.

●

The ignition connects and the engine starts

automatically.

Emergency disconnection
If the engine does not stop after briefly press-
ing the start-up button, an emergency dis-
connect will be required:

●

Press the starter button twice within 1 sec-

ond or press it once for more than 2 seconds

››› 

.

●

The engine turns off automatically.

Engine restart feature
If no valid key is detected inside the vehicle
after the engine stops, you will only have 5
seconds to restart it. A warning will display
on the dash panel screen.

After this interval, it will not be possible to
start the engine without a valid key inside
the vehicle.

WARNING

Any accidental movement of the vehicle could
result in serious injury.

●

When pressing the start-up button, do not

press the brake or clutch pedal, this way the
engine will start immediately.

WARNING

If vehicle keys are used negligently or with-
out due care, this may cause accidents and
serious injury.

●

Never leave any key inside the vehicle

when exiting. Otherwise, a child or unauthor-
ised person could lock the vehicle, start the
engine or connect the ignition and, in this
way, operate electronic equipment (e.g. the
windows).

Note

In diesel vehicles with the Keyless Access
system, there may be a delay in the engine
starting if it requires preheating.

Starting the engine

Vehicles with a 

diesel engine are equipped

with a glow plug system. When you switch on
the ignition, the glow plug warning lamp 
will light up. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.

Do not connect electrical appliances during
preheating so as not the drain the vehicle
battery unnecessarily.

Starting the engine

●

Move the gearbox lever into neutral or

move the selector lever to position 

P or N and

pull firmly on the handbrake.

●

Press the clutch pedal all the way down

and start the engine 

3

 

››› 

Fig. 172

››› 

page 151

, without pressing the accelera-

tor. Keep the clutch pedal pressed down until
the engine starts.

●

Release the ignition key as soon as the en-

gine starts. The key returns to position 

2

.

●

If the engine does not start after 10 sec-

onds, turn the key back to position 

1

. Re-

peat the action after 30 seconds.

●

Release the handbrake before moving off.

Switching off the engine with the key

Stop the engine by turning the ignition key to
position 

1

 

››› 

Fig. 172

 

››› 

page 151

.

Brakes and brake servo sys-
tems

Introduction

WARNING

●

The brake servo only works when the en-

gine is running. Braking when the engine is
switched off requires applying more strength
to the brake pedal. Risk of accident!

●

Press down on the clutch pedal when stop-

ping and braking with a manual gearbox,

152

Driving

petrol engine vehicle at low speed. Other-
wise, the brake servo might not work proper-
ly. Risk of accident!

●

In the event of damage to the standard

front spoiler or where a different front spoil-
er, wheel trims, etc. are subsequently fitted,
make sure the air vent to the brakes on the
front wheels is not blocked. Otherwise, brak-
ing operations may be impaired. Risk of acci-
dent!

●

Always fully release the handbrake. If it is

only partially released, this will cause over-
heating of the rear brakes, which can impair
the function of the brake system. Risk of acci-
dent!

●

Never leave children unsupervised in the

vehicle. They could release the handbrake or
move the gear lever. The vehicle could start
moving. Risk of accident!

●

Insufficient fuel can cause the engine to run

irregularly or to switch off. Brake assist sys-
tems could be impaired. Risk of accident!

●

Always adjust your driving style to suit visi-

bility, the weather and road and traffic condi-
tions. The best vehicle safety offered by
brake assist systems must never encourage
you to run greater risks. Risk of accident!

CAUTION

●

Observe the information concerning new

brake pads 

››› 

page 161

.

●

Where braking is not necessary, do not

wear down the brake pads by pressing down

gently on the brake pedal. This causes the
brakes to overheat, increasing their wear and
increasing braking distances.

●

To ensure the brake assist systems work

properly, all wheels must be fitted with tyres
approved by the manufacturer.

Note

●

If you brake suddenly and the brake system

control unit regards the situation as hazard-
ous for the drivers behind you, the brake
lights will begin to flash automatically. After
reducing speed to approximately 10 km/h (6
mph) or stopping the vehicle, the brake lights
will stop flashing and the hazard warning
lights will switch on. The hazard warning
lights are automatically switched off when
you accelerate or restart the vehicle.

