ESP Seat Altea Freetrack 2010 Owner's Guide

Lights and visibility
116Dynamic curve lights* (AFS)
The dynamic curve lights only operate if the vehicle is travelling at more than
10 km/h and the dipped headlamps are on. When taking a bend, the road is
illuminated better with directional gas discharge lamps than with conven-
tional fixed headlamps.
A fault in the system is indicated via the flashing of the control lamp
 on the
dash panel. At the same time, a text message with information or instructions
to perform necessary operations may appear on the dash panel display. Take
the vehicle to a qualified workshop and have the fault repaired.
If the control lamp
 lights up on the instrument panel but all the lamps are
operating correctly, there may still be a fault in the dynamic curve lighting
system (AFS). Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop and have the fault
repaired.
WARNING
If the “automatic dipped light control” is switched on, the dipped head-
lights will not be switched on in fog. They should be switched on manually
using the light switch. The driver is personally responsible for the correct
use of lights in all situations. “Automatic headlight control” is merely a
system to support the driver. Where necessary, switch on the lights manu-
ally using the light switch.
Hazard warning lights

The hazard warning lights are used to draw the attention of
other road users to your vehicle in emergencies.
If your vehicle breaks down:
1. Park your vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
2. Press the button to switch on the hazard warning lights ⇒.
3. Switch the engine off.
4. Apply the handbrake.
5. On a manual gearbox engage 1st gear, and for an automatic move the selector lever to P.
6. Use the warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your vehicle.
Fig. 76 Instrument panel:
switch for hazard warning
lights
Freetrack_EN.book Seite 116 Donnerstag, 10. September 2009 10:33 10

Lights and visibility117
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
7. Always take the vehicle key with you when you leave the vehicle.You should switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users, for
instance when:•reaching the tail end of a traffic jam,•there is an emergency•your vehicle breaks down due to a technical fault,•you are towing another vehicle or your vehicle is being towed.
All turn signals flash simultaneously when the hazard warning lights are
switched on. That is that the two turn signal indicator lamps
  and the
indicator lamp in the switch
 will flash at the same time. The hazard
warning lights also work when the ignition is switched off.
Emergency braking function
When the vehicle detects sudden braking, the hazard warning lights auto-
matically come on to warn vehicles behind. The hazard warning lights go off
when the vehicle accelerates or the hazard warning light switch is pressed.
WARNING
•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Always
use the hazard warning lights and a warning triangle to draw the attention
of other road users to your stationary vehicle.•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
inflammable materials under the vehicle, for example dry grass or spilt
petrol. This could start a fire!Note
•The battery will run down if the hazard warning lights are left on for a long
time, even if the ignition is switched off.•The use of the hazard warning lights described here is subject to the rele-
vant statutory requirements.
Indicator and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the
parking lights and the headlight flasher.The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒fig. 77 to indicate right , and
all the way down to indicate left.
Signalling a lane change
– Push the lever up or down to the point where you incur resistance and then release it. The turn signal will flash several
times. The corresponding warning lamp will also flash.
Fig. 77 Indicator and
main beam headlight
lever
A1
A2A1
A2
Freetrack_EN.book Seite 117 Donnerstag, 10. September 2009 10:33 10

Lights and visibility
118
Switching main beam on and off
– Turn the light switch to position
.
–Press the lever forward ⇒page 117, fig. 77 to switch on the
main beams.
– Pull the lever back towards you to switch the main beam head- lights off again.
Headlight flashers
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel to operate the flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the lever up or down to turn the right or left-hand parking lights on, respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other drivers. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers.
Note
• The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp
 or  flashes on the dash panel. The warning lamp
 flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a trailer is correctly
attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb is defective, the
warning lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn signal bulbs are
damaged, warning lamp
 does not light up. Change the bulb.
•The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. The warning lamp
 then lights up on the dash
panel.
•The headlight flasher comes on for as long as you pull the lever – even if
no other lights are switched on. The warning lamp
 then lights up on the
dash panel.
•When the parking lights are switched on, the headlight and the rear light
on the corresponding side of the vehicle light up. The parking lights will only
work if the key is removed from the ignition. If the lights are switched on, a
buzzer gives an audible warning while the driver door is open.•If the turn signal lever is left on after the key has been taken out of the
ignition lock, an acoustic signal sounds when the driver door is opened. This
is a reminder to switch off the turn signal, unless of course you wish to leave
the parking light on.
A3
A4
Freetrack_EN.book Seite 118 Donnerstag, 10. September 2009 10:33 10

Lights and visibility
120Interior light switched on

Push the switch to the position
.
Interior light switched off O
Push the switch to position O ⇒page 119, fig. 79 .
Note
If not all the vehicle doors are closed, the interior lights will be switched off
after approx. 10 minutes, providing the key has been removed and the cour-
tesy light position selected. This prevents the battery from discharging.Front reading lights
Switching on the reading light

Press the corresponding button ⇒fig. 80 and ⇒fig. 81 to switch on
the reading light.
Switching the reading lights off

Press the corresponding button to switch the reading light off.
Fig. 80 Interior roof trim:
front reading lights, type
1
Fig. 81 Interior roof trim:
front reading lights, type
2
AB
AB
Freetrack_EN.book Seite 120 Donnerstag, 10. September 2009 10:33 10

Lights and visibility123
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
– Move the control to the left or right to set the length of the
intervals. Control to the left: long intervals; control to the right:
short intervals. Four wiper interval stages can be set using switch .
Slow wipe
– Move the lever up to position .
Continuous wipe
– Move the lever up to position .
Brief wipe
– Move the lever down to position to give the windscreen a brief
wipe. The wiper will start to move faster if you keep the lever
pressed down for longer than 2 seconds.
Wash and wipe automatic system

– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel - Position . The wash function will start immediately and the wipers will start with a
slight delay. The wash and wipe r systems will function at the
same time at speeds of over 120 km/h.
– Release the lever. The wipers will keep running for approximately four seconds.Optional heated windscreen in the wiper blade* area (page
In some countries and with some versions, there is the possibility of heating
the windscreen in the area of the windscreen wiper blades in order to aid de-
icing in the zone. The function is switched on by pressing the rear heating
window key
.
WARNING
•Worn and dirty wiper blades obstruct visibility and reduce safety levels.•In cold conditions, you should not use the wash / wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the heating and ventilation system.
The washer fluid could otherwise freeze on the windscreen and obscure
your view of the road.•Always note the corresponding warnings on ⇒page 223, “Changing
windscreen wiper blades”.Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers for the first time. If you switch on the wipers
when the wiper blades are frozen to the windscreen, you could damage both
the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
Note
•The windscreen wipers will only work when the ignition is switched on.•In certain versions of vehicles with alarms, the windscreen wiper will only
work when the ignition is on and the bonnet closed.•When in use, the wipers do not go as far as the rest position. When the
lever is moved to position 0, they are totally hidden.•T h e n e x t s p e e d d o w n w i ll a u t o m a t i ca ll y b e s e l e c t e d i f s p e e d ⇒page 122,
fig. 85 or is selected when the vehicle stops. The set speed will be
resumed when the vehicle starts again•The windscreen will be wiped again after approximately five seconds once
the “automatic wipe/wash system” has been operated, provided the vehicle
is in transit (drip function). If you activate the wipers less than three seconds
after the drip function, a new wash sequence will begin without the last wipe.
For the “drip” function to work again, you have to turn the ignition off and
then on again.
AA
AA
A2A3A4
A5
A2
A3
Freetrack_EN.book Seite 123 Donnerstag, 10. September 2009 10:33 10

Lights and visibility125
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Rear window wiper

The windscreen wiper lever operates the windscreen wiper
and the wash and wipe system for the rear window.
Switching on the interval wipe
– Press the lever forwards to position ⇒fig. 88 . The wiper will
wipe the window approximately every 6 seconds.
Switching off the interval wipe function
– Pull the lever back from position towards the steering wheel. The wiper will continue to function for a short period if you switch
off whilst the wipers are in motion. Switching on the windscreen wiper and washer system
– Press the lever fully forwards to position
⇒fig. 88 . The wash
function will start immediately and the wiper will start with a
slight delay. The windscreen wash system will function as long as
you hold the lever in this position.
– Release the lever. The wiper then wipes for approximately 4 seconds, and then in intervals again.
– Release the lever. The washer system stops and the wipers func- tion.
WARNING
•Worn and dirty wiper blades obstruct visibility and reduce safety levels.•Always note the corresponding warnings on ⇒page 223, “Changing
windscreen wiper blades”.Caution
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blade is not frozen to the glass
before using the wiper for the first time. If you switch on the wiper when the
wiper blade is frozen to the glass, this could damage both the wiper blade
and the wiper motor.
Note
•The windscreen wiper will only function when the ignition is switched on
and the tailgate is closed.•In reverse gear, with the windscreen wipers switched on, the rear wind-
screen wiper will make one wipe.
Fig. 88 Windscreen wiper
and windscreen wash
lever: rear window wiper
A6
A6
A7
Freetrack_EN.book Seite 125 Donnerstag, 10. September 2009 10:33 10

Seats and stowage129
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Seats and stowageThe importance of correct seat adjustmentProper seat adjustment optimises the level of protection
offered by seat belts and airbags.Your vehicle has five seats, two on the front part and three on the rear part.
Each seat is equipped with a three-point seat belt.
The driver seat and the front passenger seat can be adjusted in many ways to
suit the physical requirements of the vehicle occupants. The correct seat
position is very important for:•a fast and easy operation of all controls on the instrument panel,•a relaxed posture which does not cause drowsiness,•a safe driving ⇒ page 7,•ensuring that the seat belts and airbag system provide maximum protec-
tion ⇒page 19.WARNING
•If the driver and passengers assume improper sitting positions, they
may sustain critical injuries.•More people than available seats must never be transported in your
vehicle.•Every passenger in the vehicle must properly fasten and wear the seat
belt belonging to his or her seat. Chil dren must be protected with an appro-
priate child restraint system ⇒page 46, “Child safety”.•The front seats and all head restraints must always be adjusted to body
size and the seat belt must always be properly adjusted to provide you and
your passengers with optimum protection.
•Always keep your feet on the foot well when the vehicle is moving;
never rest them on the dash panel, out of the window or on the seat. This
is also applied to passengers. An incorrect sitting position exposes you to
an increased risk of injury in case of a sudden braking or an accident. If the
airbag is triggered, you could sustain severe injuries due to an incorrect
sitting position.•It is important for the driver and front passenger to keep a distance of
at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel. Failure to respect the
minimum distance means that the airbag will not protect you. Risk of fatal
injury. The distance between the driver and the steering wheel or between
the front passenger and the dash panel should always be as great as
possible.•Adjust the driver or front passenger seat only when the vehicle is
stationary. This also applies to the forwards/backwards adjustment of the
rear seats. Otherwise, your seat could move unexpectedly while the vehicle
is moving. This could increase the risk of an accident and therefore, injury.
In addition, while adjusting your seat, you will assume an incorrect sitting
position. Risk of fatal accidents.•Special guidelines apply to installing a child seat on the front
passenger seat. When installing a child seat, observe the warning note in
the ⇒page 46, “Child safety”.WARNING (continued)
Freetrack_EN.book Seite 129 Donnerstag, 10. September 2009 10:33 10

Seats and stowage
140Luggage compartment retaining net
There is a retaining net in the luggage compartment for
securing objects.– Use the fastening rings located on the side of the luggage
compartment to attach the retaining net ⇒ fig. 108.
Note•The folding table is designed for a maximum load of 50 kg. For heavier
loads fold up the table and remove.•Do not exceed the maximum authorised weight for the vehicle
⇒ page 273.
Other stowage areasOther stowage areas can be found:•in the centre console,•in the door trims (front and rear),•in the side trims of the luggage compartment,•in the spare wheel recess in the luggage compartment (only on vehicles
with an optional anti-puncture kit*.
The clothes hooks are located on the rear roof handles.WARNING
•Do not store loose objects on the dashboard. These objects could be
flung through the passenger compartment when the vehicle is moving (e.g.
while accelerating, braking or cornering) and distract the driver. Risk of
accident.•Ensure that no objects can fall from the centre console or other stowage
areas into the driver foot well while the vehicle is moving. In the event of a
sudden braking manoeuvre, you will not be able to use the brake, clutch or
accelerator. Risk of accident.•Clothing hung on the coat hooks must not restrict the driver's view.
Risk of accident. The coat hooks are intended only for use with light arti-
cles of clothing. Do not leave any hard, sharp or heavy objects in hanging
articles of clothing. During sudden br aking manoeuvres or accidents, espe-
cially those involving airbag deployment, these objects could injure the
vehicle occupants.
Fig. 108 Retaining net
Freetrack_EN.book Seite 140 Donnerstag, 10. September 2009 10:33 10

Seats and stowage149
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
BootStowing luggage
All luggage must be securely stowed.Please observe the following points to ensure the vehicle handles
well at all times:
– Distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment
as possible.
– Secure luggage in the luggage compartment with suitable straps on the fastening rings*.
WARNING
•Loose luggage and other loose items in the vehicle can cause serious
injuries.•Loose objects in the luggage compartment can suddenly move and
change the way the vehicle handles.•During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects in the
passenger compartment can be flung forward, injuring vehicle occupants.•Always store objects in the luggage compartment and secure with suit-
able straps. This is especially important for heavy objects.•When you transport heavy objects, always take in account that a
change in the centre of gravity can also cause changes in vehicle handling.•Please observe information on safe driving ⇒page 7, “Safe driving”.
Caution
Hard objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating
element in the rear window and cause damage.
Note
The ventilation slots in front of the rear side windows must not be covered as
this would prevent stale air being extracted from the vehicle.
Freetrack_EN.book Seite 149 Donnerstag, 10. September 2009 10:33 10

Seats and stowage151
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Partition net*
The partition grille prevents loose objects in the luggage
compartment from being thrown forward into the passenger
compartment (e.g. under sudden braking).
– Pull the net from underneath between the seatback and the
folding tray and fit it to the allotments on the roof, first to the
right then to the left ⇒fig. 125.
– Hook the belts into the front anchor rings to tense the net ⇒fig. 126 .Roof carrier*Please observe the following points if you intend to carry loads on the roof:•For safety reasons, only luggage racks and accessories approved by SEAT
should be used.•It is essential that you follow the assembly instructions included with the
bars exactly, being especially careful to position front and rear luggage
compartment cover bars on the special housings on the longitudinal bars.
You must also respect their position according to the direction of travel indi-
cated in the assembly manual. Not following these instructions may lead to
marks on the longitudinal bars.•Distribute the load evenly. A maximum load of 40 kg only is permitted for
each roof carrier system support bar, the load must be distributed evenly
along the entire length. However, the maximum load permitted for the entire
roof (including the support system) of 75 kg must not be exceeded nor should
the total weight of the vehicle be exceeded. See the chapter on “Technical
Data”.•When transporting heavy or large objects on the roof, any change in the
normal vehicle behaviour due to a change in the centre of gravity or an
increased wind resistance must be taken into account. For this reason, a suit-
able speed and driving style must be used.•For those vehicles fitted with a sunroof*, ensure that it does not interfere
with the load on the roof carrier system when opened.
Fig. 125 Separation netFig. 126 Anchor rings for
the separation net
Freetrack_EN.book Seite 151 Donnerstag, 10. September 2009 10:33 10