Seats and stowage
110
CautionHard objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating
element in the rear window and cause damage.
Note
The ventilation slots in front of the rear side windows must not be covered as
this would prevent stale air being extracted from the vehicle.Fastening rings*Four rings are fitted in the boot ⇒fig. 82 (see arrows) for securing objects.
Two of the rings are located on the right and left, respectively, of the rear
section of the boot. The other two are next to the loading edge of the boot.
The fastening rings are in accordance with standard DIN 75410
Luggage compartment coverThe tray behind the rear seat back can be used for clothing.
The groove between the tray and the re ar window heater should never be
covered to allow free air ventilation.
WARNING
Do not place heavy or hard objects on the luggage compartment cover, this
will endanger the vehicle occupants in case of sudden braking.
Note
•
Below the boot floor trim, next to the spare wheel, is a removable stowage
tray.
Roof carrier*Please observe the following points if you intend to carry loads on the roof:•
For safety reasons, only luggage racks and accessories supplied by offi-
cial SEAT Service should be used.
•
It is imperative to precisely follow the fitting instructions included for the
rack, taking special care when fitting th e front bar in the allotments designed
for this and the rear bar between the marks on the upper part of the rear door
frame while respecting the correct direction of travel indicated in the installa-
tion manual. Not following these instr uctions may lead to paintwork damage
or marks on the bodywork.
•
Pay special attention to the tightening torque of the attachment bolts and
check them following a short journey. If necessary, retighten the bolts and
check them at regular intervals.
Fig. 82 Fastening rings
cordoba_ingles Seite 110 Freitag, 7. Oktober 2005 6:00 18
Seats and stowage111
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Distribute the load evenly. A maximum load of 40 kg only is permitted for
each roof carrier system support bar, the load must be distributed evenly over
the entire length. However, the maximu m load permitted for the entire roof
(including the support system) of 75 kg must not be exceeded nor should the
total weight of the vehicle be exceeded. See the chapter on “Technical Data”.
•
When transporting heavy or large objects on the roof, any change in the
normal vehicle behaviour due to a change in the centre of gravity or an
increased wind resistance must be taken into account. For this reason, a suit-
able speed and driving style must be used.
•
For those vehicles fitted with a sunroof*, ensure that it does not contact
the load on the roof carrier system when opened.
cordoba_ingles Seite 111 Freitag, 7. Oktober 2005 6:00 18
Air conditioning117
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Cooling 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 th e 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 116, fig. 87
with warning lamp) strong odours in the outside air do not enter the vehicle
interior, for example when passing thro ugh 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 fr om 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 air enters the vehicle interior from outside. If
the air conditioning system is switched off, the windows can quickly mist
over. Therefore, you should never leav e 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 bu tton 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.*
cordoba_ingles Seite 117 Freitag, 7. Oktober 2005 6:00 18
Air conditioning121
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
For the air conditioning system to wo
rk with maximum efficiency, the pollu-
tion filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high
levels of air pollution, the pollution filter must be changed more frequently
than stated in the Service Schedule.
Caution
•
If you suspect that the air conditioner is damaged, switch off the air condi-
tioner with button to prevent further damage and have it checked by a
qualified workshop.
•
Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowledge and
special tools. Therefore, we recommend that you take the vehicle to a quali-
fied workshop should problems occur.Note
•
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensa-
tion can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool under-
neath the vehicle, this is completely normal and there is no need to suspect
a leak.
•
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and
leaves to ensure heating and cooling is not impaired, and to prevent the
windows misting over.
•
The air from the vents flows through the passenger compartment and is
extracted by slots designed for this purpose. Do not cover these slots with
articles of clothing or other objects.
•
The air conditioning system operates most effectively with the windows
and the sliding/tilting roof* closed. Ho wever, if the sun has heated up the
vehicle, the air inside can be cooled more quickly by opening the windows for
a short period.
•
Do not smoke while air recirculation mode is on, as smoke drawn into the
air conditioning system leaves a residue on the evaporator, producing a
permanent unpleasant odour.
•
At low outside temperatures the comp ressor switches off automatically.
The button cannot be switched on either.
•
It is advidable to connect the air conditioning at least once a month, to
lubricate the system gasket s and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling
capacity is detected, an Authorised Service Centre should be consulted to
check the system.
•
For correct operation of the system, do not block the grille between the button and the button
.
•
When the engine is under extreme strain, switch off the compressor for a
moment.
ECON
AUTO
AUTO
cordoba_ingles Seite 121 Freitag, 7. Oktober 2005 6:00 18
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
154Care of the vehicle exteriorAutomatic car washesThe paint is so durable that the car can normally be washed without problems
in an automatic car wash. However, the effect on the paint depends to a large
extent on the design of the car wash, the brushes used, the filtering of the
wash water and the type of detergents and wax solutions used, etc.
After the car has been washed, the brakes could respond later than normal
as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or even frozen in winter. You
must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes carefully several times
⇒ page 143, “Braking effect and braking distance”.
WARNING
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk of
accident.Washing by handWashing the vehicle
– First soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off.
– Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a glove or a brush. Start on
the roof and work your way down. Use only light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove as much as possible.
– Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt. – Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last using a different sponge or
glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry the surface of the vehicle gently using a chamois leather.
–If it is cold , dry the rubber seals and the surfaces they touch with
a cloth to prevent them freezing. Apply silicone spray to the
rubber seals.
After cleaning the vehicle
– If possible, avoid sudden braking directly after washing the vehicle. You must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes care-
fully several times ⇒page 143, “Braking effect and braking
distance”.
WARNING
•
The ignition must always be switched off before the vehicle is washed.
•
Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of
injury.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident.Caution
•
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is
dry. Never use a dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could scratch
the paintwork or glass on your vehicle.
•
Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose,
do not direct the water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the doors,
cordoba_ingles Seite 154 Freitag, 7. Oktober 2005 6:00 18
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle155
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
luggage compartment, or bonnet. This could cause them to freeze. Otherwise
there is a risk of malfunction.
For the sake of the environment
In the interests of environmental protection, the car should be washed only
in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic, oil-laden waste water
entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing vehicles anywhere
else may be prohibited.
Note
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.Washing the car with a high pressure cleaner
Be particularly careful when using a high pressure cleaner!– Always observe the instructions for the high-pressure cleaner,
particularly those concerning the pressure and the spraying
distance .
– Increase the spraying distance for soft materials and painted bumpers.
– Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows ⇒page 156.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzl es or so-called “dirt blasters”
⇒ .
– If possible, avoid sudden braking directly after washing the vehicle. You must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes care-
fully several times ⇒page 143.
WARNING
•
Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or cylindrical jet (“rotating
nozzle”). Even at large spraying distances and short cleaning times, visible
and invisible damage can occur to the tyres. This may be an accident risk.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident.Caution
•
Do not use water hotter than 60
°C. This could damage the car.
•
To avoid damage to the vehicle, maintain a sufficient distance from sensi-
tive materials for example: flexible hoses, plastic, sound proofing, etc. This is
especially important for bumpers painte d in the same colour as the vehicle.
The closer the nozzle is to the surface, the greater the wear on the material.
Waxing the car
Regular waxing protects the paintwork.You need to apply wax to your car if water does not form small drops and run
off the paintwork when it is clean.
Good quality hard wax is available from your Authorised Service Centre.
A good coat of wax helps to protects the paintwork from environmental
contaminants ⇒ pag
e 153. It is also effecti ve in protecting again st minor
scratches.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, it is advisable to
protect the paint with a coat of hard wax at least twice a year.
cordoba_ingles Seite 155 Freitag, 7. Oktober 2005 6:00 18
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications163
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
Incorrectly performed modifications or other work on your vehicle can lead
to malfunctions and cause accidents.Roof aerial*The vehicle may be fitted with a collapsible roof aerial* with antitheft
system*, which can be folded backwards, when, for example, going through
an automatic carwash.
To f o l d
Unscrew the aerial rod, tilting it backwards into a horizontal position and then
screw in again.
To return to working position
Continue in the reverse order to that given in the previous instruction.Mobile telephones and two-way radiosYou will require an external aerial for mobile phones and two-
way radios.SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with mobile telephones and two-way
radios providing the following conditions are observed:•
The correct installation of an external aerial,
•
transmitting power of maximum 10 watts.
An external aerial is needed to give the equipment its optimal range. First consult your Authorised Service Centre if you wish to use a mobile tele-
phone or a two-way radio with a transmitting power in excess of 10 watts.
Here you will receive information concerning the technical possibilities for
retro-fitting this equipment.
Mobile telephones and two-way radios
should be fitted only by a qualified
workshop, for example an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
•
Always concentrate primarily on driving. If you are distracted while
driving you could have an accident.
•
Never attach the telephone mountings to the surfaces covering the
airbag units or within the range of the airbags, danger of injury if the airbag
is triggered.
•
If you use mobile telephones or two-way radios in the vehicle without
an external aerial, electromagnetic ra diation in the vehicle could exceed
authorised limits. This also applies to external aerials that have not been
correctly installed.Caution
Failure to observe the above conditions could cause the electronics to
malfunction. The most common causes of faults are:•
no external aerial,
•
external aerial incorrectly installed,
•
transmitting power in excess of 10 watts.Note
Please observe the operating instructions of your mobile telephone / two-way
radio.
cordoba_ingles Seite 163 Freitag, 7. Oktober 2005 6:00 18
Checking and refilling levels185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires
specialist knowledge.If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long
periods, the battery should be checked by a qualified workshop between the
scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle, the
battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have the
vehicle battery checked by an Authorised Service Centre where it will be re-
charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of their location and
has special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety spec-
ifications of your vehicle.
WARNING
•
We recommend you use only maintenance-free or cycle free leak-proof
batteries which comply with the st andards T 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. This
standard applies as of 2001.
•
Before starting any work on the batteries, you must read and observe
the warnings ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on page 183.
For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. They
must be disposed of appropriately and must not be disposed of with ordinary
household waste.WheelsGeneral notesAvoiding damage
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very
slowly and as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (cuts, cracks or blisters, etc.). Remove any foreign objects embedded in the treads.
Storing tyres
– Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation. This ensures you will be able to install them correctly
when you replace them.
– When removed, the wheels and/or tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark location.
– Store tyres in a vertical position if they are not fitted on wheel rims.
cordoba_ingles Seite 185 Freitag, 7. Oktober 2005 6:00 18