technical specifications Seat Altea 2014 Owners Manual

183
Driving
Automatic gearbox/DSG automatic gearbox* Selector lever positions
Fig. 146 Centre console:
Selector lever for auto-
matic gearbox / DSG au-
tomatic gearbox
Selector lever positions indicated on the cover Parking position (lever locked).
Reverse position.
Neutral position (lever locked). This position is similar to the neutral po-
sition for manual gearboxes).
Drive position (economic driving programme).
Sports driving position.Tiptronic driving position (this programme is similar to the operation of
a manual gearbox). 
P
R
N
D
S
+/- Driving programmes
The automatic gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox has three
programmes.
Fig. 147 Programme se-
lection
Selecting the economy programme
– This programme selects a higher gear earlier rather than remain
in a lower gear.
– Put the selector lever into position D to drive forwards
– Put the selector lever into position R to reverse. This position is
shared by all programmes for reversing.
Selecting the sport programme
– Move the lever to position S.
If you select the sport programme, S, the programme is designed for a
sports mode, that is, a programme which changes up at higher engine 
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Driving
– Select a gear for driving ( R, D or S).
– Release the button and wait a few seconds for the gear to en-
gage, a light jerk will be felt.
– Release the brake and accelerate.
Short stop
– Hold the vehicle stationary with the brake pressed down (for ex-
ample at traffic lights). The selector lever does not need to be
put into the positions P or N for this.
– Do not press the accelerator.
Parking
– Press the brake pedal and hold to bring the vehicle to a stop.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press in the button on the selector lever knob, move the lever to
the position P and release the button.
Driving slowly
– Move the selector lever to position D and press to the right to
put the lever into tiptronic mode.
– Press the gear lever towards (-) to select a lower gear.
Hill stop
– Hold the vehicle, in all cases, using the brake pedal to prevent
rolling back.
– Do not try to slow the vehicle using another forward gear (en-
gine braking). Descending gradients
–
With the gear engaged, release the brake and accelerate.
The steeper the gradient the lower the gear must be for effective engine
braking. For example, if 3rd gear is used on a very steep gradient, the en-
gine braking is insufficient and vehicle accelerates. So that the engine
speed does not become excessive, the gearbox changes to the next highest
gear. Depress the brake pedal and move the selector lever to the tiptronic
gate to return to 3rd gear.
WARNING
● The driver should never leave the vehicle while the engine is running
or with any gear selected. If for any reason you must leave the vehicle
with the engine running, apply the handbrake and move the selector lev-
er to position P.
● When the engine is running and the positions D, S or R are selected,
it is necessary to hold the vehicle with the brake pedal because the vehi-
cle will creep at a low speed.
● Never accelerate while changing the position of the gear lever (risk of
an accident).
● The gear lever must never be moved into the positions R or P while
moving (risk of an accident).
● Before descending a steep gradient, reduce speed and use the tip-
tronic programme to select a lower gear.
● If you must stop on a hill, always hold the vehicle using the footbrake
to avoid rolling back. 
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Driving
Changing gear with the selector lever
– Put the lever in position D and press towards the right to enter
the tiptronic gate ⇒ Fig. 150.
– Press the gear lever forwards +
⇒ Fig. 150 to select a higher
gear.
– Press the gear lever back –
⇒ Fig. 150 to select a lower gear.
Changing gear with the steering wheel levers
– Press the right paddle lever +
(+OFF) towards the steering
wheel to change up ⇒ Fig. 151.
– Press the left paddle –
towards the steering wheel to change
down ⇒ Fig. 151.
Using the paddle levers on the steering wheel, you can access manual driv-
ing mode regardless of the pre-selected driving mode.
General information about driving in tiptronic mode
When accelerating, the automatic gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox goes
into a higher gear a little before the engine reaches its maximum permitted
revolutions.
If a lower gear is selected, the automatic gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox
will only change down when the engine cannot go over its maximum permit-
ted revolutions.
If tiptronic is selected whilst the vehicle is in motion and the automatic
gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox is in third gear and selector lever position
D, tiptronic mode will then also be in third gear.
Changing gears in the normal or sport programme using the steering wheel
paddle levers
If the paddle levers ⇒ Fig. 151 are used in the normal or sport programme,
the system switches temporarily to tiptronic mode. To exit tiptronic mode again, press the right paddle lever
+ OFF
towards the steering wheel for ap-
proximately one second. You will also leave “Tiptronic” mode if the paddle
levers are not moved for a certain time.
Note
● The gearbox controls on the steering wheel can operate with the selector
lever in any position and with the vehicle in motion. 
Kick-down feature
This feature allows maximum acceleration. If you press the accelerator down thoroughly, the gearbox automatically
changes down, depending on speed and engine speed, into a lower gear to
take full advantage of give the vehicle maximum acceleration.
The gearbox does not change gear until the engine reaches the maximum
determined engine speed for the gear.
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle if you accelerate on slippery road
surfaces. Risk of serious injury.
● Be particularly careful when using the kick-down features on slippery
road surfaces. With a fast acceleration, the vehicle could lose traction
and skid.
● You should use the kick-down feature only when traffic and weather
conditions allow it to be used safely.

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Driving
– Apply the handbrake.
– Select first gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. Turn
the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ 
.
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that
they point towards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they
point away from the kerb .
● Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and se-
lecting first gear.
WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehi-
cle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle
in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
 Hill driving assistant*
This function is only included in vehicles with ESC.
The hill driving assistant helps the driver to move off and upwards on a hill
when the vehicle is stationary.
The system maintains brake pressure for approximately two seconds after
the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from
lurching backwards when it is started. During these two seconds, the driver
has enough time to release the clutch pedal and accelerate without the ve-
hicle moving and without having to use the handbrake, making start-up
easier, more comfortable and safer.
These are the basic operation conditions:
● being on a ramp or hill/slope,
● closed doors,
● vehicle completely stationary,
● engine running and foot on the brake,
● besides having a gear engaged or being in neutral for manual gear
change and with the selector lever at positions S, D or R in vehicles with au-
tomatic gearbox.
This system is also active in reversing uphill.
WARNING
● If you do not start the vehicle immediately after taking your foot off
the brake pedal, the vehicle may start to roll back under certain condi-
tions. Depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake immediately.
● If the engine stalls, depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake
immediately.
● When following a line of traffic uphill, if you want to prevent the vehi-
cle from rolling back accidentally when starting off, hold the brake pedal
down for a few seconds before starting off. 
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Driving
CAUTION
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be
registered by the sensors as the vehicle 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 de-
tected by the system, so take care not to damage the vehicle in such cases.
Note
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒ page 192. 
SEAT Parking System Plus*: Description
The Parking System Plus is an acoustic and optical parking
aid.
Sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers. When the sensors detect
an obstacle, you are alerted by audible and optical warnings. The measur-
ing range of the sensors starts at approximately:
FrontSide0.90Centre1.20
RearSide0.60Centre1.60
The audible warnings sound with increasing frequency as you approach the
obstacle. When the vehicle is less than 0.30 m away from the obstacle, the
warning tone will sound continuously. Stop moving immediately!
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after about four
seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from a detected obsta-
cle (it does not affect the permanent audible warning). Activating/Deactivating
Fig. 153 Centre console:
Switch for parking aid
Activate
– Connects the radio navigator
– Press the switch  on the centre console ⇒ Fig. 153 or on the
gear indicator. You will hear a brief confirmation tone and the
LED on the switch will light up.
Deactivating
– Drive forward faster than 10 km/h (6 mph), or
– Press the switch  or
– Switch the ignition off.
Segments in the optical display
Some colour segments in front and behind and an audible warning enable
the driver to assess the distance with respect to an obstacle. The amber col-
our segments combined with a discontinuous beep indicate the presence of 
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Driving
Cruise speed* (Cruise control system)
Description
The CCS is able to maintain the set speed in the range from
approx. 30 km/h (19 mph) to 180 km/h (112 mph). Once the speed setting has been saved, you may take your foot off the ac-
celerator.
WARNING
It could be dangerous to use the cruise control system if it is not possible
to drive at constant speed.
● Do not use the cruise control system when driving in dense traffic, on
roads with lots of bends or on roads with poor conditions (with ice, slip-
pery surfaces, loose grit or gravel), as this could cause an accident.
● Always switch the cruise control system off after using it in order to
avoid involuntary use.
● It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current
road, traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.
Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when descending
downhill. The vehicle will accelerate due to its own weight. Use the foot
brake to slow the vehicle. Switching the cruise control system on and off
Fig. 154 Turn signal and
main beam headlight lev-
er: switch and rocker
switch for the cruise con-
trol
Switching on the cruise control system
– Push the switch ⇒ Fig. 154 B
to the left to
ON.
Switching off the cruise control system
– Either push the switch B
to the right to
OFF or turn the ignition
off when the vehicle is stationary.
When the cruise control is on and a speed is programmed, the lamp  on
the instrument panel is lit. 1)
If the cruise control system is switched off, the  symbol is switched off.
The system will also be deactivated completely when 1st gear is selected.*
1)
Depending on the model version
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Driving
● if the brake pedal is depressed,
● if the clutch pedal is depressed,
● if the vehicle is accelerated to over 180 km/h (112 mph),
● when the ESC or ASR is used.
● when the lever B
is moved to the position
CANCEL without reaching the
OFF position. Once the CANCEL operation is completed, the lever is released
and returns to its initial position.
To resume cruise control, release the brake or clutch pedal or reduce the ve-
hicle speed to less than 180 km/h (112 mph) and press once on the upper
part of the rocker switch RES/+ ⇒ Fig. 156 A
. 
Complete system deactivation*
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
The system is completely turned off by moving the control B ⇒ Fig. 156 all
the way to the right hand side (OFF engaged), or when the vehicle is station-
ary, switching off the ignition.
Vehicles with automatic gearbox/DSG automatic gearbox
To completely disengage the system, the selector lever must be placed in
one of the following positions: P, N, R or 1 or with the vehicle stopped and
the ignition turned off. 
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Intelligent technology
WARNING
● The risk of accident is higher if you drive too fast, if you do not keep
your distance to the vehicle in front, and when the road surface is slip-
pery or wet. The increased accident risk cannot be reduced by the brake
assist system.
● The brake assist system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with the brake assist system! There-
fore, it is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any
risks when driving.

Anti-lock brake and traction control systems
M-ABS (ABS and ASR) Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking dur-
ing braking.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle's active
safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels is turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is
close to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel.
The driver is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake
pedal and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one
or more of the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has
intervened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully de-
pressed so the ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump”. If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is re-
tained as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in
all
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
WARNING
● The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is
working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
● The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted
⇒ page 253.
● If the running gear or brake system is modified, the effectiveness of
the ABS could be severely limited.

Drive wheel traction control system (ASR)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating. Description and operation of the traction control system during
acceleration (ASR
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the ASR system intervenes, reducing engine
power and preventing the driven wheels from slipping during acceleration.
The system works in the entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a
failure occurs in the ABS, the ASR will also stop working.
The ASR helps the car to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in
slippery conditions, where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossi-
ble. 
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Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC reduces the risk of skidding by braking the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. When irregularities occur, for exam-
ple, if the vehicle begins to skid, the ESC brakes the appropriate wheel au-
tomatically.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Steering manoeuvre recommendations
This is a complementary safety function included in the ESC. This function
aids the driver to better stabilize the vehicle in a critical situation. For exam-
ple, in case of sudden braking surface with varied adherence, the vehicle
will tend to destabilise its trajectory to the right or to the left. In this case,
the ESC recognises the situation and assists the driver with a counter steer-
ing manoeuvre from the power steering.
This function simply provides the driver with a recommended manoeuvre in
critical situations.
The vehicle does not steer itself with this function, the driver has full control
of the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
● Remember that not even the ESC can 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. The greater safety provided by the ESC should not
encourage you to run any risks.
CAUTION
● To ensure that the ESC works correctly, all four wheels must be fitted
with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
● Any modifications made to the vehicle (for example, to the engine,
brake system, running gear or to the combination of wheels and tyres) may
affect the operation of the ABS, EDL, ESC and ASR. 
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking during braking
⇒ page 197. 
Electronic differential lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.
EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in
slippery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossi-
ble.
The system will control the revolutions of the driven wheels using the ABS
sensors (in case of an EDL fault the warning lamp for ABS lights up)
⇒ page 83.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differen-
ces in the speed of the driven wheels of approximately 100 rpm caused by a
slippery road surface on one side of the vehicle. It does this by braking the
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the oth-
er driven wheel via the differential. 
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Intelligent technology
WARNING
● Even with all-wheel drive, you should always adjust your speed to
suit the conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into
taking any risks when driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
● The braking capability of your vehicle is limited by the tyres' grip. Ve-
hicle behaviour is no different from a vehicle without four-wheel drive. So
do not be tempted to drive too fast on icy or slippery roads just because
the vehicle still has good acceleration in these conditions. Failure to do
so could result in an accident.
● On wet roads bear in mind that the front wheels may start to aqua-
plane and lose contact with the road if the vehicle is driven too fast. If
this should happen, there will be no sudden increase in engine speed
when aquaplaning begins to warn the driver, as with a front-wheel drive
vehicle. For this reason and for that mentioned above, always choose a
driving speed suitable for the road conditions. Failure to do so could re-
sult in an accident.

Brakes
What factors can have a negative effect on the brakes?
New brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first 400 km
(250 miles); first they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking ca-
pacity may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder.
Avoid overloading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive
and the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for
instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard driving with abrupt starts
and stops. Wet roads or road salt
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the vehicle or
driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by moisture (or
in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. In this case the brakes should
be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the vehi-
cle is driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot
of salt on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs
and pads has to wear off before braking.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are
not used very often.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times at a
moderately high speed
⇒ 
.
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may mean that
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest
specialised workshop and have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly and re-
member that you will have to apply more pressure on the brake pedal and
allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too
low. The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
Brake servo
The brake servo increases the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. The
brake servo works only when the engine is running. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications