instrument panel Seat Altea 2010 Owner's Guide

Lights and visibility117
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Instrument and switch lighting / Headlight range controlInstrument and switch lighting
When the headlights are switched on, the brightness of the instruments and
switch lighting can be regulated to suit your requirements by turning the
thumb wheel ⇒fig. 75 .
The instrument lighting (dials and needles), the centre console illumination
and the illumination of the displays are regulated by a light sensor incorpo-
rated in the instrument cluster.
The instrument lighting (dials and needles) is switched on when the ignition
is on and the vehicle lights are off. The instrument lighting is dimmed auto-
matically as the daylight starts to fade. It goes out completely when the
ambient light level is very low. This function is intended to remind the driver
to switch on the dipped-beam headlights in good time when light conditions
become poor.
Headlight range control
By using the electrical headlight range control, you can adjust the head-
light range to the load level that is being carried in the vehicle. This way, it is possible to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic more than necessary. At the same
time, by using the correct headlight settings, the driver has the best possible
lighting for the road ahead.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam is switched on.
To lower the beam, turn the thumb wheel down from the basic setting 0.
Dynamic headlight range control
Vehicles with gas discharge lamps
(“xenon lamps”) are equipped with
dynamic headlight range control . This means that the headlights will be
adjusted to suit the load level of the vehicle and “nodding movements” when
pulling off and braking are automatically compensated for.
Vehicles with gas discharge lamps do not have headlight range control.
Adaptive headlights* (for driving through bends)
When driving around bends, the headlights will light the
most important areas of the road.
Fig. 75 Dash panel: regu-
lation for instrument and
switch illumination and
headlight range control
A1
A1A2
A2
A2
Fig. 76 Cornering
lighting using self-direc-
tional headlights
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Lights and visibility
118Dynamic 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
instrument panel. At the same time, a text message with information or
instructions to perform necessary operations may appear on the instrument
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 ⇒ page 266, 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.Fog lights with cornering function*When the indicator is switched on to turn or on very tight bends, the right or
left fog lamp automatically comes on to function as a cornering light. The
cornering light only operates if the dipped lights are on.
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.
Fig. 77 Dash panel:
switch for hazard warning
lights
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Seats and stowage
132Seats and stowageThe importance of correct seat adjustmentProper seat adjustment optimises the level of protection
offered by seat belts and airbags.Your vehicle has five passenger seats, two individual front seats and three
places on the rear seat.. 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,•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. Children 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, injur y.
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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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
164Manual mode
In manual mode you can adjust the air temperature, air flow and distribution as required.Switching on manual mode
– To enter manual mode, press one of the buttons ⇒fig. 133 to
or press the air flow control . The selected function is
shown on the radio or navigator display.Te m p e r a t u r e
There are separate temperature selectors for the left and right sides of the
vehicle interior. The selected temperature is displayed above the selector.
The compartment temperature can be set between +18°C (64°F) and +26°C
(80°F). These are approximate temperatures and the actual temperature may
be slightly higher or lower depending on the ambient conditions.
If a temperature below 18°C (64°F) is selected, the display switches to LO In
this setting the system runs at maximum cooling output and the temperature
is not regulated. If a temperature above 26°C (80°F) is selected, the display switches to
HI In
this setting the system runs at maximum heating output and the temperature
is not regulated.
Blower
The air flow may be adjusted freely using the control . Always have the
blower running at a low setting to ensure a constant flow of fresh air into the
vehicle. Pushing the button
 to the minimum -1, turns the Climatronic off.
Air distribution
The air distribution is adjusted using the buttons , and . It is also
possible to open and close some of the air vents separately.
Switching the air conditioning system on and off
When the button is on (LED lit), the heating, ventilation and air condi-
tioning system is on.Fig. 133 On the instrument panel: 2C Climatronic
controls.
A1
A5
A10
A10


AC
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Driving
174•If there is a fault in the LPG system.•At very low temperatures below minus 10°C.
Manual switch from petrol to LPG
Press the GAS button to switch modes. When the necessary conditions are
met, the system switches to LPG mode and the ON lamp is lit. If the ON
lamp flashes, the following conditions have not been met:•There is enough LPG in the tank.•The temperature of the vehicle coolant is above 30°C.•Engine speed while driving is above 1200 rpm.
When these conditions are met, the system switches to LPG mode and the ON
lamp is lit .
Manual switch from LPG to petrol
Press the button to switch modes. When the OFF lamp is lit, the
vehicle is running on petrol.
Running on petrol
Run the engine with petrol for short journeys at regular intervals to avoid
problems in the petrol system.WARNING
LPG is a highly explosive and inflammable substance. It may cause severe
burns and other injury.•Due care must be taken to avoid any risk of fire or explosion.•When parking the vehicle in a closed area (for example in a garage),
make sure that there is adequate ventilation, either natural or mechanical,
to neutralise the LPG in the event of a leak.
Note
•If frequent short journeys are made, especially when the outside temper-
ature is low, the vehicle will tend to run on petrol more often than on LPG.
Therefore, the petrol tank may empty before the LPG tank.Start-Stop function*Description and operationThe Start-Stop function stops the engine when the vehicle is
stopped and starts it automatically when required.
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it in neutral and release the clutch pedal. The engine will stop.
– When the clutch pedal is pressed, the engine starts again.
– The instrument panel screen displays information about the status of the Start-Stop function ⇒page 176, fig. 140 .Start-Stop function conditions•The driver's seat belt must be buckled.•The engine hood must be closed.•The engine must be at operating temperature•The steering wheel must be straight.•The vehicle must be on flat ground.•The vehicle must not be in reverse.•A trailer must not be connected.
A1
A3
A3A3GAS
A1
A2
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Driving183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
•You should use the kickdown feature only when traffic and weather
conditions allow it to be used safely.
HandbrakeUsing the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the
vehicle from accidentally rolling away.Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park. Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly
⇒fig. 149 .
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and pr ess the release knob in the direc-
tion of the arrow ⇒fig. 149 and guide the handbrake lever down
fully ⇒ .
Always apply the handbrake firmly. This prevents you driving with the hand-
brake applied ⇒.
The handbrake warning lamp
 lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning turns off when the handbrake is
released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following
message* will appear on the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. Also,
an audible warning is given.
WARNING
•Never use the handbrake to stop the vehicle when it is in motion. The
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied to
the rear wheels. Risk of accident!•If it is only partially released, this will cause rear brakes overheating,
which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead to an acci-
dent. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake pads.Caution
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 149 Handbrake
between the front seats
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Driving
188
NoteIf the fault is not corrected before you switch off the ignition, it will only be
indicated by the flashing LED on the switch
 the next time you switch on
the parking aid.
Cruise control* (Cruise control - GRA)Description
The cruise control system is able to maintain the set speed in
the range from approx. 30 km/h to 180 km/h.Once the speed setting has been saved, you may take your foot off the accel-
erator.
WARNING
It could be dangerous to use the cruise control system if it is not possible
to drive at constant speed.•For safety reasons the cruise control system should not be used in
dense traffic, in sections with bends or where roads are in bad conditions
(e.g. aquaplaning, loose chippings, slippery surfaces, snow). Risk of acci-
dent.•Always switch the CCS off when finish to use it in order to avoid an
involuntary use.•It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road,
traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.
Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when descending down-
hill. The vehicle will accelerate due to its own weight. Use the foot brake to
slow the vehicle.Switching the cruise control system on and offSwitching on the system
–Push the switch ⇒fig. 151 to the left to ON.
Switching off system
– Either push the switch to the right to OFF or turn the ignition
off when the vehicle is stationary.When the cruise control is on and a speed is programmed, the indicator  on
the instrument panel is lit.
21)
Fig. 151 Indicator and
main beam headlight
lever: switch and rocker
switch for the cruise
control
AB
AB
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Wheels and tyres
246Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
⇒ page 245, fig. 173 , running across the tread. Depending on the make,
there will be six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on
the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the
positions of the tread wear indicators. The minimum tread depth required by
law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indica-
tors). Worn tyres must be replaced. Different figures may apply in export
countries ⇒.
Tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out.
For this reason, the tyre pressure should be checked at least once per month
⇒ page 243.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisable
to change them around as shown ⇒page 245, fig. 174 . All the tyres will then
last for about the same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results
in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause excessive
wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of
the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel align-
ment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre bursts during driving!•The tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to
the tread wear indicators. Failure to do so could result in an accident. Worn
tyres do not grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There is also a greater
risk of “aquaplaning” •At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. This causes it to overheat. This can cause tread separation and tyre
blow-out. Risk of accident. Always observe the recommended tyre pres-
sures.•If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the running gear checked
by an Authorised Service Centre.•Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake fluid away from tyres.•Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.Anti-puncture tyres
Anti-puncture tyres allow you to continue driving even with a
punctured tyre, in the majority of cases.Vehicles equipped with anti-puncture
23) tyres from the factory indi-
cate the loss of tyre pressu re on the instrument panel.
23)Depending upon version and country.
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Wheels and tyres247
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Driving with anti-puncture tyres (emergency gear)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (electronic stabilisation programme)
switched on, or switch on ⇒page 194.
– Continue driving carefully and slowly (80 km/h maximum).
– Avoid sudden manoeuvres and sharp turns.
– Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
– Look out for the ESP/TCS intervening often, smoke coming from the tyres or the smell of rubber, the vehicle vibrating or a clat-
tering noise. If any of these occur, stop the vehicle.The anti-puncture tyres have a tag on the side of the tyre, with the description:
“DSST”, “Eufonia”, “RFT”, “ROF”, “RSC”, “SSR” or “ZP”.
The sides of this type of tyre are reinforced. When the tyres lose air they are
supported on the sides (emergency driving).
The loss of pressure in the tyre is shown on the instrument panel. You can
then drive a maximum of 80 km and if the circumstances are favourable (for
example, low load), even more.
The damaged tyre should be changed as soon as possible. The rim should be
checked in a specialist workshop to detect possible damage and replace it if
necessary. We recommend you contact Technical Service. If more than one
tyre is being used under emergency conditions, this reduces the distance
which can be travelled.
Starting driving in emergency conditions
When the loss in tyre pressure is displayed on the instrument panel, this
implies that at least one tyre is being driven in emergency conditions ⇒.
End of emergency operation
Do not drive on if:
•smoke is coming from one of the tyres,•there is a smell of rubber,•the vehicle vibrates,•there is a rattling noise.
When is it no longer possible to continue driving even using anti-puncture
tyres?•If one of the tyres has been severely damaged in an accident, etc. If a tyre
has been badly damaged there is a risk that parts of the tread can be thrown
off and cause damage to the fuel lines, brake pipes or fuel filler.•It is also advisable to stop driving if severe vibrations occur, or if the wheel
starts overheating and gives off smoke.WARNING
When driving in emergency conditions, the driving quality of the vehicle is
considerably impaired.•The maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h is subject to road and
weather conditions. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.•Avoid sharp turns and rapid manoeuvres, and brake earlier than usual.•Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.•If one or more tyres is being driven in emergency conditions, the driving
quality of the vehicle is impaired and there is a risk of accident.Note
•The anti-puncture tyres do not “deflate” on losing pressure because they
are supported on the reinforced sides. Therefore defects in the tyre can not be
detected with a visual inspection.•Snow chains must not be used on front tyres used in emergency
conditions.
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If and when
264Fuses on left side of dash panelFusesNumber
Consumer
Amps
1
Va can t
2
Va can t
3
Va can t
4
Va can t
5
Va can t
6
Va can t
7
Va can t
8
Va can t
9
Airbag
5
10
RSE input (roof screen)
10
11
Va can t
12
Left xenon headlight
10
13
Instrument panel (oil level)/Switchboard wiring
(BCM)/Heater / ABS, ESP/ Park Pilot/ Gate-
way/Flow meter
5
14
Gearbox/Servosteering/Brake light sensor/
Trailer/ ABS, ESP/ Haldex/ Light switch
10
15
Heated windscreen / Instrument lighting / Diag-
nosis switchboard/Engine management/Addi-
tional heating/AFS headlamps/Park Pilot
10
16
Right xenon headlight
10
17
Engine management / RSE system with START
STOP
10
18
Kombi / levers with START STOP
5
19
Navigation/ radio with START STOP
15
20
Park Pilot (Parking assistant) / Gear lever/ ESP
switchboard
10
21
Vacant
22
Volumetric alarm sensor/ Alarm horn
5
23
Diagnosis / Rain sensor / Light switch
10
24
Trailer hook pre-installation assistant
15
25
Switchboard coupling automatic gearbox
20
26
Vacuum pump
20
27
RSE supply (Ceiling display) without START STOP
10
28
Rear window wiper motor
20
29
Vacant
30
Cigarette lighter / socket
20
31
Vacant
32
Vacant
33
Heater
40
34
Vacant
35
Vacant
36
Vacant
37
Vacant
38
Vacant
39
Trailer control unit (coupling)
15
Number
Co nsum er
Amps
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