Seat Altea 2010 Manual Online

Cockpit79
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
•The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users in order to
prevent danger to thirds.•The engine compartment is a dangerous area! Before you open the
bonnet to work on the engine or in the engine compartment, you must
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to reduce the risk of scalding or
other kind of injuries. Read and observe the relevant warnings
⇒ page 226.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 on the screen, the appro-
priate warning lamp for a fault will light up and a warning or information text
will also appear on the screen.Fuel level / reserve

This symbol lights up to indica te that the fuel tank under the
reserve level.It lights up 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 220.
The dash panel displays the following message
9): 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 dash panel displays the following message
10): CHECK COOLANT
INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL ⇒ page 233.
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 the engine off and wait for it to cool down. Check the coolant level.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunction
of the radiator fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have it replaced if neces-
sary ⇒page 261.
If the warning lamp lights up again after driving on for a short distance, stop
the vehicle and switch the engine off . Contact an Authorised Service Centre
or a qualified workshop.
Coolant level too low
The dash panel displays the following message11): STOP CHECK COOLANT
INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
9)Depending on the version of the model.WARNING (continued)
10)Depending on the version of the model.11)Depending on the version of the model.
altea_EN Seite 79 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18

Cockpit
80First 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 the engine off, turn the hazard lights on 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 is a dangerous area! Before carrying out any
work in the engine compartment, switch off the engine and allow it to cool
down. Always note the corresponding warnings ⇒page 226.
Rear fog light

This warning lamp lights up when the rear fog light is switched on
. Further
information ⇒page 113.
Tu rn si g nal s
 
The warning lamp flashes when the indicators are in opera-
tion.Depending on which indicator is operating, 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 any of both indicators fails, the warning lamp will start flashing twice faster
than normal. Further information on the indicators ⇒
page 120.
Engine management*


This warning lamp monitors the engine management system
for petrol engines.
The warning lamp
 (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the ignition
is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly. It should go out
once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine management system while you are
driving, this warning lamp will light up. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance.
Glow plug system / Engine fault

The warning lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are
preheating. It flashes if there is an engine fault.
Warning lamp
 is lit
The warning lamp  lights up while the glow plugs are preheating. When the
warning lamp goes off, the engine should be started straight away.
Warning lamp
 flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management system while you are driving,
the glow plug lamp will flash
. Take the vehicle to an Authorised Service
Centre as soon as possible and have the engine checked.
altea_EN Seite 80 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18

Cockpit81
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Main beam headlights

This warning lamp lights up when the main beams are on.The warning lamp
 is switched on once main beams are on or once the
headlight flasher is operating.
Further information ⇒ page 120.
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter

If the indicator lights
 you may help the filter clear itself by driving in the
appropriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in 4t h or 5th gear (automatic gearbox: S
gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h, with the engine running at approximately
2000 rpm. In this way, the pollen build up in the filter is burned. When
cleaning is successful, the indicator turns off.
If the indicator
 is not deactivated, bring the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to repair the fault.
WARNING
•Always drive according to the road weather conditions, the terrain and
traffic. Driving recommendations should never lead to illegal manoeuvres
in surrounding traffic.•The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Failure to comply could result in fire.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

A warning lamp system monitors the ABS.
The warning lamp
 should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out again after the system has run through an automatic
test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•The warning lamp
 does not light up when the ignition is switched on.
•The warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds.•The warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS control
function will not function). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as
soon as possible. For further information on the ABS see the ⇒ page 193.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP* warning lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp
 lights up together with the brake warning lamp
, this indicates not only a fault in the ABS function, but also a possible fault
in the brake system ⇒.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 226, “Working in the engine compartment”.•If the brake warning lamp
 should light up together with the ABS
warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒ page 239, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has
dropped below the “MIN” mark you must not drive on. Risk of accident.
Obtain technical assistance.
•If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in the brake system may have
been caused by a failure of the ABS system. This could cause the rear
altea_EN Seite 81 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18

Cockpit
82wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break
away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assistance.Washer fluid

This warning lamp lights up to indicate that the windscreen
washer level is too low.This serves as a reminder to fill up the reservoir at the earliest opportunity
⇒ page 235
The following message is shown on the dash panel display*
12): REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID .
Alternator

