155
Air conditioning
Air conditioning 2C-Climatronic
Description
The air conditioner is designed to automatically keep the
passenger compartment at the temperature you find most
comfortable at all times of the year. Recommended settings:
– Set the temperature to 22 °C (71 °F).
– Press the AUTO
⇒ Fig. 128 button.
The following setting quickly provides a comfortable temperature inside the
vehicle. We therefore recommend you do not modify the setting unless you
find this temperature uncomfortable or where circumstances require as
such.
The air conditioner provides heating and ventilation and also cools and de-
humidifies the air inside the vehicle.
The air conditioner is fully automatic and will constantly maintain the tem-
perature which has been set. To achieve this, the temperature of the air sup-
plied to the interior, the blower speed (volume of air delivery) and the air
distribution are regulated automatically. The system also takes solar radia-
tion into account and, therefore, no subsequent manual readjustments are
required. Therefore, automatic mode ⇒ page 158 should be used for the
comfort of all the passengers in virtually all conditions throughout the year.
Please note the following points: The humidity of the air is automatically reduced when the system cools the
interior of the vehicle. This helps to prevent condensation on the windows.
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high,
condensation
can drip off the evaporator in the air cooling system and form a pool under-
neath the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.
If the outside temperature is low, the blower normally only switches to a
higher speed once the coolant has warmed up sufficiently (this does not ap-
ply to the defrost setting).
In order to achieve maximum engine power, the air conditioner compressor
is temporarily switched off when pulling away from standstill with full throt-
tle.
The compressor also switches off if the coolant temperature is excessively
high to ensure adequate engine cooling under extreme loads.
Pollution filter
The pollution filter (a combined particulate filter and activated charcoal fil-
ter) 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
element must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Plan.
If the vehicle is driven in areas with a high level of air pollution and the filter
is no longer fully effective, it may be necessary to change the filter element
more frequently.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
156Air conditioning
CAUTION
● If you suspect that the air conditioner system is damaged, switch over to
ECON mode to prevent further damage and have the system checked by a
specialised workshop.
● Repairs to the air conditioner require specialist knowledge and special
tools. For this reason, please contact a specialised workshop if the system
is not working properly.
Note
● Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen clear of snow, ice and
leaves to ensure unimpaired heating and cooling and to prevent the win-
dows misting over.
● The air from the outlets flows through the passenger compartment and
out through the slots below the rear window. Therefore, do not cover these
slots with items of clothing or other objects.
● The air conditioner operates most effectively with the windows and the
sliding/tilting sunroof* closed. However, if the vehicle has heated up after
standing in the sun for some time, the air inside can be cooled more quickly
by opening the windows briefly.
158Air conditioning
Button(s)Meaning
(in the centre)Adjusts blower speed
Air to the windows
Air from the dashboard outlets
Air to the footwells
The , and buttons (which regulate air distribution) can either be
selected individually or in combination.
Automatic mode AUTO
Standard setting for all seasons.
Switching on automatic mode
– It is possible to select interior temperatures from +18 °C (64 °F)
to +29 °C (86 °F).
– Press the AUTO
⇒
Fig. 128 button.
The automatic mode maintains a constant temperature inside the vehicle
and dehumidifies the air. Air temperature, air delivery and air distribution
are regulated automatically to reach the desired interior temperature as
quickly as possible, and then to maintain this temperature. The system au-
tomatically compensates for any variations in the outside temperature and
for the effect of direct sunlight.
The automatic temperature regulation only operates at temperature settings
between +18 °C and +29 °C. If a temperature below +18 °C is selected, LO
appears on the display. If a temperature is selected which is higher than +29 °C, the display will show
HI. In the maximum and minimum settings,
the climate control operates continuously with maximum cooling or heating
output and the temperature is not regulated automatically. The temperature
is not regulated.
Note
By keeping the AUTO button on the driver side pressed for several seconds,
the temperature of the passenger side can be set to the temperature of the
driver side or vice versa. The display indicates the new temperature value.
Selecting the temperature -
+
Separate temperatures can be selected for the driver and
front passenger sides.
– Press the -
or + buttons below the displays
⇒ Fig. 128 until
the desired temperature is selected for the driver side or front
passenger side.