●

On long, steep gradients, reduce your

speed and change to a lower gear (manual
gearbox) or move the selector lever to a lower
gear position (automatic gearbox). This uses
the force of the engine and the brakes do not
suffer as much. If you still have to brake, do
so intermittently, pressing down repeatedly
on the brake pedal.

●

Vehicle modifications (e.g. to the engine,

brakes, frame or a combination of wheels and
tyres) could impair the brake assist systems

››› 

page 192, Accessories and modifications

to the vehicle

.

●

In the event of a fault in the ABS system,

the ESC, TCS and EDL are switched off auto-

matically. A fault in the ABS is indicated by
the  

››› 

page 155

 warning lamp.

Control lamp

The warning lamp 



 illuminates if the brake

fluid level is too low or if there is a fault in the
ABS system.

The informative display indicates:

Brake fluid Instruction Manual!

Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and
check the level of the brake fluid

››› 

page 209

WARNING

●

The following indications must be taken in-

to account when opening the engine com-
partment to check the brake fluid

››› 

page 202, Engine compartment

.

●

If the warning lamp 



 illuminates together

with the warning lamp  

››› 

page 155

, 



 ,

stop the vehicle! Go to a technical service.

●

A fault in the brake system or in the Anti-

lock brake system (ABS) can lead to longer
braking distances – Risk of accident!

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Brakes

Wear
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends
on the driving style and on the way in which
the vehicle is used. The brake pads will wear
more quickly if you use your vehicle frequent-
ly in urban traffic and short trips or drive in a
sporty style. Under these 

demanding condi-

tions, visit your specialised service, even be-
fore the scheduled service date, so that the
thickness of the brake pads can be meas-
ured.

Wet roads or road salt
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driv-
ing on roads which have been gritted with
salt, braking power may set in later than nor-
mal. Dry the brakes as soon as possible by
braking repeatedly.

Corrosion
Long periods of inactivity and little use can
lead to rust on the brake discs and dirt on the
brake pads. Where the brake system is sub-
jected to light stress or in the case of corro-
sion, clean the brake discs by braking fully
several times at a high speed.

Brake system fault
If you notice that the braking distance sud-
denly increases and the brake pedal can be
pressed down more fully, there may be a fault

in the brake system. Visit a specialised serv-
ice immediately and adjust your driving style
to the extent of the damage and to limit the
effect of the brakes.

Low brake fluid level
Insufficient brake fluid could cause faults in
the brake system. The brake fluid level is con-
trolled electronically 

››› 

page 153, Control

lamp

.

Brake servo
The brake servo supplements the pressure
you exert on the brake pedal. The brake servo
only works when the engine is running.

Handbrake

Fig. 175 

Centre console: handbrake.

Applying the handbrake

–

Pull the handbrake lever up all the way.

Releasing the handbrake

–

Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
press the unlock button 

at the same time

››› 

Fig. 175

.

–

Keep the button pressed down and push
the lever all the way down.

Control lamp
The warning lamp lights up when the hand-
brake is applied with the ignition on 



.

Additionally, driving the vehicle at speeds ex-
ceeding 6 km/h (4 mph) for at least 3 sec-
onds produces an audible warning.

The informative display indicates:

Release the handbrake!

Braking and stability systems

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

The ESC system increases control of the vehi-
cle in emergency situations, e.g. during a
sudden change in direction. Depending on
the driving conditions, it reduces the risk of
skidding and increases driving stability.

The system uses the steering wheel angle
and road speed to calculate the changes of
direction desired by the driver, and constant-
ly compares them with the actual behaviour
of the vehicle. When irregularities occur, for

154

Driving

example, if the vehicle begins to skid, the
ESC brakes the appropriate wheel automati-
cally.

The  warning lamp on the general instru-
ment panel starts flashing when the system
is working.

The 

stability (ESC) system includes the fol-

lowing systems:

●

Anti-lock brake system (ABS),

●

Traction control system (TCS),

●

Electronic differential lock (EDL),

●

Hydraulic brake assist system (HBA),

●

Hill hold control (HHC).

The ASR should be switched on at all times.
Only under certain circumstances should the
system be switched off, e.g.

●

driving with chains,

●

driving in deep snow or on very soft surfa-

ces,

●

During the “swinging movement” required

to remove a stuck vehicle

Switch the ASR back on as soon as possible.

Brake assist system (HBA)*
The HBA system is activated when you press
down on the brake pedal suddenly. It increa-
ses braking power, helping to reduce braking
distances. To reduce braking distance as
much as possible, keep the brake pedal

pressed down firmly until the vehicle comes
to a standstill.

With the help of this system, the ABS is acti-
vated more quickly and more efficiently.

The brake assist function is deactivated auto-
matically when the brake pedal is released.

Hill hold control (HHC)*
The HHC system makes it easier to start the
vehicle on hills. The system maintains the
brake pressure created by pressing down on
the brake pedal for 2 seconds after it has
been released. Your foot can be removed
from the brake pedal and you can use the ac-
celerator pedal and move away on a hill with-
out having to use the handbrake. The brake
pressure drops as the accelerator pedal is
pressed. If the vehicle cannot be started, it
will start to move backwards after 2 seconds.

The HHC is activated on gradients of over
5%, if the driver door is closed. It only works
for starting on hills, moving both forward and
in reverse. It is not activated during start-up
down hill.

Control lamp
If the control lamp  flashes, the ESC is
working.

If the  warning lamp illuminates on igni-
tion, the ESC system may have switched off
due to technical reasons. Turn off the ignition

and turn it on again. Upon switching on the
ignition again, if the warning lamp has
switched off, this means the ESC is function-
ing correctly again.

If the  warning lamp is illuminated there is
a fault in the ESC.

The informative display indicates:

Report No.: electronic stability
control (ESC)

or

Report No.: Traction control
system (ASR)

Go to a technical service.

Note

If the battery is disconnected and connected
again, the yellow warning lamp  lights up
when the ignition is switched on. This warn-
ing lamp must switch off after covering a
short distance.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

The ABS system prevents the wheels locking
during braking. This helps the driver keep
control of the vehicle.

The driver is made aware of ABS assistance
by the pulsating of the brake pedal and a
characteristic noise.

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Keep the brake pedal pressed down while the
ABS is working. The ABS will switch off when
the brake pedal is released. Never brake in-
termittently while the ABS is working!

Control lamp
If the  warning lamp is illuminated, there is
a fault in the ABS.

The informative display indicates:

ABS fault

The brake system alone is operational in the
vehicle, without ABS.

Go to a technical service.

WARNING

●

If the 



 warning lamp illuminates together

with the 

››› 

page 153

  warning lamp, 



 ,

stop the vehicle! Go to a technical service.

●

A fault in the Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

can lead to longer braking distances – Risk of
accident!

Anti-slip regulation of the driving
wheels (ASR)*

If the wheels start to slip, the TCS adapts the
engine speed to the driving conditions. Par-
ticularly in unfavourable conditions, the TCS
helps starting, accelerating and hill starts.

If the control lamp  flashes, the ASR is
working.

If the  warning lamp illuminates on igni-
tion, the TCS system may have switched off
due to technical reasons. Turn off the ignition
and turn it on again. Upon switching on the
ignition again, if the warning lamp has
switched off, this means the TCS is function-
ing correctly again.

If the  warning lamp remains illuminated,
there is a fault in the TCS.

The informative display indicates:

Report No.: Traction control
system (ASR)

Go to a technical service.

Electronic differential lock

If one of the wheels starts to skid, the EDL
brakes that wheel, transmitting the driving
force to the other wheels. This increases ve-
hicle stability and improves driving stability.

To prevent the disc brake of the braking
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out au-
tomatically if subjected to excessive loads.
The vehicle will continue to function normally
without EDL. The EDL will switch on again au-
tomatically when the brake has cooled down.

Manual gearbox

Changing gears

Fig. 176 

Gear shift diagram of a 5- or 6-speed

manual gearbox

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 34

When changing gear, always depress the
clutch pedal fully and keep it pressed down
to avoid excessive clutch wear.

In order to drive at an optimum RPM, follow
the gear change indications 

››› 



page 25

.

Engage reverse gear only when the vehicle is
stopped. On engaging reverse gear while the
engine is running, first wait a moment with
the clutch pedal pressed down fully to limit
gear shift noise.

The reverse lights switch on when the reverse
gear is selected and the ignition is on.

156

Driving

WARNING

Never engage reverse gear when moving for-
ward. Risk of accident!

Note

Do not rest your hand on the gear lever while
driving. The pressure of your hand could lead
to premature wear of the gear system.

Automatic gearbox

Basic information

The gearbox changes up and down automati-
cally. The gearbox can be set to 

Tiptronic

mode. The gears can be changed manually in
this mode 

››› 

page 159

.

The engine can only be 

started in positions P

or 

N. If, on engaging the steering lock,

switching the ignition on/off or starting the
engine, the selector lever is not in these posi-
tions, the informative display will show 

Move

the selector lever to position
P/N!

, or 



 P/N

 is shown on the general

dash panel display.

At temperatures below -10°C (14°F), the en-
gine can only be started in position 

P.

Move the selector lever to position 

P when

parking the vehicle on a flat surface. On a
slope, the handbrake should be firmly ap-

plied before moving the selector lever to the
park position. This reduces the load on the
lock mechanism while making it easier to
move the selector lever from position 

P.

If, while the vehicle is moving, the selector
lever is accidentally moved to position 

N, re-

lease the accelerator and wait for the engine
to idle before moving it back into position.

WARNING

●

Never press the accelerator when selecting

the automatic gearbox operating mode when
the vehicle is stationary. Risk of accident!

●

Never move the selector lever to positions

R or P when driving. Risk of accident!

●

If the vehicle is to be stopped with a gear

selected and the engine idling (e.g. waiting
or moving slowly at traffic lights), press down
on the brake pedal because the transmission
is not entirely interrupted when the engine is
idling and the vehicle will tend to start mov-
ing.

●

Apply the handbrake firmly and put the se-

lector lever in position P before opening the
bonnet and working on the vehicle with the
engine running. Risk of accident! Strictly fol-
low the safety instructions 

››› 

page 202, En-

gine compartment

.

●

When stopping on a slope (hill), try not to

stop the vehicle from moving by pressing the
“accelerator” with a gear selected. This could
overheat the clutch. If the clutch risks being
burnt due to this force, it would switch off

and the vehicle could move backwards. Risk
of accident!

●

If you have to stop on a hill, press down on

the brake pedal to stop the vehicle from mov-
ing.

●

The drive wheels could lose traction on a

slippery road surface when the kick-down
function is activated. Risk of sliding!

CAUTION

●

In DSG automatic gearboxes, the double

clutch is protected from overloads. If the hill
hold control is used, the clutches are subjec-
ted to greater force if the vehicle is at a
standstill on a slope or suddenly accelerating
on a slope.

●

Should the clutches overheat, the 



 sym-

bol is shown on the informative display with
a warning message Gear overheated.
Stop! Instruction Manual!

 An audible

warning is also heard. Stop the vehicle in this
case, stop the engine and wait until the sym-
bol 



 has switched off. Danger of damage to

the gearbox! You can continue driving once
the symbol is switched off.

Starting and driving

Starting

–

Press and hold the brake pedal.

–

Press and hold the interlock button on the
selector lever knob and move the selector

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lever to position 

››› 

page 158

 before releas-

ing the interlock button.

–

Release the brake and press the accelera-
tor.

Stopping

–

The selector lever does not have to be
moved to position 

N if the vehicle is stop-

ped for a short period, e.g. at intersections.
Applying the brake is enough. However, the
engine must remain idling.

Parking

–

Press the brake pedal.

–

Apply the handbrake.

–

Press the interlock button, move the selec-
tor lever to position 

P and release the but-

ton.

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

In any gear programme, press down fully on
the accelerator for the automatic gearbox to
activate the kick-down feature. This function
takes priority over the gear programmes with-
out taking into account the position of the se-
lector lever (

D, S or Tiptronic) and is used to

reach maximum acceleration, using full en-
gine power. Depending on the road speed
and engine speed, the automatic gearbox

shifts down and the vehicle accelerates. It
only shifts up after the maximum engine
speed has been reached.

Selector lever positions

Fig. 177 

Gear selector lever

Fig. 178 

Informative display: selector lever

positions.

Read the additional information carefully

››› 



page 35

The current position of the selector lever is
shown on the general instrument panel dis-
play 

1

 

››› 

Fig. 178

.

P

 – Parking position

In this position, the driven wheels are me-
chanically locked.

The parking position can only be selected
when the vehicle is stationary.

If you want to move the selector lever from
this position, press the interlock button on
the selector lever knob while pressing down
on the brake pedal.

If the battery is drained, the selector lever
cannot be moved from 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 from

positions 

P or N, press the interlock button

on the selector lever knob and press down on
the brake pedal.

The reverse lights come on when the selector
lever is in position 

R and the ignition is on.

N

 – Neutral (idling)

Neutral (idling) is engaged in this position.

To move the selector lever from position 

N (if

the lever has remained in this position for

158

Driving

more than 2 seconds) to position 

D or R at

speeds of less than 5 km/h (3 mph) and
when the vehicle is stationary, press down on
the brake pedal.

D

 – Drive (forwards)

In this position, the gearbox automatically
changes to a lower or higher gear, depending
on engine requirements, the driving speed
and the gear shift programme.

To move the selector lever to position 

D from

position 

N at speeds of less than 5 km/h (3

mph) and when the vehicle is stationary,
press down on the brake pedal.

In some situations (e.g. on mountain roads or
when towing a trailer or caravan), it can be
advantageous to switch temporarily to the
manual shift programme 

››› 

page 159

 so that

the gear ratios can be selected manually to
suit driving conditions.

S

 – Sports driving position

Shifting up later than usual makes full use of
the engine power. This shifts down earlier in
relation to position 

D.

To move the selector lever to position 

S from

position 

D, press the interlock button on the

selector lever knob.

Tiptronic

Fig. 179 

Selector lever: Tiptronic.

The Tiptronic gearbox allows the driver to
change gears manually using the selector
lever.

Activating the manual gearbox

–

From position 

D, push the selector lever to

the right. The selected position of the se-
lector lever is shown on the general instru-
ment panel display together with the gear
engaged 

1

 

››› 

Fig. 178

.

Shifting up

–

Push the selector lever gently forwards 

+

››› 

Fig. 179

.

Shifting down

–

Push the selector lever gently backwards

-

 

››› 

Fig. 179

.

The manual gearbox can be activated when
the vehicle is either moving or stationary.

When accelerating, the gearbox automatical-
ly shifts up shortly before the maximum en-
gine speed is reached.

On shifting up, the gear is only engaged
when there is no risk of engine damage.

When the accelerator pedal is pressed down
to the kick-down zone, the gearbox will shift
down in line with the road speed and engine
speed.

Note

The kick-down function is also available in
manual shift mode.

Selector lever lock

Automatic selector lever lock 
The selector lever is locked in the positions 

P

and 

N when the ignition is on. Press down on

the brake to unlock it. Remember, if the se-
lector lever is in positions 

P and N, the warn-

ing lamp  will light up on the general in-
strument panel.

When the selector lever merely moves
through position 

N (e.g. when moved from R

to 

D), the lever lock is not applied. This

makes it possible, for example, to rock a
stuck vehicle backwards and forwards. The

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lock is only applied if the brake is not press-
ed and the selector lever is moved to position
N for more than 2 seconds.

The selector lever only locks when the is vehi-
cle stationary or driving at a speed lower
than 5 km/h (3 mph). At a higher speed, it
automatically disconnects in the 

N position.

Interlock button
The interlock button on the selector lever
knob prevents the driver from inadvertently
engaging a gear. Press the button to unlock
the selector lever.

Safety interlock for ignition key

1)

After switching off the ignition, you can only
remove the ignition key if the selector lever is
in position 

P. When the ignition key is re-

moved, the selector lever is locked in posi-
tion 

P.

Driving programmes

Your vehicle is equipped with an electronical-
ly-controlled automatic gearbox. Shifting up
or down depends on the programme selec-
ted.

For a 

calm driving style, the gearbox uses the

most economic programme. The gearbox

shifts up as quickly as possible and shifts
down as late as possible, thus increasing
driving economy.

With a 

sporty driving style, characterised by

sudden acceleration, heavy acceleration,
speeds that often increase and decrease and
maximum speed, the gearbox adapts to this
driving style when the accelerator is pressed
down fully (kick-down) by shifting down as
quickly as possible and can even shift down
by several gears at once.

Selecting the best driving programmes is an
endless job. Regardless of this, the driver can
also make the gearbox switch to a more dy-
namic gear shift programme by pressing the
accelerator quickly. This makes the automatic
gearbox shift down into a lower gear than the
one that would normally apply to the current
speed, allowing for more rapid acceleration
(e.g. to overtake another vehicle) without
having to press the accelerator until the kick-
down position. On shifting up in a corre-
sponding driving style, the gearbox returns to
the original programme.

When driving along mountain roads, the
gearbox adapts to the gradients. This avoids
having to frequently change gears when driv-
ing uphill. In Tiptronic mode, it is possible to
shift down manually when driving downhill to
use the braking effect of the engine.

Backup programme

A back-up programme exists in case of faults.

In the event of a fault in the gearbox electron-
ics, it will continue to work in one of the cor-
responding back-up programmes. All seg-
ments of the screen are lit up or switched off.

The fault can be seen as follows:

●

The gearbox only engages certain gears

●

Reverse gear 

R cannot be engaged

●

The manual gearbox switches off in the

back-up programme

Note

If the gearbox switches to the back-up pro-
gramme, visit an Authorised Service as soon
as possible to solve the problem.

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.

1)

Valid only for certain countries.

160

Driving



 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.



 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

The first 1,500 km

Over the first 1,500 kilometres the engine
must be run in.

Up to 1000 kilometres

–

Do not drive at more than 3/4 of the maxi-
mum speed corresponding to the engaged
gear, i.e. up to 3/4 of the maximum permit-
ted engine speed.

–

Do not drive at full speed.

–

Avoid high engine speeds.

–

Do not tow a trailer.

From 1000 to 1500 kilometres (600 to 900
miles)

–

Slowly increase the engine speed until
reaching the maximum permitted speed of
the engaged gear, i.e. the maximum per-
mitted engine 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 in. How the vehicle is driven over approx-
imately the first 1,500 kilometres (900
miles), determines the success of the proc-
ess of running in the engine.

Even after running in, the vehicle should not
be unnecessarily driven at 

high engine

speeds. The maximum permitted engine
speed is marked at the start of the red zone
on the rev counter dial. The gear must be
changed up when the red area is reached in
vehicles with a manual gearbox. 

Extremely

high engine speeds when accelerating are
automatically limited, however the engine is
not protected against high engine speeds
produced by incorrectly changing to a lower
gear, which could cause the engine to run at
revs above the maximum permitted amount,
and consequently result in damage to the en-
gine.

Additionally, vehicles with a manual gearbox
must also bear the following in mind: do not
drive with the engine speed too 

low. Change

down to a lower gear when the engine no
longer runs smoothly. Observe the recom-
mendations for changing gear

››› 



page 25

.

New tyres
New tyres must be submitted to “running in”,
given that initially their grip is not yet at the
maximum level. During the first 500 km (120
miles) drive very carefully.

New brake pads
New brake pads do not yet provide maximum
friction capacity. First they must be “run in”.

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During the first 200 km (120 miles) drive very
carefully.

CAUTION

All the information for speed and engine
speed refers to an engine that operates at op-
erating temperature. Do not run the engine at
high engine speeds, neither when stopped or
while driving.

For the sake of the environment

Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine
speeds; changing to a higher gear sooner
contributes to saving fuel, reduces operating
noise and protects the environment.

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.

Economical and environmentally-
friendly driving

Fuel consumption, environmental pollution
and wear to the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends in large part on your driving style. By
adopting an economical driving style and an-
ticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can
easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
Some tips on how to help you reduce pollu-
tion while saving money are listed below.

Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating.
When you anticipate situations, you have to
brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If
it is possible, let the vehicle roll with a 

gear

engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this
way helps to reduce the wear of brakes and
tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are
reduced to zero (disconnection due to iner-
tia).

Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change
up quickly through the gears. Running the

162

Driving

engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses
an unnecessary amount of fuel.

Manual gearbox: shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. We recommend
that, whenever possible, you change to a
higher gear upon reaching 2000 rpm. Follow
the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel

››› 



page 25

.

Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed
permitted by the vehicle. Fuel consumption,
exhaust emissions and noise levels all in-
crease very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving
at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.

Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine
when waiting in a traffic jam, at level cross-
ings or at traffic lights with a long red phase.
The fuel saved after only 30 - 40 seconds is
greater than the amount of fuel needed to re-
start the engine.

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.

Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that,
before beginning a journey, you will not con-
sume more than the required amount of fuel.
A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit
of 

improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-

mum reliability and an enhanced resale val-
ue.

A badly serviced engine can consume up to
10% more fuel than necessary.

Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of
polluting exhaust gases, the engine and the
exhaust gas filtration systems should reach
the optimum 

operating temperature.

With the engine cold, fuel consumption is
proportionally higher. The engine does not
warm up and fuel consumption does not nor-
malise until having driven approximately four
kilometres (2.5 miles). This is why we recom-
mend avoiding short trips whenever possi-
ble.

Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an ad-
equate pressure saves fuel. If the tyre pres-
sure is just one bar (14.5 psi/100 kPa) too
low, fuel consumption can increase by as
much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resist-
ance, under-inflation also increases tyre 

wear

wear and impairs handling.

The tyre pressures should always be checked
when the tyres are cold.

Do not use 

winter tyres all year round as they

increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.

Avoid unnecessary weight
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.

A roof rack is often left in place for the sake
of convenience, even when it is no longer
needed. At a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph)
and 120 km/h (75 mph) your vehicle will use
about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra
wind resistance caused by the roof rack even
when it is not in use.

Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which
produces electricity. With the need for elec-
tricity, fuel consumption also increases. Be-
cause of this, always turn off electrical devi-
ces when you do not need them. Examples of
devices that use a lot of electricity are: the
fan at high speeds, the rear window heating
and the seat heaters*.

Note

●

If you vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not rec-

ommended to switch this function off.

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●

It is recommended that you close the win-

dows when driving at more than 60 km/h
(37 mph)

●

Do not drive with your foot resting on the

clutch pedal,, as the pressure can make the
plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can
burn the clutch plate lining, causing a serious
fault.

●

Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the

clutch, use the foot brake or hand brake, us-
ing the latter to start. The fuel consumption
will be lower and you will prevent the clutch
plate from being damaged.

●

On descents, use the engine brake, chang-

ing to the gear that is more suitable for the
slope. Fuel consumption will be “zero” and
the brakes will not suffer.

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

An exhaust gas emission control system (cat-
alytic converter) that functions perfectly is vi-
tally important for vehicle operation that re-
spects the environment.

Please observe the following indications:

●

Refuel only using unleaded petrol in petrol

engine vehicles 

››› 

page 200

.

●

Do not add too much oil to the engine

››› 

page 207, Checking engine oil level

.

●

Do not switch off the ignition while driving.

If you are required to drive in a country where
unleaded fuel is not available, when return-
ing to a country where using a catalytic con-
verter is obligatory, the catalytic converter
must be replaced.

CAUTION

●

Never completely empty the tank! An irreg-

ular fuel supply can cause ignition faults,
which can result in damage to a substantial
amount of engine parts and the exhaust sys-
tem.

●

Refuelling just once with leaded petrol dis-

ables the exhaust system!

Particulate filter  (diesel engines)

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
(automatic gearbox: gear S). Maintain the en-
gine speed at approximately 2,000 rpm. The

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