Air conditioning
Heating
Maximum heat output, which is needed to
defrost the windows quickly, is only available
when the engine has reached its operating
temperature. Note
Remember that the temperature of the engine
coolant should be optimum to ensure that the heating system functions correctly (except in
vehicles fitted with additional heating*).
Air outlets
Fig. 127
Air vents Air distribution
CSymbolMain air output through out-
lets
1, 2
5
1, 2, 5
3, 4 Outlets
3 and
4 can be closed or opened
separately using the slats and the air flow di-
rected as required.
117
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Air conditioning
Note
Please consider the general notes. Vehicle interior heating or cooling system
Fig. 129
Air conditioning controls on the dash
panel. Interior heating
– Turn off the cooling system using the
››› Fig. 129 A/C button (the button light
turns off).
– Turn the temperature selector A to set the
desired temperature inside the vehicle.
– Turn the blower switch to any of the set-
tings 1-4.
– Set the air distribution control C to the air
flow configuration desired: (towards the
windscreen), (towards the chest),
(towards the footwell) and
(towards the
windscreen and footwell areas).
Interior cooling
– Turn on the cooling system using the A/C button (the button light
should light up).
– Turn the t
emperature control switch until
the desired interior temperature is reached.
– Turn the blower switch to any of the set-
tings 1-4. –
Set the air distribution control to the air
flow configuration desired: (towards the
windscreen), (towards the chest),
(towards the footwell) and
(towards the
windscreen and footwell areas).
Heating
Maximum heat output, which is needed to
defrost the windows quickly, is only available
when the engine has reached its operating
temperature. »
119
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Air conditioning
Climatronic* Controls Fig. 130
Climatronic controls on the dash panel. Read the additional information carefully
››› page 21
The air conditioner only works when the en-
gine is running and the blower is on.
The functions will be switched on when its
buttons are pressed, turning on the air condi-
tioner if it was switched off, with the excep-
tion of button 17 (recirculation) When the
function is activated, a symbol is displayed
on the screen. Press the button again to
switch off the function.
To switch off the climatronic, press button 9until the segments in column
1 go off. After1 second has passed, press the button again
to switch off the display. 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 fa-
miliarise yourself with the correct operation
of the heating and ventilation system, includ-
ing the demist/defrost functions for the win-
dows. Note
Please consider the general notes. Automatic mode
In this mode, air temperature, air flow and
distribution are automatically adjusted so
that a comfortable temperature is attained as
quickly as possible, and then maintained.
Switching on automatic mode
– Press the AUTO button. It displays the indi-
cation ››› Fig. 130 3 .
– Press keys ››› Fig. 130 10 and
11 to adjust
the desired temperature inside the vehicle.
We recommend +22 °C (+72 °F). »
121Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Driving
When the outside temperature is low, air re-
circulation mode improves heating perform-
ance by heating air from the interior instead
of cold air from the outside.
When the outside temperature is high, air re-
circulation mode improves cooling perform-
ance 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 dis-
tribution control is set to the windscreen set-
ting . 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 recircu-
lation is connected automatically to prevent
the entrance of exhaust gases into the vehi-
cle upon travelling backwards. In this case
the symbol for air recirculation is not dis-
played. Driving
Starting and stopping the
engine Ignition key positions Fig. 131
Ignition key positions. Ignition switched off, steering lock
1 In this position
››› Fig. 131, the ignition and
the engine are OFF and the steering may be
locked.
For the Steering lock
to operate without the
ignition k
ey, turn the steering wheel until it
locks with an audible sound. You should al-
ways lock the steering 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 re-
lease 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; this will release it.
Starting 3 The engine is started when the key is in this
position. Electrical devices with high power
consumption are switched off temporarily at
the same time.
Each time that the vehicle is restarted, the ig-
nition key must be turned to position
1 . The
repetitive start prevention lock of the igni-
tion 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 stand-
still. Otherwise, the steering could be imme-
diately blocked- Risk of accident!
● Always remove the key from the ignition
when leaving the vehicle, even if only for a
short period. This is especially important if
children or disabled people are left alone in
the vehicle. They could accidentally start the
engine or work electrical equipment such as
the electric windows, resulting in an acci-
dent. » 123
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Driving
Starting diesel engines The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
– Move the gearbox lever to the neutral posi-
tion and depress the clutch pedal thor-
oughly and hold it in this position for the
starter to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to position ››› Fig. 131
2 . The warning lamp
will light for en-
gine pr e-he
ating.
– When the lamp turns off, turn the ignition
key to position 3 to start the engine. Do
not press the accelerator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine starts. The starter motor should not
turn at the same time.
When starting a cold engine, it may be a little
noisy for the first few seconds until oil pres-
sure has built up in the hydraulic valve com-
pensators. This is quite normal, and no cause
for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see
the ›››
page 188 .
Glo w p
lug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the bat-
tery, do not use any other major electrical
equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heat-
ing. Start the engine as soon as the glow plug
warning lamp goes out.
Starting a 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 mi-
nute) to start a diesel engine after refuelling.
This is because the fuel system must elimi-
nate air first.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Starting
petrol engines on page 124. 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. Un-
burnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter
and damage it.
● Before attempting to push-start or tow a ve-
hicle in order to start it, you should first try to
start it using the battery of another vehicle.
Please observe and follow the notes on the
››› page 188, Jump-starting. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
engine with the vehicle stationary. You
should drive off as soon as you start the en-
gine. This helps the engine reach operating
temperature faster and reduces emissions. Switching off the engine
–
Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position ›››
Fig. 131
1 .
After switching the engine off, the radiator
fan may run on for up to 10 minutes. The fan
may also turn on again if coolant temperature
increases from accumulated heat in the en-
gine compartment or due to its prolonged ex-
posure to solar radiation. WARNING
● Never switch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is completely stationary.
● The brake servo works only when the en-
gine is running. With the engine switched off,
more strength is needed to brake. As normal
brake operation cannot be performed, risk of
accidents and serious injury may exist.
● The steering lock can be immediately
blocked once the key is removed from the ig-
nition. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of
accident. » 125
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Driving
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
››› Fig. 132 .
R el
easing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the re-
lease knob in the direction of the arrow
››› Fig. 132 and guide the handbrake lever
down f
ully ››› .
Always pull the handbrake all the way up, so
there is less risk of driving off with it still en-
gaged ››› .
The handbrake warning lamp lights up
when the handbrake is applied and the igni-
tion switched on. The warning lamp turns off
when the handbrake is released. WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehi-
cle when it is in motion. The braking distance
is considerably longer, because braking is
only applied to the rear wheels. Risk of acci-
dent!
● If the handbrake is only partially released,
this will cause the rear brakes to overheat,
which can impair the function of the brake
system and could lead to an accident. This al-
so causes premature wear on the rear brake
pads. CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave
the vehicle. Put it in 1st gear as well. Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly ap-
plied when the vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when park-
ing the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Put it in 1st gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key
from the ignition. Turn the steering wheel
slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you
leave the vehicle ››› .
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on
gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle
rolls against the kerb if it started to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill,
turn the front wheels so that they point to-
wards the kerb . ●
If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn
the fr ont
wheels so that they point away from
the kerb
.
● Secure the vehicle as usual by applying the
handbrake firmly and putting it in 1st gear. WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury
when you leave your vehicle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system
could ignite inflammable materials, such as
dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in
the vehicle when it is locked. They would be
unable to open the vehicle from the inside,
and could become trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. In the event of an emergency,
locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle
occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle.
They could set the vehicle in motion, for ex-
ample, by releasing the handbrake or the
gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may
become extremely hot or cold inside the vehi-
cle. This can be fatal. Hill driving assistant*
This function is only included in vehicles with
ESC.
»
127
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Driving
Automatic gearbox* Gearbox programmes Read the additional information carefully
››› page 20
The automatic gearbox has got two gearbox
programmes.