The currently selected temperature setting is shown in the display above
the buttons.
By keeping the AUTO
button on the driver side pressed for several seconds,
the temperature of the passenger side can be set to the temperature of the
driver side or vice versa. The display indicates the new temperature value.
The previous temperature setting can be restored by resetting the display
on the driver or passenger side as required.
159
Air conditioning
Defrosting
The windscreen and side windows are defrosted or demisted
as quickly as possible.
– To enable this mode, press the
⇒
Fig. 128 button.
– To switch off, press the
button again, or select the AUTO but-
ton.
The temperature is regulated automatically. The air output is increased to
maximum and most of the air comes out of outlets 1 and 2 ⇒ page 162.
The air recirculation and ECON modes are switched off when the
button
is pressed.
Air recirculation: manual activation
The air recirculation setting prevents fumes etc. from enter-
ing the interior.
Activating air recirculation mode
– Press button
⇒ Fig. 128 ⇒ .
Deactivating air recirculation mode
– Press the
button again or
– Press the AUTO
button or
– Press button
.
In this setting, the air in the vehicle is constantly recirculated. We recom-
mend using the air recirculation mode in the following circumstances: ●
When driving through a tunnel or in traffic congestions, to prevent ex-
haust gas entering the interior of the vehicle.
WARNING
Do not drive for too long with the air recirculation mode enabled because,
if the compressor is disconnected, the windscreen may mist up because
no fresh air is entering the interior of the vehicle, with the subsequent
risk of accidents.
ECON Mode (economy) ECON
ECON mode helps save fuel.
– To activate, press the ECON
button ⇒ Fig. 128.
– To deactivate, press the ECON
button again or select the AUTObutton.
Air cooling is disconnected in ECON mode. The heating and the blower are
adjusted automatically. “ECON” stands for “Economy”. Disconnecting air
cooling (compressor) reduces fuel consumption.
Please note that the interior temperature must not be lower than the outside
temperature in ECON mode. The blower does not cool or dehumidify the air
in the interior. The windows could therefore mist up.
In diesel vehicles, the auxiliary heater is switched off in ECON mode to save
fuel.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
160Air conditioning
Note
If the diode on the ECON button continues to light up when the ECON mode
has been switched off (i.e. the air conditioner has been switched on) this is
due to a defect in one of the air conditioner components. If a malfunction
should occur, please contact a specialised workshop.
Air recirculation: automatic activation*
If the outside air is polluted by diesel and petrol emissions,
an air quality sensor in the vehicle will automatically switch
on the air recirculation.
Fig. 129 Button for auto-
matic air recirculation
Activating air recirculation mode
– Press the button
⇒
Fig. 129.
Deactivating air recirculation mode
– Press the
button again or –
Press the AUTO
button or
– Press button
.
The automatic air recirculation mode should normally be left switched on at
all times.
The system is ready to operate approx. 30 seconds after the engine ignition
key has been turned. During this initial period, fresh air is fed into the vehi-
cle.
If the air purity sensor in the air conditioner detects a certain concentration
of fumes in the outside air, the control unit will either pass the incoming air
through the pollution filter or automatically switch on the air recirculation. If
there is a high concentration of pollution in the outside air, the air condi-
tioner automatically switches to air recirculation and the supply of air from
the outside is cut off. As soon as the level of pollution decreases, air is fed
into the vehicle from the outside again.
The automatic air recirculation operates for a maximum period of 12 mi-
nutes. If the windows mist up when the automatic air recirculation is on,
press the
button immediately.
The automatic air recirculation switches itself off under certain circumstan-
ces (for instance if
or is selected). In “ECON” and at temperatures
lower than approx. 8 °C below zero, the automatic air recirculation mode is
limited to 12 seconds.
163
Air conditioning
Air directed to windows
This setting directs all the air to outlets 1 and 2. Unlike in setting , the
volume of air delivery remains the same.
Air to the driver/front passenger
All the air comes from outlets 3 and 4 in the dash panel and from the rear of
the centre console.
Air to the footwells
Most of the air emerges from outlets 5 and the outlets under the front seats.
Some of the air will also be issued from outlets 3 and 4.
Note
In all of the above air distribution settings, a small amount of air will still
come from the other outlets.
Economical use of the air conditioner
Economical use of the air conditioner will help save fuel.
Engine power is reduced and fuel consumption increases when the
air conditioner is in cooling mode. To ensure that the system is on-
ly switched on when it is really necessary, please note the follow-
ing points:
– Select ECON mode if you wish to save fuel.
– Select ECON mode if you decide to open the windows or sun-
roof* while driving.
– If the vehicle has heated up after standing in the sun, open the
windows and doors for a short time to cool the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
By saving fuel you also reduce the amount of pollutants emitted from your
vehicle.
Key settings
When the ignition is switched on, the air conditioner set-
tings assigned to the key are selected automatically.
The air conditioner settings selected are automatically stored and assigned
to the key in use. When the vehicle is started, the air conditioner automati-
cally selects the settings assigned to the key. Hence, every driver automati-
cally obtains his/her preferred settings without having to select them man-
ually.
Note
Should another driver use the key and enter other settings, the previous
settings will be deleted.
Solar-powered blower/sunroof*
If the vehicle is parked in sufficiently strong sunlight, the
blower will operate in solar-powered mode when the igni-
tion is switched off.
After the ignition is switched off, the blower is supplied with electrical pow-
er from the sunroof. Please ensure that outlets 3 and 4 are open ⇒ Fig. 130
to ensure the best possible ventilation.
The blower only works when the sunroof is closed or tilted open at the rear.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
167
Driving
Position 1
The ignition key is inserted in this position. To
engage the steering wheel
lock, take out the key and turn the wheel until you hear the pin engage. You
should always engage the steering lock when you leave the vehicle. This
will help to deter thefts ⇒
.
Switching on the ignition/pre-heating glow plugs 2
If the key is difficult to turn in the lock, move the steering wheel (to take the
load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key turns freely. In the case
of vehicles with a diesel engine, the key is turned to this position to preheat
the glow plugs.
Starting the engine 3
The engine is started in this position. Electrical components with a high
power consumption are switched off temporarily.
After the engine has started, the ignition key returns to position 2
by itself.
The ignition key has to be turned back to position 1
before re-starting the
engine. The starter inhibitor in the ignition lock prevents the starter motor
from engaging when the engine is running, as this could cause damage.
Switching off the ignition 1
Turn the ignition key to this position.
WARNING
● Never remove the ignition key until the vehicle is stationary! Other-
wise the steering lock could engage suddenly, which could cause an acci-
dent.
● Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle, even if you
only intend to be gone for a short time. This is particularly important if
there are children in the vehicle, as they might otherwise be able to start
the engine or use power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows),
which could cause injuries.
Note
● If the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, it will be
necessary to leave the key in position 2
for about 5 seconds before start-
ing the engine.
● Vehicles with automatic gearbox: After switching off the ignition, you
can only remove the ignition key if the selector lever is in position “P” (park-
ing lock). The selector lever is locked after the ignition key has been re-
moved.
Starting and stopping the engine Starting the engine
The engine can only be started with an original SEAT key.
Fig. 135 Ignition key po-
sitions
Vehicles with a petrol engine:
– Use the foot brake.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
197
Driving and the environment
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at lev-
el 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 long time to warm up when it is idling. 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.
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 maxi-
mum 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 higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not normalise until having
driven approximately four kilometres. This is why we recommend avoiding
short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If
the tyre pressure is just one bar too low, fuel consumption can increase 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 as they 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 un-
necessary loads are being transported.
A roof rack 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 vehicle will use about
12% more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof
rack even when it is not in use.
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the
need for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, al-
ways turn off electrical components when you do not need them. Examples
of components that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the
rear window heating or the seat heaters*.
Note
● If you vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not recommended to disconnect this
function.
● It is recommended to close the windows when driving at more than
60 km/h
● Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, as the pressure
can make the plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can burn the clutch
plate lining, causing a serious fault.
● Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch, use the foot brake or
hand brake, using the latter to start. The fuel consumption will be lower and
you will prevent the clutch plate from being damaged.
● On descents, use the engine brake, changing to the gear that is more
suitable for the slope. The fuel consumption will be lower and the brakes
will not suffer.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications