ESP Seat Altea 2014 Workshop Manual

249
Checking and refilling levels
Brake fluid Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the serv-
ice schedule.
Fig. 175 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
– 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 en-
gine compartment illustration ⇒ page 297. 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
instrument panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ page 76.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and ob-
serve the warnings ⇒ page 235.

Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme indicates the brake fluid
change intervals. We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by a Technical Serv-
ice.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒ 
in
Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment on page 235 in
section “Safety notes for 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.
Be sure to always use the correct brake fluid. Only use brake fluid that ex-
pressly meets VW 501 14 standards.
You can buy VW 501 14 standard brake fluid in a SEAT dealership or SEAT
Official Service. If none is available, use only high quality brake fluid that
meets DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or USA Standards FMVSS 116 DOT
4.
Using any other kind of brake fluid or one that is not of a high quality may
affect operation of the brake system and reduce its effectiveness. Never use
a brake fluid if the container does not state that it complies with VW 501 14,
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or USA standards FMVSS 116 DOT 4. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

251
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited. When han-
dling cables and electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks and electro-
static 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 en-
gine, 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 on-board network,
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 re-
verse 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 also freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C
(+32 °F).
● Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
● Never use a defective battery. This could cause an explosion. Replace
a damaged battery immediately.CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the en-
gine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic com-
ponents.
● 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 freezing. 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 engine bonnet and the battery cover ⇒ 
in Safety in-
structions on working in the engine compartment on page 236
⇒ 
in Warnings on handling the battery on page 250.
– 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 297.
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: 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

254Wheels and tyres
2. The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres are
cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be re-
duced.
3. Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.
Tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure is especially important at high speeds. The pres-
sure should therefore be checked at least once a month and before starting
a journey.
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
fuel tank flap. The tyre pressure values given are for cold tyres. Do not re-
duce the slightly raised pressures of warm tyres ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking the tyre
pressure is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low,
there is an increased danger of accidents - particularly at high speeds.
● A tyre can easily burst if the pressure is too low, causing an accident!
● At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. In this way it becomes too hot, and this can cause tread separation
and tyre blow-out. Always observe the recommended tyre pressures.
● If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prema-
turely and the vehicle will not handle well. Risk of accident!
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption. Tyre pressure monitoring
The tyre pressure monitoring system constantly checks the
pressure of the tyres.
The system uses the speed sensors of the ABS wheels. It operates by analy-
sing the speed and frequency spectrum of each wheel.
For optimum performance, use genuine SEAT tyres. In addition, check and
adjust tyre pressures regularly.
Whenever the tyre pressures are changed or one or more tyres are changed,
the system should be Reset by pressing the SET switch on the centre con-
sole.
The system warns the driver in the event of a loss of pressure by means of
symbols and messages in the instrument panel display. The system oper-
ates via the ESC ⇒ page 198.
Note that tyre pressure also depends on tyre temperature. Tyre pressure in-
creases about 0.1 bar (2.9 psi / 10 kPa) for each +10 °C (+50 °F) in tyre tem-
perature increase. The tyre heats up while the vehicle is being driven and
the tyre pressure will rise accordingly. For this reason, you should only ad-
just the tyre pressures when they are cold (i.e. approximately at ambient
temperature).
To ensure that the tyre pressure monitoring system works reliably, you
should check and, if necessary, adjust the tyre pressures at regular intervals
and store the correct pressures (reference values) in the system.
A tyre pressure information label is attached to the inside of the fuel tank
flap. 

264If and when
Wheel change
Preparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away
from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as
level as possible.
– All vehicle occupants should leave the vehicle. They should
wait in a safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barri-
er).
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage the first gear , or put the selector lever to position P for
those vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Take the vehicle tools and the spare wheel out of the luggage
compartment.
WARNING
Put the hazard warning lights on and place the warning triangle in posi-
tion. This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
CAUTION
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent
the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so. 
Changing a wheel
Change the wheel as described below
– Remove the wheel cover . Also refer to ⇒ Fig. 179
– Slacken the wheel bolts .
– Raise the vehicle with the jack at the corresponding area
– Remove the wheel and put on the spare one
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly with the box spanner
– Replace the hub cap. 
After changing a wheel
After changing the wheel there are still tasks to complete. – Put the tools and jack back in the luggage compartment. 

274If and when
Note
In the vehicle, there are more fuses than those indicated in this chapter.
These should only be changed by a specialised workshop. 
Replacing a blown fuse
Fig. 187 Image of a
blown fuse
Preparation
● Switch off the ignition, lights and all electrical equipment.
● Open the corresponding fuse box ⇒ page 273.
Identifying a blown fuse
A fuse is blown if its metal strip is ruptured ⇒ Fig. 187.
Point a lamp at the fuse. This will make it easier to see if the fuse is blown. To replace a fuse
●
Remove the fuse.
● Replace the blown fuse by one with an identical amperage rating (same
colour and markings) and identical size ⇒ 
.
● Replace the cover again or close the fuse box lid.
CAUTION
If you replace a fuse with higher-rating fuse, you could cause damage to an-
other part of the electrical system. 
Bulb change General notes
Before changing any bulb, first turn off the failed component.
Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare hands. The finger-
prints left on the glass will vaporise as a result of the heat generated by the
bulb, causing a reduction in bulb life and condensation on the mirror sur-
face, thus reducing effectiveness.
A bulb must only be replaced by one of the same type. The type is indicated
on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
It is highly recommended to keep a box of spare bulbs in the vehicle. At the
very least, the following spare bulbs, which are essential for road safety,
should be kept in the vehicle.
Main headlights - H7
- H1 
Dipped beam
Main beam

