doors Seat Altea 2009 Owner's Manual

Safe driving17
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor coverings over the original floor
mats. This would reduce the pedal area and could obstruct the pedals. Risk
of accident.
Stowing luggageLoading the boot
All luggage and other loose object s must be safely secured in
the luggage compartment.Unsecured objects which shift back and forth could impair the
driving safety or driving characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the
centre of gravity.
– Distribute the load evenly in the luggage compartment.
– Lay and stow heavy luggage as far forward as possible in the luggage compartment.
– Stow heavy luggage as low as possible in the luggage compart- ment.
– Secure heavy objects to the fitted fastening rings ⇒page 18.
WARNING
•
Loose luggage and other objects in the boot could cause serious inju-
ries.
•
Always stow objects in the luggage compartment and secure them on
the fastening rings.
•
Use suitable specialist straps to secure heavy objects.
•
During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects can be thrown
forward, injuring vehicle occupants or passers-by. This increased risk of
injury will be further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating
airbag. If this happens, objects can be transformed into “missiles”. Risk of
fatal injury.
•
Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Therefore, it is essential to adjust your speed and driving style
accordingly, to avoid accidents.
•
Never exceed the allowed axle loads or allowed maximum weight. If the
allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the driving char-
acteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents, injuries and
damage to the vehicle.
•
Never leave your vehicle unattended, especially when the tailgate is
open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment closing the door
behind them; they will remain trapped without help and there is a mortal
risk.
•
Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. Close and lock
both the tailgate and all the doors when you leave the vehicle. Before you
lock the vehicle, make sure that ther e are no adults or children in the
vehicle.
•
Never transport passengers in the luggage compartment. Every
passenger must be properly belted in ⇒ page 19.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system
38hold the passengers in the front seats and the outer rear seats in a position
where the side airbags can provide maximum protection.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part
of the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their
seat belts. Therefore, it is most important to wear the seat belts at all times,
not only because this is required by law in most countries, but also for your
safety ⇒page 19, “Brief Introduction”.
The side airbag system will not be triggered if:•
the ignition is switched off,
•
there is a minor side collision,
•
there is a frontal collision,
•
there is a rear-end collision,
•
the vehicle turns over.
The main parts of the airbag system are:
•
an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit),
•
The front side airbags in the backrests of the front seats and the rear side
airbags in the lining of the rear wheel housing.
•
a warning lamp
 in the dash panel insert ⇒page 31.
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically. The airbag warning
lamp will light up for approx. 4 seconds every time the ignition is switched on
(self-diagnosis).
WARNING
•
In a side-on collision, the side airb ags will not work, if the sensors do
not correctly measure the pressure increase on the interior of the doors,
due to air escaping through the areas with holes or openings in the door
panel.
•
Never drive the vehicle if the interior panels have been removed.
•
Never drive if the interior door panels have been removed or if the
panels have not been correctly fitted.
•
Never drive the vehicle if the loudspeakers in the door panels have
been removed, unless the holes left by the loudspeakers have been
correctly closed.
•
Always check that the openings are closed or covered if loudspeakers
or other equipment are fitted in the interior door panels.
•
Any work carried out to the doors sh ould be made in a qualified author-
ised workshop.
•
The seat belts and airbags can only provide maximum protection if the
occupants are seated correctly ⇒page 10, “Proper sitting position for
occupants”.
•
If a fault has occured in the airbag system, have the system checked
immediately by a qualified workshop. Ot herwise, during a side collision,
the system may fail to trigger, or not trigger correctly.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system
40Safety notes on the operation of the side airbag system
If airbags are used correctly, they can considerably reduce the
risk of injury in side impact collisions.
WARNING
•
If you do not wear a seat belt, if you lean forward, or are not seated
correctly while the vehicle is in motion, you are at a greater risk of injury if
the side airbag system is triggered in an accident.
•
In order for the side airbags to provide their maximum protection, the
prescribed sitting position must always be maintained with seat belts
fastened while travelling.
•
Occupants of the outer seats must never carry any objects or pets in the
deployment space between them and th e airbags, or allow children or
other passengers to travel in this position. It is also important not to attach
any accessories (such as cup holders) to the doors. This would impair the
protection offered by the side airbags.
•
The built-in coat hooks should be used only for lightweight clothing. Do
not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets.
•
Great forces, such as hard blows or kicks, must not be exerted upon the
backrest bolster because the system ma y be damaged. In this case, the
side airbags would not be triggered.
•
Under no circumstances should protective covers be fitted over the
driver seat or front passenger seat unless the covers have been expressly
approved for use in your vehicle. Because the airbag is triggered from the
side of the backrest, the use of non- approved seat covers would obstruct
the side airbag, seriously reduci ng the airbag's effectiveness ⇒page 210,
“Accessories, parts replacement and modifications”.
•
Any damage to the original seat upho lstery or around the seams of the
side airbag units must be repaired immediately by a qualified workshop.
•
The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them once
they have deployed.
•
When children assume an incorrect si tting position, they expose them-
selves to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This is
particularly the case if the child is travelling on the front passenger seat
and the airbag system is triggered in an accident; this could have critical
consequences including serious injury or death ⇒page 46, “Child safety”.
•
Any work on the side airbag system or removal and installation of the
airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the front seat)
should only be performed by a qualified workshop. Otherwise, faults may
occur during the airbag system operation.
•
Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any way.
•
The side and head airbags are managed through sensors located in the
interior of the front doors. To ensure the correct functioning of the side and
head airbags neither the doors nor the door panels should be modified in
any way (e.g. fitting loudspeakers). If the front door is damaged, the airbag
system may not work correctly. All work carried out on the front door must
be made in a qualified workshop.WARNING (continued)
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Airbag system41
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Curtain airbagsDescription of curtain airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.The curtain airbags are located on both sides in the interior above the doors
⇒fig. 24 and are identified with the text “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the seat belts, th e curtain airbag system gives the occu-
pants additional protection for the head and upper body in the event of a
severe side collision ⇒ page 42, “Safety notes on the operation of the
curtain airbag system”.
The airbag system is not a substitute for seat belts, but it is an integral part
of the vehicle's overall passive safety system. Please bear in mind that the
airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their
seat belts correctly and have adjusted the head restraints properly. Therefore,
it is most important to wear the seat be lts at all times, not only because this is required by law in most coun
tries, but also for your safety ⇒page 19,
“Brief Introduction”.
The main parts of the curtain airbag system are:
•
an electronic control and monitoring system (control unit),
•
the curtain airbags (airbags with gas generator) for the driver, front
passenger and passengers on the rear seats,
•
a warning lamp
 in the dash panel insert ⇒page 31.
The airbag system operation is monitored electronically.
The curtain airbag system will not be triggered
•
the ignition is switched off,
Fig. 24 Location of left curtain airbag
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Airbag system43
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
There must be no other persons, animals or objects between the occu-
pants of the outer seats and the deployment space of the curtain airbags
so that the curtain airbag can deploy without restriction and provide the
greatest possible protection. Therefore, sun blinds which have not been
expressly approved for use in your vehicle may not be attached to the side
windows ⇒ page 210, “Accessories, parts replacement and modifica-
tions”.
•
The built-in coat hooks should be used only for lightweight clothing. Do
not leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets. Please, do not
hang the clothes on coat hangers.
•
The airbags provide protection for just one accident; replace them once
they have deployed.
•
Any work on the curtain airbag system or removal and installation of
the airbag components for other repairs (such as removal of the roof lining)
should only be performed by a qualif ied workshop. Otherwise, faults may
occur during the airbag system operation.
•
Do not attempt to modify components of the airbag system in any way.
•
The side and head airbags are managed through sensors located in the
interior of the front doors. To ensure the correct functioning of the side and
head airbags neither the doors nor the door panels should be modified in
any way (e.g. fitting loudspeakers). If the front door is damaged, the airbag
system may not work correctly. All work carried out on the front door must
be made in a qualified workshop.WARNING (continued)
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Cockpit73
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
SEAT dealers are able to programme other functions or change the
existing functions depending upon the vehicle equipment.
•
The Configuration menu is only accessible when the vehicle is at a
standstill.
Convenience menu
From this menu it is it possible to alter the vehicle conven-
ience settings.Open menu Convenience
– Choose the option Configuration from the main menu and press the button ⇒page 66, fig. 43 on the windscreen wiper
lever.
– Press button or on the multifunction steering wheel* ⇒page 66, fig. 44 until the Configuration menu is displayed.
– Choose the option Convenience from the main menu and press
the button on the windscreen wiper lever.Example of menu use ⇒page 66
Note
For electronic and vehicle equipment on e or more of these menus will be
displayed.
OK
AA

AA
Displayed on the
screen
Function
Open door
One door: Individual unlocking activated.
Auto. locking: the doors are automatically locked
when the vehicle is travelling at more than approx
15 km/h.
Auto unlock: the doors are unlocked when the key is
removed from the ignition.
Elec. window control
Opening and closing electric windows: this deter-
mines whether to open or close all the windows
when the vehicle is unlocked or locked. The open
function can also be activa ted for the driver's door
only.
Wing mirror adjust.
If synchronised adjustment is selected, when the
driver's side wing mirror is adjusted, the passenger
wing mirror is also moved.
Manufacturer's
settings
The manufacturer's predefined values for the func-
tions of this menu are restored.
Back
This returns to the Configuration menu
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Cockpit
82•
If the brake warning lamp
 lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp
, the control function of the ABS could be out of action. This could
cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the
rear to break away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance.
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 instrument panel displays the following message
14): LEFT FULL BEAM
FAULTY .
Engine oil pressure

This warning lamp indicates that the engine oil pressure is
too low.If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is accompanied by three audible
warnings, switch off the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is too
low, add more engine oil ⇒page 218. The instrument panel displays the following message
15):
STOP ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
If the symbol flashes although the oil level is correct, do not drive on. The
engine must not even run at idle speed. Obtain technical assistance.
Cruise control system*

The warning lamp comes on when the cruise control system
is switched on.The warning lamp
 lights up when the cruise control system is switched on.
Further notes on the cruise control system ⇒page 181.
Indicator for open doors or tailgate*

This indicator lights if one of th e doors or the tailgate is open.The warning light
 should go off when all the doors are closed correctly.
The system also works when the ignition is switched off. It should go off
approx. 15 seconds after the vehicle is locked.
Power steering system*

For vehicles with power steering, the level of steering assistance depends on
the vehicle's speed and on the steering angle.
14)Depending on the version of the model.WARNING (continued)
15)Depending on the version of the model.
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Unlocking and locking93
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Unlocking and lockingCentral lockingBasic functions
The central locking system enables you to lock and unlock all
doors with just pushing on the keybutton.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 situation.
− 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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Unlocking and locking
94
Note•
While the driver's door is open, the vehicle can not be locked with the
remote control. This avoids the user from forgetting his key inside the vehicle.
•
If the driver's door is unlocked with the key shaft, only the driver's door is
unlocked, the rest of the doors remain locked. When the ignition is switched
on, the door "safe" deadlock is deactivated (although the doors remain
locked) and the central locking button is activated. See ⇒page 102.
•
If the central locking or anti-theft alarm are faulty, the driver's door
warning lamp remains lit for approx. 30 seconds after locking the vehicle.
•
For anti-theft security, only the driver's door is fitted with a lock cylinder.
Safety system “Safe*”
The "safe" deadlock makes it more difficult to break into the
vehicle because the door release lever and the central locking
button are not active (depending upon country).Activating deadlock
– Press once the locking button on the remote control. or
–Turn the key once i n t h e d r i v e r ' s d o o r l o ck t o l o ck . A wa r n i n g la m p
in the driver door flashes to indicate the "safe" deadlock is
working. The warning lamp flashes for approx. two seconds at
short intervals and then more slowly. Deactivating deadlock when the vehicle is locked
–Press
twice the locking button on the remote control within
two seconds. The vehicle is locked without activating the dead-
lock. The driver's door warning lamp flashes for approx. two
seconds and then goes out. After approx. 30 seconds it starts
flashing again.
The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside if the "safe" deadlock
has not been activated. You will have to pull the door release lever once.
When the "safe" deadlock is off, the antitheft alarm* ⇒page 102 remains
active. The vehicle interior monitoring system* and the anti-tow system are
deactivated*.
WARNING
Nobody should remain in the vehicle if the anti-tow system deadlock mech-
anism has been activated. It is not possible to open the doors from the
inside. Locked doors could make it mo re difficult to assist vehicle occu-
pants in the event of an accident. People could become trapped inside in an
emergency.Selective unlocking system*
This system allows to unlock either just the driver's door or all
the vehicle.Using the remote control, press the unlock button on the remote once. The
“Safe” system for all the vehicle is deactivated, only the driver's door is
unlocked and both the alarm and the light indicator are also turned off.



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Unlocking and locking95
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Unlocking all doors and the boot
The unlock button on the remote must be pressed twice so that all doors
and the boot can be opened.
Press twice within 2 seconds to deactivate the “Safe” system for all vehicle,
to unlock all doors and to use the boot. The indicator and the alarm (only vehi-
cles fitted with one) are turned off.
Automatic speed dependent locking and unlocking system*
This is a safety system which prevent the access to the vehicle
from the outside when it is running (for example, when
stopped at a traffic light).Locking
The doors and the boot are automatically locked when vehicle speed exceeds
15 km/h.
If the vehicle is stopped and one of the doors is opened, when the vehicle
moves off again and exceeds a speed of 15 km/h, the unlocked door(s) will
be locked once more.
Unlocking
The driver's door automatically unlocks when the key is removed from the
ignition.
Each door can be unlocked and opened
independently from the inside (for
example, when a passenger gets out of it). To do it, simply operate the lever
inside the door.
WARNING
The door handles must no t be operated when the vehicle is running: the
door would open.
Automatic locking system for involuntary unlocking*
It is an anti-theft system and prevents the unintentional
unlocking of the vehicle.If the vehicle is unlocked and any of the doors (including the tailgate) are
opened within 30 seconds, it gets re-locked automatically. This function
prevents the vehicle from remaining unlocked if the unlock button is pressed
by mistake.Emergency unlocking systemIf the airbags are triggered during an accident, the vehicle gets unlocked,
except for the boot. It is possible to lock the vehicle from inside with the
central locking, after turning the ignition of f and back on again.
If the doors must be locked from th e outside, see “Emergency locking of the
doors”

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