coolant temperature Seat Altea 2007 Owner's Manual

Cockpit
56InstrumentsInstrument overview
The instruments display the vehicle operating status.Detail of the dash panel: Instruments
Fuel gauge ⇒ page 57
Multi-function display
Engine coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 57
Rev counter ⇒ page 58
Time adjustment button / tr ip recorder reset button ⇒page 58
Speedometer
Fig. 33 Detail of the dash panel: Instruments
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Cockpit57
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Fuel gauge
 and reserve indicator
Details of the instrument panel: Fuel gauge
The fuel tank has a capacity of approx. 55 litres.
When the needle reaches the reserve zone ⇒fig. 34 (arrow), the warning
lamp will light and an acoustic signal will sound reminding the driver to
refuel . At this point there are still about 7 litres of fuel in the tank.
The following text appears in the instrument panel display
3) PLEASE
REFUEL *
Engine coolant temperature display


This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
Needle in cold zone
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads ⇒fig. 35.
Needle in normal zone
In normal driving conditions, the needle should be in the middle section of
the scale. The temperature may also rise when the engine is working hard,
especially at high outside temperatures. This is no cause for concern as long
as the warning lamp does not light up and no warning* text appears in the
combi-instrument display.
Needle in warning zone
The warning lamp* ⇒page 72, fig. 47 will light up if the needle is in the
warning zone. The following warning appears in the instrument panel
3)Depending on the model version
Fig. 34 Details of the
instrument panel: Fuel
gauge
Fig. 35 Details of the
instrument panel: Engine
coolant temperature
gauge
AAABAC
A2
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Cockpit
58display
4). Stop the car and switch off the engine. Check the coolant level
⇒ page 215 ⇒ .
Even if the coolant level is correct do not continue driving. You should obtain
technical assistance.WARNING
When working in the engine compartment, always bear in mind the safety
warnings ⇒ page 208.
Caution
Accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. At
high outside temperatures and high engine loads, there is a risk of the
engine overheating.Rev counter
The rev. counter displays the engine speed in revolutions per
minute.The start of the red zone on the dial ⇒page 56, fig. 33 indicates the
maximum engine speed which may be used briefly when the engine is warm
and after it has been run-in properly. Ho wever, it is advisable to change up a
gear or move the selector lever to D (or l ift your foot off the accelerator) before
the needle reaches the red zone.
Caution
The rev counter needle must never enter the red zone on the scale. Risk of
engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Changing up a gear early will help you to save fuel and minimise engine
noise.Setting the digital clock*
The digital clock is located in the instrument panel display.– Turn the setting knob ⇒page 56, fig. 33 anti-clockwise to
the stop to set the hour. If the kn ob is turned briefly anti-clock-
wise the clock will advance one hour further.
– Turn the setting knob clockwise to the limit stop to set the minutes. If the knob is turned briefly clockwise the clock will
advance one minute further.
4)Depending on the model version
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Cockpit73
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Item
Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information

Fuel level / reserve ⇒page 75

Coolant level / coolant temperature ⇒page 75

Rear fog light switched on ⇒page 76


Turn signals in operation ⇒page 76

Trailer turn signals in operation ⇒page 76

Main beam switched on ⇒page 76

Bulb defective ⇒page 76

Cruise control system switched on ⇒page 77

Washer fluid level ⇒page 77


Parking brake applied
or low brake fluid level or
fault in brake system ⇒
page 77

Engine oil pressure ⇒page 78

ABS system fault ⇒page 78


Pollen accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter ⇒page 79

Alternator fault ⇒page 79
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Cockpit75
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area!
Before you open the bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment, you must switch off the engine and allow it to cool to reduce the risk
of scalding or other injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings
⇒ page 208.Note
•
The appropriate warning lamp for a fault will light up in vehicles without
warning or information texts in the display.
•
In vehicles with warning or information texts in the display, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will ligh t up and a warning or information text
will also appear in the display.
Fuel level / reserve

This symbol lights up to indicate that the fuel tank is down to
the reserve level.This lights when only 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. Also, an audible
warning is given. This serves as a reminder to fill up with fuel at the earliest
opportunity ⇒page 205.
The message displayed in the instrument panel display is
7): PLEASE
REFUEL .
Coolant Level* / temperature

The warning lamp lights up if the coolant temperature is too
high or if the coolant level is too low.There is a fault if:•
The warning symbol does not go out again after a few seconds.
•
The warning lamp lights up or flashes while the vehicle is moving, while
three acoustic warning signals ⇒ are emitted.
This means that either the coolant level is too low or the coolant temperature
is too high.
Coolant temperature too high
The following text is displayed in the instrument panel display
8): CHECK
COOLANT! INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL ⇒ page 215.
First look at the coolant temperature gauge. The coolant temperature is too
high if the needle is over the warning area on the dial. Stop the vehicle,
switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the over heating may be caused by a malfunction
of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if neces-
sary ⇒page 242.
If the warning lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance, stop
the vehicle and switch off the engine . Contact an Authorised Service Centre
or a qualified workshop.
Coolant level too low
The following text is displayed in the instrument panel display
9): STOP CHECK
COOLANT! INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
7)Depending on the model versionWARNING (continued)
8)Depending on the model version9)Depending on the model version
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Cockpit
76First 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 any technical reasons, move it to a
safe distance from traffic. Turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights 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 of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area!
Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment, switch off the
engine and allow it to cool down. Alwa ys note the corresponding warnings
⇒ page 208.
Rear fog light

This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on
. Further
information ⇒page 111.
Tu r n si g nal s
 
The warning lamp flashes when the turn signals are in oper-
ation.Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left
 or right
 indi-
cator lamp flashes. Both warning lamps will flash at the same time when the
hazard warning lights are switched on.
If one turn signal fails, the warning lamp will start flashing twice as fast. Further information on the turn signals
⇒page 115.
Trailer turn signals

This warning lamp also flashes when the turn signals are
operated while towing a caravan or trailer.The warning lamp
 flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a
trailer is correctly attached and connected to the vehicle.
The warning lamp will not flash if one of the turn signals on the trailer fails.
Main beam headlights

This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.The warning lamp
 lights up when the main beams are on or when the
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information ⇒page 115.
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 following text is displayed in the instrument panel display
10): MAIN
BEAM LEFT DEFECT .
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning 153
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
– Use the air distribution control to guide the flow of air in the
required direction: (to the windscreen), (to the upper
body), (to the foot well) and (to the windscreen and to the
foot well).Heating system
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows quickly, is
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
Air conditioner
When the air conditioning system is switched on, not only the temperature,
but also the air humidity in the vehicle interior is reduced. This improves comfort for the vehicle occupants and prevents misting of the windows when
the ambient air humidity is high.
If the air conditioning system cannot be
switched on this may be caused by
the following reasons:
•
The engine may not be running.
•
The blower is switched off.
•
The ambient air temperature is lower than +3°C.
•
The air conditioning system compress or has been temporarily switched
off because the engine coolant temperature is too high.
•
The air conditioner fuse is faulty.
•
Another fault in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by a quali-
fied workshop.
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or un pleasant smells from entering the vehicle.





Fig. 126 On the dash panel: Climatic controls
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Driving
164Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary load on the battery, do not use any other major elec-
trical equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp ⇒page 81 goes out.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal
(up to one minute) to start the engine afte r refuelling with diesel fuel. This is
because the system must eliminate air first.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in un ventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon mono xide, an odourless and colourless
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should av oid high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed for more than approximately
50 metres to start the engine. Fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle to start it, you should first
try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow the instruc-
tions ⇒page 258, “Jump-starting”.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Switching off the engine– Stopping the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 161, fig. 132 .After the engine is switched off the radiator fan may run on for up to 10
minutes, even if the ignition is switched of f. It is also possible that it will turn
itself on once more if the temperature of the coolant increases due to the
elimination of built-up heat in the engine compartment or if this is heated due
to prolonged exposure to the heat of the sun.
WARNING
•
Never switch off the engine until the vehicle is stationary.
•
The brake servo works only when the engine is running. You will need
more strength to brake the vehicle when the engine is switched off. As you
cannot brake in the normal manner, there is a greater risk of accidents and
serious injury.
•
The steering lock can engage immediately when the key is removed
from the ignition lock. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.
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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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Checking and refilling levels
208Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel thickens due to wax separation. For
this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in some countries during
the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22°C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel sold generally
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel
fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater, 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 additives) 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 stick 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 210.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 qualified 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 that you have service fluids and consumables
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant
instructions ⇒page 201. The engine compartmen t of any motor vehicle is a
hazardous area ⇒.
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