2012 Seat Toledo service

129
Heating and air conditioning
WARNING
Never use the air recirculation system for too long, as it prevents fresh air
from entering the vehicle and “used” air can cause tiredness, reduce your
attention span and cause the windows to mist over. This increases the
risk of an accident. Switch off the air recirculation system as soon as the
windows begin to mist over.

Air conditioning (manual)* General notes
The air cooling system only works if the AC button
2 ⇒ Fig. 99
⇒ page 129 is pressed and under following conditions:
● The engine is running
● The outside temperature is above +2 °C (+36 °F)
● The blower control is in position 1 – 4
When the cooling system is on and under certain conditions, air can be
blown from the vents at a temperature of approx. 5 °C (41 °F). In the event
of prolonged, irregular distribution of the air flow from the outlets and sig-
nificant differences in temperature, e.g. on leaving the vehicle, sensitive
people may catch a cold.
Note
A visit to the specialised service once a year is recommended to clean the
air conditioning system. Operation
Fig. 99 Air conditioning: controls
Temperature selection
– Turn rotary control A
⇒ Fig. 99 clockwise to increase the tem-
perature.
– Turn rotary control A
anti-clockwise to reduce the temperature.
Blower selection
– Turn rotary control B
⇒ Fig. 99 to position 1 to 4 to switch the
blower on.
– Turn rotary control B
to position 0 to switch the blower off.
– Press button 

1 ⇒ page 131, Air recirculation to close the
fresh air vent.
Air distribution selection
– Turn rotary control C
⇒ Fig. 99 to select the air vents
⇒ page 126 you wish to activate. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

132Heating and air conditioning
Switching off air recirculation mode
–Press button 

1 ⇒ Fig. 99 ⇒ page 129 again and the lamp
in the button will switch off.
If air distribution control C
⇒ Fig. 99 ⇒ 
page 129 is in position , air recir-
culation mode switches off automatically Press the  button to switch air
recirculation mode back on in this position.
WARNING
Never use the air recirculation system for too long, as it prevents fresh air
from entering the vehicle and “used” air can cause tiredness, reduce your
attention span and cause the windows to mist over. This increases the
risk of an accident. Switch off the air recirculation system as soon as the
windows begin to mist over.

Climatronic* (automatic air conditioning) General notes
Climatronic automatically maintains a comfortable temperature. To do so, it
automatically regulates the supplied air temperature and the blower and air
distribution levels. The system also allows for the effect of sunlight, so there
is no need for manual adjustment. Automatic operations ⇒ page 133 guar-
antee maximum comfort any time of year.
Climatronic description
Cooling only works if the following conditions are met:
● The engine is running
● The outside temperature is above +2 °C (+36 °F)
● AC
18 ⇒ Fig. 100 ⇒ page 133 on. In order to ensure engines subject to heavy loads are cooled, the air condi-
tioning compressor is switched off in the event of high coolant tempera-
tures.
Recommended setting for all seasons
●
Set the required temperature. We recommend 22 °C (72 °F).
● Press the AUTO
button 12 ⇒ 
Fig. 100 ⇒  page 133.
● Adjust vents 3 ⇒ page 126 and 4 so that the air flow is directed slightly
upwards.
Change between degrees Centigrade and degrees Fahrenheit
Keep the AUTO
and AC buttons
⇒ Fig. 100 ⇒  page 133 pressed down at
the same time. The data is displayed on the screen in the units required.
Note
A visit to the specialised service once a year is recommended to clean the
Climatronic system. 

137
Driving
● Do not tow-start the engine. Risk of engine damage! In vehicles with a
catalytic converter, unburnt fuel could reach the catalytic converter and
catch fire in it. This would lead to a fault in the catalytic converter. Use the
battery from another vehicle for help in starting the engine ⇒ page 205,
Jump-starting.
● After the engine has been working hard for a long time, leave the engine
idling for about one minute before switching it off at the end of a journey.
This will stop the engine from overheating.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine when the vehicle is stationary. If possible, move
off immediately after starting the engine. This will help the engine reach op-
erating temperature more quickly, reducing the quantity of emissions.
Note
● The engine can only be started with the original SEAT key.
● Loud running noises may be heard briefly after cold-starting the engine.
This is normal and is no cause for concern.
● After the engine has been stopped and the ignition switched off, the ra-
diator fan may continue running for around 10 minutes.
● If the engine still does not start after a second attempt, the fuel pump
fuse might have blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessary
⇒ page 211, Fuses in the dash panel or contact your Specialised Service.
● You should always engage the steering lock when you leave the vehicle.
This will hinder any attempts at theft. Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 101 Adjustable steering wheel: lever beneath steering column/safe distance from
steering wheel
The steering wheel can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.
– First adjust the position of the driver seat ⇒ page 107, Front
seats.
– Pull down the leave located below the steering wheel
⇒ Fig. 101 .
– Adjust the steering wheel vertically or horizontally.
– Pull the lever upwards as far as it will go. 
Power steering
The power steering allows you to turn the steering wheel more easily.
If the power steering fails or the engine is off (towing), it is still possible to
turn the vehicle's steering wheel fully. However, you need more strength to
steer the vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

140Driving
● Vehicle modifications (e.g. to the engine, brakes, frame or a combina-
tion of wheels and tyres) could impair the brake assist systems
⇒  page 195, Accessories, modifications and spare parts.
● In the event of a fault in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL are
switched off automatically. A fault in the ABS is indicated by the 
⇒  page 70 warning lamp. 
Brakes
Wear
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends on the driving style and on the
way in which the vehicle is used. The brake pads will wear more quickly if
you use your vehicle frequently in urban traffic and short trips or drive in a
sporty style. Under these demanding conditions, visit your specialised serv-
ice, even before the scheduled service date, so that the thickness of the
brake pads can be measured.
Wet roads or road salt
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have been
gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal. Dry the brakes
as soon as possible by braking repeatedly.
Corrosion
Long periods of inactivity and little use can lead to rust on the brake discs
and dirt on the brake pads. Where the brake system is subjected to light
stress or in the case of corrosion, clean the brake discs by braking fully sev-
eral times at a high speed.
Brake system fault
If you notice that the braking distance suddenly increases and the brake
pedal can be pressed down more fully, there may be a fault in the brake sys-
tem. Visit a specialised service immediately and adjust your driving style to
the extent of the damage and to limit the effect of the brakes. Low brake fluid level
Insufficient brake fluid could cause faults in the brake system. The brake flu-
id level is controlled electronically
⇒ page 66, Brake system  .
Brake servo
The brake servo supplements the pressure you exert on the brake pedal.
The brake servo only works when the engine is running. 
Handbrake
Fig. 103 Centre console:
handbrake
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and press the unlock button
at the same time ⇒ Fig. 103.
– Keep the button pressed down and push the lever all the way
down. 

149
Driving
Switching the parking aid system on and off
Parking aid is switched on when the ignition is on and reverse gear engag-
ed. This is confirmed by a short audible warning.
Parking aid is switched off when reverse gear is released.
WARNING
● Parking aid does not free the driver from responsibility when parking
or performing similar manoeuvres. Pay special attention to small children
or animals, as the parking aid sensors may not always be able to detect
them.
● Before reversing or parking, make sure there are no small obstacles,
e.g. stones, narrow pillars, towing brackets, etc. in front and behind the
vehicle. These obstacles may not always be detected by the parking aid
device.
● The surface of certain objects may not reflect the signals of the park-
ing aid sensors. Therefore, people wearing clothing of this kind may not
be detected by the parking aid system.
● Outside noise may interfere with the parking aid system. Under cer-
tain unfavourable circumstances, certain objects or people may not be
detected.
Note
● If a constant sound at a higher frequency is emitted for 3 seconds when
the system is switched on then there is a fault in the system. Please take the
vehicle to a specialised technical service to solve this fault.
● To ensure that the parking aid system works properly, the sensors must
be kept clean (e.g. free of ice).
● If the parking aid system is switched on when the automatic gearbox se-
lector lever is in position P, the acoustic signal will be interrupted (the car
cannot be moved). Cruise control
Introduction
The cruise control system allows you to drive at a constant speed of 30 km/
h (19 mph) or higher without having to press the accelerator. However, the
speed is only maintained within the margin permitted by the engine power
and the braking effect of the engine.
The  warning lamp lights up on the general instrument panel if cruise con-
trol is switched on.
WARNING
● For safety reasons the cruise control system must not be used in
dense traffic or where roads conditions are poor (e.g. due to ice, aqua-
planing, loose grit, snow). Risk of accident!
● The programmed speed can only be re-established if it is not too high
for current traffic conditions.
● Always switch the cruise control system off after using it in order to
avoid involuntary use.
CAUTION
● The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when the vehicle is
moving downhill. The vehicle tends to accelerate under its own weight.
Therefore, shift down or use the brake pedal in good time to slow the vehi-
cle.
Note
● In vehicles with an automatic gearbox, the cruise control system cannot
be switched on if the selector lever is in position P, N or R.
● In vehicles with a manual gearbox, the cruise control cannot be switched
on if first gear or reverse gear is engaged. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

