Page 129 of 232

Air conditioning
● Set the f
an t
o the required setting.
● Turn the temperature control to the centre
position.
● Open and dir
ect the air outlets in the dash
panel ›
›› page 127.
● Turn the air distribution control to the de-
fros
t position.
● Press the A/C button to switch it on. The in-
dic at
or on the b
utton will light up.
The air conditioning system does not switch
on
If the air conditioning system cannot be
switched on, this may be caused by the fol-
lowing: ●
The engine is
not running.
● The fan is switched off.
● The air conditioner fuse has blown.
● The outside temperature is lower than ap-
prox
imately +2 °C (+36 °F).
● The air conditioner compressor has been
temporari
ly switched off because the engine
coolant temperature is too high.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air
conditioner chec
ked by a specialised work-
shop. Special features
If the humidity and t
emperature outside the
vehicle are high, condensation can drip off
the evaporator in the cooling system and
form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is
normal and does not indicate a leak! Note
After starting it, any residual humidity in the
air conditioner c ou
ld mist over the wind-
screen. Switch on the defrost function as
soon as possible to clear the windscreen of
condensation. Air outlets
Fig. 141
Dash panel: Air vents » 127
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 130 of 232

Operation
Air vents
Nev er c
lo
se the air vents ››› Fig. 141 A com-
p l
et
ely to ensure heating, cooling and venti-
lation inside the vehicle.
● To open the air vents press the recess with
one slat
.
● Change the air direction by turning the
slats.
● T
o close the air vents, fold the slats.
There are a
dditional air vents in the centre of
the dash panel and in the footwell area. CAUTION
Never place food, medicines or other heat-
sens itiv
e objects close to the air vents. Being
heat-sensitive, they may be damaged or
made unsuitable for use by the air coming
from the air vents. Air recirculation mode
Important
Air r
ec
ir
culation mode prevents the ambient
air from entering the interior.
When the outside temperature is very high or
very low, selecting manual air recirculation
mode for a short period refreshes or heats
the interior more quickly. ●
Switc
h off air recirculation mode by turning
the air distribution control to the ››› po-
s ition.
Sw it
ching the air recirculation mode on and
off
Switching on: Move the sliding control
››› Fig. 140 4 to the right to maximum.
S wit
c
hing off: Move the sliding control
››› Fig. 140 4 to the left to maximum.
WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and re-
duce driv er c
oncentration possibly resulting
in a serious accident.
● Never use recirculation mode for long peri-
ods a
s it does not refresh the air inside the
vehicle.
● If the cooling system is switched off and air
recir
culation mode switched on, the windows
can mist over very quickly, considerably limit-
ing visibility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is
not requir
ed. CAUTION
Do not smoke when the air recirculation is ac-
tivat ed.
The smoke taken in could lie on the
cooling system vaporiser and on the dust and
pollen filter, leading to a permanently un-
pleasant smell. Driving
St eerin
g
Intr
oduction The power steering* is not hydraulic but elec-
tromec
h
anical. The advantage of this steer-
ing system is that it disposes of hydraulic
tubes, hydraulic oil, the pump, filter and oth-
er components. The electromechanical sys-
tem saves fuel. While a hydraulic system re-
quires oil pressure to be maintained, electro-
mechanical steering only requires energy
when the steering wheel is turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted
steering function automatically adjusts ac-
cording to the vehicle speed, the steering tor-
que and the wheel turning angle. The power
steering only works when the engine is run-
ning. WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the
st eerin
g wheel is much more difficult to turn
and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the
engine is
running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the
engine is
switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehic
le is in motion. The steering may128
Page 131 of 232

Driving
lock and it will not be possible to turn the
st
eerin
g wheel. Warning and indication lamps
It lights up red
Power steer-
ing faulty.The steering system should be checked
by a specialised workshop as soon as
possible.
It lights up yellow
Power steer-
ing opera-
tion re-
duced.
The steering system should be checked
by a specialised workshop as soon as
possible.
If, after restarting the engine and driv-
ing for a short distance, the yellow
warning lamp no longer comes on, it will
not be necessary to take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop.
Flashes red
Fault in the
steering col-
umn elec-
tronic lock.
Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.
It flashes yellow
Steering col-
umn devia-
tion.Gently turn the steering wheel to and
fro.
It flashes yellow
Steering
wheel not
unlocked or
locked.
Remove the key from the ignition and
then switch the ignition back on. If nec-
essary, check the messages displayed
on the instrument panel display.
Do not drive on, if
the steering column
remains locked after the ignition has
been switched on. Seek specialist assis-
tance. Several warning and indication lamps light
up for a f
ew sec
onds when the ignition is
switched on, signalling that the function is
being verified. They will switch off after a few
seconds. WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle
ma y
stall in traffic, or may cause accidents
and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they
appe ar m
ay result in faults in the vehicle. Information on the steering
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the
s
t
eerin
g before leaving the vehicle. Steering column mechanical lock
Lock
the steering column by removing the
key from the ignition when the vehicle is
stopped.
Please engage steer-
ing lockUnlocking the steering
Parking the vehicle
››› page 132.Insert the key in the igni-
tion lock.
Remove the key from the
ignition.Turn the steering wheel
slightly to release the
steering lock.
Turn the steering wheel
slightly until you hear the
steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in
this position and switch
on the ignition. Electromechanical power steering
W
ith the po
w
er steering system, the assisted
steering function automatically adjusts ac-
cording to the vehicle speed, the steering tor-
que and the wheel turning angle. The power
steering only works when the engine is run-
ning.
You should remember that you will need con-
siderably more power than normal to steer
the vehicle if the power steering is not work-
ing correctly or not at all.
129
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 132 of 232

Operation
Stopping and starting the en-
gine Sw it
c
hing on the ignition and starting
the engine Fig. 142
Vehicle key positions Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 20
Immobiliser display
When an invalid key is used or in the event of
a system fault, is displayed on the instru-
ment panel. The engine cannot be started.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not
be push- or tow-started. Jump starting is pref-
erable. Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key
which is not authorised for this vehi-
cle is inserted in the ignition lock, it can be
removed as follows:
● Automatic gearbox : the key c
annot be re-
moved from the ignition lock. Press and re-
lease the selector lever locking button. Key
can be removed from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox: Remov
e the key from the
ignition. WARNING
Switching off the engine while driving makes
st op
ping the vehicle difficult. As a conse-
quence you may lose control of the vehicle
and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The assisted braking and steering systems,
the airbag sys
tem, seat belts and certain
safety equipment are only active while the
engine is running.
● The engine should only be switched off
when the vehic
le is at a standstill. WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it
cou l
d help reduce the risk of serious injury.
● Never start or leave the engine running in
poorly v
entilated or closed spaces. Exhaust
gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, col-
ourless and odourless gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It
can also cause death. ●
Never l e
ave the vehicle unattended if the
engine is running. The vehicle could move off
suddenly or something unexpected could
happen resulting in damage and serious in-
jury.
● Never use start boosters. Cold start sprays
coul
d explode or increase the engine speed
unexpectedly. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
v er y
high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood, leaves,
spilled fuel, dried grass, etc).
● Never apply additional underseal or anti-
corro
sion coatings to the exhaust pipes, cata-
lytic converter or the heat shields on the ex-
haust system. WARNING
Unsuitable or careless use of the vehicle key
cou l
d result in serious injury.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever
you le
ave the vehicle. If not, the engine could
accidentally be started and electrical equip-
ment such as the windows could accidentally
be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the car
. Passengers could be trapped130
Page 133 of 232

Driving
in the car in an emergency and not be able to
get
themselv
es to safety. For example, de-
pending on the time of the year, tempera-
tures inside a locked and closed vehicle can
be extremely high or extremely low resulting
in serious injuries and illness or even death,
particularly for young children.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the vehic
le is in motion. The steering may
lock and it will not be possible to turn the
steering wheel. CAUTION
● An attempt t
o start the engine while driving
or starting the engine immediately after turn-
ing it off can cause damage to the engine or
starter motor.
● When the engine is cold, avoid high revs
and heavy ac
celeration and do not make the
engine work hard.
● Do not push or tow start the engine. Un-
burnt f
uel could damage the catalytic con-
verter. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm the engine at idle speed; start
drivin g immedi
ately if the visibility is OK.
This helps the engine reach operating tem-
perature faster and reduces emissions. Note
● If the k ey
is left in the ignition lock with the
engine off for long periods, the vehicle bat-
tery will run flat.
● For automatic gearbox vehicles, the key can
only be r
emoved from the ignition lock if the
gear selector lever is in position P. In this
case, press and release the selector lever
locking button.
● Electrical devices with a high power con-
sumption are sw
itched off temporarily when
the engine starts.
● When the engine is started cold, there may
be stron
g vibrations for a few moments for
technical reasons. This is quite normal, and
no cause for concern.
● Natural gas engines always start up with
petrol, a
s a certain operating temperature is
required for running with gas. Once the re-
quired operating temperature is reached, the
engine will change to operate with natural
gas. Stopping the engine
Switching off the engine
– Stop the vehicle ››
›
.
– Turn the ignition key to position 1 ›››
Fig. 142. Engaging the steering wheel lock
In
v
ehic
les with automatic gearbox, the igni-
tion key can only be removed when the selec-
tor lever is in position P.
– Remove the key from the ignition in posi-
tion 1
› ››
Fig. 142
›
›› .
– Turn the steering wheel until you hear it en-
gag
e.
P
ossible vehicle theft is prevented with the
steering lock engaged. WARNING
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle
is mo
ving. You may lose control of the vehicle
and there is a risk of serious accident.
● The airbags and belt tensioners do not
work when the ignition i
s switched off.
● The brake servo does not work with the en-
gine off. T
o stop, the brake pedal must be
pressed with more force.
● As the power steering does not work if the
engine is
not running, you will need more
strength to steer than normally.
● If the key is removed from the ignition, the
steerin
g may lock and it will not be possible
to steer the vehicle. » 131
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 134 of 232

Operation
CAUTION
If the engine has been driven at high speed
for a pr o
longed period of time, it may over-
heat when turned off. To avoid engine dam-
age, allow the engine to run for approximate-
ly 2 minutes in neutral before switching it off. Note
After stopping the engine, the engine com-
par tment
fan may continue running for a few
minutes, even when the ignition has been
switched off or the key removed. The radiator
fan is automatically switched off. Electronic immobiliser
The gear lock prevents the engine from being
s
t
ar
ted with an unauthorised key and the ve-
hicle being moved.
The vehicle key has a built-in chip. It auto-
matically deactivates the electronic immobil-
iser when the key is inserted into the ignition
lock.
The electronic immobilizer will be activated
again automatically as soon as you remove
the key from the ignition lock.
For this reason, the vehicle can only be used
with a genuine SEAT key with the correct
code. Coded keys can be obtained from SEAT
dealerships ›››
page 90. If an unauthorised key is used, the signal
appe
ars on the instrument panel display. The
vehicle cannot be started in this case Note
The correct operation of the vehicle is only
guarant eed when origin
al SEAT keys are
used. Braking and parking
Introduction The a
ssisted brake systems are the electron-
ic di
stribution of braking force (EBV), the an-
ti-lock brake system (ABS), the brake assist
system (BAS), the electronic differential lock
(EDL), traction control (TC)*, the traction con-
trol system (ASR) and the electronic stability
control (ESC*). WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty
brak e sy
stem may lead to serious accident.
● If you believe the brake pads to be worn or
the brake sy
stem to be faulty, immediately
refer to a specialised workshop to check the
brake pads and replace the worn ones. WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury. ●
Never r emo
ve the key from the ignition if
the vehicle is in motion. The steering lock
may engage and lock the steering wheel mak-
ing the vehicle impossible to control.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhau
st system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as wood, leaves,
dried grass, spilled fuel, etc.).
● Always apply the handbrake when you
leav
e your vehicle and when you park.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the v
ehicle. They could release the
electronic parking brake, activate the selec-
tor lever or gear stick and start the vehicle
moving. This could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever
you le
ave the vehicle. The engine could acci-
dentally be started and electrical equipment
such as the windows could accidentally be
operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the car
. They could be trapped in the
car in an emergency and will not be able to
get themselves to safety. For example, de-
pending on the time of the year, tempera-
tures inside a locked and closed vehicle can
be extremely high or extremely low resulting
in serious injuries and illness or even death,
particularly for young children. 132
Page 135 of 232

Driving
CAUTION
● Spec i
al care should be taken when parking
in areas with high kerbs or fixed barriers.
Objects protruding from the ground may
damage the bumper or other parts of the ve-
hicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage,
stop before the wheels touch the barrier or
kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving
through entranc
es, over ramps, kerbs or oth-
er objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers,
mudguards and running gear, and the engine
and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. Control and warning lamps
It lights up
›››
Handbrake applied.››› page 134.
It lights up
›››
Fault in the brake
system Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice
››› page 135.
Brake fluid level in-
adequate. Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid level
››› page 192.
Together with the
ABS control lamp
: ABS and EBV do
not function.
Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice
››› page 135.
It lights up
›››
ESC* disconnected
by system.Switching the ignition on and off
If necessary, drive for a short dis-
tance.
Fault in ESC*.Contact a specialised workshop.
Together with the
ABS control lamp
: Fault in the ABS.
Contact a specialised workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
The battery has
been reconnected.››› page 193.
It lights up
›››
Traction Control*
faulty or switched
off by the system.Contact a specialised workshop.
It lights up
›››
Together with the
ESC* control lamp
: Fault in the ABS.
Contact a specialised workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
Together with the
warning lamp :
ABS and EBV do not
function. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice
››› page 135.
Flashes
ESC* or ASR regulat-
ing.Take your foot off the accelera-
tor. Adjust your driving style to
the road conditions.
Flashes
Traction Control*
regulator operating.Take your foot off the accelera-
tor. Adjust your driving style to
the road conditions. Several warning and indication lamps light
up for a f
ew sec
onds when the ignition is
switched on, signalling that the function is
being verified. They will switch off after a few
seconds. WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle
ma y
stall in traffic, or may cause accidents
and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. WARNING
Driving with brakes in bad condition could re-
su lt
in a serious accident.
● If the brake warning lamp does not
go
out, or if it lights up when driving, the brake
fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there
is a fault in the brake system. Obtain profes-
sional assistance immediately ››› page 191,
Checking the brake fluid level.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up t
o-
gether with the ABS warning lamp , the
regulation function of the ABS could be mal-
functioning. As a result, the rear wheels can
lock relatively easily when braking. If the rear » 133
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 136 of 232

Operation
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle
contr
o
l! If possible, reduce your speed and
drive carefully to a specialised workshop
close by to check the brake system. During
the following journey, avoid sudden braking
and manoeuvres.
● If the ABS warning lamp does not
go out
or if it lights while driving, the ABS is mal-
functioning. The vehicle can only be stopped
using normal braking without ABS. The pro-
tection provided by the ABS is not available.
Visit a specialised workshop as soon as pos-
sible. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they
appe ar m
ay result in faults in the vehicle. Handbrake
Fig. 143
Between the front seats: handbrake. Using the handbrake
●
Pull firmly in an upwards direction on the
h andbr ak
e lever while pressing the button.
● The handbrake is applied when the control
lamp
lights up on the instrument panel
››› page 133 when the ignition is switched
on.
Releasing the handbrake
● Pull gently in an upwards direction on the
handbrak
e lever and press the lock button
››› Fig. 143 (arrow).
● Move the handbrake lever downwards
keeping the loc
k button pressed. WARNING
The incorrect use of the handbrake may result
in a serious ac
cident.
● Never use the handbrake to brake the vehi-
cle e
xcept in an emergency. The braking dis-
tance is considerably longer, because braking
is only applied to the rear wheels. Always use
the foot brake.
● Never drive with the handbrake gently ap-
plied. Thi
s can overheat the brake, affecting
the brakes system. This also causes prema-
ture wear on the rear brake pads.
● Never accelerate from the engine compart-
ment with the en
gine running and a gear en-
gaged. The vehicle could move, even if the
handbrake is applied. Note
If the vehicle moves at a speed superior to
6 km/h (4 mph) with the h andbr
ake applied,
an audible warning is sounded. Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal require-
ments shou
l
d be observed.
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence
given. ● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ››
›
.
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the ve-
hic l
e c
omes to a standstill.
● Apply the handbrake firmly ›››
page 134.
● For an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lev
er to position P.
● Switch off the engine and release the brake
pedal.
● R
emove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slight-
ly to loc
k the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage 1st gear on
flat gr
ound and slopes, or even reverse gear
on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehi-
cle, e
specially children.
134