
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
124
– Turn the temperature control switch until the desired interior temperature is obtained.
– Turn the blower switch to one of the settings 1-4.
– Set the air distribution control to the air flow configuration  desired:   (towards the windsc reen),   (towards the chest), 
 (towards the foot rest) and   (towards the windscreen and 
foot rest areas).Heating
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows quickly, is 
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
Coolant 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 +5°C.
•
the cooling system compressor has been temporarily switched off 
because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
•
The air conditioning fuse is faulty.
•
Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioning checked by a qual-
ified workshop.
Air recirculation  
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells 
from entering the vehicle.When air recirculation mode is switched on (button  ⇒page 123, fig. 95    
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, us ing 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 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 back-
wards. The control light on th e button   does not light up.
•
If the temperature control is turned to the coldest setting (blue point) and 
the switch   is activated, the “Air recirculation” function is automatically 
activated in order to cool the passenger compartment rapidly using a 
minimum of energy and the function indicator will light.
AC
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Driving135
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary load on the battery, do not use any other major elec-
trical equipment while the 
glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as  the glow plug warning lamp  ⇒page 63 goes out.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely ru n dry, it may take longer than normal 
(up to one minute) to start the engine af ter refuelling with diesel fuel. This is 
because the system must eliminate air first.
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 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.Switching off the engine– Stopping the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 132, fig. 100   .After the engine is switched off the  radiator fan may run on for up to 10 
minutes, even if the ignition is switched of f. It is also possible that it will turn 
itself on once more if the temperature of the coolant increases due to the 
elimination of built up heat in the engine  compartment or if this is heated due 
to prolonged exposure to the heat of the sun.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo works only when the engine is running. You will need 
more strength to brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. As you 
cannot brake in the normal manner, there is a greater risk of accidents and 
serious injury.
•
The steering lock can engage immediately when the key is removed 
from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.
A0
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Driving and the environment
160Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For 
this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in 
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when 
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest 
sign of  snaking . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an  overrun brake, apply the 
brakes  gently at first  and then firmly. This will pr event the jerking that can be 
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear in good time before 
going down a steep descent. This enables you to use the engine braking to 
slow down the vehicle.
Heating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear 
and high engine speed, always monitor the temperature indicator for the 
coolant  ⇒page 51.
Electronic Stabilisation Program*
Do not switch off the ESP* when towing a trailer. The ESP* makes it easier to 
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.Driving economically and with respect for the 
environmentGeneral ObservationsFuel consumption, environmental pollution and wear to the engine, brakes 
and tyres depends in large part on your driving style. Fuel consumption may 
be reduced from 10 to 15 % by driving defensively and economically. Below  we will give you some suggestions to "alleviate" some of the strain in the 
environment and, at the same time, your wallet.
Anticipate the traffic situation well in advance
A vehicle uses most fuel when accele
rating. When you anticipate the situa-
tion, you will 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.
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up through the gears  quickly. 
Running the engine at high rpm in  the lower gears uses an unnecessary 
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox:  Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible. We 
recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon 
reaching 2,000 rpms.
Automatic gearbox:  Accelerate slowly and avoid the “kick-down” position.
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 increase 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 
crossings 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 restart the 
engine.
The engine takes a very long time to  warm up when it is running at idling 
speed. Mechanical wear and pollutant emissions are also especially high 
during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately 
after starting the engine . Avoid running the engine at high speed.
IBI_ANG_0707  Seite 160  Montag, 6. August 2007  3:59 15 

Checking and refilling levels
180•
The fuel filter may become clogged when fuel is changed to biodiesel. For 
this reason, we recommend that, about every 300 or 400 km, following a fuel 
change, also change the fuel filter. Also  note the instructions in the Inspec-
tion and Maintenance plan.
•
If the vehicle is to remain parked for more than about two weeks, we 
recommend filling the fuel tank with  biodiesel and driving about 50 km in 
order to avoid damage to the injection system.
Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at 
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel  thickens due to wax separation. For 
this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in some countries during 
the cold months. It can be used  at temperatures as low as -22
°C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel sold generally 
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service 
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel 
fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater, making it well equipped for 
operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains operational to 
approx. -24
°C, provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15
°C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start 
at temperatures of under -24
°C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for 
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.Working in the engine compartmentSafety instructions on working in the engine compartment
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the 
engine must be carried out cautiously.Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment:
1.  Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3.  Move the gear stick to neutral or the selector lever to position  P.
4.  Wait for the engine to cool down.
5.  Keep children away from the vehicle.
6. Raise the bonnet  ⇒page 182.You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know 
exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work 
carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g.  coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and 
batteries, are being constantly developed . SEAT provides a constant flow of 
information to the Authorised Service  Centres concerning modifications. For 
IBI_ANG_0707  Seite 180  Montag, 6. August 2007  3:59 15 

Checking and refilling levels181
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
this reason we recommend that you have service fluids and consumables 
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant 
instructions 
⇒page 172. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a 
hazardous area  ⇒.
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and 
refilling fluids, involves the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk 
of accident or fire.•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment. Otherwis e, there is a risk of sustaining 
burns. Wait until no more steam or  coolant is emitted, then allow the 
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.
•
Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
•
Apply the handbrake and move the gear stick to neutral or selector 
lever to position P.
•
Keep children away from the vehicle.
•
Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.
•
Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This 
is a fire hazard.
•
Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the 
points where the jump leads are attached  ⇒page 231. The battery could 
explode.
•
Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could 
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the 
key removed from the ignition!
•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot. 
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick 
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
Always make sure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths 
and tools, in the engine compartment.
•
If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable 
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A 
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securi ng the vehicle and there is a risk of 
injury.
•
If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the 
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the 
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and 
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the 
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
− Ensure that jewellery, loose cl othing and long hair do not get 
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any 
work remove jewellery, tie back and  cover hair, and wear tight-fitting 
clothes.
− Always think carefully about pressing the accelerator if a gear is 
engaged in either an automatic or manual gearbox. The vehicle could 
move, even if the handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
•
If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following sa fety notes in addition to the above 
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when 
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames.
− Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
182
CautionWhen changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that you 
fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Failure to observe this point will result 
in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you 
should make regular checks on the gr ound underneath your vehicle. If you 
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a qualified 
workshop.Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in 
rest position.
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dashboard  ⇒fig. 125 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be 
released by a spring action  ⇒.
– Lift the bonnet using the release lever (arrow) and open the  bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fixture designed for this  in the bonnet.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment.
•
Wait until no more steam, smoke or  coolant is emitted from the bonnet, 
then carefully open the bonnet.
•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings  ⇒page 180.
Closing the bonnet–Raise the bonnet slightly.
– Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its support.
– At a height of about 30 cm let it fall so it is locked.
Fig. 125  Arrester hook 
for bonnet.
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Checking and refilling levels187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings 
⇒ page 180, “Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment”.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
•
Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.
•
When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm hori-
zontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
•
Wash your skin thoroughly if it  comes into contact with engine oil.
•
Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of 
the reach of children until it is disposed of.Caution
No additives should be used with engine  oil. This could result in engine 
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be 
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•
Because of the disposal problems, the necessa ry special tools and 
specialist knowledge required, we reco mmend that you have the engine oil 
and filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.
•
Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
•
Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It has to be large 
enough to hold all the engine oil.
CoolantCoolant specifications
Coolant is a mixture of water and at least 40% coolant addi-
tive.The cooling system must be filled with a mixture of water and at least 40 % of 
our coolant additive G 12+ or an addi tive with the specification TT-VW 774 F 
(it is dyed purple). This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to 
-25
°C and protects the al loy parts of  the cooling system again st corrosion. It 
also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
The concentration of coolant must  always be at least 40% - even if frost 
protection is not required.
If greater frost protection is required in  very cold climates, the proportion of 
the antifreeze additive G 12+ can be increased. However, the percentage of 
coolant additives should not exceed 60%, as this would reduce the frost 
protection. It would also reduce th e cooling effect. A mixture with 60% 
coolant addit ive will give f rost protection to approx. -40
°C.
WARNING
•
The coolant additive is toxic. There is a toxic risk. Always keep the 
coolant additive in the original container which should be stored out of the 
reach of children. The same applies to coolant which you have drained off.
•
The coolant additive G 12+ must be added in sufficient quantities to 
provide anti-freeze protection at the coldest ambient temperatures that 
can be expected. At extremely cold ambient temperatures, the coolant 
could freeze, causing the vehicle to breakdown. As the heater would also 
not work in this situat ion, there is a risk of suffering exposure!
WARNING (continued)
IBI_ANG_0707  Seite 187  Montag, 6. August 2007  3:59 15 

Checking and refilling levels
188
Caution•
Other additives may give considerably inferior corrosion protection. The 
resulting corrosion in the cooling system can lead to a loss of coolant, 
causing serious damage to the engine.
•
The coolant additive G 12+ (purple) ca n be mixed with the additive G 12 
(red) or  G 11. Never mix G12 (red colour) with G 11.
Checking the coolant level and topping up 
The correct coolant level is important for fault-free func-
tioning of the engine cooling system.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings  ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on 
page 180. Opening the coolant expansion tank
– Switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
– To prevent scalding, cover the cap on the expansion tank with a 
thick cloth and carefully unscrew the cap  ⇒.
Checking coolant level
– Look into the open coolant expansion tank and read off the  coolant level.
– If the level is underneath the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant.
Topping up coolant
–Only use  new coolant.
– Do not fill above the “MAX” mark.
Closing the coolant expansion tank
– Screw the cap on again  tightly.
The position of the coolant expansion re servoir is shown in the corresponding 
engine compartment diagram  ⇒page 242.
Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications  ⇒page 187. 
Do not use a different type of additive if coolant additive G 12+, is not avail-
able. In this case use only water and bring the coolant concentration back up 
to the correct level as soon as possible by putting in the specified additive 
⇒ page 187.
Always top up with  new coolant.
Do not fill above the “MAX” mark. Otherwise the excess coolant will be forced 
out of the cooling system when the engine is hot.
Fig. 129  In the engine 
compartment: Coolant 
expansion tank cap
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