156Driving and the environment
Avoid driving at full speed
Fuel can be saved by driving at a slower speed.
Accelerating slowly not only considerably reduces fuel consumption, but al-
so reduces the environmental impact and vehicle wear.
If possible, you should never take advantage of the maximum speed of your
vehicle. Fuel consumption, exhaust emissions of toxic substances and
noise levels all increase very rapidly at higher speeds.
You can reduce fuel consumption by about one half if you do not drive faster
than three quarters of top speed. 
Reduce idling
Idling also consumes fuel.
In a vehicle that does not have the START-STOP function, stop the engine in
traffic jams, level crossings and at traffic lights that remain red for a long
period of time. After 30-40 seconds with the engine switched off, the fuel
savings are greater that the quantity of fuel required to restart the engine
again.
When the engine is idling, a great deal of time is required in order for the
engine to reach operating temperature. When heating the vehicle, however,
engine waste and emissions of toxic substances are elevated. Therefore, im-
mediately begin driving after switching on the engine. Doing so avoids high
engine speeds. 
Regular maintenance
A badly tuned engine unnecessarily consumes a large quantity of fuel. Conditions for economical driving can be created with regular maintenance
at an Official Service. Maintenance of your vehicle has positive repercus-
sions on traffic safety and conserving the value of the vehicle.
A badly tuned engine can result in fuel consumption that is 10% higher
than normal!
Additionally, check the
oil level after refuelling. Oil consumption depends
to a great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending on your
driving style, oil consumption can reach 0.5 litres per 1000 km (600 miles).
It is normal for the oil consumption of a new engine not to reach its mini-
mum level until after a period of running in time. Therefore, the oil con-
sumption of a new vehicle can only be judged correctly after covering 5000
km (3000 miles).
For the sake of the environment
● An additional reduction in consumption can be achieved using high-per-
formance synthetic oils.
● In order to detect leaks in good time, check the ground underneath the
vehicle regularly. If you notice stains from oils or other operating liquids,
contact an Official Service.
Note
We recommend that you have regular maintenance performed on your vehi-
cle a the SEAT Authorised Service. 

157
Driving and the environment
Make less short journeys
Fig. 113 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km
(miles) at different tem-
peratures
In short journeys fuel consumption quantity is incomparably high.
Therefore we recommend avoiding journeys of less than 4 km (2
miles) when the engine is cold. Immediately after starting, a cold engine consumes the maximum amount
of fuel. After driving approximately one kilometre (0.62 miles), consumption
drops approximately 10 litres per 100 km (62 miles). Consumption returns
to normal only after the engine and the catalytic converter have reached op-
erating temperature.
In this context, this is also determined by the outside temperature. Fuel
consumption is different for the same journey, as shown once at +20 °C
(+68 °F) and again at -10 °C (+14 °F) ⇒ Fig. 113. Your vehicle will consume
more fuel in winter than in summer. Maintain correct tyre pressure
Maintaining correct tyre pressure saves fuel.
Always maintain correct tyre pressure. Insufficiently tyre pressure increases
rolling resistance. This leads not only to increased fuel consumption, but al-
so tyre wear and deteriorated vehicle behaviour.
Always check the tyre pressure when the tyre is
cold.
Do not carry unnecessary loads
Transporting unnecessary loads also consumes fuel.
Every additional kilo of weight increases fuel consumption. Check for un-
necessary objects in the luggage compartment.
The weight of the vehicle considerably influences fuel consumption, espe-
cially in urban traffic where frequent acceleration is required. As a general
rule, every 100 kg of weight increases consumption by approximately 1 litre
per 100 km (62 miles).
Your vehicle consumes almost 10% more fuel than the normal amount at a
speed of 100 – 120 km/h (62 – 75 mph) when a roof carrier without a load
is fitted. 
Save electrical energy
An electrical current is generated with help from the alternator when the en-
gine is running. The more electrical devices there are connected to the on-
board network, the larger the quantity of fuel is required for the alternator
service. This is why electrical devices should be disconnected when they
are not required. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

160Driving and the environment
WARNING
● Driving through water, dirt and mud can reduce braking capability
and prolong the braking distance – Risk of accident!
● Do not carry out any sudden or strong braking manoeuvres after driv-
ing through water.
● Clean and dry the brakes as soon as possible after driving through
water by breaking intermittently. Carry out braking in order to dry the
brakes and clean the brake discs only if traffic so permits. Do not put oth-
er drivers at risk.
CAUTION
● In the event of driving through water the parts of the vehicle can be seri-
ously damaged, such as the engine, gearbox, catalytic converter, suspen-
sion or the electrical system.
● Oncoming vehicles that drive through water can cause waves that ex-
ceed your vehicle's permitted level for driving through water.
● There may be pot-holes mud or rocks under the water that can hinder or
prevent driving through water.
● Do not drive through salt water. The salt can cause rust. All components
that are exposed to salt water must be rinsed immediately with fresh water.
Note
After driving through water we recommend that you contact a specialised
service for an inspection. 