
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning121
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•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
122
– Turn the temperature selector  ⇒page 121, fig. 91    to adjust 
the desired temperature.
– The functions will be switched on when its buttons are pressed.  When the function is activated, a symbol is displayed on the 
screen. Press the button again to switch off the function.
Fan level indicator.
Air recirculation display:
Display  AUTO (Automatic operation)
Demisting indicator
AC indicator (Cooling connected)
Interior temperature indicator selected
Air flow direction indicator
Fan speed increase
Fan speed decrease
Interior temperature increase
Interior temperature decrease
Button   – Automatic adjustment of temperature, ventilation and air 
distribution control
Button   – Windscreen demisting function. The air drawn in is directed 
at the windscreen. The air recirculation mode will be switched off as soon 
as the demisting function is switched on. At temperatures over 3°C, the 
cooling system is switched on automatically in order to dry the air.
Button   – Air distribution to head area
Button   – Air distribution to the upper body.
Button   – Air distribution to footwell
 – Manual air recirculation button – To switch on the air conditioning.
WARNING
For your safety, the windows should never be fogged up or covered with 
snow or ice. This is essential to ensure good visibility. Please familiarise 
yourself with the correct operation of the heating and ventilation system, 
including the demist/defrost functions for the windows.
Note
Please consider the general notes.Automatic mode
In automatic mode air temperature, air flow and distribution 
are automatically regulated so that a specified temperature is 
attained as quickly as possible, and then maintained.Switching on automatic mode
– Press the button  . The indication  ⇒page 121, fig. 91    
is visible.
– Turn the temperature selector to adjust the desired temperature  inside the vehicle. We recommend you adjust the temperature to 
22°C (72°F).A comfortable interior climate is quickly reached when a temperature of 22°C 
(72°F) is set in automatic mode. Therefore, we recommend you not to change 
this adjustment, except as necessary to suit individual preferences or partic-
ular circumstances. The passenger compartment temperature can be set 
between +18°C (64°F) and +29°C (86°F). If a lower or higher temperature is 
selected,  LO or  HI are respectively displayed on the screen. These are approx-
A10
A1A2A3A4A5A6A7A8A9A10A11A12
AUTO
A13
A14
A15
A16
A17
A18
AC
AUTO
A7
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
124When 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, it is  not recommended to switch air recirculation 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 system 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 reci rculation is connected automatically 
to prevent the entrance of exhaust fumes in the vehicle on travelling back-
wards. In this case the symbol   for air recirculation is not displayed.General notesThe impurity filter
The impurity filter (a combined particle 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 specified intervals in the Maintenance Program. If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas reaching very high 
pollution levels, the pollen filter must be changed more frequently than 
stated in the Service Schedule.
Caution
•If you suspect that the air conditioning is damaged, switch it off 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 you to take the vehicle to a qualified 
workshop.Note
•If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high,  condensa-
tion  can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and so forming a puddle 
underneath 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 are not impaired, and to prevent the 
windows from misting over.•The air from the vents flows through the vehicle interior and is extracted 
by slots designed for this purpose. Therefore, do not cover these slots with 
items of clothing or other objects.•The air conditioning system operates most effectively with the windows 
and the sliding/tilting roof* closed. However, if the vehicle has been over-
heated by sun, the air inside can be cooled quicklier by opening the windows 
for a short time.•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 compressor switches off automatically. 
The   button cannot be switched on either.
ACAUTO
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Driving
128Ignition 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 get 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 and release it. If the key cannot be turned 
or it is difficult to turn from position   to position  , move the steering 
wheel from one side to the other until it is released. 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 such 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.There is a micro-chip in the key that deactivates the electronic immobiliser 
automatically when the key is inserted into the ignition.
Fig. 94  Ignition key posi-
tions
A1
A2
A1
A2
A3A1A3
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Driving and the environment155
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately 
after starting the engine. When doing this, avoid running the engine at high 
speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey, you 
will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced 
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as maximum 
reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and 
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum 
service tempera-
ture .
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally much higher. The 
engine does not warm up and fuel consumption does not regularise until 
having driven some  four kilometres. This is the reason why we recommend 
avoiding short trips wherever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the 
tyre pressures are just 1 bar too low, this can put the fuel consumption up by 
as much as 5 %. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also 
increases  tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are  cold.
Do not use  winter tyres  all year round: they will increase fuel consumption by 
up to 10 %.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight  will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth 
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no unnec-
essary loads are being carried. A roof carrier is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is 
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h your car will use about 12% 
more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof carrier 
even when it is not in use.
Saving electrical energy
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the need 
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always 
turn off electrical equipment when you do not need it. Examples of equipment 
that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear window 
heating or the seat heaters*.
 Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials 
and production of your new Seat.
Design measures for economical recycling•Joints and connections designed for easy dismantling•Modular construction to facilitate dismantling•Increased use of single-grade materials•Plastic parts and elastomers are labelled in accordance with ISO 1043, 
ISO 11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials•Nearly all materials used can be recycled•Similar types of plastics grouped together for easy recycling•Recycled materials used in manufacture•Reduction of volatile compounds in plastics•CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioning
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Your vehicle maintenance and cleaning159
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Your vehicle maintenance and cleaningGeneral notesRegular washing and care help maintain the value of your 
vehicle.Yo u r  v e h i c l e  m a i n te n a n ce
Regular care and washing help to maintain the value of the vehicle. This may 
also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty claims in the 
event of bodywork corrosion or paint defects.
The best way to protect the car against environmental contaminants is to 
wash and maintain it frequently . The longer substances such as insects 
remains, bird droppings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, 
soot or road salt and other aggressive materials remain on the vehicle, the 
more damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in 
strong sunlight) further intensify the corrosive effect.
After winter, a period when salt is put on the roads, it is impor tant to have the 
underside of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Products for vehicle maintenance
Car care products are available in your Authorised Service Centre. Keep the 
product instructions until you have used them up.
WARNING
•Car care products can be toxic. For this, they must always be kept 
closed in their original container. Keep them out of the reach of children. 
Failure to comply could result in poisoning.•Always read and observe the instructions and warnings on the package 
before using car care products. Improper use could damage your health or  your vehicle. The use of certain products may produce noxious vapours; 
they should be used in well ventilated areas.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other 
volatile fluids. These are toxic and highly flammable. Risk of fire and explo-
sion.•Before washing your vehicle, or carrying out any maintenance, switch 
the engine off, apply your handbrake firmly and remove the key from the 
ignition.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 damage the 
paintwork or the windows of your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust with plenty 
of water.
For the sake of the environment
•When purchasing products for your vehicle maintenance, select the ones 
which are not harmful to the environment.•The leftovers of the car care products should not be disposed of with ordi-
nary household waste. Observe the disposal information on the package.WARNING (continued)
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Your vehicle maintenance and cleaning
160Vehicle exterior maintenanceAutomatic car washing tunnelThe vehicle paintwork is so durable that the car can normally be washed 
without problems in an automatic car washing tunnel. However, the paint-
work wear depends to a large extent, on the kind of the car washing tunnel, 
the brushes used, its water filtering and the type of cleaning and preservative 
products.
Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precautions such 
as closing the windows and sunroof. There is nothing to note apart from that.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as spoilers or a roof carrier or two-
way radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to consult the car washing tunnel oper-
ator.
After washing, the brakes  could hesitate to respond as the brake discs and 
pads could be wet, or even frozen in winter. “Dry” the brakes by braking 
several times.
WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of acci-
dent.
Caution
Before putting the vehicle through the car washing tunnel, do not tighten the 
aerial if it is folded because it can be damaged.
Washing by handVehicle washing
– First soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off.
– Clean your vehicle from top to bottom with a soft sponge, a glove  or a brush. Use very light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean water.
– Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt.
– Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. until last with a different  sponge or glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry your vehicle surface gently with a chamois leather.
–When  temperature is cold , dry the rubber seals and its surfaces 
to prevent them from freezing. Apply silicone spray to the rubber 
seals.
After washing
– Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. “Dry”  ⇒page 152, “Braking effect and braking distance”the brakes by 
braking several times.
WARNING
•Wash your car with the ignition switched off.•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.
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Your vehicle maintenance and cleaning161
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of 
accident.Caution
•Never remove dirt, mud or dust if the vehicle surface 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 low temperatures: when washing the vehicle with 
a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the 
doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Risk of freezing.For the sake of the environment
To protect environment, 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 outside wash bays is 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 162.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzles (“rotating jets”)  ⇒.
– Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. “Dry”  ⇒page 152 the brakes by braking several times.
WARNING
•Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet (“rotating nozzle”). Even at 
large spraying distances and short cleaning times, visible and invisible 
damage can occur to the tyres. This may cause an accident.•Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of 
accident.Caution
•To avoid damaging the vehicle, do not use water that is hotter than 60°C.•To avoid damage to the vehicle, keep a sufficient distance from sensitive 
materials such as flexible hoses, plastic, soundproofing material, etc. This is 
also important for bumpers painted as the paintwork. The closer the nozzle is 
to the surface, the greater the wear on the material.Vehicle paint maintenance requirements
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.
WARNING (continued)
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