Seat Exeo 2008 Owner's manual
Page 161 of 303
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 159
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Air outletsThe air outlets ⇒fig. 135    and   can be operated as follows:
Outlets  and 
– The outlets can be opened and closed by turning the left thum- bwheels.
– The direction of air delivery from the outlets can be varied as  required using the adjuster in the centre of each outlet grille. The 
direction of air flow can be adjusted horizontally and vertically as 
desired.The flow of air from the outlets is controlled either automatically or manually, 
depending on the operating mode selected. All the outlets can provide air 
that is either heated, unheated or cooled.
The heater outlets for the rear footwells are located under the front seats. 
They are controlled together with outlets  .
Note
The cool air provided by the climate control is mainly issued from outlets   
and  . To ensure adequate cooling,  outlets  and  should therefore 
never be closed completely.Air distribution
The automatically-programmed air distribution can be 
altered manually.The buttons  ,   and   can be operated either separately or in combi-
nation. To return to automatically contro lled air distribution, switch off the 
selected functions separately or press the   button
Fig. 135  Instrument panel: Location of air outlets
A3
A4
A3
A4
A5
A3
A4
A3
A4
AUTO
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
160Each of the three buttons has a specific function. The numbers relate to the 
air outlets ⇒ page 159, fig. 135.
Air directed to windows 
This setting directs all the air to outlets 1 and 2. Unlike in setting  , the 
volume of air delivery remains the same.
Air to the driver/front passenger 
All the air comes from outlets 3 and 4 in the dash panel and from the rear of 
the centre console.
Air to the footwells 
Most of the air emerges from outlets 5 and the outlets under the front seats. 
Some of the air will also be issued from outlets 3 and 4.
Note
In all of the above air distribution settings, a small amount of air will still 
come from the other outlets.Economical use of the climate control
Economical use of the climate control will help save fuel.Engine power is reduced and fuel consumption increases when the 
climate control is in cooling mode. To ensure that the system is only 
switched on when it is really necessary, please note the following 
points:
– Select ECON mode if you wish to save fuel.
– Select ECON mode if you decide to open the windows or sun roof*  while driving. – If the vehicle has heated up after standing in the sun, open the 
windows and doors for a short time to cool the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
By saving fuel you also reduce the am ount of pollutants emitted from your 
vehicle.Key settings
When the ignition is switched on, the climate control settings 
assigned to the key are selected automatically.The climate control settings selected are automatically stored and assigned 
to the key in use. When the vehicle is started, the climate control automati-
cally selects the settings assigned to the key. Hence, every driver automati-
cally obtains his/her preferred settings without having to select them manu-
ally.
Note
Should another driver use the key and enter other settings, the previous 
settings will be deleted.
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 161
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Solar-powered blower/solar roof*
If the vehicle is parked in su fficiently strong sunlight, the 
blower will operate in solar-powered mode when the ignition 
is switched off.After the ignition is switched off, the  blower is supplied with electrical power 
from the solar roof. Please ensure that outlets 3 and 4 are open  ⇒page 159, 
fig. 135  to ensure the best possible ventilation.
The blower only works when the sun roof is closed or tilted open at the rear.
If the air recirculation mode  is on when you switch off the engine, the climate 
control will automatically switch to fresh air ventilation.Supplementary heating*Diesel vehicles are fitted with supplementary heating
2) to raise the tempera-
ture of the interior as quickly as possible. At outdoor temperatures below 
+5°C and with the engine running, the  supplementary heating will switch on 
and off automatically depending on the temperature of the coolant.
In order to save fuel, the supplementary heating can be can be switched off 
by briefly pressing the   button on the climate control.
Seat heating*
The surface and backrest of the front seats can be electrically 
heated.Turn thumbwheel   or    ⇒fig. 136 to switch on and adjust the 
heating on the left or right front seats.The heating is switched off when the thumbwheel is set to 0. The temperature 
settings range from 1 to 6.
Caution
To avoid damaging the heating elements of the seat heating, please do not 
kneel on the seat or apply sharp pressure to a single point.
2)For Nordic countries only.
Fig. 136  Detailed view of 
instrument panel: Thum-
bwheel controls for seat 
heating
A1
A2
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Driving
162DrivingAddressAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be adjusted as 
required to suit the driver.–Push the lever  ⇒fig. 137  down ⇒.
– Move the steering wheel to the desired position.
– Then push the lever back up against the steering column until it  engages in position.
WARNING
•
Never adjust the position of the steering wheel when the vehicle is 
moving, as this could cause an accident.
•
For safety reasons, the lever must always be securely engaged when 
the vehicle is moving, so that the position of the steering wheel cannot 
shift unexpectedly. Otherwise this could cause an accident.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.
Fig. 137  Lever beneath 
steering column
Fig. 138  Detail of the 
centre console: ESP 
button
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Driving163
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Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP
) contains the electronic differential 
lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP function works 
together with the ABS. If a fault in the ABS occurs, both warning lamps light 
up, but if the ESP fails, only th e ESP warning lamp lights up.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESP switch deactivates both TCS and ESP functions. The ESP, in spite of 
being off, will always self-connect wher e necessary if brakes are being used.
The TCS can be deactivated when in cases where wheel sliding is desirable.
For example:
•
When driving with snow chains,
•
when driving in deep sn ow or on loose surfaces,
•
when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for 
example.
Next, the button should be pressed to reactivate the TCS.
When does the warning light switch on or flash  ?
•
On switching the ignition  on, it lights up for about two seconds to carry 
out a function control.
•
The warning lamp will start flashing when the vehicle is moving if the ESP 
or the TCS is activated.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
WARNING
•
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) 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. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you 
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
•
Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in  ⇒page 175, 
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockIgnition key positions
The ignition key is used to start and stop the engine.Position 
The ignition key is inserted in this position. To  engage the steering wheel 
lock , take out the key and turn the wheel until you hear the pin engage. You 
should always engage the steering lock when you leave the vehicle. This will 
help to deter thefts  ⇒.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 139  Ignition key 
positions
A0
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Driving
164Switching on the ignition/pre-heating glow plugs 
If the key is difficult to turn in the lock, move the steering wheel (to take the 
load off the steering lock mechanism) until the key turns freely. In the case of 
vehicles with a diesel engine, the key is turned to this position to preheat the 
glow plugs.
Starting the engine 
The engine is started in this position . Electrical components with a high 
power consumption are switched off temporarily.
After the engine has started, the ignition key returns to position   by itself.
The ignition key has to be turned back  to position   before re-starting the 
engine. The  starter inhibitor  in the ignition lock prevents the starter motor 
from engaging when the engine is running, as this could cause damage.
Switching off the ignition 
Turn the ignition key to this position.
WARNING
•
Never remove the ignition key until the vehicle is stationary! Otherwise 
the steering lock could engage suddenly, which could cause an accident.
•
Always take the key with you when leaving the vehicle, even if you only 
intend to be gone for a short time. This  is particularly important if there are 
children in the car, as they might otherwise be able to start the engine or 
use power-operated equipment (e.g. the electric windows), which could 
lead to injuries.Note
•
If the battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, it will be 
necessary to leave the key in position   for about 5 seconds before starting 
the engine.
Starting and stopping the engineStarting the engine
The engine can only be started with an original SEAT key.Vehicles with a petrol engine:
– Use the foot brake.
– Manual gearbox: Push the clutch pedal all the way down.
– Move the gear lever into the neutral position  ⇒.
– Turn the ignition key to position   without pressing the acceler- ator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts (the starter  motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine).
A1
A2
A1
A0
A0
A1
Fig. 140  Ignition key 
positions
A2
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Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
–Use the foot brake.
– Manual gearbox: Push the clutch pedal all the way down.
– Move the gear lever into the neutral position  ⇒.
– Turn the ignition key to position  . The pre-heating indicator  light 
 comes on while the glow plugs are preheating.
– When the indicator light 
 goes out, turn the ignition key to 
position  . Do not press the accelerator.
– Release the ignition key as soon as the engine starts (the starter  motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine).
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators. 
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If the engine fails to start straight-away, switch off the starter after about 10 
seconds and try again after about half a minute.
Glow plug system*
To assist starting at low temperatures,  diesel engines are equipped with a 
glow plug preheating system. The pr eheating time depends on the coolant 
temperature and the outside temperature. Start the engine  as soon as the 
glow plug indicator light 
 goes out.
When the engine is warm  or at outside temperatures above +8°C, the glow 
plug indicator light will only come on for about one second. This means that 
the engine can be started immediately .
If the engine will not start...
•
⇒ page 271
•
⇒page 274
•
⇒page 208, “Refuelling”
WARNING
Never run the engine in confined spaces, as the exhaust gases are 
poisonous.
Caution
Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle and extreme load conditions until the 
engine has reached its normal operating temperature, otherwise this can 
damage the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running  the engine with the vehicle stationary. 
Start immediately. This will help avoid unnecessary exhaust emissions.Stopping the engine– Turn the ignition key to position    ⇒page 164, fig. 140 .
WARNING
•
Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo and the power steering system work only when the 
engine is running. You need more stre ngth to steer and brake the vehicle 
when the engine is switched off. Given that you will be unable to steer and 
brake as usual, this could lead to a risk of accidents and injuries.
A1
A2
A0
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166
CautionIf the engine has been running hard for a long time, there is a risk of heat 
building up in the engine compartment after the engine has been switched 
off; this could cause engine damage. Therefore, you should idle the engine 
for approx. 2 minutes befo re you switch it off.
Note
After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10 
minutes, even if the ignition is switched off. It may also start running again 
after some time if the coolant temperature rises due to a build-up of heat 
under the bonnet, or if the engine is already wa rm and the engine compart-
ment is heated up further by direct sunlight.
HandbrakeHandbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the 
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and  at the same time press in the release 
button  ⇒fig. 141  -arrow- .
– Keep the release button pressed and push the lever all the way  down  ⇒ .
Fig. 141  Detail of the 
centre console: Hand-
brake applied
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Driving167
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Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
If you drive by mistake with the handbrake still applied, you will hear a 
warning buzzer and the display will show the message:
Handbrake applied
The handbrake warning is enabled after driving for 3 seconds at a speed 
above 5 km/h.
The handbrake warning lamp 
 lights up when the handbrake is applied 
with the ignition on.
WARNING
Please note that the handbrake should be  released all the way. If it is only 
partially released, this will cause rear brakes overheating, which can 
impair the function of the brake system and could lead to an accident.
Caution
After the vehicle has been stopped, always apply the hand brake and engage 
a gear.Parking
The following points will ensure there is no risk of the car 
rolling away accidentally after it is parked.– Use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
– Apply handbrake firmly.
– Switch the engine off.
– Engage the first gear  ⇒.
When parking on slopes:
Turn the steering wheel so that the, if the vehicle moves, it will do so towards 
the curb.
WARNING
•
Do not leave anyone (especially chil dren) in the vehicle when it is 
locked. Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially 
putting lives at risk.
•
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could release 
e.g. the handbrake or gear lever,  moving the vehicle and causing an 
accident.
Parking aidGeneral notesVarious systems are available to help you when parking or manoeuvring in 
tight spaces, dependi ng on the equipment fitted on your vehicle.
The  SEAT parking system gives an acoustic warning if there are any obstacles 
behind  your car ⇒ page 168.
When you are parking,  SEAT parking system plus  warns you acoustically and 
optically about obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle ⇒ page 168.
Note
To ensure the acoustic parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept 
clean and free of snow and ice.
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Driving
168SEAT parking system*
The SEAT parking system is an acoustic parking aid.Sensors are located in the rear bumper. When the sensors detect an obstacle, 
you are alerted by acoustic signals (beeps). The measuring range of the 
sensors starts at about:
The acoustic signals sound with increasing frequency as you approach the 
obstacle. When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the 
obstacle, the warning tone will sound continuously. Do not drive on!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after about 4 
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected 
obstacle (it will not be reduced if  the obstacle is closer than 0.30 m).
The parking aid is switched on automati cally when reverse gear is engaged. 
You will hear a brief acknowledgement tone.
WARNING
•
The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver is 
personally responsible for safe parking and other manoeuvres.
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not registered. 
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will not 
always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-
dents.
•
Always keep a close watch on the ar ea around the vehicle and make full 
use of the rear-view mirrors.
Caution
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be 
registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the system will not give 
any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences, chains, 
thin painted posts or trailer draw bars, etc) may not always be detected by the 
system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
•
Please refer to the notes on towing  ⇒page 169.
SEAT parking system plus*
The SEAT parking system plus is an acoustic parking aid.Sensors are located in the front and re ar bumpers. When the sensors detect 
an obstacle, you are alerted by acous tic signals (beeps). The measuring 
range of the sensors starts at about:
The acoustic signals sound with increa sing frequency as you approach the 
obstacle. When the vehicle  is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the 
obstacle the warning tone will so und continuously. Stop moving immedi-
ately!
The volume of the warni ng beeps will be gradually reduced after about 4 
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected 
obstacle (it will not be reduced if the obstacle is closer than 0.30 m).
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
Front
Side
0.90 m
Centre
1.20 m
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
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