Page 129 of 272

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 127
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Climatronic maintains a constant tem
perature 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 ne ed 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 125, fig. 96 to , or turn
the blower control . The display is switched off .Temperature
It is possible to select interior te mperatures from +18°C (64°F) to +29°C
(86°F). These are approximate temperat ures and the actual temperature may
be slightly higher or lower depending on the outside conditions.
If a temperature below 18°C (64°F) is selected, the display switches to LO. In
this setting the system runs at maximum cooling output and the temperature
is not regulated.
If a temperature above 29°C (86°F) is selected the display indicates HI. In this
setting the system runs at maximum heating output and the temperature is
not controlled. Blower
The blower can be infinitely adjusted with the blower control . Always have
the blower running at a low setting to ensure a constant flow of fresh air into
the vehicle. If the blower is switched off (no level displayed ) and the
control is turned further to the left, the Climatronic is switched off. Then
OFF
is displayed on the screen.
Air distribution
The air distribution is adjusted using the buttons , and . It is also
possible to open and close some of the air outlets separately.
Switching the air conditioning system on and off
Pressing the button switches off the air cooling system to save fuel.
The temperature continues to be regulated. The set temperature can then
only be reached if it is higher than the outside temperature.
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells
from entering the vehicle.– Press the button to switch air recirculation mode on or off.
This is ON if the symbol
⇒ page 125, fig. 96 is displayed
on the screen.
Air recirculation mode prevents strong odours in the ambient air from
entering 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.
ECON
A13
A15
A1
A7
A1A2
ECON
A5
IBI_ANG_0707 Seite 127 Montag, 6. August 2007 3:59 15
Page 130 of 272

Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
128When 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 ai r 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.
In this case the symbol for air recirculation is not displayed.General notesThe pollen filter
The pollution filter (a combined part iculate filter and active carbon filter)
serves as a barrier against impurities in the ambient air, including dust and
pollen.
For the air conditioning system to work with maximum efficiency, the pollen
filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Maintenance Program.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas with very high
levels of air pollution, the pollen filte r must be changed more frequently than
stated in the Service Schedule.
Caution
•
If you suspect that the air conditioning is damaged, switch off the air
conditioning with button to prev ent 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 no rmal 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. Howe ver, 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 r esidue on the evaporator, producing a
permanent unpleasant odour.
•
At low outside temperatures the compressor switches off automatically.
The button cannot be switched on either.
•
It is advisable to connect the air conditioning at least once a month, to
lubricate the system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling
capacity is detected, an Authorised Service Centre should be consulted to
check the system.
ECON
AUTO
IBI_ANG_0707 Seite 128 Montag, 6. August 2007 3:59 15
Page 131 of 272
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 129
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
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.AUTO
IBI_ANG_0707 Seite 129 Montag, 6. August 2007 3:59 15
Page 132 of 272
Driving
130DrivingAddressAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely
adjusted to suit the driver.
– Adjust the driver seat to the correct position.
–Push down the lever ⇒ fig. 97 located under the steering
column ⇒.
– Adjust the steering wheel in this way until the correct position is set ⇒fig. 98 .
– Then push the lever up again firmly ⇒.
WARNING
•
Incorrect use of the steering column adjustment function and an incor-
rect seating position can result in serious injury.
•
To avoid accidents, the steering column should be adjusted only when
the vehicle is stationary. Risk of accident.
Fig. 97 Adjusting the
steering wheel position
Fig. 98 Proper sitting
position for driver
AA
IBI_ANG_0707 Seite 130 Montag, 6. August 2007 3:59 15
Page 133 of 272

Driving131
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
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 130,
fig. 98 . 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 th at it points towards your face, the
driver airbag will not protect you prop erly in the event of an accident. Make
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•
When driving, always hold the steering 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 position, 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 system (TCS). The ESP function works in
conjunction with the ABS. Both warning la mps 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 requ ire less traction, you can switch off
the ESP by pressing button ⇒fig. 99 .
For example:•
When driving with snow chains,
•
when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 99 Detail of the
centre console: ESP
button
IBI_ANG_0707 Seite 131 Montag, 6. August 2007 3:59 15
Page 134 of 272

Driving
132•
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 programme (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 driv ing, this can cause accidents.
•
Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in ⇒page 147,
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock
In the position ⇒fig. 100 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the
steering may be locked.
For the Steering lock to operate 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
Turn the ignition key to this position an d let go of the key. If the key cannot be
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. 100 Ignition key
positions
A0
A1
A0
A12
IBI_ANG_0707 Seite 132 Montag, 6. August 2007 3:59 15
Page 135 of 272

Driving133
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Starting
The engine is started when the key is in
this position. Electrical components
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Each time that the vehicle must be started, the ignition key must be turned to
the position . The repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents
possible damage to the starter motor if the engine is already running.
WARNING
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the ignition
key from the lock. The steering lock could be activated immediately - Risk
of accident!
•
Always remove the key from the ignit ion lock when leaving the vehicle,
even if you only intend to be gone for a short period. This is especially
important if you must leave children or disabled people in the vehicle, they
could accidentally start the engine or work electrical equipment such as
the windows possibly resulting in an accident.
•
Unsupervised use of the keys could result in the engine being started
or electrical systems, such as the electric windows, being used. This can
result in serious injury.Caution
The starter motor will only work when the engine is stopped (ignition key
position ).
Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driving
the vehicle.Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the
key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with the correct
code.
Note
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine SEAT
key.Starting and stopping the engineStarting petrol 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 position ⇒page 132 to start the engine.
A2A0
A2
IBI_ANG_0707 Seite 133 Montag, 6. August 2007 3:59 15
Page 136 of 272

Driving
134
– 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 engine, you may need to press 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 immediately, 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 213, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in un ventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon mono xide, 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 av oid high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over-loading the 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 230, “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 ne utral 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 132, fig. 100 . 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 may 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 starting the engine, see ⇒page 230.
A1A2
IBI_ANG_0707 Seite 134 Montag, 6. August 2007 3:59 15