2013 Seat Altea Freetrack Owner's Manual

159
Air conditioning
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).

2C-Climatronic* Controls
The controls allow separate adjustment of air conditioner settings for the left and right.
Fig. 129 On the dash panel: 2C Climatronic controls
The air conditioner controls the temperature when the engine is
running and the blower is switched on. –
Turn the temperature control knobs ⇒ Fig. 129 to adjust the
temperature on the left hand side or the right hand side respec-
tively. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

160Air conditioning
–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 func-
tion is switched on. At temperatures over 3 °C, the air conditioning sys-
tem 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 navi-
gator display.

button – Upward air distribution
 button – Central air distribution
 button – Downward air distribution
 button – Manual air recirculation mode
 button – Heated rear window The heating will be switched off auto-
matically approximately 20 minutes after switching on. However, it may
be turned off by pushing the button. The button lights up yellow and
the symbol appears in the display.
AUTO
button – Automatic temperature, ventilation and air distribution
control ⇒ page 161
SYNC
button – Dual zone synchroniser
OFF button – Switches the 2C-Climatronic on and off ⇒ page 162
Blower control ⇒ page 162
AC
button – Switches heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system
on
1
23456
7
891011
WARNING
For road safety all windows must be clear of ice, snow, and condensation.
This is essential to ensure good visibility. Please familiarise yourself with
the correct operation of the heating and ventilation system, including the
anti-fog/defrost functions for the windscreens.


161
Air conditioning
Viewing Climatronic information
Information about the Climatronic system can be displayed
on the radio or radio and navigation screen mounted at fac-
tory.
Fig. 130 Navigation dis-
play with information
about the Climatronic
Fig. 131 Radio display
with information about
Climatronic The LEDs on the Climatronic controls indicate that the selected function has
been activated.
In addition, the radio or radio and navigation displays mounted at factory
briefly display the current settings of the Climatronic if any are modified.
The symbols used on the radio or radio and navigation displays are the
same as the symbols used for the Climatronic controls.

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. The temperature can be adjusted separately for the left and right
sides of the vehicle interior.
Switching on automatic mode
– Press AUTO
⇒ 
Fig. 129. “AUTO High” is shown on the radio dis-
play (high fan speed).
– Press AUTO
again ⇒ 
Fig. 129. “AUTO Low” is shown on the ra-
dio display (low fan speed).
Depending upon the version and finish, the vehicle may include:
When a temperature of 22 °C (72 °F) is set in automatic mode a comfortable
interior climate is quickly reached. Therefore, we recommend you not to
change this adjustment, except as necessary to suit individual preferences
or particular circumstances. The inside temperature can be set between
+18 °C (64 °F) and +26 °C (80 °F). These are approximate temperatures and
the actual temperature may be slightly higher or lower depending on the
ambient conditions. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

162Air conditioning
Climatronic maintains a constant temperature. The temperature of the air
supplied to the interior, the blower speed and the air distribution are regu-
lated automatically. The system also considers the sunlight radiation, so
there is no need for manual readjustment. Therefore, automatic mode al-
most always provides the best comfort for the vehicle occupants throughout
the year.
Automatic mode is switched off whenever an adjustment is made using the
buttons for the air distribution, air flow or 
or the air recirculation button
. The temperature will continue to be regulated within the parameters
manually selected by the user.
Note
There are two automatic modes:
● Automatic mode LO: This calculates the air flow for two people.
● Automatic mode HI: This calculates the air flow for more than two peo-
ple. 
Manual mode
In manual mode you can adjust the air temperature, air flow and distribution as required.
Fig. 132 On the dash panel: 2C Climatronic controls. 

163
Air conditioning
Switching on manual mode
– To enter manual mode, press one of the buttons ⇒ Fig. 132 1
to 5 or press the air flow control 10. The selected function is
shown on the radio or navigator display.
Temperature
There are separate temperature selectors for the left and right sides of the
vehicle interior. The selected temperature is displayed above the selector.
The inside temperature can be set between +18 °C (64 °F) and +26 °C
(80 °F). These are approximate temperatures and the actual temperature
may be slightly higher or lower depending on the ambient conditions.
If a temperature below 18 °C (64 °F) is selected, the display switches to LO
In this setting the system runs at maximum cooling output and the tempera-
ture is not regulated.
If a temperature above 26 °C (80 °F) is selected, the display switches to HI.
In this setting the system runs at maximum heating output and the temper-
ature is not regulated.
Blower
The air flow may be adjusted freely using the control 10
. Always have the
blower running at a low setting to ensure a constant flow of fresh air into
the vehicle. Pushing the button  to the minimum -1, turns the Climatronic
off.
Air distribution
The air distribution is adjusted using the buttons 
,  and . It is also
possible to open and close some of the air vents separately.
Switching the air conditioning on and off
When the AC
button is on (LED lit), the air conditioning system is on.
When the AC
button is off (LED off), the air conditioning system is off. When the
AC
button is off, the air conditioning system is switched off to
save 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 SYNC
button controls the synchronisation of the 2 Climatronic climate
zones.
When the SYNC
button is off (LED off), the climate zone of the Climatronic is
personalised. For example: driver side temperature 22 °C and passenger
side temperature 23 °C.
When the SYNC
button is on (LED lit), the climate zone of the Climatronic is
synchronised. For example: driver side temperature 22 °C and passenger
side temperature 22 °C.
If the SYNC
button is on and the passenger side temperature is changed,
the function is automatically deactivated. 
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells
from coming from the outside. – Press the button 
⇒ Fig. 132
2 to switch air recirculation
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 enter-
ing 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. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

164Air conditioning
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 connec-
ted.
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 notes
Pollution 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 Plan.
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 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 is not running.
● The AC
button is disconnected.
● The outside temperature is below +3 °C.
● The air conditioning system compressor has been temporarily switched
off because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
● The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by a speci-
alised workshop.
CAUTION
● If you suspect that the air conditioner is damaged, switch it off with but-
ton AC
to prevent further damage and have it checked by a specialised
workshop.
● Repairs to the air conditioner require specialist knowledge and special
tools. Therefore, we recommend you to take the vehicle to a specialised
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 pud-
dle 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. 

165
Air conditioning
● The air conditioner operates most effectively with the windows and the
sliding/tilting sunroof* closed. However, if the temperature inside the vehi-
cle is excessive because of the sun, the air inside can be cooled faster 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.
● It is advisable to connect the air conditioning at least once a month, to
lubricate the system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling
capacity is detected, a Technical Service should be consulted to check the
system. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

166Driving
Driving
SteeringAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely ad-
justed to suit the driver.
Fig. 133 Adjusting the
steering wheel position
Fig. 134 Proper sitting
position for driver
– Adjust the driver seat to the correct position.
– Push the lever under the steering column ⇒ Fig. 133 down ⇒ 
.
– Adjust the steering wheel until the correct position is set
⇒ Fig. 134.
– Then push the lever up again firmly ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Incorrect use of the steering column adjustment function and an in-
correct seating position can result in serious injury.
● To avoid accidents, the steering column should be adjusted only
when the vehicle is stationary. 