tow bar Seat Altea Freetrack 2009 Owner's Manual

Seats and stowage133
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Front seatsAdjustment of the front seatsThe control elements in ⇒fig. 94 are mirrored for the front right-
hand seat.
Adjusting the seat forwards and backwards
– Pull up the grip and move the seat forwards or backwards.
– Then release the grip and move the seat further until the catch engages.
Adjusting the seat height*
– Pull the lever up or push down (several times if necessary) from its home position. This adjust s the seat height in stages. Adjusting the backrest angle
– Take your weight off the backrest and turn the hand wheel.
Adjusting the lumbar support*
– Take your weight off the backrest and turn the hand wheel to adjust the lumbar support.
The backrest curvature of the cushioned area is determined by the settings
made in the lumbar region. This supports the natural curvature of the spine
very effectively.
WARNING
•
Never adjust the driver or front passenger seat while the vehicle is in
motion. While adjusting your seat, you will assume an incorrect sitting
position. Risk of fatal accidents. Adjust the driver or front passenger seat
only when the vehicle is stationary.
•
To reduce the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger in case of
a sudden braking or an accident, never drive with the backrest tilted
towards the rear. The maximum protection of the seat belt can be achieved
only when the backrests are in an upright position and the driver and front
passenger have properly adjusted their seat belts. The further the back-
rests are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk of injury due to improper
positioning of the belt web!
•
Exercise caution when securing the seat height into forwards/back-
wards position. Injuries can be caused if the backrest is tilted without due
care and attention.
Fig. 94 Front left seat
controls
A1
A1
A2
A3A4
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Seats and stowage
152Partition net*
The partition grille prevents loose objects in the luggage
compartment from being thrown forward into the passenger
compartment (e.g. under sudden braking).
– Pull the net from underneath between the seatback and the
folding tray and fit it to the allotments on the roof, first to the
right then to the left ⇒fig. 125 .
– Hook the belts into the front anchor rings to tense the net ⇒fig. 126.Roof carrier*Please observe the following points if you intend to carry loads on the roof:•
For safety reasons, only luggage racks and accessories approved by SEAT
should be used.
•
It is essential that you follow the assembly instructions included with the
bars exactly, being especially careful to position front and rear luggage
compartment cover bars on the special housings on the longitudinal bars.
You must also respect their position according to the direction of travel indi-
cated in the assembly manual. Not following these instructions may lead to
marks on the longitudinal bars.
•
Distribute the load evenly. A maximum load of 40 kg only is permitted for
each roof carrier system support bar, the load must be distributed evenly
along the entire length. However, the maximum load permitted for the entire
roof (including the support system) of 75 kg must not be exceeded nor should
the total weight of the vehicle be exceeded. See the chapter on “Technical
Data”.
•
When transporting heavy or large objects on the roof, any change in the
normal vehicle behaviour due to a change in the centre of gravity or an
increased wind resistance must be taken into account. For this reason, a suit-
able speed and driving style must be used.
•
For those vehicles fitted with a sunroof*, ensure that it does not interfere
with the load on the roof carrier system when opened.
Fig. 125 Separation netFig. 126 Anchor rings for
the separation net
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Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning163
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
When the button is off (LED off), the heating, ventilation and air condi-
tioning system is off.
When the button is off, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning
system is switched off to save fuel. The temperature continues to self-regu-
late. The set temperature can then only be reached if it is higher than the
ambient temperature.
Driver and passenger temperature control
The button controls the synchronisation of the 2 Climatronic climate
zones.
When the button is on (LED lit), the climate zone of the Climatronic is
personalised, for example: Driver side temperature 22°C and passenger side
temperature 23°C.
When the button is off (LED off), the climate zone of the Climatronic is
synchronised, for example: Driver side temperature 22°C and passenger side
temperature 22°C.
If the button is off and the passenger side temperature is changed, the
function is automatically activated.
Air recirculation mode
Air recirculation mode prevents fumes or unpleasant smells
from coming from the outside.– Press the button
⇒page 162, fig. 134 to switch air recir-
culation mode on or off. It is switched on if the following symbol
appears in the display

.
Air recirculation mode prevents strong odours in the ambient air from
entering the vehicle interior, for example when passing through a tunnel or in
a traffic jam. With low temperatures outside, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the heating system by heating the air inside the passenger compart-
ment rather than the air from outside.
With high ambient temperatures, the air recirculation increases the effective-
ness of the air conditioning system by cooling the air inside the passenger
compartment rather than the ambient air.
If the windscreen air output is on and the air recirculation mode is pressed,
this remains active. When the recirculation mode is on, if the air distribution
towards the windscreen mode is selected, the recirculation mode is deacti-
vated. For safety reasons, the air recirculation mode should not be
connected.
WARNING
In air recirculation mode, no cold air from the outside enters the vehicle
interior. If the air conditioning system is switched off, the windows can
quickly mist over. Therefore, never leave the air recirculation mode
switched on for a long time (risk of accident).General notesThe impurity filter
The impurity filter (a combined particle filter and active carbon filter) serves
as a barrier against impurities in the ambient air, including dust and pollen.
For the air conditioning system to work with maximum efficiency, the pollen
filter must be replaced at the intervals specified in the Service Schedule.
If the filter loses efficiency prematurely due to use in areas reaching very high
pollution levels, the pollen filter must be changed more frequently than
stated in the Service Schedule.
ACAC
DUAL
DUALDUAL
DUAL

A2
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Driving179
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Reverse gear
The distance warning will begin as soon as an obstacle is detected by the
system. The frequency of the bleeps emitted by the system will increase
rapidly as the vehicle approaches the obstacle.
Within a short distance of about 25 cm, a continuous signal sounds (stop
signal). The driver should not reverse any further.
Trailer towing
For factory-fitted vehicles eith a towing bar, the parking aid system will not be
activated by the engagement of the reverse gear when pulling a trailer, as the
trailer's electric connecter will be plugged into the vehicle.
Possible faults
If a continuous bleep sounds for some seconds when the reverse gear is
engaged, this indicates that there is a fault in the parking aid system.
If the fault continues until the ignition is turned off, the acoustic signal
warning of the fault will not be emitted every time the system is reactivated
(by engaging the reverse gear). Thus, the system ready indication will not
sound either. Have the fault repaired by an Authorised Service Centre as soon
as possible.
If there is no ready signal or no acoustic warning signal, then the parking aid
loudspeaker is faulty and may not warn of obstacles.
To ensure that the system works properly, the sensors must be kept clean and
free of ice and snow.
WARNING
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles may not be detected.
•
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will
not always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-
dents.
•
The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver
must take full responsibility for parking and other manoeuvres.Caution
•
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be
registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the system will not give
any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences, chains,
thin posts or trailer draw bars, high kerbs or painted railings etc) may not
always be detected by the system, so there is a risk of damaging the vehicle
in such cases.
•
In some cases, obstacles with uniform edges and bumps may not be
detected immediately by the system due to their geometry. Take special care
of this type of obstacle such as corners, rectangular objects, etc.., these can
cause damage to the vehicle.
•
Be especially careful when manoeuvring into a corner between two
perpendicular walls. Survey the approach of the wall to the side of the vehicle
(using the mirrors)
•
The parking aid system does not replace use of the mirrors for manoeu-
vres.
•
Distant ultra-sonic sources (hammers, tyres, construction machinery,
other vehicles with PDC) may interfere with the operation of the system.
•
Periodic cleaning of the sensors, take care not to damage or scratch them.
When cleaning with high pressure washers or steam cleaners, the sensors
should be sprayed for only a very short period and from a distance of more
than 10 cm.WARNING (continued)
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Trailer towing197
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Trailer towingInstructions to followYour vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer. For the after-market fitting of a trailer towing bracket see
⇒ page 199.
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 / draw bar loading
Never exceed the authorised towing limit. 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
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore 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 1,000 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 draw bar
weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit. The figures for
trailer weights and draw bar weights 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 registration documents ⇒ Section
“Technical 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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If and when
242reliably seal punctures up to a size of about 4 mm caused by the penetration
of a foreign body into the tyre.
Note
•
Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not
possible with the sealing compound.
Wheel changePreparation 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 passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– 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 position.
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 wheelChange the wheel as described below
– Pull off the hub cap . Also see ⇒page 243.
– Slacken the wheel bolts.
– Raise the car with the jack in the corresponding zone.
– Remove the wheel and then mount the spare wheel.
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly with the box spanner.
– Replace the hub cap.
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If and when267
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
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 264.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2
nd or the 3
rd 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 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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General notes on the technical data
274To w i n g a t r a i l e rTra iler weig htsTrailer weigh ts
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive
trials according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (in certain
circumstances up to 100 km/h). The figures may be different in other coun-
tries. All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these
data ⇒ .
Drawbar load
The maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar 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
approaching 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 an axle
base of less than 1 metre), at least 4% of the actual trailer weight is a legal
stipulation for a drawbar load.
WARNING
•
Fo r sa fet y rea sons, do no t excee d th e 8 0 km /h l im it. T his is a lso v ali d in
countries where higher speeds are permitted.
•
Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the draw bar loading. If
the permissible axle load or the permissible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
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