power steering Seat Altea Freetrack 2008 Owner's Manual

Cockpit
82•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
•
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
functional.
Operating the brake pedal

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.Power steering system*

For vehicles with power steering, the level of steering assistance depends on
the vehicle's speed and on the steering angle.
The warning lamp should light up for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on. It should go out when the engine has started running.
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 electromechanica l 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 fault s. If it lights yellow, this indicates a
minor fault. If it lights red, seek wo rkshop 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 183.
Brake pad wear indicator*

As the brake pad wear indicator only monitors the front brake pads, it is advis-
able to have the rear brake pads inspected at the same time.
The instrument panel displays shows the following message
18): CHECK
BRAKE PADS .
WARNING
Have the brake pads inspected immediately by a qualified dealership if the
warning display
 lights up.
Indicator for open doors or tailgate

This indicator lights if one of th e 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
about 15 seconds after the vehicle is locked.
18)Depending on the model version
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Driving
164Starting
The engine is started when the key is in this position. Electrical components
with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily.
Each time that the vehicle must be star ted, the ignition key must be turned to
the position . The repetitive start prevention lock of the ignition prevents
possible damage to the starter moto r if the engine is already running.
WARNING
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the ignition
key from the lock. The steering lock could be activated immediately - Risk
of accident!
•
Always remove the key from the ignition lock when leaving the vehicle,
even if you only intend to be gone for a short period. This is especially
important if you must leave children or disabled people in the vehicle, they
could accidentally start the engine or work electrical equipment such as
the windows possibly resulting in an accident.
•
Unsupervised use of the keys could result in the engine being started
or electrical systems, such as the el ectric windows, being used. This can
result in serious injury.Caution
The starter motor will only work when the engine is stopped (ignition key
position ).
Electronic immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents unauthorised persons from driving
the vehicle.Inside the key there is a chip that deac tivates 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 engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with the correct
code.
Note
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine SEAT
key.Starting and stopping the engineStarting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with
the correct code.– Move the gear lever to the ne utral position and depress the
clutch pedal fully and hold it in this position, the starter will then
only have to turn the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position ⇒ page 163 to start the engine.
A2A0
A2
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Driving169
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Driving programmes
The automatic gearbox / direct shift gearbox has three
programmes.Selecting the economy programme
– This programme selects a higher gear earlier rather than remain
in a lower gear.
– Put the selector lever into position D to drive forwards
– Put the selector lever into position R to reverse. This position is
shared by all programmes for reversing.
Selecting the sport programme
– Move the lever to position S .If you select the sport programme, S, the program is designed for a sports
mode, that is, a programme which changes up at higher engine speeds to use the full power of the engine. This pr
ogramme is not recommended for use on
the motorway or in the city.
Selecting the manual programme (tiptronic)
This programme allows driving similar to a manual gearbox.
You can access this program from the gear stick or from the paddles on the
steering wheel, if this option exists ⇒page 172.
Selector lever locking
The selector lever lock prevents gears from being engaged
inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move.Releasing the selector lever lock
–Start the vehicle.
Fig. 141 Program selec-
tion
Fig. 142 Deactivating the
lock
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Intelligent technology183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
The TCS should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
WARNING
•
It must be remembered that TCS cann
ot defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particular ly on slippery and wet roads and when
towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by TCS tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
•
In order to ensure that TCS function correctly, all four wheels must be
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
•
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running
gear or any components affecting the wh eels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS and TCS.
Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*General notes
The electronic stabilisation programme increases the
vehicle's stability on the road.The electronic stabilisation programme helps to reduce the danger of skid-
ding.
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL, TCS and
Steering manoeuvre recommendations. Electronic Stabilising Program (ESP)*
ESP reduces the danger of skidding by braking the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehi
cle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the car is starting to skid), then the ESP compen-
sates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Steering manoeuvre recommendations
This is a complementary safety function included in the ESP This function aids
the driver to better stabilize the vehicle in a critical situation. For example, in
case of sudden braking surface with varied adherence, the vehicle will tend
to destabilize its trajectory to the right to or to the left. In this case the ESP
recognizes the situation and helps the driver with a counter steering
manoeuvre from the power steering.
This function simply provides the dr iver with a recommended manoeuvre in
critical situations.
The vehicle doesn't steer itself with this function, the driver has full control of
the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
•
It must be remembered that ESP cann ot defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when
towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
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Intelligent technology187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Braking effect and braking distance
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The rate
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often
drive in town, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we recom-
mend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an Approved
Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Maintenance
Programme.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter): The brakes should
be dried by pressing the pedal to restore full braking effect.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk
of accidents.•
New brake pads must be run in and do not have the correct friction
during the first 200 km. However, th e reduced braking capacity may be
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also
applies when new brake pads are fitted.
•
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have
been gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal.
•
On steep descents if the brakes are excessively used they will over
heat. Before driving down a long steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce
speed and change to a lower gear (or move the selector lever to a lower gear
if your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine
braking and relieves the brakes.
•
Never let the brakes “rub” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and will increase the braking
distance. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
•
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably as the brake servo does not function.
•
Very heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This impairs the braking effect.
•
Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions
before purchasing accessories ⇒ page 210, “Modifications”.
•
If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary
journeys.
Power steering (servotronic*)
The power steering assists the driver when turning the
steering wheel (with the engine running).The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the
steering wheel. In cars equipped with servotronic* power steering the degree
of power assistance is regulated electronically according to road speed.
If a fault should occur in the servotronic system the power steering* will still
operate. The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to
different speeds. If the electronic regu lating system is not working properly,
this is most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for
instance when parking) – more effort wi ll be required than usual. The fault
should be corrected by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent technology
188The power steering does not work if the engine is off. In this case the steering
wheel is very hard to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the car is stationary, this will
place an excessive load on the power steering system, Turning the steering
wheel to its limits places a load on the system, which causes noise. It will also
reduce the idling speed of the engine.
Caution
When the engine is running, do not tu rn the steering wheel to its limits for
more than 15 seconds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the power
steering.
Note
•
If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off
(for instance when being towed), the ca r can still be steered. However, more
effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.
•
If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the car to a quali-
fied workshop as soon as possible.
•
The power steering requires a special hydraulic fluid. The container is
located in the engine compartment (front left). The correct fluid level in the
reservoir is important for the power steering to function properly. The
hydraulic fluid level is checked at the Inspection Service.
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If and when259
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Position in engine compartment: Side boxFuses
Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain
models or are optional extras.
Please note that the above list, while correct at the time of printing, is subject
to alterations.Bulb changeGeneral notesBefore changing any bulb, first turn off the equipment concerned.
Do not touch the bulb glass. Fingerprints vaporise in the heat, causing a
reduction in the bulb life and condensation on the mirror surface, thus
reducing efficiency. A bulb should only be replaced by one of the same type. The type is inscribed
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 bulbs that most affect road safety should have spares in the
vehicle.
Main headlights
Dipped beam - H7
Main beam - H1
Position - W5W
Turn signals - PY21W
Number
Consumer Amperes
B1 Alternator < 140 W
150
Alternator > 140 W 200
C1 Power steering servo 80
D1 Multi-terminal voltage supply “30”. Internal fuse box 100
E1 Ventilator > 500 W / Ventilator < 500 W 80/50
F1 PTCs (Supplementary electrical heating using air) 80
G1 PTC (Supplementary electrical heating using air) 40
H1 Central locking control unit
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If and when271
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Towing and tow-startingTo w - s t a r t i n g
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting
is preferable ⇒page 268.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
–Engage the 2
nd or the 3
rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Once both vehicles are mo ving, 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 notesPlease 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 earlier than you
would normally, but with a more gentle pressure on the brake.
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 towing eyes 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. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.
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If and when
272Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking the
tow-rope. When towing on an unpaved ro ad, there is always a risk of over-
loading and damaging the anchorage points.
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the
steering wheel from locking and also to allow the use of the turn signals,
horn, windscreen wipers and washers.
As the brake servo does not work if the engine is not running, you must apply
considerably more pressure to the br ake pedal than you normally would.
As the power assisted steering does not wo rk if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than you normally would.•
The vehicle must not be towed faster than 50 km/h.
•
The vehicle must not be towed faster than 50 Km/h.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
•
Put the selector lever into position “N”.
•
Do not drive faster than 50 km/h when towing a vehicle.
•
Do not tow further than 50 km.
•
If a breakdown vehicle is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.Note
•
Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
•
Switch on the hazard warning lights of both vehicles. However, observe
any regulations to the contrary.
•
For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.
•
If damage to your vehicle means that there is no lubricant in the gearbox,
you must raise the drive wheels while the vehicle is being towed.
•
If the vehicle has to be towed more than 50 km, the front wheels must be
raised during towing, and towing should be carried out by a qualified person.
•
The steering wheel is locked when the vehicle has no electrical power. The
vehicle must then be towed with the front wheels raised. Towing should be
carried out by a qualified person.
•
The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle. Please refer to the
notes on ⇒page 271, “Tow-starting”.
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Index
310NNumber of seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19OObservations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Octane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Oil change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Oil properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
One-touch opening and closing
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Opening and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Overview Control lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72PPaintworkPolishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Parking lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Parts replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Trips to foreign countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Petrol additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Petrol engines, starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Physical principles of a frontal collision . . . . . . 21
Plastic key tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Pollen filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Puncture proof tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
RRadio frequency remote control Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Radio navigation Steering wheel controls audio + telephone version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
audio version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Radio wave remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Rain sensor* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Rear drink holder* Armrest* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Rear fog light Indication lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Rear interior lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Rear lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Rear reading lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Rear seat bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Rear window heating
Heating element wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Rear window wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Registration light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Remote control key Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Synchronising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Removing and fitting the wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Repairs Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Replacement keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Rev counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Reverse gear Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
RME fuel (biodiesel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Roll-back function Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Roof aerial* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Roof carrier* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Roof stowage compartment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Rubber seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Running in Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Running in tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
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