open bonnet Seat Altea 2015 Owner's Manual

Dash panel
Operation
Dash panel Overview Overview of the dash panel Door release lever
Light switch
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Lighting control for instrument and
switch lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . .79
Air vents
Turn signal and main beam lever
and cruise control system* . . . . . . . .77, 142
Controls on the steering wheel . . . .57
Instrument panel:
– Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
– Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
– Control and warning lamps . . . . . .35
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8 Horn (works only when the ignition
is on)/ Driver front airbag
. . . . . . . . .17
Windscreen wiper lever and opera-
tion of the multi-function display* .84, 52
Left seat heating button . . . . . . . . . .91
Controls for
– Heating* and ventilation . . . . . . . .107
– Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
– Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Radio/Navigator*
Right seat heating button . . . . . . . . .91
Control lamp for front passenger
airbag deactivated warning lamp . .23
Front passenger front airbag . . . . . .17
Glove compartment lever . . . . . . . . .93
Selector lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Cup holder compartment . . . . . . . . .95
Controls in the centre console: – Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
– ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
9 10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 –
Tyre pressure control* . . . . . . . . . . .43
– Park Pilot* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
– Cigarette lighter/Power socket . .98
– Exterior mirror adjustment . . . . . .87
– Start-Stop* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Hazard warning lights switch . . . . . .81
Pedals
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Steering column control lever* . . . .7
Handle for releasing the bonnet . . .163
Button for opening and closing the
front windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Safety switch* for the rear windows . . .72
Control* for opening and closing
the rear windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Note
Some of the items of equipment listed here
are fitted only on certain model versions or
are optional extras. 21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
31Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Dash panelItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning lampsFurther information
19
Cruise speed activated (Cruise control)›››
page 45
20 Door open indicator›››
page 45
21 If it stays lit:
ASR switched off››› page 45 ››› page 46 ››› page 134
22 Electromechanical steering›››
page 45
23 Fault in the emission control system›››
page 45
24 If flashing:
the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is working or the ASR is working
If it remains lit: ESC or ASR faulty››› page 45 ››› page 46 ››› page 134 
25
Selector lever lock (automatic gearbox)›››
page 46 WARNING
● Failure to observe control lamps and warn-
ing messages can result in serious personal
injury or damage to your vehicle.
● The risk of an accident increases if your ve-
hicle breaks down. Use a warning triangle to
draw the attention of other road users in or-
der to prevent danger to third parties.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous
area. Before you open the bonnet to work on
the engine or in the engine compartment,
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to
reduce the risk of burns or other injuries.
Read and observe the relevant warnings
››› page 163. Note
● The appropriate control lamp for a fault will
light up in vehicles without warning or infor-
mation messages in the display.
● In vehicles with warning or information
messages on the screen, the appropriate con-
trol lamp for a fault will light up and a warn-
ing or information message will also appear
on the screen. 37
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
Overview of control and warning
lamps (vehicles with LPG) 3 Applies to the model: ALTEA / ALTEA XL
Fig. 31
Instrument panel control and warning
lamps in vehicles with LPG1 Red: coolant level/coolant
temperature›››
page
40
2 Blue: cold engine warning›››
page
40
3 
(green
)
The green lamp lights up
when the vehicle is in LPG
mode.
The lamp goes off when
you switch, automatically
or manually, to petrol
mode.
››› page
118 
(yel-
low)
The yellow warning lamp
lights up when the petrol
has reached the reserve
level.
WARNING
● Failure to observe control lamps and warn-
ing messages can result in serious personal
injury or damage to your vehicle.
● The risk of an accident increases if your ve-
hicle breaks down. Use a warning triangle to
draw the attention of other road users in or-
der to prevent danger to third parties.
● The engine compartment is a dangerous
area. Before you open the bonnet to work on
the engine or in the engine compartment,
switch the engine off and allow it to cool to
reduce the risk of burns or other injuries.
Read and observe the relevant warnings
››› page 163. Note
● The appropriate control lamp for a fault will
light up in vehicles without warning or infor-
mation messages in the display. ●
In vehicles with warning or information
messages on the screen, the appropriate con-
trol lamp for a fault will light up and a warn-
ing or information message will also appear
on the screen. Warning symbols
There are red warning symbols (priority 1)
and yellow warning symbols (priority 2).
Warning messages, Priority 1 (red)
If one of these faults occurs, the warning
lamp will light up or flash and will be accom-
panied by
three audible warnings. This is a
danger warning. Stop the vehicle and switch
off the en

gine. Check the fault and correct it.
Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If several priority 1 faults are detected at the
same time, the symbols will be displayed one
after the other for about 2 seconds at a time
and will continue until the fault is corrected.
No menus will be shown in the display for the
duration of a priority 1 warning message.
Examples of priority 1 warning messages
(red)
● Brake system symbol  with the warning
message STOP BRAKE FLUID INSTRUCTION
MANUAL or STOP BRAKE FAULT INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
38

OperationMessages
a)Description
CHECK SAFE-
LOCKNotification of central locking function
activated.
a)These messages may vary according the version of the vehi-
cle model.
Fuel level/reserve The light comes on when only 7 litres of fuel
remain in the tank, and an acoustic signal
al-
so sou nd

s. It reminds you to fuel up the fuel
tank as soon as possible ›››
page 158.
The instrument panel displays the following
message 1)
: PLEASE REFUEL!
.
Coolant level* / temperature  (red) 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, and 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 instrument panel displays the following
message
1)
: CHECK COOLANT INSTRUCTION
MANU AL

››› page 169.
Firs
t 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 radia-
tor fan. Check the radiator fan fuse and have
it replaced if necessary ››› page 196.
If the control lamp lights up again after driv-
ing on for a short distance, stop the vehicle
and switch the engine off. Contact a Techni-
cal

Service or a specialised workshop.
Coolant level too low
The instrument panel displays the following
message 1)
: STOP CHECK COOLANT INSTRUC-
TION MANUAL.
First 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 technical
reasons, move it to a safe distance from traf-
fic. 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 en-
gine compartment. Risk of scalding. Wait un-
til 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 en-
gine compartment, switch off the engine and
allow it to cool down. Always note the corre-
sponding warnings ››› page 163. Coolant temperature
 (blue) 3 Applies to vehicles with LPG
This lamp lights up when the coolant is be-
low approximately +45 °C (+113 °F). When it
exceeds this temperature the lamp turns off.
Rear fog light  The warning lamp  lights up when the rear
fog light is switched on. For further informa-
tion see
›››
page 75 . 1)
Depending on the version of the model.
40

Operation
There is a fault in the ABS if:
● The warning lamp 
does not light up
when the ignition i
s switched on.
● The control lamp does not go out again af-
ter a few seconds.
● The control lamp lights up when the vehicle
is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal
way, without the ABS function. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible. For further information on the ABS
see the ››› page 136
.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESC* control
lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp  lights up together
with the brake warning lamp , there is a
fault in the ABS function and in the brake
system ››› .
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the warnings ››› page 163, Working in
the engine compartment.
● If the br

ake system 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 172, Brake fluid. If the brake fluid
l ev

el 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 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. Washer fluid* 
This warning lamp lights up to indicate that
the windscreen washer level is very low.
This serves as a reminder to fill up the reser-
voir at the earliest opportunity
››› page 171.
The following message is shown on the in-
strument panel display* 1)
: REFILL WIND-
SCREEN WASHER FLUID .
Alternator  This warning lamp signals a fault in the alter-
nator.The warning lamp

lights up when the igni-
tion i

s switched on. It should go out when the
engine has started running.
If the warning lamp 
lights up while driv-
ing, the alternator is no longer charging the
battery. You should immediately drive to the
nearest specialised workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment
that is not absolutely necessary because this
will drain the battery.
Worn brake pads  If the
 symbol lights up, have the front
brake pads (and, for safety reasons, the rear
pads as well) inspected by a specialised
workshop. 1)
Depending on the version of the model.
42

Operation
Brake system*  Situations in which the warning lamp lights
up 
● the br ak
e fluid level is too low
››› page 172.
The ins

trument panel displays the following
message 1)
: STOP BRAKE FLUID INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

.
● there is a fault in the brake system.
The instrument panel displays the following
message 1)
: BRAKE SYSTEM FAULT INSTRUC-
TION MANUAL .
This warning lamp can light up together with
the ABS system warning lamp. WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the warnings on ››› page 163.
● If the brake warning lamp does not go out,
or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ››› page 172, Brake fluid
is too low. Risk of accident. Stop the vehicle
and do not drive on. Obtain technical assis-
tance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up  to-
gether with the ABS lamp  this could be
due to an ABS fault. 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.
Handbrake 
This lamp lights up when the handbrake is
applied.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h (4 mph) with
the handbrake on, the following message will
appear on the instrument panel display
1)
:
HANDBRAKE ON. You will also hear an acous-
tic warning signal ››› page 123.
Bulb defect*  The  warning lamp lights up when there is
a fault in the turn signals, headlights, side
lights and fog lights, e.g. in the left head-
light.
The instrument panel displays the following
message
1)
: LEFT FULL BEAM FAULTY .Engine oil pressure
 If this warning lamp is red it 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 necessary, add more oil ››› page 166.
The instrument panel displays the following
message 1)
: STOP ENGINE OIL PRESSURE IN-
S TRUCTION MANU

AL.
If the warning lamp flashes although the oil
level is correct, stop driving. Do not even run
the en gine at

idle speed! Obtain technical as-
sistance.
Checking the oil level 
If the warning lamp is yellow  the engine
oil level should be checked as soon as possi-
ble. Top up the oil ›››
page 168 at the next
opportunity.
Oil level sensor faulty* 
If the  yellow warning lamp flashes, take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop to have
the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is
advisable to check the oil level every time
you refuel. 1)
Depending on the version of the model.
44

Opening and closing
● The turn signal light will flash once on clos-
ing and activating the alarm.
When does the system trigger an alarm?
The system triggers an alarm if the following
unauthorised actions are carried out when
the vehicle is locked:
● Opening the vehicle mechanically using
the key and with the ignition off.
● A door is opened.
● Opening the bonnet.
● The rear lid is opened.
● Ignition switched on with a non-validated
key.
● Movements in the driving compartment
(vehicles with interior monitoring).
● Undue manipulation of the alarm.
● Battery handling.
The acoustic signals sound and the turn sig-
nals flash for approx. 30 seconds. This cycle
may be repeated up to 10 times depending
on the country.
Opening the doors mechanically (emergency
opening)
If the radio frequency remote control function
fails, you will have to use the key to unlock
the vehicle. This is done as follows: ●
Use the lock on the driver door to unlock
the vehicle. The anti-theft alarm system re-
mains active, but an alarm is not triggered
immediately.
● Switch on the ignition within 15 seconds.
When the ignition is switched on, the elec-
tronic immobiliser recognises a valid vehicle
key and deactivates the anti-theft alarm sys-
tem. If you do not switch on the ignition with-
in 15 seconds, the alarm is triggered (in cer-
tain markets, such as the Netherlands, there
is no 15-second waiting time and the alarm
is activated immediately after opening the
door).
Opening all the doors in manual mode
In vehicles without an alarm, when opening
the driver door manually, all doors are
opened.
How to switch the alarm off
When the vehicle is unlocked via the unlock-
ing button of the radio frequency remote con-
trol or when the key is inserted in the ignition
lock. Note
● After 28 days, the indicator light will be
switched off to prevent the battery from
draining if the vehicle has been left parked
for a long period of time. The alarm system
remains activated. ●
If, after the audible warning turns off, an-
other monitored area is accessed (e.g. the
boot hatch is opened after a door has been
opened), the alarm is triggered again.
● The anti-theft alarm is not activated when
the vehicle is locked from within using the
central locking button  .
● If the vehicle battery is run down or flat
then the anti-theft alarm will not operate cor-
rectly.
● Vehicle monitoring remains active even if
the battery is disconnected or not working for
any reason.
● The alarm is triggered immediately if one of
the battery cables is disconnected while the
alarm system is active. Interior monitoring*
This is a monitoring or control function incor-
porated in the anti-theft alarm* which de-
tects unauthorized vehicle entry by means of
ultrasound.
The system consists of 3 sensors, 2 emitters
and a receptor.
Activation
– It is automatically turned on with the anti-
theft alarm, when the vehicle is locked me-
chanically with the key and when the but-
ton  on the remote control is used.
»
69Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Care and maintenance
running gear, and retouch it if necessary,
before and after the winter season.
We recommend that you go to your Technical
Service to carry out repair work and addition-
al anti-corrosion work. WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion
coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic con-
verter or the heat shields on the exhaust sys-
tem. The heat of the exhaust system or the
engine could cause them to ignite. Risk of
fire. Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine
compartment.
Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of
the power unit are given anti-corrosion treat-
ment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly im-
portant in winter when the vehicle is fre-
quently driven on salted roads. To prevent
the salt corroding the vehicle, the entire en-
gine compartment should be thoroughly
cleaned before and after winter.
Technical Services
have the proper products
for cleaning and preservation as well as the necessary workshop equipment. For this rea-
son, we recommend having this work per-
formed by them.
The anti-corrosion protection is usually re-
moved if the engine compartment is cleaned
with grease removing solutions, or if you
have the engine cleaned. On commissioning
this work, ensure that all surfaces, seams,
joints and components in the engine com-
partment are given anti-corrosion treatment.
WARNING
● When working in the engine compartment,
always observe the safety warnings
››› page 163.
● Bef
ore opening the bonnet, switch the en-
gine off, apply the handbrake firmly and al-
ways remove the key from the ignition.
● Allow the engine to cool before you clean
the engine compartment.
● Do not clean, for example, the vehicle un-
derbody, wheel arches or wheel trims without
protecting your hands and arms. You may cut
yourself on sharp-edged metal parts. Failure
to comply could result in injury.
● Moisture, ice and salt on the brake system
may affect braking effectiveness. Risk of acci-
dent. Directly after washing, avoid sudden
and sharp braking.
● Never touch the radiator fan. It is tempera-
