fuel Seat Altea 2011 Owner's Guide

Driving175
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If the engine does not start immediately, switch the starter off after
10 seconds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start,
the fuel pump fuse should be checked
⇒page 267, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also cause death.•Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.•Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.•The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.•Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow
the instructions in ⇒page 281, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.
Start off immediately, driving gently. This helps the engine reach operating
temperature faster and reduces emissions.
Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the starter
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 173, fig. 136 . The
indicator lamp
D will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp turns off, turn the key to position to start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see the ⇒page 281.
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the battery, do not use any other major
electrical equipment while the glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp ⇒page 83 goes out.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal
(up to one minute) to start the engine after refuelling with diesel fuel. This is
because the system must eliminate air first.
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Driving
176
WARNING
•Never start or run the engine in un ventilated or closed rooms. The
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of
consciousness. It can also cause death.•Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.•Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at
full throttle and over-loading the engine. Risk of engine damage.•The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.•Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow
the instructions in ⇒page 281, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running the engine with the vehicle stationary.
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Switching off the engine– Stop the vehicle.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒page 173, fig. 136 .
After switching the engine off, the radiator fan may run on for up to 10
m i n u t e s . I t is a l s o p o ss i b l e t h a t t h e fa n tu r ns i t s e l f o n o n ce m o r e i f t h e co o la n t
temperature increases due to the heat accumulated in the engine compart-
ment or due to its prolonged exposure to solar radiation.
WARNING
•Never switch the engine off until the vehicle is completely stationary.•The brake servo works only when the engine is running. With the
engine switched off, more strength is needed to brake. As normal brake
operation cannot be performed, risk of accidents and serious injury may
exist.•The steering lock can be immediately blocked once the key is removed
from the ignition. The vehicle cannot be steered. Risk of accident.Caution
When the engine has been running under a heavy load for a long period, heat
can accumulate in the engine compartment and cause engine damage. For
this reason, you should idle the engine for approx. 2 minutes before you
switch it off.
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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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Driving
188
– Apply the handbrake.
– The 1st gear should also be selected.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ .Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.•If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they
point towards the kerb .•If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they
point away from the kerb .•Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and
engaging 1st gear.WARNING
•Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle
unattended.•Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.•Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to occupants.•Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle in
motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear lever.
•Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or cold
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
Hill-start aid*
This function is only included in vehicles with ESP.This device helps when starting uphill.
These are the basic operation conditions: doors closed, brake pedal pressed
down and vehicle in neutral. The system gets activated on engaging gear.
After removing your foot from the brake pedal, the braking force is maintained
for a few seconds to prevent the vehicle from moving backward when putting
into gear. This short space of time is enough to start the vehicle with ease.
This system also works when reversing uphill.
WARNING
•If you do not start the vehicle immediately after taking your foot off the
brake pedal, the vehicle may start to roll back under certain conditions.
Depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake immediately.•If the engine stalls, depress the brake pedal or use the hand brake
immediately.•When following a line of traffic uphill, if you want to prevent the vehicle
from rolling back accidentally when starting off, hold the brake pedal down
for a few seconds before starting off.WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment
206change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of trans-
mission). This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes.•Never let the brakes “drag” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.•Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.•If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is subjected to heavy use,
vapour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency of
the brakes.•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat. Before purchasing accessories please
observe the relevant instructions ⇒page 224, “Technical modifications”.•If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a specialised workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary
journeys.
Exhaust gas purification systemCatalytic converter*To maintain the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol engines, as lead damages the catalytic converter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank. – For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil
⇒page 237, “Topping up engine oil E”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary ⇒page 281.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest specialised workshop. In general, the exhaust gas warning lamp will
light up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒page 77. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the envi-
ronment. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! There is a risk of
fire.•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
dry grass or flammable materials under the vehicle.•Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust
system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is being driven.Caution
Never run the fuel tank completely dry because the irregularity of the fuel
supply may cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the
exhaust system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment207
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
on the sulphur content of the fuel used. Quite often the problem can be
solved by changing to another brand of fuel.
Diesel engine particulate filter*
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates soot produced
by burning diesel.Your vehicle is fitted with a DPF (Diesel particulate filter) if the vehicle data
sticker (back cover of the “Maintenance Programme”) lists the PR code 7GG
or 7MG
⇒fig. 155.
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates most of the soot from the
exhaust gas system. Under normal driving conditions, the filter cleans itself.
If the driving conditions do not allow the filter to clean itself (for example,
multiple short trips) the filter will be obstructed by dust and pollen and the
indicator
 for the diesel engine particulate filter indicator will light up. This
does not represent a fault, it is a warning that indicates that the filter has not been able to regenerate automatically and that you must carry out a cleaning
cycle, as indicated in
⇒page 84.
WARNING
•The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
t u re s ; t h e ve h i c le s h o ul d b e pa r ke d s o t h at t h e e x ha u s t pi p e d o es n o t co m e
into contact with flammable materials underneath the vehicle. Otherwise
there is a risk of fire.Caution
•Your vehicle is not designed to use biodiesel fuel. Never, under any
circumstances refuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel could damage
the engine and the fuel system. The addition of biodiesel to diesel by the
diesel producer in accordance with standard EN 590 is authorised and will
not cause damage to the engine or the fuel system.•Using diesel fuel with a high sulphur content may significantly reduce the
working life of the diesel particulate filter. Your Authorised Service Centre will
be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur content.Economical and environmentally friendly
drivingEconomical and environmen tally friendly drivingFuel consumption, environmental pollution and wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depends in large part on your driving style. By adopting an econom-
ical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily
reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. Some tips on how to help you reduce
pollution while saving money are listed below.
Fig. 155 Vehicle data
sticker on back cover of
the Maintenance
Programme
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Driving and the environment
208Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. When you anticipate the situa-
tion, you have to brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If it is possible,
let the vehicle roll with a gear engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this way helps to reduce the wear of
brakes and tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are reduced to zero
(disconnection due to inertia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up quickly through the gears.
Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible. We
recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon
reaching 2000 rpm. Follow the recommended gear indication that appears on
the instrument panel ⇒page 62.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly at
higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at level
crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after only
30 - 40seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart the
engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up when it is idling. Mechanical wear
and pollutant emissions are also especially high during this initial warm-up
phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately after starting the engine.
Avoid running the engine at high speed. Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey, you
will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of
improved fuel efficiency as well as maximum
reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture .
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not normalise until having
driven approximately four kilometres. This is why we recommend avoiding
short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the
tyre pressure is just one bar too low, fuel consumption can increase by as
much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they increase fuel consumption by
up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no unnec-
essary loads are being transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120km/h your vehicle will use about
12% more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof rack
even when it is not in use.
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Driving and the environment209
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the need
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always
turn off electrical components when you do not need them. Examples of
components that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear
window heating or the seat heaters*.
Note
•If you vehicle has
Start-Stop, it is not recommended to disconnect this
function.•It is recommended to close the windows when driving at more than 60
km/h•Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, as the pressure can
make the plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can burn the clutch plate
lining, causing a serious fault.•Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch, use the foot brake or hand
brake, using the latter to start. The fuel consumption will be lower and you will
prevent the clutch plate from being damaged.•On descents, use the engine brake, changing to the gear that is more suit-
able for the slope. The fuel consumption will be lower and the brakes will not
suffer.Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials
and production of your new Seat.
Design measures for economical recycling•Joints and connections designed for easy dismantling•Modular construction to facilitate dismantling•Increased use of single-grade materials
•Plastic parts and elastomers are rated in accordance with ISO 1043, ISO
11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials•Nearly all materials used can be recycled•Similar types of plastics grouped together for easy recycling•Recycled materials used in manufacture•Reduction of volatile compounds in plastics•CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioner
Compliance with prohibited materials regulation : cadmium, lead, mercury,
chrome VI.
Manufacturing methods•Use of recycled material for manufacturing plastic parts•Solvent-free cavity sealing•Solvent-free wax for protecting the vehicles in transit•Solvent-free adhesives•No CFCs used in production•Surplus materials used extensively for energy conversion and building
materials•Overall water consumption reduced•Heat recovery systems•The use of water-soluble paints
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Driving and the environment
210Driving abroadObservationsTo drive abroad, the following must be taken into consideration:•For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter ensure that unleaded petrol is
available for the journey. See the chapter “Refuelling”. Automobile organisa-
tions will have information about service station networks selling unleaded
fuel.•In some countries, it is possible that your vehicle model is not sold, and
therefore spare parts are not available or the Authorised Services can only
carry out limited repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the
technical preparations that you vehicle requires and also about necessary
maintenance and repair possibilities.Adhesive strips for headlightsIf you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or
vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights will dazzle oncoming
traffic.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight
lenses. Further information is available at your Authorised Service Centre.
In vehicles with adaptive headlights, the rotation system must previously be
disconnected. To do this, please go to a specialised workshop.
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Trailer towing211
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Trailer towingInstructions to followYour vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the vehicle is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already
have the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory require-
ments for towing a trailer. For the after-market fitting of a trailer towing
bracket see ⇒page 213.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available in any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If you do not load the trailer up to
the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspondingly
steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and there-
fore the vehicle’s climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced air
density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
When possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted drawbar load
on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified limit. The figures for
trailer weights and drawbar loads that are given on the data
plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct
figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the
towing bracket, are given in the vehicle documents or in ⇒Section “Tech-
nical Data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer’s recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case, you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
•Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
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