steering Seat Altea Freetrack 2010 Owner's Guide
Page 94 of 294
Steering wheel controls
92
Change menu on instrument 
panel
Change menu on instrument panel
Change menu on instru-ment panel
No function specified
Change menu on instru-ment panel
Operates on instrument panel
Operates on instrument panel
Operates on instrument  panel
Operates on instru-ment panel
Confirm
Operates on instrument panel
Operates on instrument panel
Operates on instrument 
panel
Operates on instru-ment panel
Return to MULTIFUNCTION  DISPLAY menu
a)Only if the panel is in Audio menu.AJAKAL
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Page 95 of 294
Unlocking and locking93
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Unlocking and lockingCentral  lockingBasic functions
The central locking system enables you to lock and unlock all 
doors with just pushing on the key button.Description
Central locking can be activated by using any of the following options:•the key, by inserting it into the driver's door cylinder and rotating it manu-
ally,•the central locking button  in the passenger compartment as an electronic 
control  ⇒page 96.•the radio frequency remote control , using the buttons on the key, 
⇒ page 100
Various functions are available to improve the vehicle safety:
– Locking system “Safe”
– Selective unlocking system*
– Automatic speed-dependent locking and unlocking system*
– Self-locking system to prevent involuntary unlocking
– Emergency unlocking system
Unlocking the vehicle*
–Press button    ⇒page 100, fig. 63  on remote control to unlock all the 
doors and tailgate. Locking the vehicle*
– Press button   
⇒page 100, fig. 63  on the remote control to lock all 
doors and the tailgate or turn the key in the door to lock all doors and the 
tailgate.
WARNING
•Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of emer-
gency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle and not manage on their 
own.•Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. A locked vehicle 
can be subjected to extremely high and low temperatures, depending on 
the time of year, thus causing serious injuries/illness. It could even have 
fatal consequences. Close and lock both the tailgate and all the other doors 
when you are not using the vehicle.•Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle. Misuse 
of the keys, for example, by children, may result in serious damage and 
accident.
−The engine may accidentally be started and be out of control.
− If the ignition is switched on, the electric equipment could be acti-
vated with risk of injury, for example, in the electric windows.
− The doors can be locked using the remote control key. This could 
make assistance difficult in an emergency.
− Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle.•Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The 
steering lock could suddenly engage, and you would not be able to steer 
the vehicle.
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Page 101 of 294
Unlocking and locking99
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
KeysSet of keys
The set of keys includes a remote control, a key without a 
remote control and a plastic key tab*.The set of keys belonging to your vehicle consists of the following items:•one remote control key ⇒fig. 62   with folding key bit,•one key without remote control  ,•a plastic key tab*  .
Duplicate keys
If you need a replacement key, take your key tab to an Authorised Service 
Centre.
WARNING
•An incorrect use of the keys can cause serious injuries.•Never leave children or disabled persons in the vehicle. In case of emer-
gency, they may not be able to leave the vehicle and not manage on their 
own.•An uncontrolled use of the key could start the engine or activate any 
electric equipment(e.g. electric windows), causing risk of accident. The 
doors can be locked using the remote control key. This could make assist-
ance difficult in an emergency.•Never forget the keys inside the vehicle. An unauthorised use of your 
vehicle could result in injury, damage or theft. Always take the key with you 
when you leave the vehicle.•Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. 
Otherwise, the steering could suddenly block and it would be impossible 
to steer the vehicle.Caution
There are electronic components in the remote control key. Avoid wetting and 
hitting the keys.
Fig. 62  Set of keys
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Page 120 of 294
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.
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Page 125 of 294
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.
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Page 127 of 294
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
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Page 128 of 294
Lights and visibility
126Headlight washer system
The headlight washers clean the headlight lenses.The headlight washers are activated automatically when the windscreen 
washer is used and the windscreen wiper lever is pulled towards the steering 
wheel for at least 1.5 seconds – provided the dipped headlights or main 
beams are switched on. Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the head-
lights at regular intervals, for instance when filling the fuel tank.
Note
•To ensure that the headlight washers work properly in winter, keep the 
nozzle holders in the bumper free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer 
spray.•To remove water, the windscreen wipers will be activated from time to 
time, the headlight wipers will be activated every three cycles.MirrorsInterior mirror
It is dangerous to drive if yo u cannot see clearly through the 
rear window.Manual anti-dazzle function for interior mirror
In the basic mirror position, the lever at the bottom edge of the mirror should 
be at the front. Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-dazzle function.
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror*
The automatic anti-dazzle function can be switched on and off 
as desired.Switching off anti-dazzle function
–Press button   ⇒ fig. 89. Warning lamp   goes out:
Switching on anti-dazzle function
–Press button   ⇒ fig. 89. Warning lamp is lit.Anti-dazzle function
The anti-dazzle function is activated every time the ignition is switched on. 
The green indicator lamp lights up in the mirror housing.
When the anti-dazzle function is activated the interior mirror will darken  auto-
matically  according to the amount of light it receives (for example from the 
headlights of a vehicle behind). The anti-dazzle function is cancelled if 
reverse gear is engaged.
Fig. 89  Automatic anti-
dazzle interior mirror.
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Page 131 of 294
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)
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Page 166 of 294
Driving
164DrivingAddressAdjusting the steering wheel position
The height and reach of the steering wheel can be freely 
adjusted to suit the driver.
– Adjust the driver seat to the correct position.
– Push the lever under the steering column  ⇒fig. 135  down 
⇒ .
– Adjust the steering wheel in this way until the correct position is  set  ⇒fig. 136 .
– Then push the lever up again firmly  ⇒.
WARNING
•Incorrect use of the steering column adjustment function and an incor-
rect seating position can result in serious injury.•To avoid accidents, the steering column should be adjusted only when 
the vehicle is stationary.
Fig. 135  Adjusting the 
steering wheel position
Fig. 136  Proper sitting 
position for driver
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Page 167 of 294
Driving165
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of at 
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest  ⇒page 164, 
fig. 136 . If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not 
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.•If your physical constitution does not allow you to maintain the 
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The 
Authorised Service Centre will help you to decide if special specific modifi-
cations are necessary.•If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face, the 
driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make 
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.•When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the 
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the 
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner (e.g. in 
the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In such cases, 
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)* 
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.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. Both warning lamps will light up if the ESP or ABS 
systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESP is always active, and cannot be switched off. With the ESP switch it is 
only possible to switch TCS off.
The TCS can be deactivated when in cases where wheel sliding is desirable.
For example:•When driving with snow chains,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 137  Detail of the 
centre console: ESP 
button
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