ture-controlled and could start automatically,
even when the key is removed from the igni-
tion! For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits can be removed
when the engine is washed. The polluted wa-
ter must be cleaned in an oil separator. For
this reason, engine washing should be car-
ried out only by a specialised workshop or a
petrol station. Caring for the vehicle interior
Introduction The dye used in many modern garments, for
example dark jeans, is not always sufficiently
colour-fast. Seat upholstery (material and
leather), especially when light-coloured, may
visibly discolour if the dye comes out of
clothing (even when used correctly). This is
not an upholstery defect but indicates that
the dye in the item of clothing is not suffi-
ciently colour-fast.
The longer stains or dirt remain on the vehi-
cle surfaces, especially the fabrics covering
the padded upholstery, the more difficult it
becomes to clean and maintain them. If
stains and dirt are left for a long time, it may
be that they are impossible to remove.
WARNING
Car-care products may be toxic and hazard-
ous. Using unsuitable car-care products or, » 153
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Checking and refilling levels
LPG quality and consumption
Quality requirements for LPG are regulated
for all Europe in DIN EN 589 and permit the
use of LPG throughout Europe.
A difference is drawn between winter gas and
summer gas. Winter gas has a higher propor-
tion of propane gas. As a result, the driving
range of winter gas may be lower (due to in-
creased consumption) than that of summer
gas.
LPG supplier network
The number of LPG pumps is constantly in-
creasing.
Lists of existing LPG pumps may be found on
Internet.
LPG safety A series of collision tests performed on this
vehicle while running with LPG have con-
firmed its high level of safety.
The safety of the LPG system guarantees op-
eration without risk. The following safety
measures have been adopted:
● The LPG tank has a solenoid valve which
closes automatically when the engine is
switched off (ignition off) or when running on
petrol. ●
A solenoid type main valve disconnects the
supply of gas to the engine compartment
when the engine is switched off or running
on petrol.
● A safety valve in the LPG tank with pipes to
the outside prevents the gas from entering
the vehicle interior.
● All anchorage points and materials have
been designed to ensure the maximum pos-
sible levels of safety.
The condition of the LPG system should be
checked regularly to guarantee safe driving
conditions ››› . These checks are included
in the Maintenance Programme. WARNING
● If there is a smell of gas or a suspected
leak, stop the vehicle immediately and switch
off the ignition. Open the doors to ventilate
the vehicle. Do not carry on driving! Take the
vehicle to a specialised workshop and have
the fault repaired.
● Immediately extinguish any cigarettes and
remove from the vehicle any objects which
might produce a spark or cause a fire, and
switch off immediately if gas is smelt or a
leak is detected.
● LPG tanks are subject to pressure and must
be checked regularly. The owner of the vehi-
cle must check that these services are per-
formed correctly. ●
When parking the vehicle in a closed area
(e.g. in a garage), make sure that there is ad-
equate ventilation, either natural or mechani-
cal, to neutralise the LPG in the event of a
leak. Note
For any fault in the LPG system, please refer
to the SEAT web page, which lists the work-
shops authorised to repair these faults. Working in the engine
compartment
Safety instructions on working in the
engine compartment Before starting any work on the engine or in
the engine compartment:
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 selec- tor lever to position P.
4. Wait for the engine to cool down.
5. Keep children away from the vehicle.
6. Raise the bonnet ››› page 165.
»
163Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
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. cool-
ant, engine oil, spark plugs and batteries,
are under constant development. SEAT pro-
vides a constant flow of information to Tech-
nical Services concerning modifications. For
this reason, we recommend you have service
fluids and consumables replaced by a Techni-
cal Service. Please observe the relevant in-
structions ››› page 147 . The engine compart-
ment of
the vehicle is a hazardous area.
››› .
WARNING
All work on the engine or in the engine com-
partment, e.g. checking and refilling fluids,
involves the danger of injury and burns, acci-
dents and even 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 electri-
cal system, particularly at the points where
the jump leads are attached ››› page 190. The
battery could explode.
● Never touch the radiator fan. It is tempera-
ture controlled and could start automatically,
even when the engine has been switched off
and the key removed from the ignition!
● Never cover the engine with additional in-
sulating materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant ex-
pansion 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.
● Always make sure you have not left any ob-
jects, such as cleaning cloths or 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 acci-
dent!. A hydraulic jack is insufficient for se-
curing 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:
– 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-fit-
ting clothes.
– Never accelerate with a gear engaged
without taking the necessary precau-
tions. 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 components, you
must observe the following safety notes in
addition to the above warnings:
– Always disconnect the battery from the
on-board network. 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! 164