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143
Air conditioning
Climatronic Controls
Fig. 107 Climatronic controls on the dash panelThe air conditioner only works when the engine is running and the
blower is switched on.
– Press keys 10
and 11 ⇒ Fig. 107 to adjust temperature.
– The functions will be switched on when its buttons are pressed.
When the function is activated, a symbol is displayed on the
screen. Press the button again to switch off the function.
Blower level indicator.
Air recirculation display:
Display AUTO (Automatic operation)
Demisting indicator
AC indicator (Cooling connected)
1
2345
Interior temperature indicator selected
Air flow direction indicator
Fan speed increase
Fan speed decrease
Interior temperature increase
Interior temperature decrease
AUTO
button – Automatic adjustment of temperature, ventilation and
air distribution
Button
– Windscreen demisting function. The air drawn in is direc-
ted at the windscreen. The air recirculation mode will be switched off as
soon as the demisting function is switched on. At temperatures over
+3 °C (+37 °F) the cooling system is switched on automatically in order
to dry the air.
Button
– Air distribution to head area
Button – Air distribution to the upper body
Button – Air distribution to footwell
button – Manual air recirculation mode
AC button – To switch on the air conditioning.
WARNING
For your safety, the windows should never be fogged up or covered with
snow or ice. This is essential to ensure good visibility. Please familiarise
yourself with the correct operation of the heating and ventilation system,
including the demist/defrost functions for the windows.
Note
Please consider the general notes.
6
789101112
13
1415161718
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144Air conditioning
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.
Switching on automatic mode
– Press the AUTO
button. The indication
⇒ Fig. 107 3 is dis-
played.
– Press keys 10
and 11 ⇒ Fig. 107 to adjust the desired tempera-
ture inside the vehicle. We recommend +22 °C (+72 °F).
A comfortable interior climate is quickly reached when a temperature of
+22 °C (+72 °F) is set in automatic mode. Therefore, we recommend you not
to change this adjustment, except as necessary to suit individual preferen-
ces or particular circumstances. It is possible to select interior temperatures
from +18 °C (+64 °F) to +29 °C (+86 °F). If a lower or higher temperature is
selected, LO or HI are respectively displayed on the screen. These are ap-
proximate temperatures which may slightly vary depending on the outside
conditions.
Climatronic maintains a constant temperature. To do so, it automatically
regulates the supplied air temperature, the blower speed and the air distri-
bution. The system also considers the sunlight radiation, so there is no
need for manual readjustment. Therefore, automatic mode almost 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 air distribution or blower. The temperature continues to self-reg-
ulate. Manual mode
In manual mode the air temperature, flow, and the desired
air distribution can be adjusted.
Switching on manual mode
– Press one of the buttons ⇒ Fig. 107 14
to 16 or press the blow-
er control 8 and 9 down. The indicator is switched off 3.
Temperature
It is possible to select interior temperatures from +18 °C (+64 °F) to +29 °C
(+86 °F). These are approximate temperatures which may slightly vary de-
pending on the outside conditions.
If you select temperatures below +18 °C (+64 °F), the indication LO will ap-
pear on the screen. In this setting the system runs at maximum cooling out-
put and the temperature is not regulated.
If a temperature above +29 °C (+86 °F) is selected, the screen will show HI.
In this setting the system runs at maximum heating output and the temper-
ature is not controlled.
Blower
The blower can be adjusted with buttons 8
and 9 ⇒ Fig. 107. If the blow-
er is off (level 1 is not shown on the screen) and button 9 is pressed after
1 second, the Climatronic switches off.
Air distribution
The air distribution is adjusted using the buttons
, and . It is also
possible to open and close some of the air outlets separately.
Switching the air conditioning on and off
Pressing the button AC
the air cooling system can be switched off in order
to save fuel. The temperature continues to self-regulate. The set tempera-
ture can then only be reached if it is higher than the outside temperature.
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145
Air conditioning
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells
from coming from the outside. – Press the button
to switch air recirculation mode on or off.
This is ON if the symbol ⇒ Fig. 107 is displayed on the
screen.
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.
When the outside temperature is low, air recirculation mode improves heat-
ing performance by heating air from the interior instead of cold air from the
outside.
When the outside temperature is high, air recirculation mode improves cool-
ing performance by cooling air from the interior instead of warm air from
outside.
For safety reasons, the air recirculation should not be switched on when the
air distribution control is set to the windscreen setting .
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehicle
interior. If the air conditioner 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).
Note
When engaging reverse gear, the air recirculation is connected automatical-
ly to prevent the entrance of exhaust gases in the vehicle on travelling back-
wards. In this case the symbol
for air recirculation is not displayed. 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 specified intervals in the Maintenance Programme.
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.
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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146Air 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.
● At low outside temperatures the compressor switches off automatically.
The AUTO
button cannot be switched on either.
● 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.
● To ensure correct operation, the grilles on both sides of the screen must
not be obstructed
● When the engine is under extreme strain, switch off the compressor for a
moment.
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147
Driving
Driving SteeringAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely ad-
justed to suit the driver.
Fig. 108 Steering col-
umn height adjustment
– Adjust the driver seat to the correct position.
– Push the lever under the steering column ⇒ Fig. 108 down ⇒
.
– Adjust the steering wheel until the correct position is set
⇒ Fig. 108.
– 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.
● 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 ⇒ Fig. 108. 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 mini-
mum distance of 25 cm, contact a Technical Service. The Technical Serv-
ice will help you to decide if special specific modifications 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 position, 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.
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148Driving
Safety
Electronic stability control (ESC)*
The ESC helps make driving safer in extreme driving condi-
tions.
Fig. 109 Detailed view of the dash panel: ESC switch.The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) contains the electronic differential lock
(EDL) and the traction control system (ASR). The ESC works together with
the ABS. Both control lamps will light up if the ESC or ABS systems are faul-
ty.
The ESC system is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESC system is always active and cannot be switched off. The ESC switch
only switches the ASR off.
WARNING
● Do not forget that the Electronic stability control ESC 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. The greater safety provided by the ESC should not
encourage you to run any risks.
● Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESC in
⇒ page 174, Intelligent technology.
Ignition lock Position of the ignition key
Fig. 110 Ignition key po-
sitions
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149
Driving
Ignition switched off, steering lock 1
In this position
⇒ Fig. 110 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the steer-
ing 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 steer-
ing wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent vehicle theft
⇒
.
Switching the ignition or the glow plug system on 2
Turn the ignition key to this position and release it. If the key cannot be
turned or it is difficult to turn from position 1 to position 2, move the
steering wheel from one side to the other until it is released.
Starting 3
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 1
. 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 disa-
bled 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 3
).
Electronic immobiliser
The electronic immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons
from driving the vehicle.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser au-
tomatically when the key is inserted into the ignition.
The electronic 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.
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150Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
Starting petrol 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 ⇒ page 148 position.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the start-
er motor must not run on with the engine.
After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the ac-
celerator.
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 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 237, 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 256, 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.