
Air conditioning
118Cooling system
When the cooling system is switched on, not only the temperature, but also 
the air humidity in the vehicle interior is reduced. This improves comfort for 
the vehicle occupants and prevents misting of the windows when the outside 
air humidity is high.
If the cooling system cannot be switched on this may be due to the following 
reasons:•
the engine is not running.
•
The blower is switched off.
•
The outside temperature is lower than approx. +5°C.
•
the cooling system compressor has been temporarily switched off 
because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
•
The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
•
Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by a quali-
fied workshop.
Air recirculation  
Air recirculation mode prevents  fumes or unpleasant smells 
from entering the vehicle.When air recirculation mode  is switched on (button ⇒page 117, fig. 89    
with warning lamp) strong odours in the outside air do not enter the vehicle 
interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in queuing traffic.
When the outside temperature is low,  using air recirculation mode provides 
more effective heating by heating air from the vehicle interior instead of cold 
air from outside.
When the outside temperature is high, using air recirculation mode provides 
more effective cooling by cooling air from the vehicle interior instead of warm 
air from outside. For reasons of safety, air recirculation is 
not possible when the control for air 
distribution is set to the windscreen setting 
.
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no ambient air enters the vehicle interior. If the 
air conditioning system is switched off, the windows can quickly mist over. 
Therefore, you should never leave the air recirculation mode switched on 
for longer periods, as this increases the risk of an accident.
Note
When reverse gear is engaged the air recirculation connects automatically to 
prevent the entrance of exhaust fumes in the vehicle on travelling backwards. 
The control light on the button   does not light up.Economic use of the air conditioningWhen the air conditioning is switched  on, the compressor consumes engine 
power and has an effect on fuel consumption. Observe the following points 
in order to have the equipment operating for a short a time as possible.•
If the vehicle interior has overheated due to excessive solar radiation, it is 
best to open the windows or doors to allow the hot air to escape.
•
When travelling the air conditioning should not be switched on if the 
windows or sun roof are open.*
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Air conditioning
120
Button   – Air distribution to footwell
Button   – Air distribution to the upper body.
Button   – Air distribution to head
Button   – To connect economic mode. When the button light is on, 
the air conditioning is disconnected to save fuel.
Button   – Manual air recirculation modeWARNING
For your safety, the windows should never be fogged up or covered with 
snow or ice. This is essential to ensure good visibility. Please familiarize 
yourself with the correct operation of the heating and ventilation system, 
including the demist/defrost functions for the windows.
Note
Please observe the general notes .Automatic mode
In automatic mode air temperature, flow, and distribution are 
automatically regulated so that  a specified temperature is 
attained as quickly as possible and then maintained.Switching on automatic mode
– Press the button  . The display is visible  ⇒page 119, 
fig. 90   .
– Turn the temperature selector  to set the desired temperature 
inside the vehicle. We recommend 22°C (72°F).
A comfortable interior climate is quickly reached when a temperature of 
+22° C (72° F) is set in automatic mode. It can be changed as necessary to 
suit individual preferences or particular circumstances. It is possible to select 
interior temperatures from +18° C (64° F)  to +29° C (86° F). If a lower or higher 
temperature is selected,  LO or  HI is displayed on the screen. These are 
approximate temperatures and the actual  temperature may be slightly higher 
or lower depending on the outside conditions.
Climatronic maintains a constant temperature level fully automatically. The 
temperature of the air supplied to the interior, the blower speed and the air 
distribution are regulated automatically. The system also allows for the effect 
of strong sunlight, so there is no need for manual adjustment. Therefore, 
automatic mode  provides the best comfort for the vehicle occupants in virtu-
ally all conditions throughout the year.
Automatic mode is switched off whenever an adjustment is made using the 
buttons for the air distribution, blower or  . The temperature continues 
to be regulated.Manual mode
In manual mode you can adjust the air temperature, flow, and 
distribution yourself.Switching on manual mode
– Press one of the buttons  ⇒page 119, fig. 90    to  , or turn 
the blower control  . The display is switched off  .Temperature
It is possible to select interior temperatures from +18° C (64° F) to +29° C 
(86° F). These are approximate temperatures and the actual temperature may 
be slightly higher or lower depending on the outside conditions.
A13
A14
A15
A16
ECON
A17
AUTO
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ECON
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Driving
124•
Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel  so that there is a distance of at 
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your breast bone  ⇒page 123, 
fig. 92. If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not 
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.
•
If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the 
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The 
Authorised Service Centre will help you decide if special specific modifica-
tions are necessary.
•
If you adjust the steering wheel so tha t it points towards your face, the 
driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make 
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•
When driving, always hold the steer ing wheel with both hands on the 
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and  3 o'clock positions. Never hold the 
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock positi on, or in any other manner (e.g. in 
the centre of the steering wheel, or on  the inside of the rim). In such cases, 
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP ) contains the electronic differential 
lock (EDL) and the traction control syst em (TCS). The ESP function works in 
conjunction with the ABS. Both warning  lamps will light up if the ESP or ABS 
systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
In specific circumstances where you require less traction, you can switch off 
the ESP by pressing button  ⇒fig. 93  .
For example:•
When driving with snow chains,
•
when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 93  Detail of the 
centre console: ESP 
button
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Driving125
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for 
example.
You should press the button to switch the ESP back on when you no longer 
need wheel spin.
The TCS and EDL are also switched off if the ESP is switched off. That is to say, 
these systems are not available while ESP is not activated.
When does the   button light up or flash?
•
It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out again after 
about 2 seconds.
•
It will start flashing to indicate that ESP is counteracting an unstable 
driving condition.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
WARNING
•
The electronic stabilisation program (ESP) cannot defy the laws of 
physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet 
roads and when towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to  suit the condition of the roads and 
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you 
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
•
Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in  ⇒page 139, 
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock 
In the position  ⇒fig. 94 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the steering 
may be locked.
For the  Steering lock  without the ignition key, turn the steering wheel until it 
locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the steering wheel when 
you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent theft of the vehicle  ⇒ .
Switching on the ignition or glow plug system 
Tu rn the ignition key to this position and let go  of the key. If the key canno t b e 
turned or is difficult to turn from position   to position  , move the 
steering wheel (to take the load off the  steering lock mechanism) until the key 
turns freely.
Fig. 94  Ignition key posi-
tions
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A1
A0
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Driving127
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter 
motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.After starting a very hot e ngine, you may need to pres s the accelerator briefly.
When starting from cold, the engine ma y be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators. 
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine does not start immediatel y, switch off the starter after about 
10 seconds and try again after about half  a minute. If the engine still does not 
start, the fuel pump fuse should be checked  ⇒page 197, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should avo id high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading th e engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or  towed for more than approximately 
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and 
damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first 
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow the instruc-
tions ⇒ page 214, “Jump-starting”.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running th e engine with the vehicle stationary. 
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine 
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
the correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the  clutch pedal fully and hold it in this position, the starter will then 
only have to turn the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 125, fig. 94   . The 
indication lamp 
 will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp goes out, turn the key to position   to  start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter  motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting from cold, the engine ma y be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators. 
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems to start the engine, see  ⇒page 214.
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Driving129
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Caution
If the engine has been driven hard for a long period, the engine could over-
heat when it is switched off. Risk of engine damage.  For this reason, you 
should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you switch it off.Manual gearboxDriving a car with a manual gearboxSelecting the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the 
clutch right down.
– Place the gear lever into neutral gate and push the lever all the  way down. – Slide the gearlever to the left, an
d then into the reverse position 
shown on the gear lever.
Certain versions of the model may include a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 
diagram is shown on the gearstick.
The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When 
the engine is running, before engaging  this gear wait about 6 seconds with 
the clutch pressed in fully in order to protect the gearbox.
The reversing lights  come on when the reverse gear is selected and the igni-
tion is on.
WARNING
•
When the engine is running, the vehicle will start to move as soon as a 
gear is engaged and the clutch released.
•
Never select the reverse gear when the vehicle is in motion. Risk of acci-
dent.Note
•
Do not rest your hand on the gear lever when driving. The pressure of your 
hand could cause premature wear on  the selector forks in the gearbox.
•
When changing gear, you should always depress the clutch fully to avoid 
unnecessary wear and damage.
•
Do not hold the car “on the clutch” on hills. This causes premature wear 
and damage to the clutch.
Fig. 95  Central Console: 
diagram of 5-speed 
manual gearbox
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Driving133
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
If, while driving, the selector lever accidentally moves to position 
N, first 
release the accelerator pedal and wait un til the engine slows to idling before 
selecting  a forwards  gear ⇒       .
Starting
Select a range ( R, D, 3, 2, 1). Wait until the change has taken place and the 
power transmission of the drive wheels has stabilised (slight pressure is 
noticeable). Then depress the accelerator.
Stopping
In the case of a temporary stop, for example at a traffic lights, it is not neces-
sary to move to position  N, it is sufficent to brake using the brake pedal. The 
engine should only run at idle speed.
Parking
On slopes, first pull handbrake on firmly and then connect block. This 
prevents overloading the blocking mechanism, making the subsequent 
disconnection  easier ⇒       .
Emergency start
in vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox the engine can not be started by 
towing or pushing the vehicle  ⇒page 217
If the vehicle battery is flat, a battery from another car can be used to jump-
start the car using a set of jump leads ⇒  page 126
To w i n g
If the vehicle requires towing at any time, observe the instructions of 
⇒  page  217, “Towing and tow-starting”.
Back-up programme
In the event of a malfunction of  the gearbox electronics, emergency 
programmes are activated, according to the type of fault.
•
The gearbox continues to connect gears automatically, but the operations 
are jerky. Consult the Authorised Service Centre.
•
The gearbox does not automatically engage gears.
In this  case they can be  changed manually. 3rd  gear is only ava ilable in posi-
tions  D, 3 and  2 of the selector lever.
In positions 1 and R of  the selector lever   1st gear and reverse gear are availa ble 
respectively as normal
As the torque converter is required to work more, especially due to the lack of  
2nd gear, it is possible that the gearbox oil may  overheat. In this case, consult 
the Authorised Service Centre as soon as possible.
WARNING
•
In all the ranges the vehicle must always be held with the foot brake 
when the engine is running. This is because an automatic gearbox still 
transmits power even at idling speed, and the vehicle tends to “creep”.
•
If, when the car is at a standstill and the engine is idling, a range is 
connected, take care not to accelerate accidentally (for example, when 
working in the engine compartment), as the car will start to move immedi-
ately.
•
Before working on a running engine, place the selector lever in position 
P and apply the handbrake.
•
To prevent the vehicle from moving out of control, the handbrake 
should always be applied when the vehi cle is at a standstill. In addition 
move the selector lever to position P.
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Driving
134HandbrakeUsing the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the 
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when 
you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly  ⇒fig. 99 .
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the locking knob in the direc- tion of the arrow  ⇒fig. 99  and guide the handbrake lever down 
fully  ⇒  .
Always apply the handbrake  firmly. This prevents you driving with the hand-
brake applied  ⇒.
The handbrake warning lamp 
 lights up when the handbrake is applied 
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp goes out when the hand-
brake is released.
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 
should also be selected.Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the 
vehicle is parked.Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
–Apply the handbrake.
– The first gear should also be selected.
Fig. 99  Handbrake 
between the front seats
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