open bonnet Seat Altea 2011 Owner's Manual

Cockpit79
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
WARNING
•Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to
prevent danger to third parties.•The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before you open the
bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compartment, you must
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to reduce the risk of scalding or
other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings ⇒page 232.Note
•The appropriate warning lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without
warning or information messages in the display.•In vehicles with warning or information texts on the screen, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information
message will also appear on the screen.
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Cockpit
80Overview of indicator and warning lamps (vehicles with LPG)
The warning lamps indicate a number of different functions
and possible faults.Fig. 51 Instrument panel indicator and warning lamps in vehicles with LPG.
WARNING
•Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to
prevent danger to third parties.•The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before you open the
bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compartment, you must
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to reduce the risk of scalding or
other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings ⇒page 232.Note
•The appropriate warning lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without
warning or information messages in the display.•In vehicles with warning or information texts on the screen, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information
message will also appear on the screen.Warning symbolsThere are red warning symbols (p riority 1) and yellow warning
symbols (priority 2)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 vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the fault and correct it. Obtain
professional assistance if necessary.
Item
Symbol
Meaning of warning and indicator lamps
Further
information

Red: Coolant level / coolant temperature
⇒page 82

Blue: Cold engine warning
⇒page 177
h
LPG system connected
⇒page 177
A1A2A3
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Cockpit83
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. If the needle is in the normal
range, top up with coolant at the earliest opportunity
⇒.
WARNING
•If your vehicle is immobilised for technical reasons, move it to a safe
distance from traffic. Turn the engine off, turn the hazard lights on and
place the warning triangle.•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait until you can no
longer see or hear escaping steam or coolant.•The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before carrying out any
work in the engine compartment, switch off the engine and allow it to cool
down. Always note the corresponding warnings ⇒page 232.
Rear fog light


This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on

. For
further information see ⇒page 118.
Turn signals

The indicator lamp flashes when the turn signals are in oper-
ation.Depending on which turn signal is operating, either the left
 or right

turn
signal lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash at the same time when
the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If any of both turn signals fails, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice
faster than normal. For further information on the turn signals, please see
⇒page 125.
Engine management*
%0#

This warning lamp monitors the engine management system
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp
%0# (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition
is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly. It should go out
once the engine is started.
If there is a fault 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
D
The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp
D is lit
The warning lamp D lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When the
warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away.
Warning lamp
D flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug lamp will flash
D. Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
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Cockpit
84Main beam headlights

This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.The warning lamp
 is switched on once main beams are on or once the
headlight flasher is operating.
For further information see ⇒page 125.
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter

If the warning lamp
 lights up you should help the filter clean itself by
driving in the appropriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in fourth or fifth gear (automatic gearbox:
S gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h, with the engine running at approxi-
mately 2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen build up in the filter is burned. When
cleaning is successful, the indicator turns off.
If the warning lamp  does not turn off, or the three lamps turn on (partic-
ulate filter
, emission control system fault
 and glow plugs
D), take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop to repair the fault.
WARNING
•Always drive according to the road weather conditions, the terrain and
traffic. Driving recommendations should never lead to illegal manoeuvres
in surrounding traffic.•The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Otherwise there is a risk of fire.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)*
J
A warning lamp monitors the ABS.
The indicator lamp
J 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
J 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, without the ABS function.
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. For further
information on the ABS go to ⇒page 197.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
J lights up together with the brake warning lamp
H, 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 232, “Working in the engine compartment”.•If the brake warning lamp
H should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp
J, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 245, “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
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Cockpit87
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
This warning lamp can light up together with the ABS system warning lamp.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 232.•If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level ⇒page 245, “Brake fluid” in the reservoir is
too low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain tech-
nical assistance.•If the brake warning lamp
H lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp
J, the control function of the ABS could be out of action. 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.
Bulb defect

The warning lamp lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exte-
rior lighting is defective.The warning lamp
 lights up when a bulb in the vehicle's exterior lighting
(e.g. left-hand main beam) is defective.
The instrument panel displays the following message
17): LEFT FULL BEAM
FAULTY .
Engine oil pressure
E
If this warning lamp is red it indicates that the engine oil pres-
sure 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 necessary, add more
oil ⇒page 235.
The instrument panel displays the following message
18): STOP ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE INSTRUCTION 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.
Checking the oil level
E
If the warning lamp is yellow
E the engine oil level should be checked as
soon as possible. Top up the oil ⇒page 237 at the next opportunity.
Oil level sensor faulty*
E
If the
E yellow warning lamp flashes, take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to check
the oil level every time you refuel.
Cruise control system*

The warning lamp comes on when the cruise control system
is switched on.The warning lamp
 lights up when the cruise control system is switched on.
For further information on the cruise control system, see ⇒page 192.
17)Depending on the version of the model.
18)Depending on the version of the model.
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Unlocking and locking109
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Up to eight remote control keys can be used.
Anti-theft alarm system*Description of anti-theft alarm system*
The anti-theft alarm triggers if unauthorised movements are
detected around the vehicle.The anti-theft alarm makes it more difficult to break into the vehicle or steal
it. Audible and visible alarms are triggered if the vehicle is opened using the
key, or if unauthorised access to the vehicle is forced.
The anti-theft alarm system is automatically connected on locking the
vehicle. The system is then primed.
When does the system trigger an alarm?
The system triggers an alarm if the following unauthorised actions are carried
out when the vehicle is locked:•Opening the vehicle mechanically using the key and with the ignition off•Opening a door•Opening the bonnet•Opening the tailgate•Switching on the ignition•Movements in the vehicle interior•Undue manipulation of the alarm•Battery handling
The acoustic signals sound and the turn signals flash for approx. 30 seconds.
This may be repeated up to 10 times depending on the country. Opening the doors mechanically (emergency opening)
If the remote control function fails, you will have to use the key to unlock the
vehicle. This is done as follows:
•Unfold the key by pressing the button shown by the (arrow).•Use the lock on the driver door to unlock the vehicle. The anti-theft alarm
system remains active, but an alarm is not triggered immediately.•Switch on the ignition within 15 seconds. When the ignition is switched
on, the electronic immobiliser recognises a valid vehicle key and deactivates
the anti-theft alarm system. If you do not switch on the ignition within 15
seconds, the alarm is triggered.
How to switch the alarm off
When the vehicle is unlocked via the unlocking button of the remote control
or when the key is inserted in the ignition lock.Note
•If, after the alarm goes off, another monitored area is accessed (e.g. the
tailgate is opened after a door has been opened), the alarm is triggered
again.•Vehicle monitoring remains active even if the battery is disconnected or
not working for any reason.•The alarm is triggered immediately if one of the battery cables is discon-
nected while the alarm system is active.Volumetric sensor*
Monitoring or control function incorporated in the anti-theft
alarm* which detects unauthorized vehicle entry by means of
ultrasound.The system consists of 3 sensors, 2 emitters and a receptor.
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning219
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
screen washer fluid prevents wiper blades from juddering, but wax deposits
are not removed.
Caution
•Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and
mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack!•The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of the
window. To prevent damage, do not put stickers on the heating elements
inside the window.Cleaning windscreen wiper bladesClean wiper blades improve visibility.
1. Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the windscreen wiper blades.
2. Use window cleaner to clean the windscreen wiper blades. Use a sponge or a cloth to remove stubborn dirt.Rubber seals maintenance
If rubber seals are well looked after, they will not freeze so
quickly.1. Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.
2. Apply a specialist care product to the rubber seals.
The rubber strips on the doors, windows, bonnet and tailgate will remain
pliable and last longer if they are treated with a suitable care product (for
example silicone spray).
Caring for rubber seals will also prevent premature ageing and leaks. The
doors will be easier to open. If rubber seals are well looked after, they will not
freeze so quickly in winter.Door lock cylinders
The door lock cylinders can freeze up in winter.To de-ice the lock cylinders you should only use spray with lubricating and
anti-corrosive properties.Cleaning chrome parts1. Clean chrome parts with a damp cloth.
2. Polish chrome parts with a soft, dry cloth.If this does not provide satisfying results, use a specialist chrome cleaning
product . Chrome cleaning products will remove stains from the surface.
Caution
To prevent scratching chrome surfaces:•Never use an abrasive cleaning product on chrome.•Do not clean or polish chrome parts in a sandy or dusty environment.
