tow Seat Altea 2007 Workshop Manual

Driving and the environment
190
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing
injury.
Note
•
By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed
and it obscures the number plate.
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For
this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of snaking . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will pr event the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear in good time before
going down a steep descent. This enables you to use the engine braking to
slow down the vehicle. Heating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear
and high engine speed, always moni
tor the temperature indicator for the
coolant ⇒page 55.
Electronic Stabilisation Program*
Do not switch off the ESP* when towing a trailer. The ESP* makes it easier to
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.
Driving economically and with respect for the
environmentGeneral notes
Fuel consumption depends largely on your personal driving
style.Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and
tyres depend largely on three factors:•
Personal driving style
•
Conditions of use (weather, road surface)
•
Technical requirements
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. This section
suggests methods of lessening the impact on the environment and reducing
your operating costs at the same time.
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Accessories, parts replacement and modifications203
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Fitting a towing bracket*It is possible to fit a towing bracket to the rear of the vehicle.
Fig. 156 Attachment
points for towing bracket
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Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
204If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket are underneath the vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should
never be lower than the measurement indicated when the vehicle is fully
loaded including the maximum resting weight.
Measurement for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)
357 mm
569 mm
875 mm
1040 mm
Fitting a towing bracket•
Driving with a trailer implies additional work for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.
•
Observe the legal requirements in your country (e.g. the fitting of a sepa-
rate warning lamp).
•
Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securin g bolts must be tightened using a
torque wrench, and an electrical sock et must be used to connect to the
vehicle's electrical system. This requ ires specialist knowledge and tools.
•
The figures in the illustration show the dimensions and attachment points
that must be observed if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.
WARNING
Towing brackets should be fitted by specialists.
•
If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is serious danger of
an accident.
•
For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
•
If the electrical socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to
the vehicle's electrical system.Note
For the sports model (FR), fitting of a trailer bracket is not recommended due
to the design of the bumpers.
AA
ABACADAEAFAG
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels213
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 208.
– Park the vehicle on an even surface.
– After stopping the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the sump. – Raise the bonnet
⇒page 210.
– Pull out the dipstick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a cloth and insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level ⇒fig. 161.
– Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go.
The position of the dipstick is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒page 272.
If the oil level is in area ⇒fig. 161 , do not top up with oil.
If the oil level is in area , you may top up with oil (approx. 0.5 l).
If the oil level is in area , you must top up with oil (approx. 1.0 l).
It is normal for the engine to consum e a certain amount of oil. Consumption
can be up to 1.0 litres per 1,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a
journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing on mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area and not above
this.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartm ent, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 208.
Fig. 161 Engine oil
dipstick.
AA
ABAC
AA
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If and when
234
Note•
Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not
possible with the sealing compound.
Wheel changePreparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as
level as possible.
– All passengers should leave the ve hicle. They should wait in a
safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
–Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage the first gear, or put the selector lever to position P for
those vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Take the vehicle tools and the spare wheel out of the luggage
compartment.
WARNING
Put the hazard warning lights on and place the warning triangle in position.
This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent
the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.Changing a wheelChange the wheel as described below
–Pull off the hub cap. Also refer to ⇒page 235, fig. 172 .
– Slacken the wheel bolts .
– Raise the car with the jack in the corresponding zone.
– Ta k e o f f the wheel and then put on the spare wheel.
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly in diagonal sequence with the box
spanner.
–Replace the hub cap.
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If and when
240
– Insert the adapter onto the wheel bolt and push it on as far as it will go ⇒page 239, fig. 177 .
– Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the adapter.
– Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt as appropriate.Code number
The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is stamped on the front of the
adapter.
The code number should be noted and kept in a safe place, as it is only by
using the code number that a duplicate adapter can be obtained from an
Authorised Service Centre.Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern must be fitted so that they
rotate in the correct direction.A directional tread pattern can be identified by arrows on the sidewall that
point in the direction of rotation. Always note the direction of rotation indi-
cated when fitting the wheel. This is important so that these tyres can give
maximum grip and avoid excessive noise, tread wear and aquaplaning.
If, in an emergency, you have to fit the spare wheel so it rotates in the wrong
direction, you must drive extremely ca refully. The tyre will not give optimum
performance. This is particularly important when driving on wet roads.
To benefit from the advantages of tyres with this type of tread pattern, the
defective tyre should be replaced as soon as possible so that all tyres again
rotate in the correct direction.
Tyre repair kit* (Tyre Mobility System)General Observations and safety adviceYour vehicle is equipped with the tyre repair kit called the Tyre mobility
system.
Beneath the floor of the stowage compartment there is a sealant and a
compressor which should be used in case of puncture.
The Tyre Mobility System will allow you to safely repair damage to a tyre by
penetration of a foreign object to 4mm diameter.
The foreign object can be left inside the tyre.
The sealant comes with instructions for use.
There is also a guide to using the compressor.
WARNING
•
The sealant should not be used if th e tyre has been damaged as a result
of going flat.
•
Follow the instructions for your safety and use on the compressor and
the sealant packaging.
•
Do not drive at more than 80 km/h, avo id accelerating or braking hard
or taking curves at high speed.
•
A tyre that has been repaired with sealant should only be used provi-
sionally, and for a short time Therefore, your car should be taken carefully
to the nearest spec ialised workshop.For the sake of the environment
If you want to dispose of the sealant bottle, go to a company that treats waste
products.
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If and when
242
– Put the tools back in the luggage compartment.NoteThe compressor should not operate more than 6 minutes.FusesChanging a fuse
If a fuse has blown it must be replaced
Fuse cover underneath the steering wheel
– Switch off the ignition and the component concerned.
– Identify the fuse for the failed component ⇒page 244.
– Take the plastic clip from inside the fuse cover, fit it onto the blown fuse and pull the fuse out.
– Replace the blown fuse (which will have a melted metal strip) with a new fuse of the same ampere rating.
Fuse cover in engine compartment
– Switch off the ignition and the component concerned.
– Prise off the fuse cover in the engine compartment by pressing the tabs towards the centre of the cover ⇒fig. 179 .
– Identify the fuse for the failed component ⇒page 244.
Fig. 178 Left side of dash
panel: Fuse box cover
Fig. 179 Fuse box cover
in engine compartment
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If and when245
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
21
Cable control unit 7,5
22 Volumetric alarm sensor/alarm siren 5
23 Diagnosis/Rain sensor/Light switch 10
24 Vacant
25 Automatic gearbox control unit connection 20
26 Vacuum pump 20
27 Vacant
28 Windscreen wiper motor/Cable control unit 20
29 Vacant
30 Cigarette lighter / socket 20
31 Vacant
32 Vacant
33 Heater 40
34 Vacant
35 Vacant
36 2.0 litre 147 kW engine 10
37 2.0 litre 147 kW engine 10
38 2.0 litre 147 kW engine 10
39 Trailer control unit (coupling) 15
40 Trailer control unit (indicators, brakes and left side) 20
41 Trailer control unit (fog light, reversing light and right side) 20
42 Towing kit 15
43 Vacant
44 Rear window heater 25
Number
Electrical equipment Amperes
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If and when
246Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras.
Please note that the above list, while corr ect at the time of printing, is subject
to alterations. If discrepancies should occur, please refer to the sticker on the
inside of the fuse cover for the correct information for your model. 45
Front electric windows 30
46 Rear electric windows 30
47 Engine (gauge, fuel relay) 15
48 Convenience controls 20
49 Heating controls 40
50 Heated seats 30
51 Sunroof 20
52 Headlight washer system 20
53 Towing kit 20
54 Taxi (taxi metre power supply) 5
55 Towing kit 20
56 Taxi (transmitter power supply) 15
57 Vacant
58 Central locking control unit 30
Number
Electrical equipment Amperes
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If and when261
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Towing and tow-startingTo w - s t a r t i n g
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting
is preferable ⇒page 258.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
–Engage the 2
nd or the 3
rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Once both vehicles are mo ving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing
vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
Towing eyesPlease observe the following points if you use a tow-rope:
Fig. 201 The front right
section of the vehicle:
Fitting the front towing
eyeFig. 202 Fitting the
towing eye to the rear of
the vehicle
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