
Air conditioning165
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
2C-Climatronic*Control switches
The controls allow separate adjustment of air conditioner settings for the left and right.The air conditioner controls the temperature when the engine is 
running and the blower is switched on.
– Turn the temperature control knobs  ⇒fig. 129  in order to adjust 
the temperature on the left hand side or the right hand side 
respectively.
– The functions will be switched on when its buttons are pressed.  When these functions are activated, they are indicated on the 
radio display. In addition, all these functions are lit with LEDs. 
Press the button again to switch off the function.
The temperature can be adjusted separately for the left and right sides of the 
vehicle interior.
Button   – defrost function for the windscreen. The air drawn in from 
outside the vehicle is directed at the windscreen. The air recirculation 
mode, if switched on, will be switched off as soon as the defrost function 
is switched on. At temperatures over 3 °C, the air conditioning system 
will be switched on automatically in order to dehumidify the air. The 
button is lit in yellow and the symbol appears on the radio or navigator 
display. button – Upward air distribution
 button – Central air distribution
 button – Downward air distribution
Fig. 129  On the dash panel: 2C Climatronic controls
A1
 <
A2
A3
A4
Altea_EN.book  Seite 165  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Air conditioning169
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
W he n the    but ton is o ff, th e a ir  cond i tio ni ng  s ys te m  is  s witch e d o ff  to sa ve  
fuel. The temperature continues to self-regulate. The set temperature can 
then only be reached if it is higher than the outside temperature.
Driver and passenger temperature control
The   button controls the synchronisation of the 2 Climatronic climate 
zones.
When the   button is on (LED lit), the climate zone of the Climatronic is 
personalised, for example: Driver side temperature 22 °C and passenger side 
temperature 23 °C.
When the   button is off (LED off), the climate zone of the Climatronic is 
synchronised, for example: Driver side temperature 22 °C and passenger side 
temperature 22 °C.
If the   button is off and the passenger side temperature is changed, the 
function is automatically activated.
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells 
from coming from the outside.– Press the button   
⇒page 168, fig. 132    to switch air recir-
culation mode on or off. It is switched on if the following symbol 
appears in the display 
.
Air recirculation mode prevents strong odours in the ambient air from 
entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in 
a traffic jam.
With low outside temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the heating system by heating the air inside the vehicle rather than 
the air from outside. With high outside temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the air conditioning system by cooling the air inside the vehicle rather 
than the ambient air.
If the windscreen air output is on and the air recirculation mode is pressed, 
this remains active. When the recirculation mode is on, if the air distribution 
towards the windscreen mode is selected, the recirculation mode is deacti-
vated. For safety reasons, the air recirculation mode should not be 
connected.
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).General notesPollution filter
The pollution filter (a combined particulate filter and active carbon filter) 
serves as a barrier against impurities in the outside air, including dust and 
pollen.
For the air conditioner to work with maximum efficiency, the pollution filter 
must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.
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.
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 
AC
DUAL
DUALDUAL
DUAL
A2
Altea_EN.book  Seite 169  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Driving
172•Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of at 
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest  ⇒page 171, 
fig. 134 . If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not 
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.•If your physical constitution does not allow you to maintain the 
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The 
Authorised Service Centre will help you to decide if special specific modifi-
cations are necessary.•If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face, the 
driver airbag will not protect you properly 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 positi on, or in any other manner (e.g. in 
the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In such cases, 
if the airbag is triggered, you may sustain injuries to the arms, hands and 
head.
SafetyElectronic Stability Programme (ESP)* 
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) includes the electronic differential 
lock (EDL), the traction control system  (TCS), the brake assist system (BAS) 
and the trailer stabilisation programme (TSP). 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 TCS off.
The TCS can be deactivated when in cases where wheel sliding is desirable.
For example:•When driving with snow chains,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 135  Detailed view of 
the centre console: ESP 
button
Altea_EN.book  Seite 172  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Driving173
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces,•when the vehicle is stuck, to rock it backwards and forwards.
Next, the button should be pressed to reactivate the TCS.WARNING
•The Electronic Stability 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 driving, as this can cause accidents.•Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in  ⇒page 197, 
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockPosition of the ignition keyIgnition switched off, steering lock 
In this position ⇒ fig. 136 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 back and forth until it loosens up.
Fig. 136  Ignition key 
positions
A0
A1
A0
A1
Altea_EN.book  Seite 173  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Driving
174Starting 
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 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.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 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 173.
– Le t go  o f t he  ign itio n  key  as so o n  as t he  eng in e sta r ts;  t he  sta r te r  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 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.
A2A0A2
Altea_EN.book  Seite 174  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Driving
178Manual switch from LPG to petrol
Press the   button on the centre console  ⇒page 177, fig. 137 to change 
mode. The green lamp on the instrument panel goes out and the notification 
changed to petrol mode  is displayed.
Running on petrol
Run the engine with petrol for short journeys at regular intervals to avoid 
problems in the petrol system.
WARNING
LPG is a highly explosive and inflammable substance. It may cause severe 
burns and other injury.•Due care must be taken to avoid any risk of fire or explosion.•When parking the vehicle in a closed area (for example in a garage), 
make sure that there is adequate ventilation, either natural or mechanical, 
to neutralise the LPG in the event of a leak.Note
•If frequent short journeys are made, especially when the outside temper-
ature is low, the vehicle will tend to run on petrol more often than on LPG. 
Therefore, the petrol tank may empty before the LPG tank.•The notification LPG mode not possible  may be displayed.Start-Stop function*Description and operationThe Start-Stop function stops the engine when the vehicle is 
stopped and starts it automatically when required. – When the vehicle is stopped, put it in neutral and release the 
clutch pedal. The engine will stop.
– When the clutch pedal is pressed, the engine starts again.
– The instrument panel screen displays information about the  status of the Start-Stop function  ⇒page 180, fig. 139 .
Start-Stop function conditions•The driver seat belt must be buckled.•The engine hood must be closed.•The engine must be at operating temperature•The steering wheel must be straight.•The vehicle must be on flat ground.•The vehicle must not be in reverse.•A trailer must not be connected.•The temperature of the passenger compartment must be within the 
comfort limits (button      ⇒page 168, fig. 132  should be selected).•The windscreen de-mist function must be off.•If not , it requires an increase in airflow    ⇒page 168, fig. 132 for more 
than three presses.•The temperature must not be set to  HI or  LO.•The driver door must be closed.•The diesel particulate filter must not be in regeneration mode, for diesel 
engines.•The battery charge must not be low for the next start.•The battery temperature must be between -1 °C and 55 °C.•The parking assistant, Park Assist* must not be activated.
GAS
ACA11
A10
Altea_EN.book  Seite 178  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Driving
188
– Apply the handbrake.
– The 1st gear should also be selected.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle  ⇒ .Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started 
to roll.•If the vehicle is parked facing  downhill, turn the front wheels so that they 
point  towards the kerb .•If the vehicle is parked facing  uphill, turn the front wheels so that they 
point  away from the kerb .•Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and 
engaging 1st gear.WARNING
•Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle 
unattended.•Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable 
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.•Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is 
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and 
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an 
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.•Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle in 
motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear lever.
•Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold 
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
Hill-start aid*
This function is only included in vehicles with ESP.This device helps when starting uphill.
These are the basic operation conditions: doors closed, brake pedal pressed 
down and vehicle in neutral. The system gets activated on engaging gear.
After removing your foot from the brake pedal, the braking force is maintained 
for a few seconds to prevent the vehicle from moving backward when putting 
into gear. This short space of time is enough to start the vehicle with ease.
This system also works when reversing uphill.
WARNING
•If you do not start the vehicle immediately after taking your foot off the 
brake pedal, the vehicle may start to roll back under certain conditions. 
Depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake immediately.•If the engine stalls, depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake 
immediately.•When following a line of traffic uphill,  if you want to prevent the vehicle 
from rolling back accidentally when starting off, hold the brake pedal down 
for a few seconds before starting off.WARNING (continued)
Altea_EN.book  Seite 188  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Driving189
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Note
The Official Service or a specialist workshop can tell you if your vehicle is 
equipped with this system.Parking aid acoustic system*General notesVarious systems are available to help you when parking or manoeuvring in 
tight spaces, depending on the equipment fitted on your vehicle.
The SEAT Parking System* gives an acoustic warning if there are any obsta-
cles behind your vehicle.
When you are parking, the SEAT Parking System Plus* warns you acoustically 
and optically
23) about obstacles “in front of” and “behind” the vehicle.
Note
To ensure the acoustic parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept 
clean and free of snow and ice.
SEAT Parking System: Description
The Parking System is an acoustic parking aid.Sensors are located in the rear bumper. When the sensors detect an obstacle, 
you are alerted by acoustic signals. The measuring range of the sensors starts 
at approximately:
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you approach the 
obstacle. When the vehicle is less than 0.30 m away from the obstacle, the 
warning tone will sound continuously. Do not drive on!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after about four 
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected 
obstacle (it does not affect the permanent acoustic signal).
The parking aid is switched on automatically when reverse gear is engaged. 
You will hear a brief confirmation tone.
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver is 
personally responsible for safe parking and other manoeuvres.•The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not registered. 
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will not 
always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-
dents.•Always keep a close eye on the area around the vehicle and make full 
use of the rear view mirrors.
23)Vehicles with a navigation system.
Rear
Side
0.60
Centre
1.60
Altea_EN.book  Seite 189  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14