
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 121
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Air distribution 
Outlets   and   can be closed or opened separately and the air flow 
directed according to needs.
Air conditioning* ControlsThe air conditioning system only works when the engine is running 
and the fan is switched on.
– Using the controls 
⇒fig. 89    and   and with the switch   
you can adjust the temperature, the air distribution and the 
blower speed.
– To switch a function on or off, press the appropriate button   or  . When the function is activated, a red warning light on the 
button is turned on.
– To demist the wind screens:
– Turn air distribution to 
.
Switch on symbol
Main air output through outlets:
1,2
5
1, 2, 5
3, 4
AC
A3
A4
Fig. 89  Air conditioning 
controls on the instru-
ment panel
AA
AC
AB
AD
AE
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 123
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Turn the temperature control switch until the desired interior 
temperature is reached.
– Turn the blower switch to any 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 footwell) and    (towards the windscreen and 
footwell 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 air conditioning is switched on, the temperature and the air 
humidity go down. This way, if the outside humidity is extreme, the air condi-
tioning prevents the misting of the windows and therefore, comfort is 
improved.
If the air conditioning does not work, this may be due to the following 
reasons:•
The engine is stationary.
•
The fan blower is switched off.
•
The outside temperature is below +3°C
•
The cooling system compressor has been temporarily switched off 
because of an increased engine coolant temperature.
•
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 coming from the outside.When air recirculation mode  is switched on (button ⇒page 122, fig. 90    
with warning lamp) strong odours in th e outside air do not enter the vehicle 
interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in a traffic jam.
When the outside temperature is low, air recirculation mode improves 
heating performance by heating air from the interior instead of cold air from 
the outside.
When the outside temperature is high, air recirculation mode improves 
cooling performance by cooling air from the interior instead of warm air from 
outside.
For safety reasons, the air recirculation  should not be switched on when the 
air distribution control is being  adjusted to the windscreen setting 
.
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehicle 
interior. If the air conditioning syst em is switched off, the windows can 
quickly mist over. Therefore, never leave the air recirculation mode 
switched on for a long time (risk of accident).
Note
•
When engaging reverse gear, the air recirculation is connected automati-
cally to prevent the entrance of exhaust fumes in the vehicle on travelling 
backwards. The control light on the 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 vehicle rapidly using less energy; its function 
indicator will light.
AC
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
124•
If the function is not deactivated by pressing the button, this will deacti-
vate after approx. 20 min.
Economic use of the air conditioningWhen the air conditioning is switched on, the compressor consumes engine 
power and has influence on fuel consumption. Consider the following points 
in order to have the system operating in the minimum possible time.
•
If the vehicle interior has overheated due to an excessive solar radiation, 
it is best to open the windows or doors to allow the hot air to escape.
•
While in motion, the air conditioning should not be switched on if the 
windows or the sunroof are open.*
ClimatronicControl switchesThe air conditioning system only works when the engine is running  and the blower is switched on.
Fig. 91  Climatronic controls on the instrument panel
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
128•
For the system to function properly, the grilles on both sides of the screen 
must not be obstructed
•
When the engine is under extreme strain, switch off the compressor for a 
moment.
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Driving
130SafetyElectronic 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 
together 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.
The ESP is always active, and cannot be switched off. With the ESP switch it is 
only possible to switch the TCS off.
When does the warning lamp light up or flash?•
On switching the ignition on, it lights up for about two seconds to carry 
out a function control.
•
The warning lamp will start flashing wh en the vehicle is moving if the ESP 
or the TCS is activated. The warning lamp will light up slowly if the TCS is 
switched off.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
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 su it 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 149, 
“Intelligent technology”.
Fig. 93  Detail of the 
centre console: ESP 
button
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Driving131
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock 
In this position  ⇒fig. 94 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 vehicle 
theft ⇒ .
Switching the ignition or the glow plug system on 
Turn the ignition key to this position an d release it. If the key cannot be turned 
or it is difficult to turn from position   to position  , move the steering 
wheel back and forth until it loosens up. Starting 
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components 
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Every time the vehicle is started again,
 the ignition key must be turned to 
position . The  repetitive start prevention lock  of the ignition prevents 
possible damage to the starter motor if the engine is already running.
WARNING
•
The ignition key must NOT be removed from the lock until the vehicle 
comes to a standstill. Otherwise, the steering could be immediately 
blocked- Risk of accident!
•
Always remove the key from the ignition lock when leaving the vehicle, 
even for a short period. This is especially important if children or disabled 
people are left alone in the vehicle. They could accidentally start the 
engine or work electrical equipment su ch as the electric windows, conse-
quently resulting in an accident.
•
Unsupervised use of the keys could start the engine or any electrical 
system, such as the electric window. This could 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.
Fig. 94  Ignition key posi-
tions
A0
A1
A0
A1
A2A0A2
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Driving
132The immobiliser will be activated again au tomatically as soon as you pull the 
key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a  genuine SEAT key with its correct code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used.Starting and stopping the engineStarting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the 
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the starter 
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position  ⇒page 131.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter  motor must not run on with the engine.After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the 
accelerator.
When starting a very cold engine, it 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 the starter off after 
10 seconds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start, 
the fuel pump fuse should be checked 
⇒page 211, “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 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 more than 50 metres to start 
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you 
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow 
the instructions  ⇒page 226, “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.
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Driving133
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the ne utral position and depress the 
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it  in this position for the starter 
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 131, fig. 94   . The 
indication lamp 
 will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp turns off, 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 a very cold engine, it 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 226.
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of th e battery, do not use any other major 
electrical equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp turns off.
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 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 avoid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the  engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start 
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter th e catalytic converter and damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you 
should first try to start it using the batt ery of another vehicle. Note and follow 
the instructions  ⇒page 226, “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 the engine off– Stop the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 131, fig. 94   .
A1
A2
A0
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