275
If and when
- W5W - PY21W
Xenon headlights 1)
/adaptive*
- D1S 2)
- P21W SLL
- W5W - PY21W
Front fog light - H3
Upper tail light (ALTEA) - P21W3)
- R10W
Lower tail light (ALTEA) - P21W- P21W
Fixed tail light (ALTEA XL / ALTEA FREETRACK) - P21W3)
- P21W
Position
Turn signal
Dipped and full beam
Daylight
Position
Turn signals
Front fog light
Stop/Position
Turn signal
Fog light
Reverse light
Stop/Position
Turn signal Mobile tail light (ALTEA XL / ALTEA FREETRACK)
- P21W- P21W
- W5W
Side turn signal - W5W
Number plate light - C5W
Note
● Depending on weather conditions (cold or wet), the headlights, the fog
lights, the tail lights and the turn signals may be temporarily misted. This
has no influence on the useful life of the lighting system. By switching on
the lights, the area through which the beam of light is projected will quickly
be demisted. However, the edges may continue to be misted.
● Please check at regular intervals that all lighting (especially the exterior
lighting) on your vehicle is functioning properly. This is not only in the inter-
est of your own safety, but also that of all other road users.
● Due to the difficulty in accessing some of the bulbs, any replacement
work should be done by a Technical Service. However, the following is a de-
scription of how to change the lamps except for the fog lights* and interior
lamps. 
Fog light (driver side)
Reverse (passenger side)
Position
Side turn signal
Number plate light
1)
On this type of headlight, the bulb changes must be made by the Technical Service, given
that complex elements must be removed from the vehicle and a reset must be made on the
automatic control system incorporated.
2) The Xenon bulbs discharge 2.5 times the light flux and have an average lifespan of 5 times
more than that of halogen bulbs, this means that, except due to unusual circumstances,
there is no need to change the bulbs for the whole life of the vehicle.
3) Electronically controlled single filament bulb for Stop/side bulbs. If the bulb blows it will
not work in either position or Stop.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

280If and when
Applies to the model: ALTEA
Side lights/ brake lights
Fig. 196 Side lights and
brake lights
Fig. 197 Side lights and
brake lights
– Open the rear lid.
– Remove the bolts ⇒ Fig. 196 A
. –
Remove the cover of the luggage compartment lateral panel.
– Unscrew the plastic fitting ⇒ Fig. 197 B
securing the tail light.
Inserting a screwdriver under the plastic fitting may help to
loosen it.
– Partially remove the tail light from its casing taking care not to
pull on the cable.
– Remove the bulb holder connector.
– Unscrew the bolts ⇒ Fig. 198 C
from the bulb holder and pull
on this.
– Press on the bulb and rotate to the left then fit the replacement.
– To refit follow the steps in reverse order, taking special care
when fitting the bulb holder. The metal contacts of the bulb
holder ends should be correctly fitted with respect to the tail
light contacts. 

290If and when
Towing and tow-starting
Tow-starting
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.
We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-start-
ing is preferable ⇒ page 287.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2nd or the 3rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the
gear lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the
towing vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it. General notes
Please observe the following points if you use a tow rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
–
Drive slowly at first until the tow rope is taut. Then accelerate
gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto-
matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not
working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake sooner than nor-
mal and pressing the pedal gently.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow rope remains taut at all times when towing.
Tow rope or tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. You should only use a
tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material.
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar only to the towline anchorages provided
or a towing bracket.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexper-
ienced drivers should not attempt to tow. 

295
Description of specifications
The fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions do not depend only on the per-
formance of the vehicle, they can also differ from the established values de-
pending on other factors such as driving style, road conditions, traffic con-
ditions, environmental conditions, load and number of passengers.
Calculation of fuel consumption
The consumption values have been calculated based on measurements per-
formed or supervised by certified CE laboratories according to the latest ver-
sion of directives 715/2007/EC and 80/1268/CEE (for more information
consult the European Union Publications Office at EUR-Lex: © European Un-
ion, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) and are valid for the kerb
weight indicated for the vehicle.
Note
In practice, and considering all the factors mentioned here, consumption
values can differ from those calculated in the current European regulations. 
Weights
Kerb weight refers to the basic model with a fuel tank filled to 90% capacity
and without optional extras. The figure quoted includes 75 kg to allow for
the weight of the driver.
For special versions and optional equipment fittings or for the addition of
accessories, the weight of the vehicle will increase ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect vehicle handling and lead to an accident.
Always adjust your speed and driving style to suit road conditions and re-
quirements.
● Never exceed the gross axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight
rating. If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded,
the driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to acci-
dents, injuries and damage to the vehicle.

Towing a trailer Trailer weights
Trailer weight
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive tri-
als according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) (in
certain circumstances up to 100 km/h (62 mph)). The figures may be differ-
ent in other countries. All data in the official vehicle documentation takes
precedence over these data at all times ⇒ 
.
Drawbar loads
The maximum permitted drawbar load on the ball joint of the towing bracket
must not exceed 75 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow approach-
ing the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will
be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load cannot be met (e.g. with small,
empty and light-weight single axle trailers or tandem axle trailers with a 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications