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Seat Cordoba. Service Manual - part 9

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134

Driving

Automatic gearbox*

Note

A programme will, depending on the driving resistance, be selected automat-

Gearbox programmes

ically that guarantees more pulling power, thus avoiding having to shift gear

constantly.

The automatic gearbox has two gearbox programmes.

Fig. 98 Centre console:

Automatic gearbox

selector lever

The gearbox management system is equipped with two driving programmes.

Depending on the driver or the driving situation, either a consumption

oriented programme or a more “sporty” programme will be selected.

The programme selection will be carried out automatically depending on how

the accelerator is used.

• The consumption-oriented programme will be selected if you use the

accelerator slowly or normally. This means that the gearbox will shift up

earlier and down later.

• A more “sporty” driving programme which shifts up gear later will be

selected if you use the accelerator more quickly.

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Driving

135

Selector lever lock functions

The selector lever lock is released as follows:

The selector lever lock in position P or N prevents gears from

- Switch on the ignition.

being engaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle

- Press and hold the brake pedal and press the selector lever lock

to move.

on the left of the selector lever at the same time.

A delay device prevents the lever form blocking, on gently passing through

position N (for example, from R to D). This makes it possible, if the car is

stuck, to remove it “by swinging it”. Only when the lever is in position N for

more than 1 second, without pressing the brake, does the lever block come

into operation.

At speeds of over 5 km/h the selector lever lock is automatically blocked in

position N

Fig. 99 Centre console:

Selector lever positions

Automatic gearbox

selector lever

P - parking lock

This is the correct position for parking the vehicle. To engage and disengage

P press the button on the gearstick knob and depress the brake pedal, while

the car is running.

If the car is not running, it can be unlocked by pressing the knob button.

R - reverse gear

This should only be engaged when the vehicle is at a standstill and the

engine idling. Before engaging position R, starting from position P or N,

depress the brake pedal and press the button on the gearstick knob.

In position R and with the ignition on, the reversing lights come on.

Fig. 100 Instrument

panel display: Move the

selector lever to position

P.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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138

Driving

Always apply the handbrake firmly. This prevents you driving with the hand-

Handbrake

brake applied ⇒

The handbrake warning lamp  lights up when the handbrake is applied

Using the handbrake

and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp goes out when the hand-

brake is released.

The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the

vehicle from accidentally rolling away.

WARNING

• Never use the handbrake to slow down the vehicle when it is in motion.

The braking distance is considerably longer, as braking is only applied to

the rear wheels. Risk of accident!

• If it is only partially released this will cause overheating of the rear

brakes, which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead

to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake

pads/linings.

Caution

Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear

Fig. 101 Handbrake

should also be selected.

between the front seats

Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when

Parking

you park.

The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the

Applying the handbrake

vehicle is parked.

- Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒ fig. 101.

Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:

Releasing the handbrake

- Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.

- Pull the lever up slightly and press the locking knob in the direc-

tion of the arrow ⇒ fig. 101 and guide the handbrake lever down

- Apply the handbrake.

fully ⇒

– The first gear should also be selected.

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Driving

139

– Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition lock.

Cruise control system (CCS)*

Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.

- Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle

Description

⇒

The cruise control system is able to maintain the set speed in

Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:

the range from approx. 30 km/h to 180 km/h.

Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle would roll against the kerb if it did

Once the speed setting has been saved, you may take your foot off the accel-

start to roll.

erator.

• If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point

towards the kerb.

WARNING

• If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away

from the kerb.

It could be dangerous to use the cruise control system if it is not possible

to drive at constant speed.

• Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and

selecting first gear.

• For safety reasons the cruise control system should not be used in

dense traffic, in sections with bends or where roads conditions are poor

(e.g. aquaplaning, loose chippings, slippery surfaces, snow). Risk of acci-

WARNING

dent.

• Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle

• Always switch off the CCS when you have finished using it. This will

unattended.

prevent you using it by mistake.

• Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable

• It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,

materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.

traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.

• Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is

locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and

Note

could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an

The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when descending gradi-

emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.

ents. The vehicle will accelerate under its own weight. Use the foot brake to

• Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could set the

slow the vehicle.

vehicle in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear

lever / selector lever.

• Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold

inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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140

Driving

Switching the cruise control system on and off

Setting speed*

Fig. 102 Turn signal and

Fig. 103 Turn signal and

main beam headlight

main beam headlight

lever switch and rocker

lever switch and rocker

switch for the cruise

switch for the cruise

control

control

Switching on the system

- Press the lower part SET of the rocker switch ⇒ fig. 103

B

once

briefly when you have reached the speed you wish to set.

- Move the control ⇒ fig. 102 to the left to ON.

A

Switching off system

When you release the rocker switch, the current speed is set and held

constant.

A

- Move the control to the right to OFF or turn the ignition off

when the vehicle is stationary.

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Driving

141

Adjusting set speed*

When you increase speed with the accelerator and then release the pedal, the

system will automatically restore the set speed. This will not be the case,

The speed can be altered without touching the accelerator or

however, if the vehicle speed is more than 10 km/h higher than the stored

the brake.

speed for longer than 5 minutes. The speed will have to be stored again.

Control of the set speed is switched off if you reduce speed by depressing the

brake pedal. Reactivate the control by pressing once on the upper part of the

rocker switch RES+ ⇒ fig. 104

B

WARNING

It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,

traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.

Fig. 104 Turn signal and

main beam headlight

Switching off system temporarily*

lever switch and rocker

switch for the cruise

control

Setting a higher speed

- Press the upper part RES of the rocker switch ⇒ fig. 104

to

B

increase the speed. The vehicle will continue to accelerate for as

long as you keep the rocker switch pressed. When you release

the switch, the new speed is stored.

Setting a lower speed

Fig. 105 Turn signal and

main beam headlight

- Press the lower part SET- of the rocker switch

A

to reduce the

lever switch and rocker

speed. The vehicle will automatically reduce its speed for as long

switch for the cruise

control

as you keep the switch pressed. When you release the switch, the

new speed is stored.

The cruise control system will be switched off in the following situations:

• if the brake pedal is depressed,

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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142

Driving

• if the clutch pedal is depressed,

Vehicles with a manual gearbox

• if the vehicle is accelerated to over 180 km/h,

The system is completely turned off by moving the control

A

all the way to

A

• when the lever is moved in the direction of OFF without fully being

the right hand side (OFF engaged), or when the vehicle is stationary, ignition

off.

engaged.

To resume cruise control, release the brake or clutch pedal or reduce the

Vehicles with an automatic gearbox

vehicle speed to less than 180 km/h and press once on the upper part of the

To completely disengage the system, the selector lever must be placed in one

rocker switch RES ⇒ page 141, fig. 105

B

of the following positions: P, N, R or 1 or with the vehicle stopped and the

ignition turned off.

WARNING

It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,

traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.

Completely switching off the system

Fig. 106 Turn signal and

main beam headlight

lever switch and rocker

switch for the cruise

control

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Intelligent technology

143

Tips and Maintenance

Intelligent technology

The brake assist system intervenes here, if you press the brake pedal very

Brakes

quickly, the brake assist system registers an emergency situation. It then very

quickly builds up the full brake pressure so that the ABS can be activated

Brake servo

more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the braking distance.

Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The brake assist system

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

switches off automatically as soon as you release the brake.

only when the engine is running.

If the brake servo is not functioning due to a malfunction, or if the vehicle has

WARNING

to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder to

make up for the lack of servo assistance.

• The risk of accident is higher if you drive too fast, if you do not keep

your distance to the vehicle in front, and when the road surface is slippery

or wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake assist

WARNING

system.

The braking distance can also be affected by external factors.

• The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery and

wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system! Therefore, it is

• Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. Failure to do so

essential that you adjust your speed to suit the road and traffic conditions.

could result in an accident. The braking distance is increased considerably

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

as the brake servo does not function.

driving.

• If the brake servo is not functioning, for example if the vehicle is being

towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder than

normal.

Brake assist system (BAS)*

In an emergency, most drivers brake in time, but not with maximum force.

This results in unnecessarily long braking distances.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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Intelligent technology

145

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

Electronic Stabilising Program (ESP)*

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

WARNING

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

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

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

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

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

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

towing a trailer.

sates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.

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

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

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

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

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

wheel on the outside of the turn.

Caution

WARNING

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

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

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

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

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

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

towing a trailer.

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

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

ciency of the ABS and TCS.

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

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

Caution

Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*

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

•

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

General notes

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

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

The electronic stabilisation programme increases the

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

vehicle’s stability on the road.

ciency of the ABS, EDL, ESP and TCS.

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

ding.

Note

To disconnect using the ESP button ⇒ page 128.

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

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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146

Intelligent technology

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

WARNING (continued)

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

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

⇒ page 144.

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

any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)*

Caution

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

The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-

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

tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.

ciency of the EDL ⇒ page 167.

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

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

The traction control system (TCS)

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

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

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

⇒ page 64.

car is accelerating ⇒ page 144.

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

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

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

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

driven wheel via the differential.

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

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

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

the EDL has been switched off.

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

WARNING

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

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

spin. This could impair the vehicle’s stability.

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148

Driving and the environment

Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Service

WARNING (continued)

Schedule.

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

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

ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary

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

journeys.

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

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

Exhaust gasses purification system

WARNING

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

Catalytic converter*

of accidents.

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

To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter

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

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

- Always use unleaded petrol.

applies when new brake pads are fitted.

- Do not run the fuel tank dry.

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

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

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

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

⇒ page 181, “Topping up engine oil ”.

heat. 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

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

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

⇒ page 221.

braking and relieves the brakes.

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

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

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

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

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

distance. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.

up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒ page 60. If this happens,

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

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

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

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 167, “Modifications”.

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

dry grass or inflammable materials under the vehicle.

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Driving and the environment

149

WARNING (continued)

WARNING

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caution

Caution

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

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

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

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

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

For the sake of the environment

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

Driving abroad

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

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

Notes

died by changing to another brand of fuel.

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

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

Diesel engine particulate filter*

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

tions will have information about service station networks selling unleaded

The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates soot produced

fuel.

by burning diesel.

•

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

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

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

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

Centre may only carry out limited repairs.

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

SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the

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

technical preparation of your vehicle in addition to necessary maintenance

the diesel engine particulate filter indicator will light. See under Warning

and repair possibilities.

Lights.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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