engine coolant Seat Altea 2011 User Guide

Air conditioning163
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
– Use the air distribution control to guide the flow of air in the
required direction: (to the windscreen), (to the upper
body), (to the footwell) and (to the windscreen and to the
footwell).Heating
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 is not running.•The blower is switched off.•The outside temperature is below +3 °C.•The air conditioning system compressor 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 special-
ised workshop.
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells from coming from the outside.
<




Fig. 128 On the dash panel: Climatic controls
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Air conditioning
170comfort 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 is not running.•The button is disconnected.•The outside temperature is below +3 °C.•The air conditioning system compressor 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 special-
ised workshop.Caution
•If you suspect that the air conditioner is damaged, switch it off with button to prevent further damage and have it checked by a specialised work-
shop.•Repairs to the air conditioner require specialist knowledge and special
tools. Therefore, we recommend you to take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop.Note
•If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensa-
tion can drip off the evaporator in the cooling system and so forming a puddle
underneath the vehicle. This is completely normal and there is no need to
suspect a leak.•Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and
leaves to ensure heating and cooling are not impaired, and to prevent the
windows from misting over.
•The air from the vents flows through the vehicle interior and is extracted
by slots designed for this purpose. Therefore, do not cover these slots with
items of clothing or other objects.•The air conditioner operates most effectively with the windows and the
sliding/tilting sunroof* closed. However, if the temperature inside the vehicle
is excessive because of the sun, the air inside can be cooled faster by opening
the windows for a short time.•Do not smoke while air recirculation mode is on, as smoke drawn into the
air conditioning system leaves a residue on the evaporator, producing a
permanent unpleasant odour.•It is advisable to connect the air conditioning at least once a month, to
lubricate the system gaskets and prevent leaks. If a decrease in the cooling
capacity is detected, an Authorised Service Centre should be consulted to
check the system.
AC
AC
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Driving177
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Driving with LPG*Your SEAT vehicle has a bivalent engine able to run on either LPG or petrol.
The LPG tank ⇒page 227, “Refuelling with LPG” is in the spare wheel well
⇒ .
It is possible to change from LPG to petrol while the engine is running, even
if the vehicle is moving, by pressing the button located on the centre
console ⇒fig. 137 . The selected operating mode is displayed on the indi-
cator lamp on the instrument panel ⇒ page 80.
Starting the engine
The engine is always started with petrol, even when LPG was being used
when it was switched off.
A blue warning lamp ⇒page 80 indicating that the engine is cold is visible
on the instrument panel until the engine temperature reaches 30 °C. On
reaching this temperature, the lamp goes out and it is possible to switch to
LGP mode. Automatic switch from petrol to LPG
When the engine is turned on and the following conditions are met, the
system will automatically switch from petrol mode to LPG mode, the notifica-
tion
changed to GAS mode is displayed and the green indicator lamp on the
instrument panel lights up:
•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.
Automatic switch from LPG to petrol
When the vehicle is operating in LPG mode and one of these conditions is
met, the system automatically switches to petrol mode, the notification
changed to petrol mode is displayed and the green indicator lamp on the
instrument panel goes out:•When the engine is started.•If the LPG tank is empty.•If there is a fault in the LPG system.•At very low temperatures, below - 10 °C.
Manual switch from petrol to LPG
Press the button on the centre console ⇒fig. 137 to change mode. The
notification changed to GAS mode is displayed. When the following condi-
tions are met, the system switches to LPG mode, the green indicator lamp on
the instrument panel lights up and the notification displayed changes to
changed to GAS mode .•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.
Fig. 137 Centre console:
gas system control
switch.
GAS
GAS
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Driving179
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Start-Stop function interruption
In the following situations, the Start-Stop function will be interrupted and the
engine will automatically start:
•The vehicle starts moving.•The brake pedal is pressed several times in a row.•The battery has been discharged excessively.•The Start-Stop System is manually deactivated.•The windscreen de-mist function is turned on.•The temperature of the passenger compartment exceeds the comfort
limits (button ⇒page 168, fig. 132 should be selected).•If in an increase in airflow ⇒page 168, fig. 132 is required for more
than three presses.•Temperature setting HI or LO is selected.•The engine coolant temperature is insufficient.•The alternator is faulty, for example the V-belt has ruptured.•If any of the conditions described in the previous section are not fulfilled.WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the engine off for any reason. You
could lose control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and serious
injury.•The brake servo does not work with the engine off. You need more force
to stop the vehicle.•Power steering does not work when the engine is not running. That is
why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.•Disconnect the Start-Stop system when driving through water (fording
streams, etc.).
Note
•For vehicles with the Start-Stop function and a manual gearbox, when the
engine is started, the clutch must be pressed.•When the conditions for the Start-Stop function are not fulfilled, the
instrument panel displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.•The vehicle can be restarted by rotating the steering wheel three times,
that is, more than 270°.Switching the Start-Stop function on and offEvery time the ignition is switched on, the Start-Stop function is
automatically switched on.
ACA11
A10
Fig. 138 The Start-Stop
function button.
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Trailer towing
212•Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country.Ball coupling of towing bracket*Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook may
be stored in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
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 re moved if a trailer is not being towed
and it obscures the number plate.Driving tipsDriving 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
an 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 due course. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear in due course before
going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine braking to
slow down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged slopes, driving in a low gear
and high engine speed, always monitor the coolant temperature gauge
⇒ page 55.
Electronic Stability Programme*
The ESP* system helps to stabilise the trailer in case of skidding or rocking.
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Checking and refilling levels
232Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter glow plug system, 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 products) 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 lever 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 234.
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 specialised 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 you to have service fluids and consumables
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant
instructions ⇒page 224. The engine compartment of the vehicle is a
hazardous area. ⇒ .
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine compartment, e.g. checking and
refilling fluids, involves a risk of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or fire.•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining
burns. Wait until no more steam or coolant is emitted, then allow the
engine to cool before carefully opening the bonnet.•Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.•Apply the handbrake and move the gear lever to neutral or selector
lever to position P.•Keep children away from the vehicle.•Never touch hot engine parts. There is a risk of burns.•Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a hot exhaust gas system. This
is a fire hazard.•Avoid causing short-circuits in the electrical system, particularly at the
points where the jump leads are attached ⇒page 282. The battery could
explode.
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Checking and refilling levels233
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature controlled and could
start automatically, even when the engine has been switched off and the
key removed from the ignition!•Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
If the coolant is hot, the cooling system will be pressurised!•Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick
cloth to protect against escaping coolant and steam.•A l w ays ma ke s u re yo u ha v e n o t l e f t a n y obj e c ts , s u ch as c l ea n in g cl o t h s
and tools, in the engine compartment.•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!. A
hydraulic jack is insufficient for securing the vehicle and there is a risk of
injury.•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the
engine running, there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the
rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and
from the high-voltage ignition system. You should also observe the
following points:
−Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
− Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and long hair do not get
trapped in rotating engine parts. Danger of death. Before starting any
work remove jewellery, tie back and cover hair, and wear tight-fitting
clothes.
− Never accelerate with a gear engaged without taking the necessary
precautions. The vehicle could move, even if the handbrake is applied.
Danger of death.•If work has to be carried out on the fuel system or on electrical compo-
nents, you must observe the following safety notes in addition to the above
warnings:
−Always disconnect the battery. The vehicle must be unlocked when
this is done, otherwise the alarm will be triggered. −
Do not smoke.
− Never work near naked flames.
− Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Caution
When topping up service fluids, make sure not to mistake them. Using the
wrong fluids could cause serious malfunctions and engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to th e environment. For this reason you
should make regular checks on the ground underneath your vehicle. If you
find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a specialised
workshop.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
234Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in
rest position.
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dash panel
⇒fig. 161 in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be
released by a spring action ⇒.
– Lift the bonnet using the release lever (arrow) and open the bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fixture designed for this
in the bonnet.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!•Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment.•Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bonnet,
then carefully open the bonnet.•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 232.
Closing the bonnet– Raise the bonnet slightly
– Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its support.
– At a height of about 30 cm let it fall so it is locked.
Fig. 161 Detail of foot-
well area on driver side:
lever for unlocking the
bonnet.Fig. 162 Arrester hook
for bonnet.
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Checking and refilling levels239
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.•Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be large
enough to hold all the engine oil.CoolantCoolant specifications
Coolant is a mixture of water and at least 40% coolant addi-
tive.The cooling system must be filled with a mix ture of water and at least 40 % of
our coolant additive G12+ or an additive with the specification TT-VW 774 F (it
is dyed purple). This mixture provides the necessary freeze protection down
to -25 °C and protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion.
It also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
The concentration of coolant must always be at least 40% - even if freeze
protection is not required.
If greater freeze protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
the antifreeze additive G12+ can be increased. However, the percentage of
coolant additives should not exceed 60%, as this would reduce the freeze
protection. It would also reduce the cooling effect. A mixture with 60% addi-
tive will give antifreeze protection to approx. -40 °C.
WARNING
•The coolant additive is toxic. There is a toxic risk. Always keep the
coolant additive in the original container which should be stored out of the
reach of children. The same applies to coolant which you have drained off.
•The coolant additive G12+ must be added in sufficient quantities to
provide anti-freeze protection at th e coldest ambient temperatures that
can be expected. At extremely cold outside temperatures, the coolant could
freeze, causing the vehicle to breakdown. As the heater would not work
either, there is a risk of freezing to death.Caution
•Other additives may give considerably inferior corrosion protection. The
resulting corrosion in the cooling system can lead to a loss of coolant,
causing serious damage to the engine.•The coolant additive G12+ (purple) can be mixed with the additive G12
(red) or G11. Never mix G12 (red colour) with G11.WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
240Checking the coolant level and topping up

The correct coolant level is important for fault-free func-
tioning of the engine cooling system.Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 232.
Opening the coolant expansion tank
– Switch off the engine and allow it to cool.
– To prevent scalding, cover the cap on the expansion tank with a
thick cloth and carefully unscrew the cap ⇒.
Checking coolant level
– Look into the open coolant expansion tank and read off the coolant level. – If the level is below the “MIN” mark, top up with coolant.
Topping up coolant
–Only use new
coolant liquid.
– Do not fill above the “MAX” mark.
Closing the coolant expansion tank
– Screw the cap on again tightly.
The position of the coolant expansion reservoir is shown in the corresponding
engine compartment illustration ⇒page 291.
Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications ⇒page 239.
Do not use a different type of additive if coolant additive G12+ is not avail-
able. In this case use only water and bring the coolant concentration back up
to the correct level as soon as possible by putting in the specified additive
⇒ page 239.
Always top up with new coolant.
Do not fill above the “MAX” mark. Otherwise the excess coolant will be forced
out of the cooling system when the engine is hot.
The coolant additive G12+ (dyed purple) may be mixed with G12 (dyed red)
and also with G 11.
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 232.
Fig. 165 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap
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