2013 Seat Altea XL heating

163
Air 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 164
SYNC
button – Dual zone synchroniser
OFF button – Switches the 2C-Climatronic on and off ⇒ page 165
Blower control ⇒ page 165
AC
button – Switches heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system
on
1
23456
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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.

Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

166Air conditioning
Switching on manual mode
–To enter manual mode, press one of the buttons ⇒ Fig. 134 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. 134
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. 

167
Air 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. 
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173
Driving
If the engine does not start immediately, switch the starter off after 10 sec-
onds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start, the
fuel pump fuse should be checked ⇒ page 269, Fuses.
WARNING
● Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless poi-
sonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also result in death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
● Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.
CAUTION
● When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving
at full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
● The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and fol-
low the instructions in ⇒ page 282, Jump-starting.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle station-
ary. Start off immediately, driving gently. This helps the engine reach oper-
ating temperature faster and reduces emissions. Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key
with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral position and depress the
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the start-
er to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒ Fig. 138 1
. The warning
lamp  will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the lamp turns off, turn the ignition key to position 2
to
start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the start-
er motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few sec-
onds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see the ⇒ page 282.
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the battery, do not use any other major
electrical equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp ⇒ page 83 goes
out.
Starting the diesel engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal
(up to one minute) to start a diesel engine after refuelling. This is because
the fuel system must eliminate air first. 
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183
Driving
WARNING (Continued)
● The footbrake must not be held for a long period of time, not even
lightly; continuous braking will cause overheating of the brakes and a re-
duction or even a loss of braking power and a significant increase in
braking distances.
● Never allow the vehicle to coast down a gradient with the selector lev-
er in positions N or D, even when the engine is not running. For descents,
the use of the tiptronic programme is recommended to keep the speed
reduced.
CAUTION
● Never use the automatic gearbox to hold the vehicle stationary on a hill,
even for short periods, as this may overheat the gearbox and cause dam-
age. Apply the handbrake or depress the foot brake to hold the vehicle in
position.
● If the vehicle is allowed to roll with the engine stopped but the selector
in position N then the gearbox may be damaged because it will not be lubri-
cated. Changing gear in tiptronic mode*
The tiptronic system allows the driver to select gears man-
ually
Fig. 148 Changing gear
with tiptronic
Fig. 149 Steering wheel
with levers for automatic
gearbox
General information about driving in Tiptronic mode 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

198Intelligent technology
To prevent the disc brake of the braking wheel from overheating, the EDL
cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle will con-
tinue to function normally without EDL. For this reason, the driver is not in-
formed that the EDL has been switched off.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled
down.
WARNING
● When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and
snow, press the accelerator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven wheels may
start to spin. This could impair the vehicle's stability.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit road conditions and the traffic
situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by EDL tempt you into tak-
ing any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
CAUTION
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the EDL ⇒ page 224. 
Drive wheel traction control system (ASR)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning when
the vehicle is accelerating ⇒ page 195. All-wheel drive*
On all-wheel drive models, the engine power is distributed
to all four wheels
General notes
The all-wheel drive system operates completely automatically. The propul-
sion force is distributed among the four wheels and adapted to the driving
style and the road conditions.
The all-wheel drive is specially designed to complement the superior engine
power. This combination gives the vehicle exceptional handling and per-
formance capabilities, both on normal roads and in more difficult condi-
tions, such as snow and ice.
Winter tyres
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, your vehicle will have plenty of traction in win-
ter conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, we still recom-
mend that winter tyres or all-season tyres should be fitted on all four wheels
when winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a
better braking response.
Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory, this also applies to cars with
all-wheel drive.
Changing tyres
On vehicles with all-wheel drive, all four tyres must have the same rolling
circumference ⇒  page 255. 

203
Driving and the environment
WARNING (Continued)
● On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively used, they will overheat.
Before driving down a long steep slope, it is advisable to reduce speed
and change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of
transmission). This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes.
● Never let the brakes “drag” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
● Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is subjected to heavy use, va-
pour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency of
the brakes.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to
the brakes and cause them to overheat. Before purchasing accessories
please observe the relevant instructions ⇒ page 224, Technical modifi-
cations.
● If a brake system circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased
considerably. Contact a specialised workshop immediately and avoid un-
necessary journeys.

Exhaust gas purification system Catalytic converter*
To maintain the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol engines, as lead damages
the catalytic converter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank. –
For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine
oil ⇒ page 239, Topping up engine oil .
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary
⇒ page 282.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest specialised workshop. In general, the exhaust gas warning lamp
will light up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒ page 77. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the en-
vironment. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! Risk of fire!
● Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
dry grass or flammable materials under the vehicle.
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust sys-
tem. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is being driven.
CAUTION
Never run the fuel tank completely dry because the irregularity of the fuel
supply may cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the
exhaust system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel used. Quite often the problem can be
solved by changing to another brand of fuel. 
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205
Driving and the environment
let the vehicle roll with a gear engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this way helps to reduce the wear of
brakes and tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are reduced to zero (dis-
connection due to inertia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up quickly through the gears.
Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible.
We recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon
reaching 2000 rpm. Follow the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel ⇒ page 62.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly
at higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
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 exhaust gases, the
engine and the exhaust gas filtration systems should reach the optimum
operating temperature.
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 (2.5 miles). 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
Given that every kilo of extra weight will increase the fuel consumption, it is
advisable to always check the luggage compartment to make sure that no
unnecessary 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 (60-75 mph) 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*. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications