check engine Seat Altea 2010 Owner's Guide

Checking and refilling levels
236
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be
carried out cautiously.•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 226.Caution
•Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen
washer fluid.•Always use approved windscreen cleansing products diluted as per
instructions. If you use other washer fluids or soap solutions, the tiny holes
in the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked.
Changing windscreen wiper blades
If the windscreen wiper blades are in perfect condition, you
will benefit from an improved visibility. Damaged wiper
blades should be replaced immediately.
Fig. 168 Windscreen
wipers in the service posi-
tionFig. 169 Changing the
front wiper blades
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Checking and refilling levels239
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service
schedule.– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram ⇒page 285. The brake fluid reservoir has a black and
yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear. However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the
“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒
page 77.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒page 226.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Program indicates the brake fluid change
intervals.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 226 in
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb water from
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of the
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which
could impair the braking effect.
It is important that you use only brake fluid compliant with the US standard
FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
Fig. 172 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels241
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause
injury.
•A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is
under charge. The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room
only.•Keep children away from acid and batteries.•Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the
engine, the ignition and all consumers. The negative cable on the battery
must be disconnected. When a light bulb is changed, you need only switch
off the light.•Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you
disconnect the battery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.•When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system,
disconnect first the negative cable and then the positive cable.•Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery.
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable. Never
reverse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.•Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery which
has frozen. A flat battery can freeze at temperatures around 0°•Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.•Never use a defective battery. This may be fatally explosive. Replace a
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine
is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents.•Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time, as
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
•If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from frost. If it “freezes” it will be damaged.Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries.– Open the bonnet and open the battery cover at the front ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 226 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 240.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye" on the top of the battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently until they disperse.The position of the battery is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒ page 285.
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge state and electrolyte level of the battery.
There are two different colours:•Black: correct charge status.•Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must be replaced. Contact a
specialist workshop.
WARNING (continued)
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Wheels and tyres245
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre wear.Significant tyre pressure lossThe tyre symbol
 is displayed and indicates that the tyre pressure for a least
one tyre is insufficient.
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the tyre(s).
– Change the wheel if necessary.
Tyre s e r vi ce l ife
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving
style and fitting.
Fig. 173 Tyre tread wear
indicatorsFig. 174 Diagram for
ch anging w hee ls
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If and when
262
Fuse cover underneath the steering wheel
– Switch off the ignition and the component concerned.
– Identify the fuse for the failed component ⇒page 264.
– 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 its failed electrical component.
– Prise off the fuse cover in the engine compartment by pressing the tabs towards the centre of the cover ⇒page 261, fig. 183 .
– Identify the fuse for the failed component ⇒ page 264.
– Take the plastic clip from inside the fuse cover (at left-hand end of the dash panel), 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.
– Carefully fit the fuse cover back on to ensure no water can enter the fuse box.The individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses. The fuses are located
behind a cover at the left-hand end of the dash panel and on the left-hand
side of the engine compartment.
The electric windows are protected by circuit breakers. These reset automat-
ically after a few seconds when the overload (caused for example by frozen
windows) has been corrected. Fuses colour code
WARNING
Never “repair” damaged fuses and never replace them with fuses with a
higher rating. Failure to comply could result in fire. This could also cause
damage to other parts of the electrical system.
Note
•If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical
system must be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.•If you replace a fuse with higher-rating fuse, you could cause damage to
another location in the electrical system.•Always keep some spare fuses in the vehicle. These are available from
SEAT dealers.
Co lo ur
Amps
light brown
5
Red
10
Blue
15
Yellow
20
Natural (white)
25
Green
30
orange
40
Red
50
white
80
Blue
100
grey
150
violet
200
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Technical Data285
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Te ch n i c a l D a t aChecking fluid levelsFrom time to time, the levels of the different fluids in the
vehicle must be checked. Never fill with incorrect fluids,
otherwise serious damage to the engine may be caused.
Coolant expansion tank
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
Engine oil filler cap
Engine oil dipstick
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery (underneath the cover)
The checking and refilling of service fluids are carried out on the components
mentioned above. These operations are described in the ⇒page 226. Overview
Further explanations, instructions and restrictions on the technical data as of
⇒
page 281 are given.
Fig. 208 Diagram for the
location of the various
elements
A1A2A3A4A5A6
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Index
300CCatalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
CD changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Automatic locking system for involuntary unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Automatic speed dependent locking and un- locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Emergency unlocking system . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Selective unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Central locking button Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Centre arm rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Changing gear See Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Changing gear in Tiptronic mode . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Changing the lamps Main headlight lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
rear lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Changing the main headlight lamps dipped beam lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
main beam lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
turn signal lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Changing the rear lights indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
luggage compartment lights . . . . . . . . . . . 273 rear fog light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
reverse light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Changing windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . 236
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Checking battery electrolyte level . . . . . . . . . . 241
Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Child seats on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Cigarette lighter* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Cleaning alloy wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle . . . . . . . . 209
Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Cleaning steel wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Climatronic General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Cloth seat covers cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Clothes hook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Control lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Controls
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Light switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Convenience closing Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Convenience opening Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233, 234 Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Coolant level warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Coolant Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Coolant temperature Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Cruise control system Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Cruise control* Turning off the cruise control system . . . . 190
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Index
302Engine fault
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Engine management Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Checking level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Oil properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine oil pressure monitor indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Environmental friendliness . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Environmental tip Avoiding pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
ESP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85, 195
Example of menu use Program a speed limit warning . . . . . . . . . . 69
To activate and deactivate the speed limit warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Example of the use of the menus Open the Configuration menu with the MFD lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Open the Configuration menu with the steering wheel controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Examples of menu use
Open the main menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Open the winter tyres menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
To close the winter tyres menu . . . . . . . . . . 69
Exhaust gasses purification system . . . . . . . . 201
Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
FFabric trim cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Fastening rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Fire extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
First-aid kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Fog lights with cornering function . . . . . . . . . . 118
folding table* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Folding the seat backrests down . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Foot brake Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Four wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Front passenger airbag deactivation . . . . . . . . . 44
Front reading lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Front seat adjustment Lumbar support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Frontal airbags Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Fuel
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Fuel level Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Fuel reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 warning message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Fuel Tank Opening the fuel tank flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Fuel tank See Fuel reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Fuel: saving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
GG 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Gear shift pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
General overview of the engine compartment 285
Glove compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Glow plug system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
GRA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188HHandbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83, 183
Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
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