
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 155
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Use the air distribution control to guide the flow of air in the 
required direction:   (to the windscreen),   (to the upper 
body),   (to the foot well) and   (to the windscreen and to the 
foot well).Heating
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows quickly, is 
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
Air conditioner
When the air conditioning 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 ambient air humidity is high.
If the air conditioning system cannot be 
switched on this may be caused by 
the following reasons:
•
The engine may not be running.
•
The blower is switched off.
•
The outside temperature is below +3 ?.
•
The air conditioning system compress or 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 mode   
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpl easant smells from coming from the outside.
Fig. 128  On the dash panel: Climatic controls
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Driving
168
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 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 batte ry of another vehicle. Note and follow 
the instructions  ⇒page 262, “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 165, fig. 136   .
After switching the engine off, the radiator fan may run on for up to 10 
minutes. It is also possible that the fan turns itself on once more if the coolant 
temperature increases due to the heat accumulated in the engine compart-
ment or due to its prolonged exposure to solar radiation.
WARNING
•
Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is completely stationary.
•
The brake servo works only when the engine is running. With the 
engine switched off, more strength is needed to brake. As normal brake 
operation cannot be performed, risk of accidents and serious injury may 
exist.
•
The steering lock can be immediately blocked once the key is removed 
from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.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 m inutes before you switch it off.
A0
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Trailer towing
196•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your 
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket*Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook may 
be stored in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with in structions on fitting and removing the 
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage 
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing 
injury.
Note
•
By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed 
and it obscures the number plate.
Driving tipsDriving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very 
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be  avoided, drive extra slowly to allow 
for the unbalanced weight distribution. Speed
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 
an 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 due course. 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. Se lect a low gear in due course before 
going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine braking to 
slow down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear 
and high engine speed, always moni tor the temperature indicator for the 
coolant  ⇒page 53.
Electronic Stabilisation Program*
The ESP* system makes it easier to stabilise the trailer in case it skids or 
swings.
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Checking and refilling levels213
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
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. 
Therefore, “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 generally sold 
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 215.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 
this reason, we recommend you to have service fluids and consumables 
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant 
instructions  ⇒page 208. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a 
hazardous area ⇒ .
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Checking and refilling levels
214
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. Otherwise, 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 gea r 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 263. 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 securing 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 belt s, 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 clothing 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 safety 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.Caution
When 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!
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels215
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you 
should make regular checks on the  ground 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. 153 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be 
released by a spring action  ⇒.
– Lift the bonnet using the rele ase 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.
Fig. 153  Detail of foot-
well area on driver's side: 
lever for unlocking the 
bonnet.
Fig. 154  Arrester hook 
for bonnet.
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Checking and refilling levels
216•
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 213.
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.If the bonnet does not close, do not press downwards. Open it once more and 
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it  could open while you are driving and 
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•
After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The 
bonnet must be flush with  the surrounding body panels.
•
If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is 
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk 
of accident.
Engine oilEngine oil specifications
The engine oil used must conform with exact specifications.Specifications
The engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be 
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme 
cold.
As the use of high quality oil is essential for the correct operation of the 
engine and its long useful life, when topping up or replacement is necessary 
use only those oils that conform to  the requirements of the VW standards.
If it is not possible to find oil conforming to the VW standards then oil 
conforming to the ACEA or API standards with an appropriate viscosity at 
atmospheric temperature should be used in stead. The use of this type of oil 
may have some repercussions on the performance of the engine for example, 
long starting time, increased consumption and a higher emission level.
If a top up is required then different oils may be mixed as long as they all 
conform to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should 
appear on the container of the service oil; the container will display together 
the different standards for petrol and diesel engines, the oil can be used for 
both types of engines.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
220•
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 alloy parts of the cooling system against 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 additive will give frost 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 situation, there is a risk of suffering exposure!Caution
•
Other additives may give considerably inferior corrosion protection. The 
resulting corrosion in the cooling syst em can lead to a loss of coolant, 
causing serious damage to the engine.
•
The coolant additive G 12+ (purple) can be mixed with the additive G 12 
(red) or  G 11. Never mix G12 (red colour) with G 11.WARNING (continued)
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