Operation
Air distributionSymbol ››› page 142
CMain air output through out-
lets
1, 2
5
1, 2, 5
3, 4
Outlets
3 and
4 can be closed or opened
separat ely
using the slats and the air flow di-
rected as required.
Heating and fresh air
Contro l
s Fig. 165
Heating controls on the dash panel. ●
Use t
urn c ontr
ols A ,
B and
C
› ››
Fig. 165
t o a dju
st the temperature, blower speed and
air distribution.
● Press the D button to switch air recircula-
tion mode on or off .
When the f u
nction is ac-
tivated, a warning light on the button is
turned on.
Temperature
Switch A adjusts temperature. The desired
t emper
atur
e inside the vehicle cannot be
lower than the ambient temperature. Maxi-
mum heat output, which is needed to defrost
the windows quickly, is only available when
the engine has reached its operating temper-
ature.
Blower
The air flow can be set at four speeds with
switch B . The blower should always be set
at the lo
we
st speed when driving slowly.
Air distribution
Control C for setting the flow of air in the re-
quir ed dir
ection.
– Air di
stribution towards the windscreen
in order to demist. For safety reasons, it is
not recommended to switch air recirculation
on.
– Air distribution to upper body.
– Air distribution to footwell – Air distribution to the windscreen and
the footwel
l. WARNING
● For y our s
afety, 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 sys-
tem, including the demist/defrost functions
for the windows. Note
● Plea se c
onsider the general notes
››› page 140. Air recirculation
Air recirculation prevents unpleasant smells
fr
om ent
ering the int
erior.
Connecting the recirculation
In any position of rotary switch C except
th a
w:
● Pr e
ss button D
› ›
›
Fig. 165
and the lamp in
the button will illuminate.
Disconnecting the recirculation
● If the lamp is on, press button D and the
l amp w
il
l go off, indicating that the entry of
outside air has been activated.
142
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
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
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
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
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
Driving
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured
if genuine S
EAT keys are used.Starting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEA
T k
ey 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 the starting posi-
tion ›››
p
age 150.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the en-
gine starts; the s
tarter motor must not run
on with the engine.
After starting a very hot engine, you may
need to slightly press down the accelerator.
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 the engine does not start immediately,
switch the starter off after 10 seconds and try
again after half a minute. If the engine still
does not start, the fuel pump fuse should be
checked ›››
page 81, Fuses. WARNING
● Never st ar
t or run the engine in unventila-
ted or closed rooms. The exhaust gases con-
tain carbon monoxide, an odourless and col-
ourless poisonous gas. Risk of fatal acci-
dents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness and result in death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the
engine is ru
nning.
● Never use “cold start sprays”, they could
explode or cau
se the engine to run at high
revs. Risk of injury. CAUTION
● When the engine is c
old, 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 metre
s 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 t
o start it, you should first try to
start it using the battery of another vehicle.
Please observe and follow the notes on the
››› page 52, How to jump start. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the
engine with the v
ehicle stationary. Start off
immediately, driving gently. This helps the engine reach operating temperature faster
and reduce
s
emissions. Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genu-
ine SEA
T k
ey 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. 168
2 . The warning lamp
wi
ll
light for en-
gine pre-heating.
– When the lamp turns off, turn the ignition
key to po
sition 3 to start the engine. Do
not pr
es
s 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 52. »
151
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
of your brake pads checked by technical serv-
ic e
s mor
e frequently than recommended in
the Maintenance Programme.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, af-
ter crossing areas of water, on days of heavy
rainfall or even after washing the car, the ef-
fect of the brakes is reduced as the brake
discs are wet or even frozen (in winter): in
this case, the brakes should be “dried” by
pressing the brake pedal several times. WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the
brake sy s
tem increase the risk of accidents.
● New brake pads must be run in and do not
have the corr
ect friction during the first
200 km. This reduced braking capacity may
be compensated for by pressing on the brake
pedal a little harder, which also applies when
the brake pads have to be changed further
on.
● If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are
driving on ro
ads which have been salted,
braking power may be lower than normal.
● On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively
used, they wi
ll 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 transmis-
sion). Thus, make use of engine braking and
relieve the brakes.
● Never let the brakes “drag” by applying
light pres
sure. Continuous braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking dis-
tance w
i
ll increase. Apply and then release
the brakes alternately.
● Never let the vehicle run with the engine
switched off
. The braking distance is in-
creased considerably when the brake servo is
not active.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is
subject
ed to heavy use, vapour bubbles can
form in the brake system. This reduces the ef-
ficiency of the brakes.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers
could r
estrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. Before purchasing
accessories please observe the relevant in-
structions ››› page 190, Modifications.
● If a brake system circuit fails, the braking
distanc
e will be increased considerably. Con-
tact a specialised workshop immediately and
avoid unnecessary journeys. Control lamp
Situations in which the warning lamp lights
up *
●
the brake fluid level is too low
› ›
›
p
age 209.
● there is a fault in the brake system.
This warnin
g lamp can light up together with
the ABS system warning lamp. WARNING
● If the brak e w
arning lamp does not go out
or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low so there is a
risk of an accident ››› page 209, Brake fluid.
Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up to-
gether with the ABS
lamp this could be
due to an ABS fault. This could cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This
could cause the rear to break away. Risk of
skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance. Handbrake
Fig. 169
Handbrake between the front seats. The handbrake should be applied firmly to
pr
ev
ent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling
away. Always apply the handbrake when you
leave your vehicle and when you park. »
153
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety