Page 145 of 252

Air conditioning
If the rotary switch C
› ››
Fig. 165
is
in the
thaw position, the recirculation flap will al-
ways be open and air will always enter from
the outside.
If the rotary switch C is switched from any
po s
ition t o the th
aw position, recirculation
will be automatically deactivated. WARNING
● In air recir c
ulation mode, no cold air from
the outside enters the vehicle interior. The
windows can quickly fog over if the heating is
switched off. Therefore, never leave the air re-
circulation mode switched on for a long time
(risk of accident). Vehicle ventilation or heating
Ventilating the vehicle interior
– Turn the temperature selector ››
›
Fig. 165
A anticlockwise.
– Turn blower switch B to any of the head
settin g
s 1 -4.
– Set
the airflow to the desired direction us-
ing air distrib
ution control C .
– Open the relevant air outlets. Interior heating
– Turn the temperature selector ››
›
Fig. 165
A clockwise to select the desired tempera-
t ur
e.
– Turn b
lower switch B to any of the head
settin g
s 1 -4.
– Set
the airflow to the desired direction us-
ing air distrib
ution control C .
– Open the relevant air outlets.
D efr
os
ting the windscreen
– Turn the temperature selector ››› Fig. 165
A clockwise to reach the maximum tem-
per at
ur e.
– T
urn the blower switch B to setting 4.
– Turn air distribution control to .
– Close outlet 3 .
– Open and turn outlet 4 towards the side
w indo
ws.
K
eeping the windscreen and the side win-
dows demisted
– Turn the temperature selector ››› Fig. 165
A to the heating area.
– Turn blower switch B to any of the head
settin g
s 2 -3.
– T
urn air distribution control to .
– Close outlets 3 –
Open and t urn outl
ets 4 towards side win-
do w
s.
Onc e the w
indows are demisted and as a pre-
ventive measure, the control C can be set in
po s
ition
, thus obtaining greater comfort
while preventing the windows from misting
again.
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
cool ant
should be optimum to ensure that the
heating system functions correctly (except in
vehicles fitted with additional heating*). 143
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 146 of 252

Operation
Air conditioning* C ontr
ol
s Fig. 166
Air conditioning controls on the
d a
sh p anel
. Temperature selector
››
›
p
age 144
Blower control. There are four speed set-
tings for the blower. At low speed, it is
recommended to set the blower to a mini-
mum of 1 to improve the intake of fresh
air.
Air distribution control ››› page 144
Air recirculation button
› ›
› p age 145
A/C button – Switches on the cooling
sy s
tem
›
›› page 144
The air conditioning system only works when
the engine is running and the fan is switched
on. A B
C
D
E ●
Us
in g the r
otary switches A ,
B and
C ›››
Fig. 166 y ou c
an a dju
st temperature, blow-
er speed and air distribution.
● To switch a function on or off, press the ap-
propriate b
utton D or
E . When the function
i s
activ at
ed, a red warning light on the but-
ton is turned on.
To demist the windscreen
● Turn air distribution to .
● Turn the fan control to one of the two levels
depending on the speed requir
ed.
● Rotate the temperature control to the de-
sired lev
el of comfort.
● Close outlets 3 ●
Open and turn outlets 4 towards side win-
do w
s. WARNING
For your safety, the windows should never be
fogg ed up or c
overed 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. Vehicle interior heating or cooling
sy
s
tem Interior heating
– Turn off the cooling system using the
››› Fig. 166
A/C button (the button light
turns off).
– T
urn the temperature selector A to set the
desir ed t
emperature inside the vehicle.
– Turn the blower switch to any of the set-
tings 1-4.
– Set
the air distribution control C to the air
flo w c
onfigur ation de
sired: (towards the
w ind
sc
reen), (towards the chest),
(towards the footwell) and
(towards the
w ind
sc
reen and footwell areas).
Interior cooling
– Turn off the cooling system using the A/C button (the button light turns on).
– Turn the temperature control switch until
the de s
ir ed int
erior 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 de
sired: (towards the
w ind
sc
reen), (towards the chest),
(towards the footwell) and
(towards the
w ind
sc
reen and footwell areas).
144
Page 147 of 252

Air conditioning
Heating
M ax
imum he at
output, which is needed to
defrost the windows quickly, is only available
when the engine has reached its operating
temperature.
Coolant system
When the air conditioning is switched on, the
temperature and the air humidity go down.
This way, if the outside humidity is extreme,
the air conditioning prevents the misting of
the windows and therefore, comfort is im-
proved.
If the air conditioning does not work, this
may be due to the following reasons:
● The engine is stationary.
● The fan blower is switched off.
● The outside temperature is lower than ap-
proxim
ately +3 °C (+37 °F).
● The air conditioning system compressor
has been t
emporarily switched off because of
an increased engine coolant temperature.
● The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
● Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air
conditioning chec
ked by a specialised work-
shop. Air recirculation
Air recirculation prevents unpleasant smells,
e.g. when pa
s
sing through a tunnel or in
queuing traffic, from entering the interior.
If the rotary switch C
››› Fig. 166 i s
in the
thaw position, the recirculation flap will al-
ways be open (button light off).
If the rotary switch C is switched from any
position t o the th
aw position, recirculation
will be automatically deactivated.
Connecting the recirculation
In any position of rotary switch C except
th a
w:
● Pr e
ss button D
› ›
› Fig. 166 , the sw
itch's
lamp will light up, indicating that air recircu-
lation inside the vehicle has been activated.
Disconnecting the recirculation
In any position of rotary switch C except
th a
w:
● Pr e
ss button D again and the button's
l amp w
il
l go off, indicating that air recircula-
tion from the outside has been activated. In the thaw position of rotary switch
C , the
entr y
of air int
o the vehicle interior is always
from the outside. WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the
outside ent er
s 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 engagin g r
everse gear, the air recir-
culation is connected automatically to pre-
vent the entrance of exhaust gases in the ve-
hicle on travelling backwards. The control
lamp on the button does not light up.
● If the temperature control is turned to the
col de
st setting (blue point) and the A/C but-
ton is on, the
“Air recirculation” function is
automatically activated in order to cool the
vehicle faster using less energy, and its func-
tion control lamp will light up.
● If the function is not deactivated by press-
ing the button, it
will deactivate after approx-
imately 20 minutes. 145
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 148 of 252

Operation
Climatronic* Gener a
l not
es Fig. 167
Climatronic: controls. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
p
age 39
Climatronic automatically maintains a com-
fortable temperature. To do so, it automati-
cally regulates the supplied air temperature
and the blower and air distribution levels.
The system also allows for the effect of sun-
light, so there is no need for manual adjust-
ment. It also has a humidity sensor that
helps to automatically demist the wind-
screen.
Automatic operations ››› page 147 guaran-
tee maximum comfort any time of year. Climatronic description
Cooling on
ly works if the following conditions
are met:
● The engine is running
● the outside temperature is above +2 °C
(+36 °F);
● A/C
18
› ››
Fig. 167
swit
ched on.
Starting the Climatronic
The corresponding function will be switched
on when a button is pressed, turning on the
air conditioning if it was switched off, with
the exception of button 17
›
› ›
Fig. 167
(r
ecir-
culation). Switching off the Climatronic
●
Turn control 10 to the left until the seg-
ments of
co
lumn 9
› ››
Fig. 167
swit
ch off.
● After 1 second has elapsed, turn the control
again to sw
itch off the display.
In order to ensure engines subject to heavy
loads are cooled, the air conditioning com-
pressor is switched off in the event of high
coolant temperatures.
Recommended setting for all seasons of the
year
● Set the required temperature. We recom-
mend +22 °C (72 °F).
146
Page 149 of 252

Air conditioning
● Pr e
ss
the AUTO button
13
› ››
Fig. 167
.
● Adju s
t vents 3 and 4 ››› p
age 141 so that
the air flow is directed slightly upwards.
Change between degrees Centigrade and de-
grees Fahrenheit
Keep the AUTO and
A/C
› ››
Fig. 167
butt
ons
held down for 2 seconds at the same time.
The data is displayed on the screen in the
units required. Note
● A vi s
it to the specialised service once a
year is recommended to clean the Climatronic
system.
● The interior temperature sensor 11›››
Fig. 167 is at the bott
om. Do not cover it
with stickers or the like, as this could have a
negative effect on Climatronic operations. Automatic mode
Automatic mode is used to maintain a con-
s
t
ant t
emperature and demist the windows
inside the vehicle.
Switching on automatic mode
● Set the interior temperature between
+16 °C (+64 °F) and +29 °C (+84
°F).
● Adjust vents 3 and 4 ›››
p
age 141 so that
the air flow is directed slightly upwards. ●
Press
the AUTO button
13
› ››
Fig. 167
and
AUTO dis
played on the screen.
Automatic mode is switched off by pressing
the air distribution buttons or increasing or
decreasing the blower speed. However, the
temperature remains regulated.
Adjusting the temperature ●
When you switch on the ignition, control 1 ›››
Fig. 167 can be used t o set
the required in-
terior temperature.
It is possible to select interior temperatures
from +16 °C (+64 °F) to +29 °C (+84 °F). In
this range the temperature is regulated auto-
matically. If a temperature below +16 °C
(+64 °F) is selected, “LO” is displayed on the
screen. If a temperature above +29 °C
(+84 °F) is selected, “HI” is displayed on the
screen. At both extremes, Climatronic works
at maximum cooling or heating power, re-
spectively. The temperature is not regulated.
In the event of prolonged, irregular distribu-
tion of the air flow from the outlets (particu-
larly the footwells) and significant differen-
ces in temperature, e.g. on leaving the vehi-
cle, sensitive people may catch cold. Air recirculation Air recirculation prevents unpleasant smells,
e.g. when pa
s
sing through a tunnel or in
queuing traffic, from entering the interior.
Switching on air recirculation mode
● Press button
17
››› Fig. 167 and the
symbo
l is displayed on the screen.
Switching off air recirculation mode
● Press button
17
› ›
› Fig. 167 and the
symbol disappears from the screen. WARNING
Read and observe the safety warnings ››› in
General not
es on page 140. Note
If air recirculation mode remains on for 15 mi-
nutes, the
symbol will start to flash on
the screen to indicate prolonged air recircula-
tion. If air recirculation is not switched off,
the symbol will continue to flash for about 5
minutes. Blower selection
Climatronic automatically regulates blower
s
peed ac
cor
ding to the interior temperature. »
147
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 150 of 252

Operation
It is possible, however, to set the blower
s peed t
o suit
requirements.
● Turn control 10
› ››
Fig. 167
cou
nter-clock-
wise (to lower the speed) or clockwise (to in-
crease the speed).
Climatronic will switch off when the blower
switches off. WARNING
Read and observe the safety warnings ››› in
General not
es on page 140. Windscreen defrost
Switching on windscreen defrosting
●
Press the button
12
› ›
›
Fig. 167
.
Switching off windscreen defrosting
● Press button
12
› ›
›
Fig. 167
several
times or press the AUTO button.
The t emper
atur
e is regulated automatically.
The air output is increased from vents 1 and
2 ›››
page 141. Driving
Ad dr
es
s
Introduction The power steering is not hydraulic but elec-
tromech
anic
al. The advantage of this steer-
ing is that it foes not need flexible hydraulic
pipes, hydraulic oil, pump, filter or other
parts. The electromechanical system saves
fuel. Whereas a hydraulic system needs con-
tinuous oil pressure, electromechanical
steering only needs power when it is used.
In vehicles with electromechanical steering,
the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to vehicle speed, steering
wheel torque and wheel orientation. The
power steering only works when the engine
is running. WARNING
If the power steering does not work, you will
need much more s tr
ength to turn the wheel.
This has a considerable effect on vehicle
safety.
● The power steering only works when the
engine is ru
nning.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the
engine is sw
itched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition
while the v
ehicle is moving. The steering lock could be engaged and vehicle steering would
not work.
Note
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must
be sw itched on t
o prevent the steering wheel
from locking and also to allow the use of the
turn signals, horn, windscreen wipers and
washers. Control lamp
The control lamp should light up for a few
sec
ond
s when the ignition i
s switched on. It
should go out once the engine is started.
It lights up red
The electromechani-
cal steering is dam-
aged.Have the steering checked im-
mediately by a specialised work-
shop.
It lights up yellow
Electromechanical
steering operation
is limited.See a specialised workshop im-
mediately and have the steering
checked.
If the yellow warning lamp does
not light up again after the en-
gine is restarted and the vehicle
has travelled a short distance,
you do not need to take it to a
specialised workshop. 148
Page 151 of 252

Driving
It lights up yellow
The 12-volt battery
was disconnected
and has been recon-
nected.Take the vehicle for a short run
at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph).
It flashes yellow
The steering column
is tight.Turn the wheel a little to both
sides.
The steering column
does not unlock or
lock.Remove the key from the ignition
and switch the ignition back on.
If necessary, check the messag-
es 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 assistance. WARNING
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
mess ag
es are ignored when they light up, the
vehicle may stall in traffic and cause acci-
dents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messag-
es.
● Stop the v
ehicle at the next opportunity
and in a safe pl
ace. Note
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
sponding t e
xt messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle. Information relating to different vehi-
cle pr
oc
esses. In order to make the vehicle more difficult to
ste
al,
you should always lock the steering be-
fore leaving the vehicle.
Mechanical steering lock
The steering column is locked when the key
is removed from the ignition lock and the ve-
hicle is stationary.
Activating the steering lock
● Park the vehicle ›››
p
age 152.
● Remove the ignition key.
● Turn the steering wheel slightly until the
steering loc
k has engaged.
Deactivating the steering lock
● Turn the steering wheel slightly to release
the lock.
● Insert
the key in the ignition lock.
● Hold the steering wheel in this position
and switch on the ignition. El
ectromechanical steering
In vehicl
es with electromechanical steering,
the assisted steering function automatically
adjusts according to vehicle speed, steering
wheel torque and wheel orientation. The
power steering only works when the engine
is running.
You should take into account that you will
need considerably more power than normal
to steer the vehicle if the power steering is
not working correctly or at all.
Power-assisted steering
Power-assisted steering helps the driver in
critical situations. In counter-steering, it as-
sists by applying additional torque ››› .
WARNING
Power-assisted steering, together with the
ESC, helps the driv
er to control vehicle steer-
ing in critical situations. However, the driver
is ultimately responsible for steering the ve-
hicle at all times. Power-assisted steering
does not remove this responsibility. 149
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 152 of 252

Operation
Starting and stopping the en-
gine Ignition k ey
po s
itionsFig. 168
Ignition key positions. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
p
age 21
Ignition switched off, steering lock 1In this position
››
›
Fig. 168
, the ignition and
the engine are OFF and the steering may be
locked.
For the Steering lock to operate without the
ignition key, 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 sys-
t
em on 2 Turn the ignition key to this position and re-
l
e
a se 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; thi s
w i
ll release it.
Starting 3 The engine is started when the key is in this
po
s
ition. El ectric
al 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
r epetitiv
e st
art prevention lock of the igni-
tion prevents possible damage to the starter
motor if the engine is already running. WARNING
● The ignition key mu s
t 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 leavin
g 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. ●
Unsuper v
ised use of the key could start the
engine or any electrical system, such as the
electric windows. This could result in serious
injury. CAUTION
The starter motor will only work when the en-
gine i s st
opped (ignition key position 3 ).
Electronic immobiliser “SAFE”
The electronic immobiliser prevents unau-
thori
sed per
sons
from driving the vehicle.
Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates
the electronic immobiliser automatically
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 genu-
ine SEAT key with its correct code.
If the following message* is shown on the in-
strument panel display: SAFE, the vehicle
cannot be started.
The engine can, however, be started if the
appropriate coded SEAT genuine key is used.
150