This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp
 lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go
out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp  lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest qualified
workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessary
because this will drain the battery.
Tyre pressure

The tyre pressure control system controls the tyre speed and
the frequency spectrum of each tyre.The tyre monitor
13) compares wheel revolutions and with this information,
the diameter of each wheel using the ESP sensors. If the diameter of a wheel
changes, the tyre monitor indicator lights . The wheel diameter changes
when:
•Tyre pressure is insufficient.•The tyre structure is damaged.•The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.•The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving with
a trailer or on extreme slopes).•The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.•The emergency wheel is fitted.
12)Depending on the version of the model.WARNING (continued)
13)Depending on the model version
Fig. 50 Centre console:
tyre monitor system
button
altea_EN Seite 82 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18

Cockpit83
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
•The wheel on one axle is changed.
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or after changing one or more
wheels, the button ⇒page 82, fig. 50 must be kept pressed while the igni-
tion is on until an acoustic signal is heard and the warning lamp goes out.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or
heavy load), the tire pressure must be increased to the recommended value
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre monitor
system button is pressed down, the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator
 lights up
If the tyre pressure of one or more wheels is much lower than the value set by
the driver, then the tyre control warning lamp lights up ⇒.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator  flashes
If the tyre pressure indicator flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the nearest
specialist workshop.
WARNING
•When the tyre pressure indicator lights, reduce speed immediately and
avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible, and check
the tyre pressure and status.•The driver is responsible for correct tyre pressure. For this reason, tyre
pressure must be regularly checked.•Under certain circumstances (for example, in a sports situation, in
winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre monitor indicator may light or
function incorrectly.Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow indicator
 lights up after turning
the ignition on. This should turn off after a brief journey.
Brake system* / handbrake

The warning lamp lights up if the handbrake is applied, if the
brake fluid level falls too low or if there is a fault in the brake
system.
This warning lamp
 lights up if
•If the handbrake is on.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h with the handbrake on, the following message
will appear on the dash panel display
14): HANDBRAKE ON. Also, an audible
warning is given.
•If the brake fluid level is too low ⇒page 239.
The dash panel displays the following message
14): STOP BRAKE FLUID
INSTRUCTION MANUAL .
•If there is a fault in the brake system.
The dash panel displays the following message
14): BRAKE SYSTEM FAULT
INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL .
This warning lamp can light up together with the anti-lock brake system
warning lamp.
WARNING
•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings on
⇒ page 226.•If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level ⇒page 239, “Brake fluid” in the reservoir is
too low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain tech-
nical assistance.
14)Depending on the version of the model.
altea_EN Seite 83 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18

Cockpit
84•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 dash panel displays the following m essage
15): 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 229. The dash panel displays the following message
16):
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 188.
Indicator for open doors or tailgate*

This indicator lights if one of the 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.
15)Depending on the version of the model.WARNING (continued)
16)Depending on the version of the model.
altea_EN Seite 84 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18

Cockpit85
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
The warning lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It should go out once the engine is started.
If the battery is disconnected, the indicator remains lit, even with the engine
running. The warning light only goes off after a distance of approx. 50 m.
There is a fault in the electromechanical steering system if the lamp does not
go out or lights up whilst the vehicle is in motion. The indicator may appear
in two different colours to indicate faults. If it lights yellow, this indicates a
minor fault. If it lights red, seek workshop assistance immediately, if no
assistance is available stop driving. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance. The power steering does not work if the battery is flat or if the
engine is off (for example, for towing). You should take into account that you
will need considerably more power than normal to steer the vehicle if the
steering assistance is reduced or has failed completely.
For those vehicles fitted with ESP* the function “Recommended steering
manoeuvre” is included. See
⇒page 195.
Emission control system*

This warning lamp monitors the exhaust system.
Warning lamp
 flashes:
When there is misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter. Reduce
speed and drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop to have the
engine checked.
The dash panel displays the following message
17): EXHAUST GAS SEE
WORKSHOP . Warning lamp
 is lit:
If a fault has developed during driving which has reduced the quality of the
exhaust gas (e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and drive carefully to
the nearest qualified workshop to have the engine checked.
The following information text displayed in the dash panel display : EXHAUST
GAS SEE WORKSHOP .
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*

This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation
programme.
This programme includes the ABS, EDL and TCS. This also includes the brake
assist system (BAS), automatic cleaning of the brake discs and the trailer
stability programme (TSP).
The warning lamp
 has the following functions:
•It will light for about 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on while a
test of the function is carried out.•It flashes when the ESP is activated when driving.•It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.•It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESP
operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the ESP warning lamp
 lights up and stays on after the engine is started,
this may mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP.
In this case the ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then
on again. If the warning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully func-
tional.
If the ESP button is activated, the TCS function deactivates and the warning
lamp flashes.
17)Depending on the version of the model.
altea_EN Seite 85 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18

Cockpit
86Differential lock fault (EDL)*
EDL operates along with the ABS in vehicles equipped with an
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)*A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning lamp
. Please
take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further infor-
mation on the EDL ⇒page 196, “Electronic differential lock (EDL)*”.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is acceleratingThe warning lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on and should turn
out after about 2 seconds.
When the TCS is operating while driving, the warning lamp flashes. If the
system is deactivated or if there is any fault in the same, the warning lamp will
remain lit.
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the TCS oper-
ates in conjunction with the ABS. For further information, see ⇒page 193,
“Brakes”.
If the TCS button is activated, the TCS function deactivates and the warning
lamp remains lit.
By pressing again, TCS function is reactivated and the warning lamp switched
off.
Operating the foot brake

The footbrake must be depressed when this warning lamp lights up. This is
necessary when the automatic gearbox* selector lever is moved out of the
positions P or N.Electronic immobiliser* “Safe”
This warning lamp flashes if an unauthorised key is used.Inside the key there is a chip that deactivates the electronic immobiliser auto-
matically when the key is inserted into the ignition. The immobiliser will be
activated again automatically as soon as you pull the key out of the ignition
lock.
The dash panel displays the following message
18): SAFE . The vehicle cannot
be used in that case ⇒ page 170.
The engine can, however, be started if the appropriate coded SEAT genuine
key is used.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used.18)Depending on the version of the model.
altea_EN Seite 86 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18

Steering wheel controls87
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Technical Data
Steering wheel controlsGeneral informationThe steering wheel includes a multifunction module from where it is possible
to control the audio, telephone and radio navigation functions, and the auto-
matic gearbox*, without needing to distract the driver.
There are two versions of the multifunction module:
•Audio version, to control the available audio functions from the steering
wheel.•Audio + Telephone version, to control the available audio functions and
the telephone system from the steering wheel.
Both versions may be used to control the Audio system (Radio, CD Audio, CD
mp3, CD Changer) and the radio / navigation System, in which case they also
control the Navigation system.•Version for automatic gearbox* ⇒page 181.
Audio systemSteering wheel audio version controls
Fig. 51 Controls on the
steering wheel
Fig. 52 Steering wheel
controls (depending on
version of model)
altea_EN Seite 87 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18

Steering wheel controls
88Button
Radio
CD/MP3/USB*/iPod*
AUX ⇒ table on page 89
Volume up
Volume up
Volume up
Volume down
Volume down
Volume down
Search for next station
Next track
Hold down: Fast forward
No specified function
Search for last station
Last track
Hold down:Rewind
No function specified
No function specified
No function specified
No function specified
Silence
Pause
Silence
a)
a)Depending on the model version
Operates on Instrument panel display
Operates on Instrument panel display
Operates on Instrument panel display
Next preset
b)
b)Only if the panel is in Audio menu.
Next track
b)
No function specified
b)
a)
Operates on Instrument panel display
Operates on Instrument panel display
Operates on Instrument panel display
Previous preset
b)
Previous track
b)
No function specified
b)
a)
Next preset
Change folder
No function specified
Change menu on instrument panel
Change menu on instrument panel
Change menu on instrument panel
a)
Previous preset
Change folder
No function specified
Change menu on instrument panel
Change menu on instrument panel
Change menu on instrument panel
Operates on instrument panel
Operates on instrument panel
Operates on instrument panel
a)
Change source
Change source
Change source
Operates on instrument panel
Operates on instrument panel
Operates on instrument panel
AAABACADAEAFAGAHAIAJAKAL
altea_EN Seite 88 Mittwoch, 26. August 2009 6:00 18