Selecting the normal programme
– Put the selector lever into position D.
Selecting the sport programme – Put the selector lever into position S.
If you select the normal programme, D
, you
w i
ll drive in the economy mode, i.e. the pro-
gramme is designed to reduce fuel consump-
tion. The gearbox changes up into a higher
gear as soon as possible and down into a
lower gear as late as possible.
If you select the sport programme, S, you will
drive in a s
porty mode, i.e. a programme in
which shifts into high gears are postponed in
order to use the full power of the engine. Selector lever lock
Fig. 133
Automatic gearbox Fig. 134
Automatic gearbox: instrument pan-
el display. The selector lever lock in position P or N pre-
vents gears from being engaged inadvertent-
ly, which would cause the vehicle to move.
The selector lever lock is released as follows:
– Switch the ignition on. –
Hold the brake pedal pressed down and at
the same time, hold the selector lever lock
on the left of the selector lever also press-
ed down.
The warning lamp
on the instrument panel
lights
up when the brake pedal should be ap-
plied. This is essential when the selector lev-
er is taken from the P or N positions.
Level lock only engages with the vehicle sta-
tionary at a speed of up to 5 km/h (3 mph).
At speeds of over 5 km/h (3 mph) the selec-
tor lever lock is automatically deactivated in
position
N.
The selector lever lock is not engaged if the
selector lever is moved quickly through posi-
tion
N (e.g. when shifting from R to D). This
makes it possible, for instance, to “rock” the
vehicle backwards and forwards if it is stuck
in snow or mud. The selector lever lock en-
gages automatically if the brake pedal is not
depressed and the lever is in position N for
more th
an about 1second.
129
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials
Driving
WARNING
● As a driver, you should never leave your ve-
hicle if the engine is running and a gear range
is engaged. If you have to leave your vehicle
while the engine is running, you must apply
the parking brake and put the selector lever
in position P.
● If the engine is running and if D or R is en-
gaged, you will need to hold the car on the
foot brake. The car will creep forward as the
power transmission is not fully interrupted
even when the engine is idling.
● Never accelerate when moving the selector
lever or you may cause an accident.
● Never move the selector lever to R or P
when driving. Risk of accident!
● Before driving down a long, steep slope, it
is advisable to reduce speed and change into
a lower gear.
● If you stop the vehicle up hill, always hold
the foot brake strongly depressed down to
stop it from rolling back.
● Never allow the brake to rub and do not use
the brake pedal too often or for long periods.
Constant braking will cause the brakes to
overheat and will considerably reduce the
brake effect. This increases the braking dis-
tance and could cause the brake system to
fail.
● Never allow the car to roll down a gradient
with the gear in neutral N, or in selector lever
position D, even if the engine is not running. CAUTION
● If you stop the vehicle up hills, do not at-
tempt to stop it from rolling back by depress-
ing the accelerator when a gear has been se-
lected. Otherwise, the automatic gearbox
may overheat causing damage. Pull the hand-
brake up or fully depress the brake pedal to
prevent the vehicle from rolling away.
● If you allow the vehicle to roll when the en-
gine is not running, or with the selector lever
in position N, a lack of lubrication in the auto-
matic gearbox will damage it. Changing gear in tiptronic mode*
Fig. 136
Changing gear with Tiptronic. Fig. 137
Steering wheel with paddle levers
for automatic gearbox. The Tiptronic system allows the driver to se-
lect gears manually.
General information about driving in tiptronic
mode
Changing gear with the selector lever
– Press the selector lever from position D to
the right int
o the tiptronic selector gate.
– Lightly press the selector lever forward
››› Fig. 136 + to change up to a higher
gear.
– Lightly press the selector lever backward
››› Fig. 136 - to change down to a lower
gear.
Changing gear with the steering wheel
paddle levers* – Press the right paddle lever + towards the
steering wheel to change up ››› Fig. 137 .
»
131
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials