check engine Seat Altea 2007 Owner's Manual
Page 6 of 302
Contents
4Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Driving economically and with respect for the 
environment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
 . . . . . . . 
General notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of the vehicle interior  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories, parts replacement and 
modifications
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories and parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Roof aerial*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mobile telephones and two-way radios . . . . . . . 
Fitting a towing bracket* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking and refilling levels
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . 
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 
Brake fluid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Battery  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
If and when
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel  . . . . . . . . 
Wheel change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tyre repair kit* (Tyre Mobility System)  . . . . . . . . 
Fuses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
General notes on the technical data
 . . . . . . . 
What you should be aware of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
How are the figures measured?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Techn ical  Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.4 litre 63 kW (86 bhp)  . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 1.6 litre 75 kW (102 bhp)  . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 110 kW (150 hp). Manual
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 110 kW (150 hp). 
Automatic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 147 kW (200 hp). Manual
Petrol engine 2.0 litre 147 kW (200 hp). 
Automatic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 1.9 litre TDI 77 kW (105 bhp) . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0 litre TDI 100 kW (136 bhp) . . 
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI 100 kW (136 bhp). 
Automatic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0 litre TDI 103 kW (140 bhp) . . 
Diesel engine 2.0 TDI 103 kW (140 bhp). 
Automatic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Diesel engine 2.0l 125 kW (170 bhp)  . . . . . . . . 
Dimensions and capacities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
188
190
192
192
193
198
201
201
201
202
202
203
205
205
206
207
208
211
215
218
221
223
225
232
232
234
240
242
249
258
261 267
267
267
269
270
270
272
272
273
274
275
276
278
279
280
282
283
284
285
287
289
291
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58display
4).  Stop the car and switch off the engine.  Check the coolant level 
⇒ page 215  ⇒ .
Even if the coolant level is correct  do not continue driving. You should obtain 
technical assistance.WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, always bear in mind the safety 
warnings ⇒ page 208.
Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At 
high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the 
engine overheating.Rev counter
The rev. counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per 
minute.The start of the red zone on the dial  ⇒page 56, fig. 33    indicates the 
maximum engine speed which may be used briefly when the engine is warm 
and after it has been run-in properly. Ho wever, it is advisable to change up a 
gear or move the selector lever to D (or l ift your foot off the accelerator) before 
the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
The rev counter needle must never enter the red zone on the scale. Risk of 
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save fuel and minimise engine 
noise.Setting the digital clock* 
The digital clock is located in the instrument panel display.– Turn the setting knob  ⇒page 56, fig. 33    anti-clockwise to 
the stop to set the hour. If the kn ob is turned briefly anti-clock-
wise the clock will advance one hour further.
– Turn the setting knob clockwise to the limit stop to set the  minutes. If the knob is turned briefly clockwise the clock will 
advance one minute further.
4)Depending on the model version
A4
A5
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Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Miles - Distance travelled
The display shows the distance travelled since the ignition was switched on.
The maximum display value in both memories is 9999 miles. The memory will 
automatically be deleted once this value has been reached.
 Miles - Fuel range
The fuel range is calculated using the fi gures for tank content and current fuel 
consumption. It shows how far the vehicle can travel using the same condi-
tions as a reference.
Ø litre/100km - Average fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption will be shown  ⇒page 62, fig. 42  after a 
distance of approximately 100 metres has been travelled. Dashes will appear 
in the display until that time. The display will be updated every 5 seconds 
whilst the vehicle is in motion. The am ount of fuel used will not be shown.
litres/100km or litres/hr - Current fuel consumption
The display will show the current fuel consumption in litre/km whilst the 
vehicle is in motion or in litre/hour when the vehicle is in a stationary position 
with the engine running.
Using this display you can see how your driving style affects fuel consump-
tion  ⇒page 190.
Ambient temperature display
The measurement margin extends from  -45°C to +58°C. At temperatures 
lower than +4°C, an “ice crystal symbol” is displayed and a “warning” sounds 
if the vehicle is moving at more than 20 km/h (ice warning). This symbol will 
flash for about 10 seconds and remains lit until the exterior temperature rises 
above +4°C or 6°C if it was already lit.
WARNING
There could be black ice on the road surface even if the “snowflake symbol” 
is not shown. You should, for this reason, not rely exclusively on this 
display - Risk of accident!
Note
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the tempera-
ture displayed may be slightly higher than the actual ambient temperature as 
a result of the heat radiated from the engine.Warning or information text in the display
Faults are shown in the display with warning lamps and 
warning/information reports.The system runs a check on certain components and functions when the igni-
tion is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. Functional faults are indi-
cated by symbols with warnings and information texts in the display. An 
audible warning is gi ven in certain cases.
Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1) and yellow warning symbols 
(priority 2).
Information text
In addition to warning messages given on a fault, you will receive information 
in the display on procedures or will be asked to carry out certain tasks.
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64
NoteIn the case of screens without warning or information texts, faults are indi-
cated exclusively by the warning lamps.Warning reports, Priority 1 (red)If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp will flash or light up and will 
be accompanied by  three audible warnings . This is a danger warning. Stop 
the car and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain profes-
sional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols will be 
displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time and will continue 
until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display fo r the duration of a priority 1 warning 
report.
Examples of priority 1 warning reports (red)•
Brake system symbol 
 with warning text  STOP BRAKE FLUID 
INSTRUCTION MANUAL  or STOP BRAKE FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
•
Coolant symbol 
 with the warning text  STOP CHECK COOLANT 
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
•
Engine oil pressure symbol 
 with the warning text  STOP ENGINE OIL 
PRESSURE LOW! SERVICE MANUAL
Warning reports, Priority 2 (yellow)If one of these faults occurs, the warning lamp lights up, and is accompanied 
by  one audible warning. The function should be checked as soon as possible. If several priority 2 warning reports are detected at the same time, the 
symbols are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time. After 
a set time, the information text will disappear and the symbol will be shown 
as a reminder at the side of the display.
Priority 2
 warning reports will not be shown until all Priority 1 warning 
reports have been dealt with!
Examples of priority 2 warning reports (yellow):
6)
•
Fuel symbol with the information text  PLEASE REFUEL 
•
Windscreen washer fluid symbol 
 with the information text  REFILL 
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . Refill the windscreen washer tank  ⇒page 218
•
Electronic immobiliser symbol 
 with the information text IMMOBILIZ. 
ACTIVE . A valid key was not used, for this reason the vehicle may not start 
6)Depending on the model version
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Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area! 
Before you open the bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment, you must switch off the engine and  allow it to cool to reduce the risk 
of scalding or other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings 
⇒ page 208.Note
•
The appropriate warning lamp for a fault  will light up in vehicles without 
warning or information texts in the display.
•
In vehicles with warning or information texts in the display, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will ligh t up and a warning or information text 
will also appear in the display.
Fuel level / reserve 
This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is down to 
the reserve level.This lights when only 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. Also, an  audible 
warning  is given. This serves as a reminder to fill up with fuel at the earliest 
opportunity  ⇒page 205.
The message displayed in the instrument panel display is
7): PLEASE 
REFUEL .
Coolant Level* / temperature 
The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too 
high or if the coolant level is too low.There is a fault if:•
The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, while 
three acoustic warning signals  ⇒  are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant temperature 
is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
The following text is displayed in the instrument panel display
8):  CHECK 
COOLANT! INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL  ⇒ page 215.
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. The coolant temperature is too 
high if the needle is over the warning area on the dial.  Stop the vehicle, 
switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down.  Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the over heating may be caused by a malfunction 
of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if neces-
sary  ⇒page 242.
If the warning lamp lights  up again after driving on for a short distance,  stop 
the vehicle and switch off the engine . Contact an Authorised Service Centre 
or a qualified workshop.
Coolant level too low
The following text is displayed in the instrument panel display
9):  STOP CHECK 
COOLANT! INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
7)Depending on the model versionWARNING (continued)
8)Depending on the model version9)Depending on the model version
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78Engine oil pressure 
This warning lamp indicates that the engine oil pressure is 
too low.If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three  audible 
warnings, switch off the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is too 
low, add more engine oil  ⇒page 211.
The following text is displayed  in the instrument panel display
13): STOP 
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct,  do not drive on. The 
engine must not even run at idle speed. Obtain technical assistance.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 
 
A warning lamp system monitors the ABS.
The warning lamp 
 should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automatic 
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
The warning lamp 
 does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•
The warning lamp does not go  out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control 
function will not function). Please take  the vehicle to a qualified workshop as 
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS see the  ⇒page 179.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up. Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp 
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp 
, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault 
in the brake system  ⇒.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on 
⇒ page 208, “Working in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake warning lamp 
 should light up together with the ABS 
warning lamp 
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid 
level in the reservoir  ⇒page 221, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has 
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident. 
Obtain technical assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have 
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. 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.
Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an 
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp 
. Please 
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL  ⇒page 182, “Electronic differential lock (EDL)*”.
13)Depending on the model version
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Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Engine management 
 
This warning lamp monitors th e engine management system 
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp 
 (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition 
is switched on to show that the lamp  is working properly. It should go out 
when the engine has started running.
If a fault develops in the electronic engine management system while you are 
driving, this warning lamp will light  up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
assistance.
Glow plug system / Engine fault 
 
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are 
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp 
 is lit
The warning lamp  lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When the 
warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away.
Warning lamp 
 flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving, 
the glow plug lamp will flash 
. Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service 
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
Emission control system* 
 
This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Warning lamp 
 flashes:
when there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce 
speed and drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop to have the 
engine checked.
The following text is displayed in the instrument panel display
14):  EXHAUST 
FUMES GO TO WORKSHOP!
Warning lamp 
 is lit:
if a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the 
exhaust gas (e. g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to 
the nearest qualified workshop to have the engine checked.
The following text is displayed in the instrument panel display:  EXHAUST 
FUMES GO TO WORKSHOP!
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
 
This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation 
program.
This program includes the ABS, EDL and TCS.
The warning lamp 
 has the following functions:
•
It will light for about 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on while a 
test of the function is carried out.
•
It flashes when the ESP is activated when driving.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
14)Depending on the model version
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82•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
•
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP 
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp 
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started, 
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP. 
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then 
on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully 
functional.
Operating the foot brake 
The footbrake must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This is 
necessary when the automatic gearbox* selector lever is moved out of the 
positions P  or N.Power steering system* 
For vehicles with power steering, the level of steering assistance depends on 
the vehicle's speed and on the steering angle.
The warning lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on. It should go out when the engine has started running.
If the battery is disconnected, the indicator remains lit, even with the engine 
running. The warning light  only goes off after a distance of approx. 50 m.
There is a fault in the electromechanica l steering system if the lamp does not 
go out or light up, whilst the vehicle is in motion. The indicator may  appear  in 
two different colours to indicate faults. If it lights yellow, this indicates a 
minor fault. If it lights red, seek wo rkshop assistance immediately, if no 
assistance is available stop driving. Stop the vehicle and seek technical 
assistance. The power steering does not work if the battery is flat or if the  engine is off (for example, for towing). You should take into account that you 
will need considerably more power than normal to steer the vehicle if the 
steering assistance is reduced 
or has failed completely.
For those vehicles fitted with ESP* the function “Recommended steering 
manoeuvre” is included. See  ⇒page 181.
Brake pad wear indicator* 
As the brake pad wear indicator only monitors the front brake pads, it is advis-
able to have the rear brake pads inspected at the same time.
The information text displayed in the instrument panel display is
15): CHECK 
BRAKE PADS .
WARNING
Have the brake pads inspected immediately by a qualified dealership if the 
warning display 
 lights up.
Indicator for open doors or tailgate 
This indicator lights if one of th e doors or the tailgate is open.The warning light 
 should go off when all the doors are closed correctly.
The system also works when the ignition is switched off. It should go off 
about 15 seconds after the vehicle is locked.
15)Depending on the model version
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 153
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Use the air distribution control to guide the flow of air in the 
required direction:   (to the windscreen),   (to the upper 
body),   (to the foot well) and   (to the windscreen and to the 
foot well).Heating system
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows quickly, is 
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
Air conditioner
When the air conditioning system is switched on, not only the temperature, 
but also the air humidity in the vehicle interior is reduced. This improves  comfort for the vehicle occupants and prevents misting of the windows when 
the ambient air humidity is high.
If the air conditioning system cannot be 
switched on this may be caused by 
the following reasons:
•
The engine may not be running.
•
The blower is switched off.
•
The ambient air temperature is lower than +3°C.
•
The air conditioning system compress or has been temporarily switched 
off because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
•
The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
•
Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by a quali-
fied workshop.
Air recirculation mode 
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or un pleasant smells from entering the vehicle.
Fig. 126  On the dash panel: Climatic controls
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Driving163
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter 
motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.After starting a very hot e ngine, you may need to pres s the accelerator briefly.
When starting from cold, the engine ma y 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 does not start immediatel y, switch off the starter after about 
10 seconds and try again after about half  a minute. If the engine still does not 
start, the fuel pump fuse should be checked  ⇒page 242, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should avo id high engine speeds, driving at 
full  throttle and ov erloading the engine. Risk of engine dama ge.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or  towed for more than approximately 
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and 
damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first 
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow the instruc-
tions ⇒ page 258, “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 engine. This helps the engine 
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
the correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the  clutch pedal fully and hold it in this position, the starter will then 
only have to turn the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 161, fig. 132   . The 
indication lamp 
 will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp goes out, turn the key to position   to  start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter  motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting from cold, the engine ma y 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 there are problems starting the engine, see  ⇒page 258.
A1A2
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