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning221
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine compartment.Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of the power unit are given anti-
corrosion treatment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly important in winter when the vehicle
is frequently driven on salted roads. To prevent the salt corroding the vehicle,
the entire engine compartment should be thoroughly cleaned before and
after winter.
Yo u r A u t h o r i s e d S e r v i ce Ce n t re has got the necessary equipment to provide
the correct cleaning and preserving products. For this reason, we recommend
having this work performed by them.
The anti-corrosion protection is usually removed if the engine compartment
is cleaned with grease removing solutions, or if you have the engine cleaned.
On commissioning this work, ensure that all surfaces, seams, joints and
components in the engine compartment are given anti-corrosion treatment.
WARNING
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 232.•Before opening the bonnet, switch the engine off, apply the handbrake
firmly and always remove the key from the ignition.•Allow the engine to cool before you clean the engine compartment.•Do not clean the vehicle underbody, wheel arches or wheel trims
without protecting your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on sharp-
edged metal parts. Failure to comply could result in injury.•Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking.
•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature-controlled and could
start automatically, even when the key is removed from the ignition!For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits could be removed when the engine is washed.
The polluted water must be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason,
engine washing should be carried out only by a specialised workshop or a
petrol station.Vehicle interior maintenancePlastic parts and dash panel cleaning– Use a clean, damp cloth to clean plastic parts and the dash panel.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a special solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
WARNING
Never clean the dash panel and the airbag module surface with cleaners
containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface to become porous. If the
airbag triggered, plastic parts could become detached and cause injuries.
Caution
Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
232Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter glow plug system, making it well
equipped for operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains
operational to approx. -24 °C, provided you use winter-grade diesel which is
safe to -15 °C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start
at temperatures of under -24 °C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners or similar products) with diesel fuel.Working in the engine compartmentSafety instructions on working in the engine compartment
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the
engine must be carried out cautiously.Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment:
1. Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3. Move the gear lever to neutral or the selector lever to position P.
4. Wait for the engine to cool down.
5. Keep children away from the vehicle. 6. Raise the bonnet
⇒page 234.
You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know
exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work
carried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and
batteries, are being constantly developed. SEAT provides a constant flow of
information to the Authorised Service Centres concerning modifications. For
this reason, we recommend you to have service fluids and consumables
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant
instructions ⇒page 224. The engine compartment of the vehicle is a
hazardous area. ⇒ .
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and
refilling fluids, involves a risk of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or fire.•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining
burns. Wait until no more steam or coolant is emitted, then allow the
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.•Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.•Apply the handbrake and move the gear lever to neutral or selector
lever to position P.•Keep children away from the vehicle.•Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.•Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This
is a fire hazard.•Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the
points where the jump leads are attached ⇒page 282. The battery could
explode.
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Checking and refilling levels
234Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in
rest position.
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dash panel
⇒fig. 161 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be
released by a spring action ⇒.
– Lift the bonnet using the release lever (arrow) and open the bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fixture designed for this
in the bonnet.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment.•Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bonnet,
then carefully open the bonnet.•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 232.
Closing the bonnet– Raise the bonnet slightly
– Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its support.
– At a height of about 30 cm let it fall so it is locked.
Fig. 161 Detail of foot-
well area on driver side:
lever for unlocking the
bonnet.Fig. 162 Arrester hook
for bonnet.
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